The former Tennessee star was almost moved.
Links are your daily dose of Tennessee athletics news and notes…
Dalton Knecht was reportedly in the original Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis trade
According to a report, Dalton Knecht was supposed to be headed to the Dallas Mavericks. The rookie guard was in the original framework of the trade, but the Lakers reworked the deal to keep the standout rookie.
The trade made waves across the sports world with the Mavericks giving up on their star player, who is still just 25 years old. Davis is 31 years old. The Lakers were reportedly able to convince the Mavs that they were taking on risk with Doncic, citing weight concerns. Not sure how much I buy that, but that’s the story being spun. Anyways, Knecht remains in Los Angeles and gets to chase a title with LeBron and Luka. The Lakers are currently the No. 5 seed in the West with a 28-19 record.
Knecht is averaging 9.3 points per game so far this season.
Jermod McCoy makes ESPN’s way-too-early All-American list
Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy certainly made his presence felt in his first season on Rocky Top. The Oregon State transfer instantly became the top corner for the Volunteers, filling a huge need. McCoy tied for the team lead in interceptions with four, but it was the timing of his plays that made such a difference. Game-changing plays against Alabama and Vanderbilt helped keep Tennessee’s season on track, eventually ending in a College Football Playoff berth.
McCoy is a question heading into 2025, however. He suffered a torn ACL in an offseason workout a few weeks back, and faces a short eight-month window for a full recovery.
Tennessee baseball tabbed No. 2 by NCBWA
The Volunteers have checked in at No. 2 to start the season in the National College Baseball Writers Association poll. Tony Vitello has reloaded coming off of a National Championship and the Vols are set to open the season just several days from now. Texas A&M, the team Tennessee beat for the title, is the preseason No. 1 in the poll.
Food City Center renovation renderings
The University of Tennessee announced upgrades to Food City Center last week. New video screens, an improved audio system and a ‘Riverside Club’ will be added to the facility. UTSports.com has the images of the new look.
Ron Slay headed to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Standout forward Ron Slay will become the 16th Tennessee basketball player inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Slay scored over 1,500 points during his Tennessee career, which spanned from 1999-2003. He averaged 21.2 points per game during his senior season. He now works for the SEC Network as an analyst, while hosting a radio show on Nashville’s 104.5 The Zone.