FARGO – Dalton Knecht is on his way to Hollywood, and a shipment of Los Angeles Lakers jerseys is likely headed to Enderlin, North Dakota.

The Lakers selected the University of Tennessee sharpshooter 17th overall in the first round of the NBA Draft on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

“It's a dream come true,” Knecht said in a television interview with ABC after he was selected.

Knecht was born in Fargo, and his parents graduated from high schools in North Dakota. His father, Corey, graduated from Enderlin (ND) High School in 1990, and his mother, Carrie, graduated from West Fargo High School in 1991.

The Enderlin VFW held a draft party Wednesday night to see where Knecht would be drafted. Dana Nelson – a friend of the Knecht family who is a teacher at Enderlin High School – said excitement at the VFW erupted when Knecht's name was called.

“Oh my God, everyone was screaming and jumping around and we just couldn't believe it, it was so awesome,” said Nelson, who estimated there were about 50 people at the draft party. “We had tears in our eyes because we were so happy for him. It was a really good turnout.”

Nelson said she would definitely get a Lakers jersey.

“We could do a bulk order,” Nelson said, laughing.

The 6'6″ Knecht played one season for Tennessee. Knecht averaged 21.7 points per game for the Volunteers last season and made 40% of his 3-point shots.

“He can just score,” ESPN analyst Andraya Carter said on the ESPN broadcast. “He's such an excellent shooter.”

Knecht will join the storied Lakers, led by megastar LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

“Dalton Knecht’s scoring ability translates immediately to the NBA level,” Carter said.

“He's the Roy Hobbs of basketball,” added ESPN analyst Jay Bilas, referring to the fictional character from “The Indomitable,” a classic baseball movie. “He came out of nowhere last year and was selected as a first-team All-American.”

Nelson said there were some tense moments at the Enderlin VFW because many in attendance expected Knecht to be drafted earlier in the first round.

“We always thought he would leave sooner than he did,” Nelson said.

However, all the tension quickly dissipated after Knecht was drafted around 9 p.m. CT, about two hours after the draft began.

“It was really emotional waiting for his name and then hearing, 'Wow!'” Nelson said.

Knecht played two seasons at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado to begin his college career. He then played two seasons at Northern Colorado before transferring to Tennessee.

Now he is moving to an NBA team with great market potential.

“He's going to be able to show them what he's got now. It's just incredible,” Nelson said. “People are excited to take this next journey with him. We're all excited for the next level now.”

Below you will find photos from Knecht’s draft night and from Enderlin:

Article by Dana Nelson

Article by Dana Nelson

Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports

Article by Dana Nelson

Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports

Article by Dana Nelson

Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports

Article by Dana Nelson

Peterson covers college sports for The Forum, including Concordia College and Minnesota State Moorhead. He also covers the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks independent baseball team and helps cover the North Dakota State football team. Peterson has been with the newspaper since 1996.