Jan. 15, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Many remember Dexter Lyons for his huge afro. Despite the big hair, the small forward, who helped lead the Knights to their finest campaign at the Division I level in 2003-04, should simply be recognized as a winner.
One of the best defensive players in school history, Lyons starred for the Knights from 2002-04. During that time, UCF won 46 games. As a senior, Lyons was a key component on a team that went 25-6 overall, 17-3 in Atlantic Sun action and participated in the NCAA Tournament.
Lyons averaged 18.3 points and 4.4 boards that season. He shot 50.1 percent from the floor and also dished out 86 assists. He earned a spot on the all-conference first team.
During the year, the Knights posted a 14-game winning streak. Along with fellow seniors Josh Bodden and Roberto Morentin, Lyons helped the Knights dominate their competition. UCF averaged 70.4 points and limited its foes to just 61.8 points an outing.
Lyons, and his afro, which he typically wore during home contests, garnered national attention during the year.
At the A-Sun Championship, he averaged 19.3 points and was named the tournament MVP. In the NCAA Tournament against Pittsburgh, he totaled 12 points and five rebounds.
Lyons, who played with high energy on both sides of the floor, was more than just an offensive standout. He recorded 55 steals as a senior and was named the A-Sun Defensive Player of the Year.
He arrived at UCF in 2002 after two years at Daytona Beach Community College. As a junior, Lyons averaged 9.9 points and 5.0 rebounds for head coach Kirk Speraw.
The 2008-09 Knights will return to action on Saturday, playing at Rice. The team's next home contest is slated for Wednesday versus Southern Miss at 7 p.m.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.
The 2008-09 campaign marks the UCF men's basketball program's 40th season. To commemorate the anniversary, UCF is unveiling the top-40 players in school history. Members of the UCF athletics communications office worked with UCF basketball historian Bill Beekman to select the best players who finished their collegiate careers as Knights. One player from the list will be recognized each Thursday at UCFAthletics.com.