ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - The Johnny Dawkins era officially began Wednesday afternoon at CFE Arena with UCF men's basketball holding its first practice of the 2016-17 season.
As the Knights stepped back on to the "Black Top", the players and staff were upbeat and eager to get the season started.
"It's more exciting than you can imagine," said redshirt junior A.J. Davis, who led UCF in scoring last season. "We've been working hard all summer, so it is just exciting to get back on the court and finally get started."
Work hard is exactly what the Knights did this offseason. With offseason practices focused primarily on defense and weight room sessions focused on building strength and endurance, Coach Dawkins was able to pinpoint who his captains for the season will be in Davis, B.J. Taylor and Matt Williams.
"We are expecting leadership from those guys," said Dawkins, who is entering his first season at the helm of the basketball program. "We are going to go when they go. They will need to set the tone at every practice and off the court for us. It has to become a lifestyle for them, and they have done a great job. That's why they have earned the responsibilities we have given them, and I am excited to see them lead this year."
The captains showed that leadership Dawkins spoke of Wednesday afternoon, setting the tone in every drill and communicating vocally with their teammates.
"It's a new culture here now and you have to work for everything you want," said Williams, who returns for his fifth season at UCF and has battled injuries for much of his career. "Nothing is given to you, so cherish every day."
Cherish every day is exactly what redshirt sophomore B.J. Taylor is doing after sitting out the whole 2015-16 season due to a lower leg injury.
"It feels good, it feels really good," said Taylor, who was the Knights leading scorer in 2014-15. "I'm back to 100 percent now ready to roll. I'm in the best shape I've ever been in and stronger than ever."
Not just for Taylor but for all of the Knights, being in shape and strong this season will be key with having a limited bench. UCF trotted 16 players out to the court Wednesday but currently only 11 will be eligible to play this season, so conditioning and health will be key for Dawkins in his first season.