ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – The Johnny Dawkins era of UCF Basketball is set to begin when the Knights host Nicholls Monday at 7 p.m. at CFE Arena. The first game of the 2016-17 campaign will be NXT® Knight with fans having the chance to meet WWE® NXT® Superstars prior to the game.
"We're excited to get started," Dawkins said prior to Friday's practice. "It's been a good month. The guys have been focused, a lot of competing against one another. Every team starts at 0-0 so we're looking forward to a great start to the season."
One Knight who is especially excited for Friday's opener is redshirt sophomore B.J. Taylor. The Orlando native missed all of last season due to injury and the point guard is champing at the bit to get back on the court.
"It's been a long time coming," Taylor said after Friday's practice on the blacktop. "I'm ready to play. It's a new coach, a new era. Everybody's really excited."
Nicholls also comes in under the lead of a new head coach, as Richie Riley took over for the Colonels during the offseason. Nicholls went 11-23 overall and 6-12 in Southland Conference play a year ago. The Colonels return top scorer Ja'Dante' Frye and the Southland's top shot blocker in Liam Thomas.
Monday's matchup will be the first game for the Knights, but the second for the Colonels, who take on Boston College Friday night in Chestnut Hill.
In addition to the NXT® Superstar Meet and Greet from 6-7 p.m. in the lobby, the Knightmare Student Section will get the 2016-17 edition of the Knightmare t-shirt.
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Purchase season tickets for the 2016 UCF Men's Basketball campaign now. Call 407-UCF-1000 or click here to guarantee your seats for head coach Johnny Dawkins' first season with the Knights.