The UCF men's basketball team has plenty to look forward to in 2017-18 with the return of starters B.J. Taylor, Tacko Fall and A.J. Davis, but unlike last year; head coach Johnny Dawkins will have a full slate of scholarship players in year two at the helm. UCFKnights.com will spend the summer giving fans a look at some of the new Knights for the 2017-18 season.
CEASAR DEJESUS
HT: 6-2 | WT: 195
GUARD
Ceasar DeJesus played basketball at Teaneck High School in New Jersey for three seasons before concluding his career at Mt. Zion Prep in Baltimore, Md. The Jersey City native averaged 19 points, three rebounds and four assists per game in 2015-16 at Mt. Zion. DeJesus came to UCF last summer, before sitting out his true freshman season while waiting on clearance from the NCAA.
ONE-ON-ONE WITH CEASAR DEJESUS
How did you first get to UCF?
CD: Being out of Baltimore, it all started with Coach Kevin Norris. We made a connection during my year at Mt. Zion Prep. I really wanted to come to UCF because of how well we got along.
How difficult was it to find out you weren't going to be able to play right away?
CD: It was stressful. I was coming down here as a freshman ready to get into the action. The first time they denied the appeal, and were saying I couldn't practice, that was rough. We kept fighting and fighting though, and once I was told I could practice, it got better.
You were able to travel with the team to the George Washington game while waiting for NCAA decision on third appeal. What was that experience like?
CD: Once they said I could travel with the team I thought I was going to be good to go. I thought they were going to clear me. But they still denied the appeal, so that was a really difficult situation. It was tough to watch us play that night.
What was it like sitting out the whole year?
CD: This was the first time I ever had to sit out a whole season of games. The most difficult thing was watching the team play. The whole "grey squad" felt that way when we were watching the games. It was tough.
What did you learn from the bench last season?
CD: I learned a lot about defense while watching from the bench. Being able to see all the spots from off the court, I picked up a lot more of what was going on than when I'm on the court. I learned a lot.
How did you improve this past year while practicing with the team?
CD: I got better at playing at one pace. I learned how to not let anyone else speed me up. I also get a lot better at making that extra play and being unselfish.
What are your goals for the offseason?
CD: Coach Dawkins is pushing us really hard. During this summer I want to just keep working to become the best teammate I can be.
SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2017-18 campaign are on sale now. Fans looking to purchase new tickets can call (407) 823-1000 or click here: www.ucfknights.com/jointhefamily to secure them today.
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