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.
ROKAS ULVYDAS
HT: 6-11 | WT: 235
FORWARD
Rokas Ulvydas came to UCF after playing his freshman season at Texas Tech. When Tubby Smith left for Memphis, Ulvydas was open to the idea of transferring and found at home with the Knights. The 6-foot-11 lefty played in nine games as a freshman forward for the Red Raiders with tutelage from now UCF assistant coach Vince Taylor.
ONE-ON-ONE WITH ROKAS ULVYDAS
What were the factors in transferring to UCF?
RU: When we had the coaching change at my old school, I decided it would be best for me to go somewhere else. Coach Norris was the first one out of any of the schools to reach out to me. It was nice that somebody reacted that quickly, showing that attention to me. They had no doubt in me so I was ready to go.
What was your reaction to finding out former Texas Teach coach Vince Taylor was coming to UCF?
RU: During my freshman year he was my position coach. I had a good relationship with him, so it was awesome when I heard he was coming to UCF. At that point he was already like family to me, so it was great to hear.
What was the experience of sitting out like for you?
RU: It was a tough year. We put in all this work and then come game time we couldn't do anything but sit on the bench with a polo shirt on. Overall, it was a good experience though, because we had the opportunity to work out more than the guys who were playing in the games.
How did you improve in the year away from games?
RU: I got my body right. I took my weight training to another level. I tried to push myself every day. I got my diet right. I slimmed down, which helped with my stamina. I can run longer without getting tired. I also focused on my jump shot a lot and kept working on my post moves to expand my arsenal.
What was it like going up against Tacko in practice?
RU: It was different. Nobody else is having the experience that Chad and I had. Tacko is one of a kind. He's 7-foot-6 with an amazing reach. It was tough in practice. It was frustrating at times, getting your shot blocked, but it was a great experience. I feel like if I can get a shot off against Tacko I can get a shot off against anybody.
What are you going to do to improve the rest of the offseason?
RU: I just need to keep my focus. I will keep going hard in the weight room and keep making my 500 shots a day.
What's the overall mindset of the team this offseason?
RU: The majority of the guys were all here last year, so we're bonded. We're like brothers; we're family. Mentally, we're feeling good.
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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