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.
AUBREY DAWKINS
HT: 6-6 | WT: 205
GUARD/FORWARD
When Johnny Dawkins was hired as the head coach at UCF, it wasn't too long before his son Aubrey announced he was transferring from Michigan to become a Knight. The younger Dawkins averaged 6.7 points per game, while playing 66 contests and starting 22 for the Wolverines. He was named Michigan's Most Improved Player in 2015 and won the team's Sixth Man Award in 2016, before sitting out all of 2016-17 at UCF.
ONE-ON-ONE WITH AUBREY DAWKINS
What came into play in your decision to transfer to UCF?
AD: I saw an opportunity to take another step forward and blossom. I saw it as a chance to become the player I always believed I could be. And I also saw it as a way to help my dad; to help somebody who has helped me so much, and is still helping me every day.
What did you learn in your time at Michigan?
AD: If you put in the work, you can play with anybody. I learned to trust myself. I proved to myself, in playing at Michigan – yeah it ultimately didn't go the way I wanted it to go – but I still had moments of success. That showed me that I can play at any level collegiately.
What has it been like playing for your dad?
AD: It was different. He's never coached me before. We've worked out together before, obviously, but that's just me and him. I love it. It's bringing the two of us closer as a father and son. We're learning more about each other. I always had an issue playing in front of my dad when I was little I used to get so nervous. But now, playing in front of him every day, it's to the point that I don't even think about it. At the end of the day, playing for dad, it's fun.
How tough was it to sit out last season?
AD: It was really difficult, because you just want to play so badly. After playing for two full years, having experienced it, I knew what I was missing. I wish it upon nobody, but sometimes you have to do it, and it was worth it. For my game, the mental aspect, and the weight training, it was definitely worth it. I feel stronger and more in tune with my game and who I am as a player.
Was it easier with a group of you sitting out?
AD: It made it easier, because you're not going through it by yourself. We were all going through the same pains, the same struggles, and the same successes. It was good.
What did you learn in your first season at UCF?
AD: We learned more about the work ethic and mindset it takes to be successful. You have to bring it every single day. The way this game is headed, there are no days off. You have to be disciplined and sacrifice.
What does the team need to do between now and November?
AD: We need to continue to learn more about each other leading up to the season. Coach would say "sacrifice some of who you are so we can be who we want to be as a team." We all need to continue to sacrifice, play hard and play for each other. Every single day.
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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