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.
TERRELL ALLEN
HT: 6-2 | WT: 180
POINT GUARD
Terrell Allen attended legendary Dematha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Md., where he was an all-conference and All-Gazette selection, before signing with Drexel. As a freshman for the Dragons in 2015-16, Allen started 29 games, averaging 9.8 points and 3.5 assists per contest. He logged a team high 1,021 minutes, shot over 40 percent from the field and 83.8 percent from the free throw line.
ONE-ON-ONE WITH TERRELL ALLEN
How difficult was it having to sit out the entire season last year?
TA: It was difficult. I've been playing basketball my whole life and I had never sat out an entire season before. It was all new to me. It really hit me in our first pre-season scrimmage when I wasn't out on the court. It was tough for me, but now it's over, and now I'm ready to go.
What did you learn while sitting out?
TA: I learned a lot more about the game. I'm a student of the game. I like to watch the game. I like to learn. That was one of the things I did while sitting out, I watched a lot of basketball. I watched NBA games, I watched college games, I watched highlights. Any type of basketball I could watch, I watched, so I could learn a little something from somebody who was playing, and apply it to my game.
What mindset did you take into practice every day?
TA: We tried to go as hard as we could, because we didn't get to play in the games. Our practices were our games, so we came in, ready to beat the team we were playing. It helped our team get better last year, and it helped us [players sitting out] get better too.
What do you think of all the back court depth the team will have?
TA: We have a lot of talented guards, and that excites me as a point guard. I get to deliver them all the ball. Being able to play with guys like B.J. [Taylor], Aubrey [Dawkins], Ceasar [DeJesus], Dayon [Griffin], Chance [McSpadden], it makes the job easier for me. Having those guys around me, it's going to make me look good, and I'm going to help them look good.
What can the fans expect to see out of you on the court?
TA: I just want to bring as much energy as I can. I always try to make everybody around me better. I like to find my teammates in good spots, and pick my own spots when I get that opportunity. In the end, we're all going to be out there trying to get as many wins as we can.
What are you working on this summer?
TA: I'll always continue to tighten my ball handling and get my shot as consistent as possible. And as long as I'm competing every day in practice, we'll all get better.
What are your goals for the team in 2017-18?
TA: I just want this team to win as many games as we can. Every time we step on the court we want to win. And we want to be in the NCAA Tournament and make a run. That's what our plan is and that's we're going to try to accomplish this year.
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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