ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – With just over three weeks until the Knights open up their second season under head coach Johnny Dawkins, members of the UCF men's basketball team traveled to Philadelphia to take part in the American Athletic Conference Media Day on Monday.
Having been picked to finish third by the league's coaches, much of the conversation revolved around increased expectations and what it means for the Knights to be mentioned among top teams in the league like Cincinnati, Wichita State and SMU.
"The preseason polls have come out and they've picked us to finish third. That's a big difference from last season," Dawkins said. "There are more expectations, but it's exciting. I'd rather be on that side of the stick."
Last season UCF was predicted to finish eighth in its first year under Dawkins, but the Knights had one of their best seasons ever, and ended up fourth in the American Athletic Conference with a league mark of 11-7. Still, as is usually the case, the Knights aren't worried about where they are ranked in the preseason.
"We don't work off of the polls. We work off of the standards that we've set in our program and the culture that we're trying to create," Dawkins said. "We'll continue to work towards that and hopefully the games will take care of themselves."
Junior guard B.J. Taylor recognized the historical nature of the team's high ranking, but like his coach, the captain had more important things on his mind.
"It shows that the coaches have a lot of respect for us," B.J. Taylor said. "We appreciate the honor of being picked third in the preseason. It's a big deal. UCF's never been picked that high. It creates a lot of expectations for us, but moving forward we know that we have to lock in and do the things we did last year – have that same type of edge, that same motivation."
UCF will look to bring that edge when the 2017-18 season begins Nov. 10 against Mercer at CFE Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.
Views from @American_MBB Media Day#ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/ld9rjohict
— UCF Men's Basketball (@UCF_MBB) October 16, 2017
.@MOD4three chats with @UCF_MBB 's B.J. Taylor and Tacko Fall.
— American MBB (@American_MBB) October 16, 2017
Watch: https://t.co/FwihwcepHA pic.twitter.com/UauhNDsxD9
TIPOFF LUNCHEON
The 2017-18 UCF Tipoff Luncheon will take place Nov. 3, 2017 at CFE Arena. Those in attendance will hear from Coach Dawkins, Coach "ABE" and featured speaker Jay Bilas. For tickets and more information contact the Golden Knights Club at (407) 823-2086 or email kwilson@athletics.ucf.edu.
SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2017-18 campaign are on sale now. Fans looking to purchase tickets can call (407) 823-1000 or visit UCFKnights.com to secure them today. For men's basketball tickets CLICK HERE.