ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – With just 39 days until the season opener, the UCF men's basketball team hit the court for the team's first official practice of 2017 on Monday afternoon.
Before putting in nearly three hours of work, second year head coach Johnny Dawkins, junior point guard B.J. Taylor, and senior forward A.J. Davis met with the media to discuss the excitement surrounding the start of the season.
"They've been excited. I don't think they slept very well this weekend in anticipation of practice," Dawkins said. "And that's how it should be. This is a great time in their lives. They're at an amazing institution, getting a great education and playing a sport that they love. It should be exciting."
Practice Number 1 ??#ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/btbu87EpMv
— UCF Men's Basketball (@UCF_MBB) October 2, 2017
Prior to Monday, the Knights were only allowed to work with the coaching staff on the court for two hours per week during the offseason. The increased amount of commitment with the start of official practices has the guys excited to raise their intensity a level.
"Everybody's extremely excited," Taylor said. "Everybody's ready to get back to work. We're just really happy to be here and build off of last season."
Last season UCF went 24-12 and advanced to the semifinals of the National Invitation Tournament. It was one of the most successful seasons in program history and included wins over Memphis, Cincinnati, Colorado and Illinois.
At practice number one, the Knights were eager to see what they will be able to prove in the second year under Dawkins.
"I think we have really high expectations," Davis said. "Last year was our first with Coach Dawkins so we were feeling it out, so we know what to expect now. We know what we're going for and we know what we need to do."
The 2017 season gets underway on Nov. 10 when the Knights host Mercer at CFE Arena at 8 p.m.
LISTEN TO COACH DAWKINS' COMPLETE INTERVIEW
HOMECOMING HOOPS
Fans have their first opportunity to see this year's Knights at Homecoming Hoops on the Plaza presented by First Watch. The interactive fan event is set for Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at CFE Arena Plaza. The first 1,000 students in attendance will receive a First Watch gift card.
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.
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