2017-18 Preview: Guards2017-18 Preview: Guards

2017-18 Preview: Guards

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ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – November is here and in just nine days, the UCF men's basketball team will hit the court for the first time since playing in last year's NIT Final Four at Madison Square Garden. The Knights open up the 2017-18 campaign Friday, Nov. 10, hosting Mercer at 8 p.m. at CFE Arena.
 
2017-18 PREVIEW – GUARDS
 
In his first season at the helm of the Black and Gold, head coach Johnny Dawkins relied heavily on the play and leadership of point guard B.J. Taylor.
 
Just as he did as a freshman, Taylor led UCF in scoring as a sophomore last season, significantly increasing his output from 12.8 points in year one to 17.4 points per game in year two. The high scoring point guard also led the way with 3.5 assists per contest and had a team high 32 steals.
 
Taylor was named Second Team All-Conference by The American after ranking in the Top 10 in the league in both scoring and assists, and was honored as a Preseason First Team All-Conference member last month.

 
B.J. TAYLOR

  • 2016-17: 17.4 ppg, 3.5 apg, 4.0 rpg, 48 3-pt FG
  • Career Highs: 33 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds, 6 3-pt FG

With little depth a year ago, Taylor found himself playing a substantial 36.4 minutes per game. While nobody expects the Knights' point guard to play all that much less in 2017-18, there will certainly be opportunities to rest Taylor with a slew of point guards and combo guards in the fold this season.
 
Most notably is true point guard Terrell Allen, who is set to hit the court after sitting out all of last season due to transfer rules. Allen came to UCF from Drexel, where he started 29-of-31 games as a freshman, leading the Dragons in assists (107) and steals (48).
 
Allen will pass first, but can also score the ball, averaging 9.8 points per game as a freshman at Drexel.  The Upper Marlboro, Md., native shot 40.7 percent from the floor and 83.8 percent from the free throw line, which led Drexel.
 
TERRELL ALLEN

  • 2015-16: 9.8 ppg, 3.5 apg, 3.0 rpg, .838 FT%
  • Career Highs: 20 points, 8 assists, 8 rebounds, 5 steals

Nathan Laing was an intriguing story for those paying attention last season. After coming to UCF to be a graduate assistant and learn the ins and outs of coaching from his father (Robbie Laing) and Dawkins, he was thrust onto the court out of necessity.
 
After his teammates and coaches decided it would be better for team if he suited up, Laing found himself in a position contribute a year ago. When Taylor was injured early in the season, it was Laing who filled in to the starting point guard role for five games, helping the Knights go undefeated against Miami (Ohio), Bethune-Cookman, Tulane, Temple and ECU.
 
There are a couple of Knights who have run the point for UCF in the past, but spend most of their time on the wing; A.J. Davis and Chance McSpadden.  Both played some point guard two years ago when Taylor was sidelined for the season with an injury. Last year, Davis started 29 games at forward, while McSpadden missed due to injury.
 
Finally, there is Ceasar DeJesus. A combo guard who can play on or off the ball, DeJesus sat out last season as a true freshman. He averaged 19 points and four assists per game in a prep year at Mt. Zion in Baltimore, before signing with the Knights prior to last season, and after a year of practice under Dawkins, he is ready to hit the court in the Black and Gold in 2017-18.

 
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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