Hoops Highlights: Devan CambridgeHoops Highlights: Devan Cambridge

Hoops Highlights: Devan Cambridge

by Aiden Kocol

ORLANDO – With zero returning starters, zero returning points, and 13 new faces, UCF men’s basketball enters the season facing a unique challenge, but also a unique opportunity. Among those ready to seize it is veteran Devan Cambridge, bringing perspective, hunger, and, of course, bounce.

"I'm still me, still the Bounce Man."

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Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Cambridge is one of nine siblings on a family tree rooted in the court. His father, Desmond Sr., once an Alabama A&M guard, holds the NCAA record for steals in a single season with 160, while also averaging 20.7 points per game. This athletic prowess clearly runs in the family as his brother Jalon played at the Division I level, and Desmond Jr., another sibling, recently advanced to professional basketball, playing in the NBA Summer League. With two sisters on Ohio State's roster and another having played for Vanderbilt, the household was undoubtedly competitive. However, Cambridge views his siblings as his strongest supporters.

"My biggest supporters are my siblings. We're always competing, pushing each other to be better, but we are our biggest fans."

Devan CambridgeOn who his biggest supporters are
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This strong family support has helped Cambridge build a basketball career that’s taken him across the map, from Auburn to Arizona State, to Texas Tech, and now UCF, experiencing nearly every type of program from coast to coast.

Recruited by Auburn out of high school, Cambridge spent three years under a Bruce Pearl-led team, playing a key role in the Tigers’ rise to national prominence. His junior year was a high point, playing in 33 games as Auburn climbed to No. 1 in the country, won the SEC regular season championship, and made headlines as a force in college basketball.

There, Cambridge made a name for himself as an athletic, high-flying wing known for explosive dunks and energy plays, earning him the nickname “Bounce Man.” But after three years and a successful career at Auburn, family called – literally.

Desmond Cambridge Jr. asked him to spend one last season together on the court, and together, the pair transferred to Arizona State for Cambridge Jr.'s final collegiate season.

"It took a lot for him to make me transfer because I loved Auburn. It was my home. But he was like, 'We gotta do this, it's my last year', and we wanted to make something special between us two."

Devan CambridgeOn his transfer to Arizona State

And out west, the pair did create something special, ending the Sun Devils' three-year tournament drought. Cambridge’s individual performance didn’t suffer in the process either, as he shot 50.4% from the field, grabbed 193 rebounds, and recorded 28 blocks, making his brother’s farewell season one of the most memorable yet.

"That was probably one of my favorite years, just playing with him. It's a special opportunity getting to be on the court with your sibling at that level."

Devan CambridgeOn playing with his brother Desmond Jr.

With his brother moving on and uncertainty surrounding Arizona State’s upcoming season, Cambridge made the decision to transfer to Texas Tech, intent on closing out his college career with a bang.

Early on, it looked like he was well on his way, averaging a career-high 10.5 points, along with 4.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. But just eight games in, a devastating ACL tear brought everything to a sudden halt.

"I’d never been hurt like that in my life, nothing that ever kept me out that long. So it was definitely hard, long nights, crying, days and days of painful rehabbing. It made me miss basketball… I had a hunger to get back to doing what I love to do.”

Devan CambridgeOn the challenges of his ACL tear

Having never faced an injury that took him out for this long, Cambridge was suddenly in uncharted territory. The tear forced him to confront more than just physical limitations; it became a mental and emotional battle that reshaped his outlook and deepened his appreciation for the game.

Rehabbing three times a day and rebuilding his mental tenacity, Cambridge spent over a year preparing for his return. But the process wasn’t just about getting back on the court; it was about deciding who he wanted to be when he got back there.

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With just a year of eligibility left, Cambridge chose to part ways with Texas Tech, entering the transfer portal one last time, looking to find a place he could really make the impact he wanted. And that’s when head coach Johnny Dawkins came calling.

“I never had a coach lay out his vision for me like Dawkins did. He told me about what he thought I could bring to the team, as far as being a leader, being versatile, being a dog on the court. I just knew I could see myself here."

Devan CambridgeOn what brought him to UCF

But it wasn’t just the plan, it was also the person.

Coach Dawkins is Cambridge’s first Black collegiate head coach, and that mattered. 

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"He's somebody I can relate to, have those conversations with. And he just lets you be yourself. It's not just a coach-player relationship, he gets to know us guys, like we're a family. I really appreciate that about him."

Devan CambridgeOn his relationship with head coach Johnny Dawkins
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UCF also offered a return to the Big 12, Cambridge’s old stomping ground with Texas Tech and a chance to match up with Arizona State once more. But this time, it’s different. This time, he’s a veteran leader ready to take on whatever gets thrown his way.  

The challenge? Being a leader, defensive anchor, and, for the first time, a shooter. Dawkins has allowed Cambridge to play with more freedom than he’s ever been allowed before, asking him to be a player who can fill gaps on the court, a player who dives for the ball, a player who plays hard, a player who does it all. A role Cambridge has eagerly embraced. 

“I’m being asked to do things I haven’t done before. Coach wants me to shoot the ball, to lead vocally, to take over when I need to. I’m excited for that.”

Devan CambridgeOn his his changing role this season

At the helm of their third season in the Big 12, the Knights are well aware of the challenges that come with competing in one of the nation’s toughest conferences. With seven teams coming off NCAA tournament appearances, including last season’s national runners-up, the road ahead is as demanding as ever.

And Cambridge knows that finding success this season with a completely overhauled roster won’t come easy—but he’s never been one to back down from a challenge.

About UCF Athletics
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.