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Central Florida Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Knights

By Tristan Freeman

HARTFORD, CT - MARCH 11: Tacko Fall #24 of the UCF Knights looks on during the second half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs during the semifinal round of the AAC Basketball Tournament at the XL Center on March 11, 2017 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
HARTFORD, CT - MARCH 11: Tacko Fall #24 of the UCF Knights looks on during the second half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs during the semifinal round of the AAC Basketball Tournament at the XL Center on March 11, 2017 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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HARTFORD, CT – MARCH 11: Williams
HARTFORD, CT – MARCH 11: Williams /

Starting lineup

JR BJ Taylor

The 6’2″ guard was one of the best players in the league last season after finishing in the top-10 in both points scored and assists. With Williams gone, he’ll become the go-to man down the stretch of games.

JR Davon Griffin

The transfer from Louisiana Tech gets the start at the two spot simply because of his ability to shoot. His 56 threes led his team two years ago, and of the newcomers, he presents the best opportunity to space the floor.

JR Aubrey Dawkins

Aubrey decided to transfer from Michigan to join his father and coach Johnny at UCF. He played in a limited role with the Wolverines but did well when he was in. His size at 6’6″ along with his high shooting percentages should make him a quality fit for his teammates.

SR AJ Davis

The 6’9″ forward averaged 8 points and 7 rebounds per game last season, which was down from 12 and 8 two year ago. That could be explained by the increase in scoring from the guards, but his 29% from distance is an issue with Fall on the court. With a number of shooters that can now play the four spot, the senior could become more of a replacement for Fall than alongside him.

JR Tacko Fall

At 7’6″ and 290 pounds, Fall has the biggest presence in all of basketball. Under Dawkins, his presence started to win games for the Knights. With the exception of his free throw shooting, everything else improved greatly. The best improvement from Fall was how he used his body defensively, which ultimately allowed him to win the AAC Defensive Player of the Year.

Leading the country with dunks and his 72% field goal percentage, those numbers may only increase with more shooters around him.