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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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MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 13: Walker
MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 13: Walker /

Expectations for the season

It’s going to take some time establishing roles for all the transfers coming in, but the core players of Taylor and Fall should provide a solid foundation to build upon.

SMU and Cincinnati both lost great players, Wichita State is entering their first year playing a bunch of teams for the first time, and UConn is an unknown after last season’s disaster. It’s not only unreasonable to assume another top-four finish, but a top-two spot is obtainable as well for the Knights.

What stopped the team last season was their overall inability to score. If these transfers come in and shoot the ball well, the spacing will make the Knights much more of an offensive threat.

While the addition of the Shockers provides an added top-tier conference foe, it also adds two or even three chances to get a top-25 win, something needed in a conference who lacks national and selection committee credibility.

While we may not view Central Florida as a quality team, they have both the experience and defensive skill capable of winning enough big games to make the NCAA Tournament. It would be great to see a player like Tacko Fall in the Big Dance, and some new blood in UCF creates a new narrative for college basketball fans to talk about.

Next: Wichita State 2017-18 preview

What’s even better to think about is that only one senior of importance will leave after this year. So as long as Fall doesn’t leave to go pro, the Knights could very well be part of the top of the league for a lot longer than one year.