UCF Basketball: Could the Knights be the AAC favorite in 2018-19?

UCF basketball has finished in the top-half of the AAC in just two of the conference’s first five years. Yet, could the Knights be the favorites for 2018-19?

UCF basketball has been relatively solid over the past few seasons but not spectacular by any means. In fact, the program has not reached the NCAA Tournament since the 2004-05 season back when they were playing in the Atlantic Sun. Since then, the program spent several years in the CUSA and now represents the AAC. In five years with this conference, UCF has finished in the top-half of the league twice with a combined total record of 80-79 (35-55 AAC). Despite this, though, there is reason to believe that 2018-19 could be a special season for UCF.

At the forefront of this is the fact that the team will hopefully be healthy. The Knights have been plagued by injuries in recent years and that has hurt their overall stature. When everyone has been healthy, this team has been difficult to handle. In fact, the 2018-19 roster is similar in terms of rotation players to the 2016-17 UCF team that went 24-12 (11-7 AAC). With those stars having a couple more years of experience, there is a solid talent pool if healthy.

It may be a “hot take” to place UCF basketball at the top of the preseason rankings for the AAC but it is a reasonable prediction. There are several reasons for this, even if it is an unpopular opinion. While it will certainly be difficult to steal the spot away from Cincinnati or Wichita State, both of whom are traditionally national powers, UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins could be in for a great season in his third year at the helm of the program.

Here are a few reasons why it is reasonable to think that UCF could at the very least compete for the AAC season title this season if healthy.