UCF Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Knights

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HARTFORD, CT – MARCH 11: A.J. Davis #3 of the UCF Knights, B.J. Taylor #1 and Tanksley Efianayi #0 react after losing 70-59 during the semifinal round of the AAC Basketball Tournament against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at the XL Center on March 11, 2017 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

UCF Basketball only loses three guys off their 19-win team from a year ago. Can head coach Johnny Dawkins help the Knights build off that success and reach the upper half of the AAC?

Central Florida got off to a nice start last year, going 10-4 in the non-conference, including wins over Nebraska and Alabama. They did get blown out by West Virginia, but their other three setbacks were close losses to SMU, Missouri and St John’s. The problem for the Knights was that they couldn’t get past the top teams in their conference and finished just 9-9.

Johnny Dawkins has this team headed in the right direction, and they have the defense to do it. They gave up just 61.7 ppg last year, but unfortunately, they only scored 62.7 ppg. They do return seven of their top eight scorers from last year, so if the Knights can continue to play lockdown defense, their offense should improve enough to get them to the 20 win plateau.

What the Knights will need to do is avoid injury. BJ Taylor and Tacko Fall both missed half the year with injuries and Coach Dawkins son Aubrey missed the whole year after transferring from Michigan and sitting out a year. If they can keep everyone healthy this is a team that could reach the top of the AAC and compete with a resurgent Houston squad and traditional power Cincinnati.

Here’s a full breakdown of the projected starters, key reserves and non-conference schedule, along with where they stand nationally and in the conference as we preview their season.