UCF’s Rocky Start to the Big 12 Season: Dawkins Focused on Improvement
It’s been a whirlwind of emotions for the UCF Knights basketball team. A year ago, they were riding high after one of the biggest upsets in their history—a shocking 65-60 victory over the then-No. 3 Kansas Jayhawks in Orlando. It was a statement win that not only demonstrated their potential but also helped solidify their place in college basketball’s upper echelon, at least for that moment.
Fast forward to the current season, and the Knights are facing a new set of challenges in their inaugural season in the Big 12 Conference. After opening their conference campaign with an 87-83 road victory over the Texas Tech Red Raiders, UCF was feeling confident about its potential to make noise in a league stacked with talent. However, Sunday’s loss to Colorado—a game they would likely prefer to forget—has thrown a wrench into their early-season momentum, leaving the team and head coach Johnny Dawkins with some important adjustments to make moving forward.
Dawkins, a former Duke basketball treasure and now in his ninth season as UCF’s head coach, quickly acknowledged the need for reflection and improvement after the loss. “We have to get back in the gym,” he said in his post-game remarks. “We have to start working toward what we have to do to be successful in this conference.”
While it’s true that the loss to Colorado was disappointing, it’s important to remember that UCF has made significant strides in recent years, and the challenges of competing in the Big 12 are something that Dawkins and the Knights will have to continuously adapt to. Let’s break down where UCF stands, what they can learn from this season so far, and what the future holds for the program under Dawkins’ leadership.
A Year of Transition
UCF’s debut season in the Big 12 is nothing short of a transitional period for the program. After being a long-time member of Conference USA and later the American Athletic Conference (AAC), the Knights are now thrust into a league with perennial powerhouses like Kansas, Texas, and Baylor. The Big 12 is a conference known for its fierce competition, strong defensive teams, and elite athletes, all of which will test UCF’s mettle like never before.
In their first Big 12 season, UCF finished with a 7-11 record in conference play, which was certainly a learning experience for the team. While not an ideal result, it provided Dawkins and the coaching staff with a clear picture of what the Knights needed to work on, especially when facing some of the most talented teams in the country. The team’s struggles weren’t necessarily a reflection of their lack of talent or effort, but rather the harsh reality of competing in a conference that boasts some of the best basketball programs year in and year out.
The 2024-2025 Season: Early Promise with Room for Growth
As the calendar turned to the 2024-2025 season, UCF entered its second year in the Big 12 with more experience under its belt and higher expectations. The early returns were promising, as the team had strung together a six-game winning streak, including an impressive 87-83 win over Texas Tech in their conference opener. It was a huge confidence boost for the Knights, especially given the fact that they were on the road in Lubbock—a tough place to play, even for seasoned teams.
At 10-3 overall and 1-1 in conference play prior to their most recent loss, UCF looked poised to be a much stronger team in Year 2 in the Big 12. The early success can largely be attributed to the team’s solid balance between offense and defense. They’ve been led by a mixture of experienced players and younger talent that’s beginning to come into its own.
While it’s clear that Johnny Dawkins has done a great job building this program over the years, it’s also evident that there’s still room for improvement—particularly when it comes to consistency in Big 12 play. The loss to Colorado was a reminder that, even in a strong season, the Knights cannot afford to take any opponent lightly. The Buffaloes are a talented team, but a game like that highlights how quickly things can unravel against a squad with a well-balanced roster and a solid game plan.
What’s Next for UCF
Now that UCF has tasted both the highs and lows of Big 12 basketball, they face another key stretch of games that will define the trajectory of their season. On Wednesday, they will host the Colorado Buffaloes at Cameron Indoor Stadium—a matchup that is crucial for the Knights to shake off the sting of the loss and re-establish themselves as a contender in the conference.
Dawkins and his coaching staff will focus on several key areas for improvement heading into this game:
1. Defensive Consistency
While UCF has shown flashes of brilliance on defense, there are moments where they’ve allowed opponents to get easy baskets or go on runs. Against a team like Colorado, UCF’s defense will need to tighten up, particularly in transition and on the glass. Their ability to rebound and get stops will be critical in turning the tide of a game that could go either way.
2. Offensive Efficiency
On the offensive end, the Knights will need to find more rhythm, especially with shooting. Too often this season, UCF has struggled with consistency from beyond the arc, and in high-pressure games, every missed shot feels more costly. Dawkins will look to get his players more comfortable in their offensive sets and develop a sense of trust with one another as they work through different defenses.
3. Leadership and Mental Toughness
Johnny Dawkins, in his experience as both a player and coach, knows how important it is to have a strong leadership presence on the court. The Knights are a talented team, but they need players who can take control when the game gets tight and settle the squad down. UCF has veterans who can step up in this role, but they’ll need to show that they can handle adversity—particularly in the tough, competitive Big 12.
4. Developing Depth
Depth has always been an important factor for any team, but it’s especially critical for a program like UCF that is still adjusting to the level of competition in the Big 12. The Knights will need their bench players to be more consistent, especially in high-stress situations. Relying on a strong bench could be a huge key to making it through a long, grueling conference schedule.
Dawkins’ Leadership Moving Forward
While the loss to Colorado may have been a setback, it doesn’t diminish the progress UCF has made under Johnny Dawkins’ leadership. His ability to manage the team and keep them focused on their long-term goals, despite the inevitable challenges, will continue to be an asset as the Knights look to make a splash in the Big 12.
As the season progresses, UCF’s focus will be on learning from mistakes, making adjustments, and staying committed to the process. Dawkins has been at this long enough to know that a few setbacks do not define a season. What matters is how the team responds, both in terms of development and resilience.
With a solid foundation and the right adjustments, UCF has the potential to become a mainstay in the Big 12, and the 2024-2025 season could be just the beginning of a much brighter future for the program.
Conclusion
UCF basketball is undoubtedly in a period of transition, but they’re also showing signs of progress under Johnny Dawkins. After an impressive early-season streak and a Big 12-opening win over Texas Tech, the Knights have proven that they can compete at a high level in one of the toughest conferences in the country. As they look to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Colorado, the Knights will continue to develop their game and build on the momentum of a successful season. The path forward may have bumps, but with Dawkins at the helm, UCF basketball’s future remains promising.
