March Madness brings back a familiar rivalry. Dawkins' Knights clash with Cronin's Bruins, renewing a defensive battle forged in conference play.
On Sunday, the Knights officially received an at-large bid to March Madness, ending a six-year drought.
UCF is slotted in as a 10-seed, matching up with the 7-seeded UCLA Bruins. The Bruins, who started the year ranked within the top-15 of the AP Poll, bounced back late in the season after a tough start, winning six of their last eight games heading into the tournament.
UCLA is coached by Mick Cronin, who has familiarity with UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins and the Knights from his time in the American Conference.
Cronin, a Bearcat alum, coached at Cincinnati for 13 seasons, spanning from 2006-2019. The last time the two coaches matched up was in 2018, where the No. 11-ranked Bearcats prevailed 49-38 in a defensive showdown.
Dawkins gave credit to Cronin following the game, saying that he had built his program through defense.
"It was a hard and physical game tonight between two teams that hang their hats on defense," Dawkins said. "I think they just made a few more plays than we did in both halves. For our guys, it was a heck of a learning experience..."
"They've built a program off of that under Mick Cronin and we're looking to build our program off of something similar to that here."
Now, years later, the two will face off on the biggest stage - March Madness.
Following the Knights' Selection Sunday watch party, Dawkins told media that he still hold high regard for his longtime adversary.
"I have not seen UCLA. Of course, they're on the West Coast, so I haven't seen them play not one time, but of course, I know Mick Cronin, man, great coach. He's done well wherever he's been. He did a great job at Cincinnati. He's doing a great job at UCLA. So, I have a lot of respect for him and his programs because I know how he coaches, but I haven't had a chance to see them. I know they're well coached and they're talented."
He once again emphasized Cronin's defensive focus, calling upon his time at Cincinnati.
"Defensively, just toughness and the ability to defend and rebound, I think, have been hallmarks of what he's done at Cincinnati. And I'm sure he's doing something similar at UCLA. I haven't seen them out there, of course, but I don't think he would trade that or change anything because he's been very successful at what he's done."
UCF tips off against the Bruins in the Round of 64 Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET on TBS.