As the UCF Knights already kicked off their football season, basketball is around the corner. The program has already announced some exciting scheduled matchups, such as an exhibition game against Duke University in late Oct, along with two games against the Pittsburgh Panthers and Quinnipiac Bobcats as part of the Legends Classic in late Nov.
The roster appears to be evenly balanced with youth and veteran players. They also have reliable scorers from all over the court, along with solid defenders. There is some excitement for this Knights' squad, but like every program, the university is actively recruiting for the future. Players come and go year after year, especially through the portal.
Brandon Bass Jr., a senior guard from Windermere Prep and son of former NBA veteran Brandon Bass. As he is set to graduate after this school year, the next step is to decide which college to attend. Bass Jr. has received several offers from big universities, three in the state of Florida, including UCF.
It was recently reported that Bass Jr. has decided that he will take his basketball talents to Florida State University. He also received offers from Houston University, Louisiana State University, University of South Florida, among many others.
Florida State is one of the best basketball programs that has seen tons of success, including an ACC championship in 2020 after a 26-5 season, despite no tournament being held. Bass Jr. had an opportunity to take the same path as his father, by going to Louisiana State, but he will have an opportunity to carve out his own legacy.
Last season at Windermere Prep, Bass Jr. averaged 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, two assists, and shot 40 percent from the field, 33 percent from three-point range. There is tons of potential from the young guard.
Other than Florida State, Bass Jr. paid a visit to Purdue University; he did not go check out the Knights. UCF is the closest school to his hometown; staying more local wasn't the top priority.
The Knights' missing out on a potential basketball prodigy is a blow to the program, but there is always more talent out there to seek and find.