UCF eyes seven-foot DePaul transfer Khaman Maker. His potential could bolster the Knights' frontcourt and rebounding, mirroring a teammate's successful development.
The UCF Knights are already active in the portal two days after it opened, expressing interest in DePaul transfer center Khaman Maker.
Maker entered the portal to start the month, seeking more opportunities in a new program. The 7-foot-1, 225-pound South Sudan native averaged 1.3 points and 1.2 rebounds in 5.6 minutes of action with the Blue Demons.
Although he didn't get much action last season, a small sample size suggests his performance improves when given more playing time.
Maker had six points, four rebounds and two blocks in 15 minutes against the Morgan State Bears. He finished with three points, three rebounds and two blocks in 12 minutes against the Chicago State Cougars.
His towering size and frame could provide the Knights with more frontcourt depth and added rebounding. UCF placed fifth in the conference in rebounding with 37.7 per game.
Alongside additional frontcourt size, there is a South Sudanese connection with center John Bol.
Bol was in a similar position to Maker as a freshman for the Ole Miss Rebels. He didn't earn much playing time, which translated to unimpressive stats.
However, transferring to play for the Knights and coach Johnny Dawkins, Bol had a career year. He finished last season with 5.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.
Dawkins highlighted Bol's growth in the extended minutes he earned throughout the season.
"He plays hard out there on the floor," Dawkins said on Dec. 11. "And now you want to help that translate into him getting more experience on the court, which he's been able to get with us this season. The more experience he gains with his work ethic, the sky's the limit for how good he can be."
Increased opportunities for Maker could bode well for him, just like Bol. Bol recorded two double-doubles, including one that helped UCF upset then-No. 11 Texas Tech.
When Maker received extra minutes for DePaul, he produced and showcased the potential to be a solid frontcourt presence for the Blue Demons, and could serve the same role for the Knights if he commits.
Maker's — and Bol's — size is a game-changer when opposing ball-handlers want to drive to the rim and when they tower over others attempting to box them out.
"I come in, I impact the game in so many different ways," Bol said. "Defensively, you know, my length just being there in the paint is a present in itself."
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