After starting the season 11-1 in non-conference play, the UCF Knights now turn their attention to the Big 12 opener against Kansas Jan. 3
The UCF Knights have proven they can handle the non-conference competition.
Now, it's time to see if they can keep up with the big boys.
After cruising to an 11-1 start the last two months, the Knights begin Big 12 conference play against the Kansas Jayhawks Jan. 3 in Lawrence. UCF coach Johnny Dawkins recently broke down what it's going to take to sustain the success in conference play.
"We have to minimize teams' runs," Dawkins said. "We have to be able to minimize runs, stop runs. What do we have to do to be able to get that done? Those are things we have to continue to get better at and that starts with our communication. We need to talk. That's something that we have to do better. It starts with communication on the defensive end as well as the offensive end, but definitely speaking defensive now. We needed to have better communication on the floor. As we communicate better, I think our defense will be more coordinated."
It won't be easy in the loaded Big 12. The Arizona Wildcats, Iowa State Cyclones, Houston Cougars, BYU Cougars, Kansas Jayhawks, and Texas Tech Red Raiders are among the league teams ranked in the Top 25.
The Jayhawks are a strong opening test for the Knights. KU is led by super freshman Darryn Peterson. Despite dealing with an early-season hamstring injury, he is projected as the No. 1 pick in next year's NBA draft. Freshman AJ Dybansta of BYU is also a future, high first-rounder. The Knights face the Cougars Feb. 24 in Provo, Utah.
As of now, Dawkins said he feels he has found the perfect rotation during the non-conference schedule. That may change once the level of competition increases. Still, Dawkins is overall impressed at how things have gone so far. The Knights are currently on a 10-game winning streak and off to the best start in the Dawkins era.
"I think we're fine with what we're doing rotation wise," Dawkins said. "We're trying to get guys comfortable in their roles. But we're always looking at numbers and seeing is there a better fit or what's a better lineup out there for us, whether it's starting or with our substitutions. We're always looking at that and searching for ways to improve. As of right now today, I don't see us making a change before Christmas."
Shandel Richardson is the publisher of UCFRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com