UCF secures crucial interior presence as 7-foot center Elijah Hulsewe commits to his senior season, bolstering team depth and size.
The UCF Knights are retaining more talent than last season. Center Elijah Hulsewe announced his return on Instagram on Wednesday morning.
Hulsewe will head into his third year — and senior season — with the Knights. The 7-footer saw 2.1 minutes per game across 17 matches and had his best game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys on March 3.
He had nine points on 3-for-5 shooting and grabbed four rebounds. Coach Johnny Dawkins complimented the Orlando native's performance when his teammate, Jeremy Foumena, suffered an injury.
"I thought Elijah gave us a good lift," Dawkins added. "I thought he gave us good energy. I thought he played hard. And we always talk about guys being ready for their opportunities. I thought he was ready for his opportunity. He came in, and I thought he was solid, and that's what you've got to have. Guys that come in solid. They play their roles well, and they gave us good energy, and I thought Elijah was able to give us that."
Hulsewe's role increased in the final stretch of the season for Dawkins, as Foumena dealt with lower-body injuries. He eclipsed his previous minutes high with 13 against the No. 1 Arizona Wildcats.
The Orlando native provides UCF with additional size to utilize throughout the game. His 7-foot frame is the second-tallest on the team behind John Bol, who also announced his return to play for the Knights.
Depth and size are hot commodities in basketball, and Dawkins is off to a great start in this month's transfer portal cycle.
Not only has he retained talent, but he's also added more since FGCU forward Isaiah Malone, Wofford guard Cayden Vasko and North Carolina A&T guard Lewis Walker committed. The Knights' roster is shaping up quicker than it did last season.
UCF lost all of its scoring heading into the April transfer portal, but rebounded quickly with Themus Fulks, Riley Kugel and more. Now, there are some returning scorers in Bol and guard Carmelo Pacecho.
The biggest question mark for Dawkins and his squad at this moment is the return of Jordan Burks. If Burks returns, UCF would have its first double-digit scorer back for next season.
UCF's future roster is shaping up, and next season is looking bright for Dawkins and the Knights.
Join and don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!