After losing key talent to the portal, the Knights’ leading rebounder eyes a return to Orlando, pending an NCAA eligibility ruling to anchor UCF’s veteran frontcourt.
UCF has done well to recoup lost talent in the transfer portal, adding valuable pieces for head coach Johnny Dawkins to work with.
On Saturday, the program learned that Jordan Burks, the Knights' third-leading scorer last season, transferred to Oklahoma State.
But, on Sunday, UCF received some better news.
Jamichael Stillwell, UCF's leading rebounder, announced he will return to the program if his pending year of eligibility is approved.
"KNIGHT NATION if the NCAA grant me my 5th year I’m coming back home. Yall got my word," Stillwell wrote on X.
Earlier this week, Stillwell signed with Iconic Sports Management, which typically works in professional relations.
But, it seems Stillwell will look to return to the program he helped lead to March Madness.
Stillwell started his career at the JUCO level, playing his freshman season with Miami Dade College and his sophomore year at Butler Community College.
The following season, at Milwaukee, Stillwell proved he belonged at the division one level, being named a finalist for the Rich Wallace Award, which is presented to the most impactful transfer in Division I basketball.
This season, UCF point guard Themus Fulks received this nomination.
Fulks and Stillwell came to Orlando from Milwaukee together, forming a deadly pick-and-roll duo.
Stillwell averaged 11.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, recording the most UCF double-doubles since Tacko Fall.
The 6-foot-8 forward shot career-bests from every level, taking a big jump as a free-throw shooter.
With Milwaukee, Stilwell shot under 57-percent from the charity stripe. But, with UCF, Stillwell was a 70-percent free-throw shooter, paired with 50-percent from the field.
In mid-March, Stillwell hinted towards seeking additional eligibility, posting a montage of the various teams he has suited up for via X, and writing, "The Definition of believing in yourself and never giving up #MrStandOnBusiness (2 Years Juco & 2 Years D1). Everybody path ain't the same."
Directly under the post, the first visible comment was made by Fulks, who is seemingly calling for Stillwell to earn another year of eligibility, due to the recent developments surrounding junior college years.
"GIVE STILLWELL ANOTHER YEAR," Fulks emphatically wrote while tagging the NCAA on X.
With the recent developments surrounding JUCO players and extra years, Stillwell would theoretically be in line for at least one more year of eligibility.
If he can return, UCF would bring back its starting front court from last season, with Stillwell reuniting alongside 7-footer John Bol.
UCF has also added size through the portal, like New Orleans transfer Churchill Abass and Boston College transfer Jason Asemota.
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