Jamichael Stillwell's potential return hinges on NCAA eligibility. Discover UCF's projected starting five, featuring Arturo Dean and Jordan Burks, aiming for a championship run.
As the Knights' season ended in the first round of March Madness, in a 75-51 defeat against UCLA, so did the collegiate careers of many of UCF's main contributors.
However, unlike last season, it seems much more likely that head coach Johnny Dawkins will be able to retain some of the key pieces from this year's tournament run.
One of the biggest question marks is senior forward Jamichael Stillwell, who may be able to receive additional eligibility due to his time in junior college.
Stillwell began his career as a JUCO product, playing his freshman season with Miami Dade College and his sophomore year at Butler Community College.
Following many football players' disgruntlements, including star Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, "the NCAA Division I Board of Directors approved an extra year of eligibility only in 2025-26 for student-athletes who previously competed at a non-NCAA school for one or more years (which includes junior colleges) and would have exhausted their eligibility after the 2024-25 season," according to the NCAA's official statement.
Fifth-year senior Themus Fulks also lobbied for his long-time teammate to get another year. "GIVE STILLWELL ANOTHER YEAR," Fulks emphatically wrote while tagging the NCAA on X.
If Stillwell can return, here is the best case scenario starting five going into next season:
PG Arturo Dean
Dean joined the team in December, but it was too late for him to participate in the season. Nonetheless, Dean provides Dawkins and the Knights with a veteran point guard presence with experience playing in the Big 12.
Dean joins UCF after two years at Florida International and one year at Oklahoma State. Dean led all of Division I in steals (3.35 per game) during his 2023-24 season at FIU before serving as a critical rotational guard for the Cowboys two seasons ago.
SG Chris Johnson
Johnson had a strong end to the season for UCF, serving as the Knights secondary ball handler and playmaker when Fulks was off the court.
Despite starting just two games, Johnson eclipsed double-digits eight times, serving as a flamethrower off the bench. Johnson's highest scoring output of the season came against the eventual SEC Champion Vanderbilt Commodores, scoring 17 points and knocking down three long balls.
SF Jordan Burks
Burks would be the top scoring returner next season for Dawkins after averaging 13.3 points per game on 37.3% shooting from 3-point range. Burks was UCF's third leading scorer and showed up against UCLA, scoring a game-high 22 points while making six 3-pointers. Burks was huge in keeping UCF within striking distance, knocking down timely long balls and shooting over 50% from the field (8-15).
Following the game, Burks gave encouraging remarks regarding his future, but said he would need time to discuss with his representation and loved ones.
PF Jamichael Stillwell
If Stillwell can return next season, he would provide a gritty, double-double machine for the Knights. Stillwell's nine double-doubles were the most since Tacko Fall, while he also shot an efficient 50.4% from the field.
Stillwell has shown ability to score on the inside and the mid-range, while occasionally knocking down a 3-pointer. If he can improve from deep, Stillwell may carve out a role in the NBA thanks to his size and rebounding ability.
C John Bol
Bol was the youngest player who saw action for UCF last season, serving as the Knights' starting big man all year, despite only being a sophomore. The seven-footer has a lot of untapped potential and will likely be highly sought after in the transfer portal.
However, Bol has become a fan favorite at UCF and he has not signaled that he wants to leave.