Milwaukee transfer Themus Fulks orchestrates UCF's offense, ranking top-10 in the nation in assists and delivering clutch wins, proving indispensable in their conference success.
Fifth-year senior guard Themus Fulks has been a godsend for head coach Johnny Dawkins and the Knights (14-2, 3-1 Big 12) this season.
For a UCF squad that lost 100% of its scoring output last season, there was plenty of uncertainty going into this season. Fulks, a Milwaukee transfer, has been a consistent source of offense, serving as the table-setter for UCF and ranking sixth in the nation in assists per game (7.3).
Against Kansas State Wednesday evening, Fulks recorded his third double-double of the season, scoring 13 points and adding twelve dimes. This 12-assist performance was Fulks' fifth double-digit assist game of the year, which is already a program record.
Jon Rothstein, college basketball insider and reporter for CBS Sports Network, tweeted about Fulks' stellar play following the game.
"Themus Fulks is the most underrated PG in the Big 12. 24 assists and four turnovers in his last two games. UCF stacks another win on the road at Kansas State."
Fulks was also the hero in UCF's prior victory against Cincinnati, nailing the game-winning floater with thirteen seconds to play. Following the game, Fulks had a simple message to post on X, writing "Uno called game."
Dawkins talked to media about Fulks' big shot after the game.
"You know, Themus is a winner... He just gives you what you need to have out there and that's the sign of a really good point guard," Dawkins said. "He knows when and when not to do certain things. He's grown into that role for us... and I'm just proud of him for stepping up at that time and making that play."
Mike O'Donnell, CBS Sports and NBC Sports analyst, gave Fulks his flowers as well, shouting him out as "1 of the best PGs in college basketball" after the win.
Fulks has showed great decision making with the ball in his hands, either finding an open teammate or getting to his spots for high-percentage looks. His shooting splits have reflected this as Fulks is posting a career-best 50.6% from the field and 50% from 3-point range. Fulks shot just 25.9% from deep last season.
Since conference play has started, Fulks has continued to elevate his game. In UCF's four conference games, Fulks has dished out 31 assists while only committing just nine turnovers.
The Knights will need Fulks to stay hot as they welcome the toughest three-week stretch of the season. The gauntlet kicks off Saturday at 4 p.m. against No. 1 Arizona (17-0, 4-0 Big 12).