After averaging 24 points per game at Tarleton State, the dynamic guard returns to Orlando determined to trade individual scoring records for Big 12 championship hardware.
Following UCF hoops' best season since joining the Big 12, head coach Johnny Dawkins once must again reload through the transfer portal to build another revamped squad.
One of the Knights' biggest additions is Dior Johnson, who is returning to UCF for a second stint after lighting it up at Tarleton State last season.
Over the weekend, Johnson spoke with Knights 247's Andrew Cherico, where he addressed his offensive prowess and talked about his main focus for the upcoming year.
"I just want to be a winner," Johnson said. "I know everybody is high on my offense, wondering how its going to translate or what I'm going to do this year, but my play will speak for itself."
Last season, Johnson was one of the most dynamic players in Division I, averaging 24.0 points per game while shooting on stellar 50/47/85 splits.
More impressively, Johnson did so despite coming off the bench, serving as one of the best collegiate bench scorers in recent memory.
However, Johnson's focus is not on replicating these numbers, but rather showing that he can contribute to winning on a power four team.
Two seasons ago, at UCF, Johnson got a limited taste of Big 12 basketball, dealing with lingering injuries and strong guard depth.
In 35 appearances, Johnson averaged just 8.5 minutes per game, failing to crack the starting lineup.
During the regular season, Johnson scored double-digits just once, dropping 11 points against Wisconsin in the Greenbrier Tip-Off.
However, in the College Basketball Crown Semifinals, Johnson was a key part of the Knights' 104-98 overtime victory over Villanova, scoring a season-high 13 points, knocking down three 3-pointers.
Johnson was one of the last Knights to enter the portal in the complete migration two offseasons ago and choosing Tarleton State allowed him to shine in a larger role.
After deciding to hit the portal, both Johnson and former UCF forward Keyshawn Hall were ranked No. 1 and No. 2 among all transfers, according to teamrankings.com.
Now, he returns to a coaching staff and program that he is familiar with, and has a real opportunity to compete for a starting job.
Alongside incoming backcourt talent like Lewis Walker and Cayden Vasko, Dawkins has formed a deep backcourt, with multiple different types of player.
Johnson's ability on offense will be a huge boost for the Knights early on, as they learn to play together and gain continuity.
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