UCF Lands 2027 4-Star Guard Deuce McDuffie

UCF men's basketball coach Johnny Dawkins is making strides on the recruiting trail, as the Knights continue to add high school talents for the upcoming years.

On Oct. 29, Dawkins landed a commitment from 6-foot-6 combo guard Jacoby Briscoe, a 4-star prospect.

Just one week later, UCF received another big get, with fellow 4-star guard Deuce McDuffie joining Briscoe as the Class of 2027 commits.

According to 247 Sports, McDuffie is ranked as the No. 90 prospect nationally, No. 22 small forward and No. 4 recruit in the state of Kansas.

"I chose UCF because they believe in me the most," McDuffie told 247 Sports.

McDuffie chose the Knights over multiple competitive Power 4 programs, including TCU, Wake Forest, and West Virginia.

With his size, McDuffie is a natural shooting guard or 3-man, preparing to play out his senior year at Monarch Academy in Kansas City, KS.

Following his official visit with UCF, McDuffie had very high remarks for the coaching staff, which clearly had a big role in his commitment.

"I had a great visit with UCF," McDuffie said. "I really liked the coaches and the system they have, and I feel like they believe in me and see my potential. Overall, it was a great experience."

These positive comments have been a theme from recruits visiting Orlando during this recruiting cycle, as the newly-committed Briscoe also talked about being pleased with the coaching staff's vision for his future.

"I mean the first time I stepped on campus I could feel the family environment especially from Coach Dawkins," Briscoe told 247Sports. "When I spoke with him he explained how his vision for me is to become a true combo guard."

Heading into the regular season, Dawkins has made some significant strides on the recruiting trail, and is beginning to attract some of the higher-ranked players in their respective high school classes.

The addition of McDuffie has already been heavily praised by 247 Sports' Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein, who called him "one of the bigger sleepers" in the 2027 class.

"The bottom line is that he's the type of player who can contribute to winning from day one and see his role likely grow with each passing year in the program," Finkelstein said.

With the projected changes to eligibility and transfer rules incoming, having players to build around and allow to grow is becoming a bigger priority once again.

With one win already under his belt, Dawkins will be looking to make a strong impression on his new recruits throughout the non-conference slate.

Following the Knights' first victory of the season, UCF is back in action on Friday, at 7:00 p.m. against Yale.

The Bulldogs are also 1-0, having knocked off Howard 72-62 on Monday night.