Surprising departure: UCF's leading scorer, Jordan Burks, enters the transfer portal, leaving the Knights to rebuild their roster.
On Thursday, UCF received news that junior forward Jordan Burks is entering the transfer portal despite encouraging past remarks regarding a potential return to Orlando.
Burks took a huge leap in his first year with UCF, serving as the Knights' third leading scorer and averaging 13.3 points per game on 37.3% shooting from 3-point range.
Burks joined the Knights after a limited season at Georgetown, where he averaged less than six points and started just 11 games.
Following UCF's 75-71 loss against UCLA in the first round of March Madness, Burks talked about how crucial head coach Johnny Dawkins and the rest of the staff was to helping him breakout.
"The whole staff, Coach Dawkins, they pour into you," Burks said. "Like off the court, on the court, it doesn't really matter. They molded me into a a nice young man. I feel like they gave me a chance and I just took the opportunity and capitalized as much as I possibly could."
Burks went on to compliment his teammates for giving him the confidence he needed to take such a big leap.
"My teammates, helping me with my confidence, just everything," Burks said. "The program and the coaching staff is terrific. I'm blessed, thankful for sure... I'm just thinking about the loss and that we didn't capitalize. So I'm really thinking about that right now."
Despite the loss, Burks showed out, 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).
This performance marked Burks' fifth time eclipsing 20 points this season, doing so against some of UCF's toughest opponents.
In late February, the Knights exploded offensively, knocking off then-ranked No. 19 Brigham Young University 97-84.
Burks led the way, scoring 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting, while adding two steals and a block. Burks was extremely efficient all night, knocking down four 3-pointers and seeking high-quality looks.
While losing Burks is not ideal, the Knights have been active in the transfer portal, securing young talents like Mister Dean and Lewis Walker.
Dean is joined by his brother, Oklahoma State transfer point guard Arturo Dean, who redshirted with UCF after transferring in last season.
Wofford guard Cayden Vasko also joined the ranks after an All-SoCon Third Team season. The 6-foot-6 floor general averaged 10.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!