UCF Men's Basketball Opening Season With In-State Affair

November means the beginning of college hoops, with UCF and head coach Johnny Dawkins beginning their season on Monday night.

After last year's resounding success and March Madness berth, Dawkins once again went to work in the portal, and has put together a talented squad.

Monday will be the team's first live audition of the year, giving Knight Nation a look at this year's new additions and returners.

UCF has had success against Florida Gulf Coast in non-conference play in the past, knocking off the Eagles 102-80 last season.

The offense was rolling for the Knights, shooting 19-for-35 from 3-point range and 52% from the field.

Themus Fulks and Jordan Burks led the way with 44 combined points, while starting big man John Bol made both of his field goal attempts in 19 minutes of action.

Bol was the youngest player to see action for UCF last season, and showed significant growth as the year progressed.

He was one of the first players to announce his return to the program this offseason, once again anchoring Dawkins'; backcourt.

Standing taller than 7-feet, Bol is a good shot blocker who began to develop some confidence on the offensive end towards the end of last year.

Alongside the added size in the portal, Dawkins has depth in the front court, and Bol should once again be the leader.

Transfer forward Isaiah Malone is one of these pieces, and will make his UCF debut against his old team on Monday.

With FGCU, Malone won the ASUN Defensive Player of the Year award last season, recording 64 blocks and 21 steals.

At 6-foot-9, Malone is a very versatile player on both ends of the floor, possessing an outside jump shot and the ability to handle the ball on the perimeter.

Alongside his defensive honors, Malone was extremely efficient, shooting 59.2% and taking high-level shots.

As Bol continues to grow and get more comfortable on the offensive end, Malone will be a great addition, and gives Dawkins the option to play a bit smaller on the interior if needed.

While FGCU will not compare to the juggernaut Big 12 opponents UCF will face later in the season, this is a good opportunity for the Knights to begin figuring out who they are.

Last season, non-conference play was a big boost for Dawkins' squad, which used the momentum from the early slate to carry it over throughout the year.

UCF faces off with FGCU on Monday night at 7:00 p.m.