Kugel and Burks reflect on resilience, brotherhood, and transformative coaching after their season's end, expressing deep gratitude for their UCF journey.
Following UCF's 75-71 loss to UCLA in the Round of 64, senior guard Riley Kugel and junior forward Jordan Burks told media what they wanted this team to be remembered for, expressing gratitude for the bond they strengthened throughout the season.
"I would say a a team that battled through ups and downs, that you know, persevered through. No matter what critics, media said, preseason polls. You know, just 13 individuals that came together who had one goal," Kugel said. "We came up short, but still to come this far, we didn't came far. So, just to be able to, you know, buy in and lock into what the coaches are telling us, Coach Dawkins is telling us throughout the whole year and just staying together. I think you've got to respect it."
Burks seconded his remarks, talking about how Dawkins and the rest of the staff helped him jump to over 13 points per game after averaging just 5.7 at Georgetown last season.
"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. The program and the coaching staff is terrific. I'm blessed, thankful for sure."
Both players went on to compliment the Knights fan base for their support all season, including Friday's loss.
"They seen how hard we was fighting and they got into the game and they were so enthused. We know we just came up short, but the the fans have been amazing the whole year. I'm thankful for them," Burks said.
Kugel echoed his remarks, saying the team "fed off" the crowd's energy.
Although the Knights' season didn't end how the team would've wanted, Dawkins and his staff left a lasting impact on Kugel and Burks. Burks also gave promising signs that he may return to Orlando for his senior season, providing Dawkins with a double-digit returner.
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