The UCF Knights Men’s Basketball team ended their season with an 83-77 loss to the South Florida Bulls in the 2024 NIT, despite a valiant comeback attempt.

The Big Picture

The Knights' loss highlighted weaknesses in three-point shooting and free-throw accuracy, ultimately contributing to their defeat and raising questions about the team's future.

By the Numbers
  • The Knights shot 36% from the three-point line, while the Bulls made 54.2% of their three-point attempts.
  • UCF was 12/23 from the free-throw line, with the Bulls' three-point percentage outperforming the Knights' free-throw percentage.
Yes, But

The season's end prompts uncertainties about the team's needs for improvement, including player quality and financial support, as well as the status of Head Coach Johnny Dawkins.

State of Play
  • The Knights showed promise in their first year in the Big 12, surpassing expectations by competing well and securing postseason play.
  • Questions loom regarding Coach Dawkins' contract extension and the team's future developments, with Jaylin Sellers confirming his return but leaving other roster and coaching decisions uncertain.
What's Next

As the season closes, UCF faces a period of reflection and preparation, with fans anticipating developments during the offseason and eager for the team to build on this year's achievements.

Bottom Line

The UCF Knights' basketball season culminated in a challenging loss, shedding light on crucial areas for improvement while casting a spotlight on uncertainties surrounding the team's future direction and leadership.