20 min interview with Coach Dawkins on 1080 am link from yesterday

[Knight_Light]

Here's the 20 min interview with Coach Dawkins on 1080 am yesterday on a day fellow UCF Alum Eric Lopez was co-hosting with Jerry O. (Props to Lopez for "feeding" Jerry O some basic UCF Hoop facts since Jerry has never ever followed UCF Hoops...as the only thing Jerry O follows at UCF is when he is paid to follow UCF Sports: 12 days a year in the fall when he is on the UCF Football broadcast crew.

 

[KnightsFan99]

Jerry O'Neal has always spoken well of UCF on his show and always come across as a fan. Don't know why you feel the need to get worked up because he doesn't follow the basketball program. Its not his job to follow the basketball program. There really hasn't been anything exciting to talk about with the basketball program in years and he did take the time to have Dawkins on. Its not like UCF basketball talk is going to be a big ratings get for his show.

 

[UCFProf]

It was cool that they mostly interviewed him and stayed away from all the speculative issues about the team. Clearly, he's working overtime behind the scenes bringing in players to fill up new holes in the roster and mold a squad that better fits his coaching philosophies. It's also clear he's watched a lot of game video and sat down with each player to tell this his expectations, their potential role on his team, and what they'll have to do to reach that potential. The three areas he seems to have already emphasized is better conditioning, improved defense, and focus on teamwork, things lacking too often in Jones teams. Not a knock on Donnie. I always supported Kirk and Donnie.

 

[UCF.Citronauts]

There are only 10 players on the 2016-17 roster right now, including the only freshman recruit and the one transfer who will be eligible. The last several years the team has gone with 14 or 15 guys. All 3 of Donnie's 2016 signees are gone now that Sheppard decommitted. Going to be a long season for Coach Dawkins.

 

[UCFProf]

There are only 10 players on the 2016-17 roster right now, including the only freshman recruit and the one transfer who will be eligible. The last several years the team has gone with 14 or 15 guys. All 3 of Donnie's 2016 signees are gone now that Sheppard decommitted. Going to be a long season for Coach Dawkins.

Until last year, we were down scholarships the past few years until last year due to results of NCAA. Then B.J. missed entire season last year.

 

[Knight_Light]

Until last year, we were down scholarships the past few years until last year due to results of NCAA. Then B.J. missed entire season last year.

Last year was suppose to be UCF's first full scholarship squad in 4 years (previous 3 were due to NCAA scholarship sanctions), but when Goodwin was kicked off the team in the summer...then BJ Taylor went down, UCF without its starting back-court from the previous season...and down 2 scholarship spots.

Next year will be the same...as at least 3 scholarships will be used on transfers that have to sit out next season...which is a bummer as next year is key in BJ Taylor and Tacko's development...as hopefully they can make the best of it.

 

[UCFProf]

Hi, KL. Just the fellow to ask. With 3 graduation and 2 transfer departure, and most of incoming Jones frosh commits, don't we still have at least a couple scholarships to give out to guys who can play this year (JC transfers and 5th year seniors who've graduated)? Those plus the 6 returner and the new 6-8 transfer could make this a highly competitive team, especially of Danny can do something about returning attendance to its 2007-2011 levels.