Can UCF sweep South Florida for the fifth consecutive season?
For years, the Bulls enjoyed a considerable lead in the all-time series but that margin has rapidly dwindled (now 22-18) since UCF and USF became conference mates. The Knights have won nine straight games against the Bulls and will go for win No. 10 on Saturday in Tampa.
The teams met two weeks ago in Orlando with UCF rallying for a 55-54 victory.
"We know it's going to be very competitive," UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins said. "They have a terrific program. It's a rival game. We know it's going to be a hard-fought game no matter how it looks. "
Both UCF and USF are 2-6 in AAC play this season. The Bulls had lost five straight before getting back in the win column on Wednesday at Tulane. UCF has lost two games in a row (at Wichita State, Memphis) since defeating USF two weeks ago.
Here's more from Dawkins' interview:
On the progress of Dre Fuller Jr., who returned to minimal action vs. Memphis after missing the previous four games:
"He's getting there. He's getting his timing back, his rhythm and getting back in shape. When he missed that many games, all those games kind of play a factor. He's working his way back. I think every day it's a little bit better which is encouraging. The main thing is that he's healthy and he's able to get out there and compete. I know he's excited about that and so are we."
On doing well defensively yet struggling offensively:
"Our defense has been holding up for the most part all season long. We just have to do a better job of putting the ball in the basket. That takes time. Sometimes it's guys that don't know each other. They need to get a chemistry, continuity. That's what we're working towards. I love where our defense is for the most part, but the offense still has to keep coming. And it will."
On how much of an impact moving back the three-point line has had on long-range shooting:
"I don't know what the percentages are across the country, but I would gather that they're lower. I think that foot or so has made a difference in guys shooting it. I think it will go back in another year or two where they'll adjust and it'll be just like shooting at the previous line. I think right now in year one everyone is suffering from the fact percentages are down. I know looking at our league that percentages are down from years past."
On VCU transfer Sean Mobley, who is sitting out this season:
"Sean is doing fine. Sean is growing into the role. Right now he's practicing for us. Of course he can't play. He's learning our system. I think he brings a lot to the table for us. I like his leadership. I've seen that in him even though he's sitting out. I think he's going to be a terrific leader in our program. I love his work ethic. I love his versatility on the floor. He has a high skill level. He can pass it, he can shoot it. I'm excited about adding him to the roster next year."
On the players staying engaged despite recent setbacks:
"We realize that we still have a lot to play for. We have to keep taking it one game at a time and keep fighting our way to where we want to be. Those opportunities still exist for us. And our guys love to compete. that's the one thing about us. I think we always have opportunities in the games because we're gonna compete. The one thing you've got to have in any good team and our guys have exhibited that."
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Collin Smith goes by the nickname "Pizzahead" (it's also his Twitter handle) so I asked about how that came about.
"I was like 11 years old and I needed an account for an online game," Smith said. "I was eating pizza at the time. Pizzahead was taken, so I added a 2 at the end. Pizzahead2. It's stuck with me."
He remains a big fan of pizza. His favorite variety?
"Meat Lovers with BBQ sauce and jalapenos," Smith said.
