UCF is off to a successful start, a perfect 4-0 following last weekend's 75-59 victory at Evansville. The Knights have been bolstered early by the trio of Darin Green Jr. (16.3 ppg), Darius Perry (12.8 ppg) and C.J. Walker (11.0 ppg).
Next up is a home game against Oklahoma of the Big 12. The Sooners had been a perennial NCAA Tournament team under head coach Lon Kruger, making the Big Dance in seven of the last eight tournaments.
Kruger retired at the conclusion of this past season, making way for new coach Porter Moser coming off a successful stint at Loyola Chicago. He led the Ramblers to unprecedented success in the Missouri Valley Conference with a pair of Sweet Sixteens and a Final Four in 2018.
Oklahoma is 5-1 so far this season. Wins have come against Northwestern State (77-59), UTSA (96-44), ECU (79-74), Indiana State (87-63) and Houston Baptist (57-40). Their lone loss was to Utah State (70-73) in the Myrtle Beach Invitational.
Senior center Tanner Groves, in his first season in Norman after transferring from Eastern Washington, leads the way with 15.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Point guard Umoja Gibson, a former North Texas transfer, is averaging 11.0 points.
We caught up with UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins earlier this week. UCF-Oklahoma is scheduled for a 2 p.m. tip inside Additional Financial Addition with coverage on ESPN+.
4-0, coming off a big win at Evansville. What did you like the most about your team in the win?
"I just liked our approach to the trip. We were really focused. I thought our guys played really good basketball together. Some of our best offensive basketball. Guys really shared the ball and took really quality shots."
You scored a lot of points off turnovers. That's been a focus?
"Yeah. That's what this team is built on. There's a certain pace we're trying to play, trying to get after teams. We're pressuring. We've been fortunate to force a number of turnovers that led to easy baskets for us, getting out in transition."
Have you seen steady improvement with each game?
"I have. I've seen our team improve. We're understanding how we want to pressure the basketball. How we want to press. Getting into our press faster, which is what we're trying to work on. Offensively, I think we're moving the basketball as the season has progressed as well."
You must be happy with the strong three-point shooting.
"We have some guys that can really shoot the basketball. It's always good to see it go in because it breeds confidence in those players. We have some guys that are still coming on in that regard that can be really good shooters for us as well. I think we're excited about the type of offensive team we can become."
Darin Green has been steady.
"He really has been. I said earlier, before the season started, he's really improved his game. He's not just a shooter anymore. I think people are starting to see that. He's on the move a little more. He's getting to the basket. He's really rounded out his game. You like to see that with any player, seeing the improvement from year to year. I'm happy to see his development."
Tyem Freeman seems like a spark off the bench. He had a good game vs. Evansville.
"The thing I love about Tye is he's a star in his role. Tye understands who he is. He comes out every night, brings energy, plays hard on both ends. He does what he can on the floor to help the team win. Very easy guy to play with. The young man has a huge upside. I'm really happy for where he is and where I can see him going in the future."
What are you seeing from Isaiah Adam's game?
"Isaiah is an energy player. He plays hard. Lot of time his defense generates his offense because he makes plays. He gets steals. He gets out in the open court. When he does that, he's dynamic. He needs to continue to build on that. He needs to understand on this team because of the depth we have, roles will change periodically and be ready for great opportunities. He has been finding his way and playing well for us."
Everybody loves playing at home, but you go on the road, play in a different environment and go through the travel process. What can you learn about a team when you handle things in a mature way and play well?
"I love to go on the road. As much as I enjoy playing at home, I know to do anything special you have to go on the road and win games. The two road trips have been very good for our team. I think we've learned a lot. We've learned about each other and playing on the road in hostile environments. I think some of our players with experience, they've been in these environments. For some of our new players, it's great to get out there and see what you're going to face on a nightly basis in our conference. So it's been good."
Can you talk about the upcoming challenge with Oklahoma?
"We have a great preseason schedule. The upcoming challenge of course, we have Oklahoma this weekend. Exciting. You want to be in basketball games like that. You know your players want to play in games like that. It's all about preparation and knowing you're going to play a quality opponent and being at your best."
What's the early scouting report on the Sooners?
"We just starting to watch them after getting back. Very talented team. Tanner (Groves), their post guy, is one of the best post guys in the country. He's so versatile. He can score outside. He can go around the basket and score as well. They're a very good three-point shooting basketball team. They're probably one of the most efficient offensive teams in the country. I think two-point field goals, they may be the best team in the nation. Very efficient offensive team. Great coach (Porter Moser) of course. He's done a terrific job wherever he's been. They'll be ready for compete."
Evansville was a stronger game on the boards for your team?
"It really was. I think our guys made a conscious effort to get on the boards harder. We've been challenging the guys to be more aggressive and to get to the boards offensively and defensively. Especially I thought defensively, we really did a great job of limiting them to one shot and securing the basketball."
It looked like maybe C.J. Walker tweaked an ankle at Evansville? How's he doing?
"He's doing better. He was able to practice today. He's doing fine. That happens in this sport as you know. All the time you're landing on people's feet. He was able to come back and practice today, so he's moving in the right direction."
What's your favorite Thanksgiving side dish?
"Mac and cheese."
Speaking of Thanksgiving, what are you most thankful for?
"I'm always thankful for my family. Thankful for my parents. Always thankful for them because without them I wouldn't be where I am now. It starts there. I'm thankful for this opportunity I have at UCF coaching these young men I get to coach and mentor. This is what I love to do. Me being here with these guys, it's always a good day for me. Getting a chance to help young people develop. Not just basketball, but what I see down the road for these young men."
How much do you want to see the community come out on Saturday? Obviously Thanksgiving weekend, football plays the day before, you have a great opponent at home on Saturday at 2 o'clock.
"I would love to see the community come out. We have done that so many times here at UCF where on a weekend like this, with the type of team we're playing, they've come out and given us great support. I think for the most part we've not disappointed. I think our guys have performed well in those atmospheres. I'm excited for people to come out this weekend. Make a great weekend of it. Turkey, being thankful with your friends and family, football this weekend and we're playing a talented team as well. Hopefully they'll come out and give us the energy that they've given us in the past."
