UGA MBB
Sam's Top 100: 20-11
By Sam Federman
38. Georgia Bulldogs (SEC)
Georgia is one of the most fascinating teams in college basketball this season. The Bulldogs return guards Silas Demary and Blue Cain, who showed plenty of promise as freshmen.
By the end of the season, they were both in the starting lineup and thriving. Demary is a 6 foot 5 guard who lives for attacking the basket, while Cain is a high-level outside shooter.
Mount St. Mary’s transfers Dakota Leffew and De’Shayne Montgomery will add some more elements to the backcourt. Leffew is a high level offensive player as a combo guard. Montgomery is an incredibly long presence on the defensive end, using his wingspan and instincts to end possessions for opponents. He’s also a talented offensive player, especially once he gets downhill, and he shot the ball at a solid rate too.
Tyrin Lawrence’s stock is much lower than it was a year ago, but he’s a productive scoring guard with SEC experience.
Just like in the backcourt, the Dawgs have a ton of pieces that can play in the frontcourt. App State transfer Justin Abson anchored an elite rim defense for Dustin Kerns last season. He’s one of many extremely physical pieces that will make Georgia a frustrating team to play against. Clemson transfer RJ Godfrey is a tenacious defender and rebounder, while highly touted freshmen Asa Newell and Somto Cyril both have a chance to be NBA players thanks to their athletic gifts on the defensive end.
Georgia should be one of the best defensive teams in the country, and there should be enough scoring to get the job done, but I’m really not sure who will play which minutes, and I’m not sure anybody is.
https://www.bracketsbubblesandbidstealers.com/post/sam-s-top-100-40-31
Next Opponent Central Florida (Exhibition)
Dasher UGA Sports: Bulldogs promising an "exciting brand" of basketball for Tuesday exhibition
uga.rivals.com
Towers AJC: Georgia hoops hopes hard work shows in exhibition vs. UCF
www.ajc.com
“The UCF Knights men’s basketball team is set to begin the 2024-25 season on Nov. 4 at home where they will face No. 13 Texas A&M. It will start a season with a mix of familiar veterans and talented new faces.
Here is everything you need to know about the Knights as they enter their second Big 12 campaign.
Last Year
Regular Season: 17-16 (7-11 Big 12), 11th in the Big 12
Postseason: Lost in NIT First Round to USF
After being ranked last in the Big 12’s preseason poll, The Knights' first season in the conference was characterized by ups and downs. After a lopsided 25 point loss to Kansas State to open conference play, UCF was able to upset heavyweight conference opponent and No. 3 Kansas, 65-60, in their Big 12 home opener.
Johnny Dawkins and co. leaned on a strong defensive identity that ranked third in the Big 12 to lead them to victories against ranked conference opponents Oklahoma and Texas Tech. However, the Knights would find themselves on the losing side of 11 conference contests, with nine of the losses by multiple possessions.
Despite a rocky first season in arguably the nation’s toughest basketball conference, UCF was able to string together a winning record in 2023-24. After going 1-1 in the Big 12 Tournament, the Knights also qualified for their second NIT tournament in a row, where they would lose to I-4 rivals USF in the first round, 83-77.
This Season
Picked 11th out of 16 teams in the Big 12
Not bad, considering last year UCF was picked dead last and landed in 11th.
It should be noted that eight Big 12 teams made the NCAA Tournament last year, and newcomers Arizona and Colorado also made the Dance in their final seasons in the Pac-12. Now they’re here
Head Coach
Johnny Dawkins — 9th Season at UCF
Coach Dawkins enters his ninth season as the head coach of UCF with a 148-103 record during his time in Orlando.
In his first eight years at the helm, Dawkins led the Knights to winning records in seven of them, with his only losing season coming in COVID-affected 2020-21. Dawkins has also led his teams to four postseason appearances during his tenure, but has not been to the NCAA Tournament since 2019.
Johnny Dawkins Coaching Record
2016-17
24-12
11-7
4th
#4 seed - Lost in AAC Semifinals
NIT Semifinal
2017-18
19-13
9-9
6th
#6 seed - Lost in AAC Quarterfinals
2018-19
24-9
13-5
4th
#4 seed - Lost in AAC Quarterfinals
NCAA Tournament (2nd Round)
2019-20
16-14
7-11
T-9th
Cancelled due to COVID-19
2020-21
11-12
8-10
6th
#6 seed - Lost in AAC Quarterfinals
2021-22
18-12
9-9
6th
#6 seed - Lost in AAC Quarterfinals
2022-23
19-15
8-10
7th
#7 seed - Lost in AAC Quarterfinals
NIT 2nd Round
2023-24
What to Watch for
New Faces
At UCF’s 2024 media day, Coach Dawkins said that the Knights needed to level up their talent, and that’s what they did. Dawkins’ aggressive offseason is highlighted by 11 new players, nine of which are transfers.
Offense
Despite having a strong defense once again, UCF ranked near the bottom of the Big 12 last season in offense with 71.7 ppg. The Knights were reliant on backcourt mates Jaylin Sellers and Darius Johnson to get the ball through the net, as the duo of guards led the team in scoring with 15.9 ppg and 15.2 ppg respectively. With the additions of players such as Jordan Ivy-Curry and JUCO scoring machine Dior Johnson, it will be worth watching to see if UCF can increase their offensive production.
Who’s Back
#3 Darius Johnson — Guard
In an age of college basketball where much of the landscape is characterized by one-and-done players, Darius Johnson is an anomaly.
Johnson has been with the Knights for the entirety of his collegiate career. The 6-foot-1, 200 pound guard enters his senior campaign as the second leading scorer behind backcourt mate Jaylin Sellers. Look for Johnson to be a focal point of the team as he enters what may be his final season with the Knights.
#24 Jaylin Sellers — Guard
After transferring from Ball State, Jaylin Sellers had a strong debut season with the Knights that saw him become the team’s leading scorer. He scored in double-digits in 29 of UCF’s 33 games, and hit 20+ in seven of them. Sellers also recorded career highs in steals, assists, rebounds and more during his first year with UCF, and earned Big 12 Honorable Mention for his efforts.
Unfortunately, Sellers was injured during an exhibition game against FGCU on Oct. 20. As of right now, there is no timetable for Sellers’ return, but it will be worth watching how he performs in his senior season once he makes his way back to the court.
Who’s New
#1 Mikey Williams - Guard
Perhaps the most alluring transfer on UCF’s roster is standout guard Mikey Williams.
The San Ysidro product (outside San Diego) has seen his fame grow significantly since 8th grade, as he has garnered the attention of enthusiastic youth and NBA players alike with highlights like this:
After nearly averaging a double-double in his senior season with San Ysidro, Williams spent his first college season with the Memphis Tigers. Due to redshirting, Williams did not see any game action, and now he makes his way to UCF with a ton of hype and potential in tow.
#7 Dior Johnson — Guard
As previously mentioned, UCF’s offense ranked towards the bottom of the Big 12 last season, something the addition of sharpshooter Dior Johnson should help with heading into 2024-25.
The 6-foot-3, 182 pound guard was dominant last season with Clarendon College as he averaged 29.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game while shooting 52.1% from the field and 41.7% from deep. He scored 30+ ten times, including two 50-point outbursts.
#52 Moustapha Thiam — Center
Thiam is the highest-ranked recruit to come to UCF in the program’s history. The 7-2 big man from Dakar, Senegal was ranked 30th in ESPN’s Top 100.
He’s a bit of a surprise since UCF wasn’t expecting to have him this season. He played prep ball in Daytona at DME Academy and then reclassified to come to UCF this season.
Thiam is the latest in a line of big men recruited and mentored by associate head coach Mamadou N’Diaye, but unlike previous transfers like Ibrahima Diallo, Michael Durr and Mbacke Diong, Thiam is a freshman. He’s also reportedly been hitting the weightroom since arriving on campus, adding some muscle to his impressive frame.”
https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.co...ights-big-12-2024-2025-orlando-johnny-dawkins
2025 Recruiting
Sam's Top 100: 20-11
By Sam Federman
38. Georgia Bulldogs (SEC)
Georgia is one of the most fascinating teams in college basketball this season. The Bulldogs return guards Silas Demary and Blue Cain, who showed plenty of promise as freshmen.
By the end of the season, they were both in the starting lineup and thriving. Demary is a 6 foot 5 guard who lives for attacking the basket, while Cain is a high-level outside shooter.
Mount St. Mary’s transfers Dakota Leffew and De’Shayne Montgomery will add some more elements to the backcourt. Leffew is a high level offensive player as a combo guard. Montgomery is an incredibly long presence on the defensive end, using his wingspan and instincts to end possessions for opponents. He’s also a talented offensive player, especially once he gets downhill, and he shot the ball at a solid rate too.
Tyrin Lawrence’s stock is much lower than it was a year ago, but he’s a productive scoring guard with SEC experience.
Just like in the backcourt, the Dawgs have a ton of pieces that can play in the frontcourt. App State transfer Justin Abson anchored an elite rim defense for Dustin Kerns last season. He’s one of many extremely physical pieces that will make Georgia a frustrating team to play against. Clemson transfer RJ Godfrey is a tenacious defender and rebounder, while highly touted freshmen Asa Newell and Somto Cyril both have a chance to be NBA players thanks to their athletic gifts on the defensive end.
Georgia should be one of the best defensive teams in the country, and there should be enough scoring to get the job done, but I’m really not sure who will play which minutes, and I’m not sure anybody is.
https://www.bracketsbubblesandbidstealers.com/post/sam-s-top-100-40-31
Next Opponent Central Florida (Exhibition)
Dasher UGA Sports: Bulldogs promising an "exciting brand" of basketball for Tuesday exhibition
Bulldogs promising an "exciting brand" of basketball for Tuesday exhibition
The Georgia basketball team believes it will it will be an exciting team. Fans can see for themselves in Tuesday night.
Towers AJC: Georgia hoops hopes hard work shows in exhibition vs. UCF
Georgia hoops hopes hard work shows in exhibition vs. UCF
Bulldogs to host Central Florida Tuesday in exhibition finale. The 2024-25 regular season opens Nov. 4 at home against Tennessee Tech (7:30 p.m.).
“The UCF Knights men’s basketball team is set to begin the 2024-25 season on Nov. 4 at home where they will face No. 13 Texas A&M. It will start a season with a mix of familiar veterans and talented new faces.
Here is everything you need to know about the Knights as they enter their second Big 12 campaign.
Last Year
Regular Season: 17-16 (7-11 Big 12), 11th in the Big 12
Postseason: Lost in NIT First Round to USF
After being ranked last in the Big 12’s preseason poll, The Knights' first season in the conference was characterized by ups and downs. After a lopsided 25 point loss to Kansas State to open conference play, UCF was able to upset heavyweight conference opponent and No. 3 Kansas, 65-60, in their Big 12 home opener.
Johnny Dawkins and co. leaned on a strong defensive identity that ranked third in the Big 12 to lead them to victories against ranked conference opponents Oklahoma and Texas Tech. However, the Knights would find themselves on the losing side of 11 conference contests, with nine of the losses by multiple possessions.
Despite a rocky first season in arguably the nation’s toughest basketball conference, UCF was able to string together a winning record in 2023-24. After going 1-1 in the Big 12 Tournament, the Knights also qualified for their second NIT tournament in a row, where they would lose to I-4 rivals USF in the first round, 83-77.
This Season
Picked 11th out of 16 teams in the Big 12
Not bad, considering last year UCF was picked dead last and landed in 11th.
It should be noted that eight Big 12 teams made the NCAA Tournament last year, and newcomers Arizona and Colorado also made the Dance in their final seasons in the Pac-12. Now they’re here
Head Coach
Johnny Dawkins — 9th Season at UCF
Coach Dawkins enters his ninth season as the head coach of UCF with a 148-103 record during his time in Orlando.
In his first eight years at the helm, Dawkins led the Knights to winning records in seven of them, with his only losing season coming in COVID-affected 2020-21. Dawkins has also led his teams to four postseason appearances during his tenure, but has not been to the NCAA Tournament since 2019.
Johnny Dawkins Coaching Record
2016-17
24-12
11-7
4th
#4 seed - Lost in AAC Semifinals
NIT Semifinal
2017-18
19-13
9-9
6th
#6 seed - Lost in AAC Quarterfinals
2018-19
24-9
13-5
4th
#4 seed - Lost in AAC Quarterfinals
NCAA Tournament (2nd Round)
2019-20
16-14
7-11
T-9th
Cancelled due to COVID-19
2020-21
11-12
8-10
6th
#6 seed - Lost in AAC Quarterfinals
2021-22
18-12
9-9
6th
#6 seed - Lost in AAC Quarterfinals
2022-23
19-15
8-10
7th
#7 seed - Lost in AAC Quarterfinals
NIT 2nd Round
2023-24
What to Watch for
New Faces
At UCF’s 2024 media day, Coach Dawkins said that the Knights needed to level up their talent, and that’s what they did. Dawkins’ aggressive offseason is highlighted by 11 new players, nine of which are transfers.
Offense
Despite having a strong defense once again, UCF ranked near the bottom of the Big 12 last season in offense with 71.7 ppg. The Knights were reliant on backcourt mates Jaylin Sellers and Darius Johnson to get the ball through the net, as the duo of guards led the team in scoring with 15.9 ppg and 15.2 ppg respectively. With the additions of players such as Jordan Ivy-Curry and JUCO scoring machine Dior Johnson, it will be worth watching to see if UCF can increase their offensive production.
Who’s Back
#3 Darius Johnson — Guard
In an age of college basketball where much of the landscape is characterized by one-and-done players, Darius Johnson is an anomaly.
Johnson has been with the Knights for the entirety of his collegiate career. The 6-foot-1, 200 pound guard enters his senior campaign as the second leading scorer behind backcourt mate Jaylin Sellers. Look for Johnson to be a focal point of the team as he enters what may be his final season with the Knights.
#24 Jaylin Sellers — Guard
After transferring from Ball State, Jaylin Sellers had a strong debut season with the Knights that saw him become the team’s leading scorer. He scored in double-digits in 29 of UCF’s 33 games, and hit 20+ in seven of them. Sellers also recorded career highs in steals, assists, rebounds and more during his first year with UCF, and earned Big 12 Honorable Mention for his efforts.
Unfortunately, Sellers was injured during an exhibition game against FGCU on Oct. 20. As of right now, there is no timetable for Sellers’ return, but it will be worth watching how he performs in his senior season once he makes his way back to the court.
Who’s New
#1 Mikey Williams - Guard
Perhaps the most alluring transfer on UCF’s roster is standout guard Mikey Williams.
The San Ysidro product (outside San Diego) has seen his fame grow significantly since 8th grade, as he has garnered the attention of enthusiastic youth and NBA players alike with highlights like this:
After nearly averaging a double-double in his senior season with San Ysidro, Williams spent his first college season with the Memphis Tigers. Due to redshirting, Williams did not see any game action, and now he makes his way to UCF with a ton of hype and potential in tow.
#7 Dior Johnson — Guard
As previously mentioned, UCF’s offense ranked towards the bottom of the Big 12 last season, something the addition of sharpshooter Dior Johnson should help with heading into 2024-25.
The 6-foot-3, 182 pound guard was dominant last season with Clarendon College as he averaged 29.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game while shooting 52.1% from the field and 41.7% from deep. He scored 30+ ten times, including two 50-point outbursts.
#52 Moustapha Thiam — Center
Thiam is the highest-ranked recruit to come to UCF in the program’s history. The 7-2 big man from Dakar, Senegal was ranked 30th in ESPN’s Top 100.
He’s a bit of a surprise since UCF wasn’t expecting to have him this season. He played prep ball in Daytona at DME Academy and then reclassified to come to UCF this season.
Thiam is the latest in a line of big men recruited and mentored by associate head coach Mamadou N’Diaye, but unlike previous transfers like Ibrahima Diallo, Michael Durr and Mbacke Diong, Thiam is a freshman. He’s also reportedly been hitting the weightroom since arriving on campus, adding some muscle to his impressive frame.”
https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.co...ights-big-12-2024-2025-orlando-johnny-dawkins
2025 Recruiting
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