The Rebuilt UCF Knights: A Comprehensive Look at the Men's Basketball Roster

The UCF Knights men's basketball team has undergone a significant transformation, with a revamped roster ready to compete in the Big 12 Conference. As head coach Johnny Dawkins enters his 10th season, the team is aiming to return to the NCAA Tournament after a seven-year absence. This article delves into the details of the current roster, highlighting key players, transfers, and the overall outlook for the team.

A New Era for UCF Basketball

The 2023-24 season marked the UCF Knights' inaugural year in the Big 12 Conference. The team finished the 2022-23 season with an 18-14 record in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). The Knights' journey in the AAC Tournament ended in the quarterfinals with a loss to Memphis.

Looking ahead, the 2025-26 season will be their third as members of the Big 12 Conference.

Roster Overview

The UCF men’s basketball team has been almost entirely rebuilt, featuring 11 transfers, two freshmen, and only two returning players. This infusion of new talent aims to bring a fresh dynamic to the court. UCF does not return a single player that scored a basket during the 2024-25 season. Only four other Power Four programs are starting from scratch: Baylor, Indiana, Miami and West Virginia.

Key Additions and Returnees

The roster includes notable transfers like Jamichael Stillwell from Milwaukee and Riley Kugel, who is returning to his hometown of Orlando.

Read also: Understanding DIII Soccer

Individual Player Profiles

Here's a detailed look at each player on the UCF Knights roster, including their stats, analysis, and potential impact on the team.

Jeremy Foumena* Jersey number: 0

Height: 6-11
Weight: 250 lbs
Position: Center
Eligibility: Redshirt junior
Hometown: Montréal, Québec, Canada
Previous School: Mississippi State
2024-25 stats (at Mississippi State): Nine games (zero starts), 25 minutes played, 33.3% field goals (3 for 9), 16.7% 3-point shooting (1 for 6), 75% free throws (3 for 4), 1.1 points and 0.6 rebounds per game
Analysis: Foumena's arrival at UCF marks a full-circle moment. He brings size and potential to the center position, aiming to contribute after limited appearances at Mississippi State.

Themus Fulks* Jersey number: 1

Height: 6-2
Weight: 185 lbs
Position: Guard
Eligibility: Fifth-year senior
Hometown: Winston-Salem, N.C.
Previous School: Milwaukee
2024-25 stats (at Milwaukee): 32 games (32 starts), 1,094 minutes played, 47.7% field goals (166 for 348), 25.9% 3-point shooting (14 for 54), 80.5% free throws (120 for 149), 14.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.9 steals per game
Analysis: As one of the Knights' three captains, Fulks brings significant experience and playmaking ability. His assist numbers and NCAA tournament experience from Louisiana make him a valuable asset.

Riley Kugel* Jersey number: 2

Height: 6-5
Weight: 210 lbs
Position: Guard
Eligibility: Senior
Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
Previous School: Mississippi State
2024-25 stats (at Mississippi State): 33 games (14 starts), 739 minutes played, 43.3% field goals (110 for 254), 33.3% 3-point shooting (40 for 120), 75.4% free throws (46 for 61), 9.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists per game
Analysis: Kugel's return to Orlando brings a local talent with a proven scoring record. His experience in the SEC and ability to score in double figures make him a key player for the Knights.

George Beale Jr.* Jersey number: 3

Height: 6-4
Weight: 200 lbs
Position: Guard
Eligibility: Senior
Hometown: Suffolk, Va.
Previous School: Hampton
2024-25 stats (at Hampton): 33 games (15 starts), 805 minutes played, 44.7% field goals (160 for 358), 39.5% 3-point shooting (62 for 157), 87.3% free throws (48 for 55), 13.0 points, 2.3 rebounds per game
Analysis: Beale's proficiency from beyond the arc adds a valuable shooting threat to the Knights' offense. His experience and accuracy from long range will be crucial for spacing and scoring.

Jamichael Stillwell* Jersey number: 4

Height: 6-8
Weight: 225 lbs
Position: Forward
Eligibility: Senior
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
Previous School: Milwaukee
2024-25 stats (at Milwaukee): 31 games (29 starts), 868 minutes played, 46.8% field goals (146 for 312), 28.6% 3-point shooting (20 for 70), 56.2% free throws (91 for 162), 13.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals per game
Analysis: Stillwell's double-double average at Milwaukee highlights his rebounding prowess and scoring ability. He is expected to make a significant impact in the frontcourt.

Kris Parker* Jersey number: 5

Height: 6-9
Weight: 201 lbs
Position: Guard
Eligibility: Redshirt sophomore
Hometown: Tallahassee, Fla.
Previous School: Villanova
2024-25 stats (at Villanova): 27 games (zero starts), 273 minutes played, 43.6% field goals (24 for 55), 20% 3-point shooting (5 for 25), 60% free throws (18 for 30), 2.6 points, 1.4 rebounds per game
Analysis: Parker's athleticism and potential make him an intriguing prospect. After limited minutes at Villanova, he looks to find a more significant role with the Knights.

John Bol* Jersey number: 7

Height: 7-2
Weight: 210 lbs
Position: Center
Eligibility: Sophomore
Hometown: Boma, South Sudan
Previous School: Ole Miss
2024-25 stats (at Ole Miss): 17 games (zero starts), 69 minutes played, 66.7% field goals (8 for 12), 50% free throws (3 for 6), five blocked shots, 1.1 points, 0.9 rebounds per game
Analysis: Bol is poised to make UCF history as the first McDonald's All-American to play for the Knights. His size and shot-blocking ability will be crucial in the paint.

Elijah Hulsewe* Jersey number: 9

Height: 7-0
Weight: 270 lbs
Position: Center
Eligibility: Redshirt junior
Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
Previous School: Bethune-Cookman
2024-25 stats (at UCF): Redshirted, did not appear in any games
Analysis: Hulsewe's experience from Bethune-Cookman and his time with the Knights provide valuable depth in the frontcourt.

Carmelo Pacheco* Jersey number: 11

Height: 6-5
Weight: 190 lbs
Position: Guard
Eligibility: Junior
Hometown: Harrisonburg, Va.
Previous School: Mount St. Mary's
2024-25 stats (at Mount St. Mary's): 30 games (30 starts), 845 minutes played, 46.8% field goals (88 for 188), 46.4% 3-point shooting (77 for 166), 81.6% free throws (31 for 38), 9.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists per game
Analysis: Pacheco's exceptional 3-point shooting percentage makes him a significant threat from beyond the arc. His ability to knock down crucial shots will be vital for the Knights' offense.

Chris Johnson* Jersey number: 22

Height: 6-5
Weight: 196 lbs
Position: Guard
Eligibility: Junior
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Previous School: Stephen F. Austin
2024-25 stats (at Stephen F. Austin): Three games (zero starts), 51 minutes played, 46.4% field goals (13 for 28), 16.7% 3-point shooting (2 for 12), 80% free throws (4 for 5), 10.7 points, 4.0 rebounds per game
Analysis: Johnson's return to Central Florida, where he attended Montverde Academy, adds a versatile guard with prior Big 12 experience.

Zach Johnson* Jersey number: 24

Height: 6-6
Weight: 205 lbs
Position: Guard
Eligibility: Freshman
Hometown: Southern Pines, N.C.
Analysis: Johnson committed to the Knights after a strong season at IV Greatness Academy. He brings a scoring punch and playmaking ability as a freshman.

Tanner Jones* Jersey number: 30

Height: 6-4
Weight: 190 lbs
Position: Guard
Eligibility: Freshman
Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.
Analysis: With a strong basketball pedigree, Jones looks to contribute as a freshman guard.

Poohpha Warakulnukroh* Jersey number: 33

Height: 5-11
Weight: 177 lbs
Position: Guard
Eligibility: Redshirt senior
Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand
2024-25 stats (at UCF): Four games (zero starts), three minutes, two rebounds, one assist, one steal
Analysis: As the longest-tenured member of the team, Warakulnukroh provides experience and depth to the guard position.

Devan Cambridge* Jersey number: 35

Height: 6-6
Weight: 210 lbs
Position: Forward
Eligibility: Sixth-year senior
Hometown: Nashville, Tenn.
Previous School: Texas Tech
2024-25 stats (at Texas Tech): Six games (two starts), 105 minutes played, 59.1% field goals (13 for 22), 57.1% 3-point shooting (5 for 7), 75% free throws (3 for 4), 5.5 points, 3.5 rebounds per game
Analysis: Cambridge's experience and shooting ability make him a valuable asset. His versatility and veteran presence will be crucial for the Knights.

Jordan Burks* Jersey number: 99

Height: 6-9
Weight: 205 lbs
Position: Forward
Eligibility: Junior
Hometown: Decatur, Ala.
Previous School: Georgetown
2024-25 stats (at Georgetown): 34 games (11 starts), 632 minutes played, 52.1% field goals (76 for 146), 35.6% 3-point shooting (16 for 45), 68.4% free throws (26 for 38), 5.7 points, 3.4 rebounds per game
Analysis: Burks's late-season surge with Georgetown highlights his potential. His scoring and rebounding ability will be essential for the Knights' frontcourt.

Coaching and Expectations

Johnny Dawkins enters his 10th season as the Knights' head coach, aiming to lead the team back to the NCAA Tournament. Dawkins returned to his old stomping grounds Oct. 21 for an exhibition meeting at Duke, where he was a two-time All-American and the 1986 Naismith Player of the Year. UCF lost the game 96-71, and then 75-68 in a preseason home game against LSU on Oct. 26.

Preseason Outlook

UCF placed 14th out of 16 teams in both the Big 12 Conference's preseason coaches poll and the USA TODAY Network's media poll. National runner-up Houston was tabbed as the favorite, followed by BYU, Texas Tech, Arizona and Iowa State.

Read also: UCLA Basketball: Past & Future

Read also: Single-Sex Education for Men

tags: #ucf #mens #basketball #roster