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UCF blossoms under Dawkins; FSU's Isaac declares for NBA

 
Published March 25, 2017

ORLANDO — Johnny Dawkins arrived at UCF last March with a promise to turn the basketball program around.

No one expected the former Duke All-American to be able to do it in a year. With just seven scholarship players, the realistic outlook was a rebuilding year.

But the Knights play TCU on Tuesday in the NIT Final Four at Madison Square Garden with a chance of winning the program's first notable championship.

"Our belief has been in these players from Day 1," said Dawkins. "I think as we started to play and started to gain some momentum, I think they started realizing what we can accomplish and they kept working."

An improving 7-foot-6 anchor in Tacko Fall, an outstanding playmaker in guard A.J. Davis, and 24 victories helped speed up Dawkins' rebuilding timetable.

"I think it's huge for the program, we are way ahead of schedule," said AD Danny White, younger brother of Florida coach Mike White "We are extremely fortunate to have a coach the caliber of Johnny Dawkins."

FSU'S ISAAC TURNING PRO: Forward Jonathan Isaac, who led FSU in rebounding (7.8) said he is entering the NBA draft after one season. Isaac did not say whether he intends to hire an agent, a move that would prevent him from returning to school. He is projected as a lottery pick.

COACHING MOVES: Cleveland State hired former Georgia coach Dennis Felton to succeed Gary Waters, who retired. … Oklahoma State promoted assistant Mike Boynton to head coach. … Cal promoted longtime college assistant Wyking Jones to head coach. … Middle Tennessee coach Kermit Davis agreed to a new seven-year contract with a $575,000 base salary plus $175,000 for TV and broadcast responsibilities. … Iowa State coach Steve Prohm got an extension through 2022 and a raise to $2 million a year.

Top PROSPECT FOLLOWS DAD: Forward Michael Porter Jr., the nation's top-rated prospect by multiple recruiting services, said will play for Missouri after being released from his Washington letter of intent. Thursday, his father joined Cuonzo Martin's staff as an assistant.