UCF men’s basketball opened conference play with a statement win in the desert, defeating Texas Tech 87-83 on Tuesday, Dec. 31. The Red Raiders entered the season as a favorite among advanced stat enthusiasts, with many metrics ranking them as a top-13 team. But the Knights pulled off a decisive victory, adding to their impressive resume with two big wins: one over Texas A&M and now this triumph over Texas Tech. UCF is quickly emerging as a tournament contender and could even crack the top 25 as the season progresses. With two legitimate pro prospects on the roster, including NBA hopeful Keyshawn Hall, the Knights are making noise on the national stage.
Hall, a junior transfer from George Mason, is exactly the type of player the NBA is looking for. The 6-foot-7 forward can score and defend at all three levels, making him a potential draft prospect. Hall scored 22 points and eight rebounds, playing a pivotal role in the Knights’ victory. But he’s not the only UCF player making waves—another Knight has taken his game to the next level, further fueling the team’s rising expectations this season.
Senior Darius Johnson has emerged as one of the top point guards in the country, with his game evolving into that of a true professional. While he may be considered undersized for the NBA, Johnson’s talent and leadership will make him a sought-after commodity in top-tier professional leagues next season. He’s become UCF’s go-to player in crunch time, able to ignite the offense when things get stagnant. That was evident as Texas Tech made a late push, cutting the lead to just three points. Johnson responded by draining a clutch rainbow three over J.T. Toppin, sealing the game and helping the Knights gain momentum heading into Big 12 play.
The scary thing for UCF is that the team isn’t even at full strength yet. Jaylin Sellers is just returning from injury, and while his return could add another dimension to the squad, it’s tough to see him reclaiming the role of primary option with the emergence of Keyshawn Hall and Darius Johnson’s leadership. If Sellers can accept a role as an energetic scorer who attacks the basket when the opportunity arises, this UCF team has the potential to compete for a Big 12 title.
But the challenge won’t get any easier as they now prepare to host Kansas on Sunday, Jan. 5. Hall will face off against KJ Adams, while Johnson will go head-to-head with Dajuan Harris Jr. in a battle of top-tier talent. It’s shaping up to be a must-watch matchup as UCF looks to prove they are for real. Can the Knights keep their momentum going?