Johnny Dawkins’ push for four-star guard Lucai Anderson came up short, with the IMG Academy standout choosing Michigan and leaving UCF to keep sorting out its long-term backcourt plans in the Big 12.
Anderson, a 4-star shooting guard at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, had been one of the key high school targets on Dawkins’ board. The Knights made a real run at him, and he was the lone potential UCF recruit to visit before the TCU game in the conference opener, coming to campus on his own.
“I really liked the program and the plan they have for me," Anderson said about his visit. "The school has a great environment with a great coaching staff”
The Texas native began his high school career at Trinity Christian Academy before moving to IMG Academy, one of the country’s most recognizable basketball pipelines. He also carries a notable family connection: he is the brother of former Texas Tech star Christian Anderson, who played two seasons for the Red Raiders and was selected No. 18 overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2026 NBA Draft.
UCF’s recruiting push matters more now as Dawkins tries to keep building a roster that can stand up in the Big 12. With transfer portal rules and access expected to shift soon, landing high school talent figures to become even more important again for coaches around the country.
The Knights do have two freshmen set to arrive this upcoming season in Jahda Swann and Ladarius Givan, but Dawkins and his staff are still working the future-oriented side of the roster.
Anderson’s choice sends him to Michigan, where he joins the reigning national champions in Ann Arbor. The move also puts him on a path that echoes his brother’s: Christian Anderson was once committed to Michigan before transferring to Texas Tech after former Wolverines coach Juwan Howard was let go.
Michigan’s own coaching situation has changed as well. After May’s decision to join the Dallas Mavericks at the NBA level, the program hired Mike Boynton Jr. to a two-year deal. Boynton served as May’s top assistant during the National Championship run and has kept a number of incoming commits and transfer additions in place despite the turnover.
For UCF, the work continues. The Knights hosted multiple talented high school players against TCU, and the recruiting chase for the next wave of talent is still very much on.
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Kugel brings a different kind of resume to the rotation after spending time in the professional ranks, including limited NBA experience, and he was UCFs top scorer a year ago. For Dawkins, the appeal is obvious, but so is the logjam. With three players all vying for meaningful minutes in the same part of the floor, UCFs guard battle suddenly looks a lot more complicated than it did a few days ago. [Read more 🡒]
UCF Just Got A Late Boost That Changes Everything For Johnny Dawkins
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Kugel's return comes after an Indiana Circuit Court judge granted him and other former college athletes an additional year of eligibility, a ruling that reopened the door for a second collegiate stop. Dawkins and several teammates have already shown clear excitement about having him back, and the timing matters with exhibition play approaching as UCF continues sorting out roles and lineup options. [Read more 🡒]