In the aftermath of UCF's narrow 75-71 defeat to UCLA in the Round of 64, senior guard Riley Kugel and junior forward Jordan Burks took a moment to reflect on what this season meant for them and their team. Their reflections were filled with gratitude and a deep sense of camaraderie, highlighting the resilience and unity that defined their journey.
Kugel emphasized the spirit of perseverance that the team embodied. "We were a team that battled through ups and downs, regardless of what critics or preseason polls said," he shared.
"We were 13 individuals with one goal. Even though we fell short, coming this far shows how much we bought into Coach Dawkins’ vision and stayed united.
That deserves respect."
Burks echoed Kugel's sentiments, acknowledging the transformative impact of Coach Dawkins and his staff. After transferring from Georgetown, where he averaged just 5.7 points per game, Burks saw a significant improvement, jumping to over 13 points per game this season.
"Coach Dawkins and the staff invested in me both on and off the court," Burks explained. "They helped shape me into a better player and person.
I seized the opportunity they gave me and made the most of it."
Burks also praised his teammates for bolstering his confidence. "My teammates played a huge role in my growth.
The support from them and the entire program has been incredible. I’m truly grateful."
Reflecting on the fan support, Burks noted, "The fans saw our fight and were incredibly enthusiastic. We came up short, but their support throughout the year has been amazing. I'm thankful for them."
Kugel added that the team thrived on the energy from their supporters, underscoring the powerful connection between the players and their fans.