Stepping into UCF men’s basketball coach Johnny Dawkins’ office feels like embarking on a nostalgic journey, reflecting on more than 40 years of his legacy as both a player and a coach.
On a table is a photo of Dawkins alongside the legendary Kobe Bryant, a five-time NBA champion. The image captures a moment of joy and camaraderie, surrounded by an array of basketballs that commemorate various milestones from Dawkins’ illustrious career.
Behind his desk is a collection of framed jerseys that catch the light, each one a tribute to his time on the hardwood with iconic teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, the San Antonio Spurs and the Detroit Pistons.
Across the room, a wall showcases a gallery of framed photographs, each one highlighting former players who have crossed paths with Dawkins throughout his career.
Amid a collection of cherished memorabilia, the red and black folding chair stands out, holding a special significance.
Its backrest is emblazoned with the words “Final Four NCAA 2001,” showcased in an eye-catching blend of red, blue and yellow hues. Meanwhile, across the front of the seat, the phrase “The Final Four” is elegantly displayed in crisp white letters, adding to the chair’s distinctive charm.
When you ask Dawkins about his favorite memory from his time as a player and assistant coach at Duke, the Hall of Fame coach talks about winning the 2001 NCAA national championship.
“See that chair. I get to see it every day. It’s always a great reminder of the pinnacle of success in your profession, winning a national championship as a collegiate athlete or coach. To accomplish that was something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” Dawkins told the Sentinel in July.
Dawkins played four seasons as a point guard for the Blue Devils from 1982 to 1986, under the guidance of the legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. A two-time All-American, Dawkins ultimately earned the prestigious Naismith Player of the Year award in his senior season.
After more than a decade in the NBA, he eventually joined the Duke coaching staff as an assistant under Krzyzewski before eventually becoming a head coach at Stanford and now with the Knights.
On Saturday, he’ll return to Cameron Indoor Stadium for the first time in decades, this time as an opposing coach as UCF faces Duke in an exhibition game.
“It’s going to be really odd,” said Dawkins. “This is the first time I’ll ever go into that building where I wasn’t on the team, either as a player or a coach. It’s going to be awkward for me with regard to that but I’m excited for my guys.”
Last season, Arizona State had the opportunity to participate in an exhibition game at Cameron Indoor Stadium, allowing Sun Devils coach Bobby Hurley to return to his roots. Hurley is a celebrated figure, having won back-to-back national titles with the Blue Devils in 1991 and 1992.
Following the season, Duke officials reached out to Dawkins to gauge his interest.
“They said, ‘We really want to get this game and want to get you back here,’ ” Dawkins recalled. “ ‘We know you guys are competitive and you’re going to compete.’ It was a win-win. It gives us the chance to return with our team to an incredible environment and compete.”
UCF previously faced Duke in the first round of the 2019 NCAA tournament. The game was a nail-biter, ultimately ending with Blue Devils narrowly securing a 77-76 victory.
The Knights are preparing for the upcoming season with a revamped roster that features 13 new faces, including 11 players coming through the transfer portal. The only returning members from last season are reserves Poohpha Warakulnukroh and Elijah Hulsewe.
Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.