The UCF Men's Basketball team enters their second season under head coach Johnny Dawkins with a bullseye on their back.
The American Athletic Conference media on Monday predicted the Knights to finish third in the conference, behind league favorite Cincinnati and conference newcomer Wichita State.
"The preseason polls have come out and they've picked us to finish third. That's a big difference from last season," Dawkins said. "There are more expectations, but it's exciting. I'd rather be on that side of the stick."
UCF was picked 8th entering last season.
Junior guard B.J. Taylor (Boone HS) was also selected a preseason All-AAC 1st Team selection.
The UCF Women were predicted 4th in the preseason poll, the program's highest ranking ever since joining the conference four seasons ago.
The Knights placed 4th in the AAC last season, the first year under head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson.
Senior guard Aliyah Gregory (Strawberry Crest HS) was selected to the preseason All-AAC 1st Team.