Transfer Dawkins will miss upcoming season

UCF basketball’s hopes for the upcoming season suffered a setback Monday night when junior Aubrey Dawkins announced he will miss all of the 2017-18 campaign with an injury.

Dawkins — the 6-foot-6 shooting guard who transferred from Michigan to UCF so he could play for his father, Knights coach Johnny Dawkins — said in a video posted by the school that he’s “heartbroken” over the news.

“I just got word today that I will miss the entire season. This sucks, and I am definitely heartbroken,” Dawkins said in the video. “Wish I was playing for you guys this season but I cannot. Of course, next season I will be back stronger and excited to play in front of you guys.”

Although Dawkins did not reveal his injury, CBS Sports college basketball writer Seth Davis said the player had a season-ending shoulder injury last week.

Dawkins sat out last season — per NCAA rules — because of his transfer to UCF. As a sophomore at Michigan, he played in all 36 games, starting nine and averaged 6.5 points and 2.5 rebounds.

He was named the team’s “Sixth Man of the Year” after coming in off the bench to score in double digits five times.

Just a week ago at UCF basketball’s media day, Dawkins discussed how he was enjoying the opportunity to play for his father.

“It’s different, but it’s fun,” Dawkins said. “It’s definitely something I’ve never had before. I used to get really nervous when I was little playing in front of him. Now I do it every day, so it’s nothing for me.”

The UCF basketball team is hoping to build on a breakout 2016-17 season that saw the Knights reach the Final Four of the NIT in New York City.