We are still a couple of months away from the tip-off of the college basketball season, which means that we have plenty of time to prepare for the action ahead. We will do so via a series of season previews featuring the best players/coaches in the country. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel continues our coverage with Xavier SR G Dayvion McKnight, who talked about transferring from Western Kentucky and his expectations for this season.
In 2020 you were named Kentucky “Mr. Basketball” (joining past honorees such as Jack Givens/Darrell Griffith/Allan Houston): how big a deal was that, and what made you choose Western Kentucky? It was a big deal for me. There was only 1 Mr. Basketball from Shelby County before me so my family/I were very proud. Western Kentucky was just 2 hours down the road so I felt it was the best move for me.
You played in all 29 games as a freshman: how were you able to come in and contribute right from the start? Coach Rick Stansbury just wanted me to do anything I needed to do to get on the floor: pass, rebound, etc.
In December of 2021 you had the 4th triple-double in school history with 11 PTS/10 REB/10 AST (and no turnovers) in a win over Centre: where does that rank among the best all-around games of your career? I would say #1.
You lost to FAU 3 times in a 2-month span last season while averaging 16 PPG/6 RPG/3 SPG: were they just another good CUSA team or 1 of the best teams that you have ever faced or something in between? They were definitely 1 of the best teams I have ever faced. They played great together and meshed well and were all about winning.
You rank #3 in WKU history with 412 AST/147 STL: what is the key to being a good PG? Just helping your teammates get open/score. You have to do a little of everything on both offense/defense.
Why did you decide to transfer, and what made you choose Xavier? There was a coaching change so I felt it was time for me to move on. I talked to Sean Miller and he is a good coach for PGs.
You are 1 of several transfers on the roster including Quincy Olivari/Abou Ousmane/Logan Duncomb: how are the new guys fitting in with the old guys? We are meshing really well. There are only 3-4 guys returning from last year’s team so we have plenty of new guys. Those 3 other guys you mentioned all played in CUSA so we already knew each other.
You turned 21 last summer: what did you do for the big day? It was during 4th of July weekend so I just enjoyed a good cookout with my family.
Your schedule includes games against Purdue/Washington/Houston/Cincinnati and 1 of San Diego State/St. Mary’s: which of these games do you feel will present your biggest test? Every non-conference game will be a big test, and the Big East is the best conference out there.
What are your goals for this season, and what are your expectations for this season? I want to lead the country in AST, be 1 of the best defensive guards in the country, and get to March Madness.