Eric McKnight And Dajuan Graf Will Not Return Next Season

(Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson) 

Florida Gulf Coast rising senior center Eric McKnight and rising junior guard Dajuan Graf will not be returning to the FGCU program next season.

According to a Florida Gulf Coast release, Graf will seek a program closer to home (Charlotte, NC) while McKnight plans to graduate in May, forgo his final year of eligibility, and start his professional career.

Graf, who often came off the bench to give starting point guard Brett Comer a breather, averaged 4.9 points while finishing second on the team in assists with 73 last season. He took care of the ball well and was a phenomenal facilitator.

“Dajuan improved his game significantly from last year to this past season, and we’re extremely grateful for all of his contributions to FGCU the last two years.” Dooley said in the release.

During the 2013-14 season, McKnight recorded 21 starts in his 23 games played following his 12 game suspension to start the season. During that time, the former Iowa State transfer tallied 6.9 points, and 5.1 rebounds a game.

“Like Dajuan, Eric has also taken his game to the next level over the past year. He certainly will be missed, but we respect his decision to get his degree and begin the next chapter of his life. We wish both Dajuan and Eric nothing but the best moving forward as I believe both of their best basketball is still in front of them," Dooley said.

With their departures, the Eagles are now one under the scholarship limit for next season. Coming out of high school are guards Christian Terrell and Zach Johnson while center Eric Moeller leaves the JUCO ranks to accompany them. Transfers Brian Greene Jr., Julian DeBose, Marc-Eddy Norelia, and Nick Pellar will all be available after coming off their red-shirt season.

With that in mind, FGCU has still been active in the class of 2014. Power forward Jabari McGhee visited on March 15th and the Eagles are on his final list of five schools. Florida Gulf Coast is also pursuing Butler transfer Nolan Berry, a former teammate of Eric Moeller. JUCO guard Jay Wright will reportedly take a visit to Dunk City on April 18th.

For more on FGCU, make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)