UCF Men's Basketball Begins Backcourt Rebuild

Knights add former Wofford guard Cayden Vasko to bolster backcourt depth

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:27pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a college basketball game, with the sharp geometric planes and vibrant colors representing UCF's team colors.Vasko's versatile skillset and experience could provide a crucial boost to UCF's backcourt as they look to build on last season's NCAA Tournament berth.Today in Orlando

The UCF Knights men's basketball team has officially added Cayden Vasko, a guard who spent the last two seasons at Central Michigan and Wofford, as their first transfer portal addition of the offseason. Vasko, who has one year of eligibility remaining, is expected to help rebuild the Knights' backcourt after the departures of Themus Fulks and Riley Kugel due to graduation.

Why it matters

With the loss of key backcourt players, UCF needs to find new contributors to maintain their success from last season, when they made the NCAA Tournament. Vasko's experience as a starting guard and his strong assist-to-turnover ratio could provide a boost to the Knights' offense and help limit turnovers, an area they struggled with last year.

The details

Vasko started all 32 games he played with Wofford last season, averaging 10.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. He was named to the All-SoCon Third Team. Vasko's 6-foot-6 frame also gives him the size to contribute on the glass, an area where UCF struggled to get production from its guards last season.

  • Vasko officially joined the UCF roster on April 13, 2026.
  • The transfer portal window remains open through April 21, 2026.

The players

Cayden Vasko

A guard who spent the last two seasons at Central Michigan and Wofford, and has one year of eligibility remaining.

Themus Fulks

A former UCF guard who departed the team due to graduation.

Riley Kugel

A former UCF guard who departed the team due to graduation.

Chris Johnson

A former UCF guard who departed the team via the transfer portal.

Carmelo Pacheco

A UCF guard who may be confirmed to return next season.

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What they’re saying

“Forever grateful!”

— Cayden Vasko

What’s next

The Knights' roster will continue to take shape as the transfer portal window remains open through April 21, 2026. Vasko's specific role on the team will become clearer as the offseason progresses.

The takeaway

Vasko's addition provides much-needed experience and depth to the UCF backcourt, as the team looks to rebuild following the departures of key contributors Fulks and Kugel. His strong assist-to-turnover ratio and rebounding ability could help the Knights maintain their success from last season.