Sports

Former Villanova Assistant Coach Dwayne Anderson II Joins UCF Staff

Dylan Johnson, Co-Sports Editor

June 3, 2025

Dwayne Anderson II has spent over a decade at Villanova as a player and coach.

Former Villanova assistant coach Dwayne Anderson II is joining the University of Central Florida’s coaching staff, The Villanovan learned on Tuesday.

The move comes after Anderson was not retained on new Villanova head coach Kevin Willard’s staff.

Anderson spent three seasons at Villanova as Director of Basketball Operations under former head coach Jay Wright. He was then promoted to assistant coach for the 2021 season, which ended in a Final Four appearance. Former head coach Kyle Neptune retained Anderson on his staff in the same assistant role through the 2024-25 season.

Before Villanova, Anderson spent five seasons as an assistant coach at Penn State.

Head coach Johnny Dawkins leads UCF’s staff. Last season, UCF finished with a 20-17 record and a 7-13 conference record in the Big 12.

“UCF was a great fit because I had the opportunity to learn from a legend in [head coach] Johnny Dawkins, work with a great staff and be a part of a great Big 12 Conference,” Anderson said to The Villanovan.

The Knights’ season concluded with a trip to the College Basketball Crown in Las Vegas, where they defeated Villanova, 104-98, in the semifinal on April 5.

UCF ended up losing to Nebraska, 77-66, in the College Basketball Crown championship on April 6.

Also joining the UCF program is Villanova transfer Kris Parker. The team officially announced Parker’s commitment on Wednesday, May 14.

Anderson officially started his role with UCF on Monday, June 1.

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About the Contributor

Dylan Johnson, Co-Sports Editor

Dylan Johnson is currently serving his first year as one of the two Villanovan Co-Sports Editors. He is currently pursuing a major in Communications with a specialization in journalism. Dylan is a sophomore from Philadelphia, PA. Dylan’s passion for journalism is driven by storytelling. At The Villanovan, he wants to discover and tell the stories that might otherwise go untold. Dylan is a hard worker who is always looking for the next article to write. He is a diehard Philadelphia sports fan and will never miss an Eagles game. He can always be found at a Villanova game, whether it be in a press box, on the sidelines, or in the stands. When he is not spending hours in the Finn’s media room, Dylan can be found enjoying runs around campus.