Fulks and Kugel received their first opportunity in professional basketball earlier this month, taking the floor for the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League.
Following their critical roles in UCF's return to the NCAA Tournament, former Knights guards Themus Fulks and Riley Kugel joined the Los Angeles Clippers this July for the NBA's 2026 Las Vegas Summer League.
While the Clippers did not bring home any hardware from the preseason competition, they secured an overall record of 3-2 with their young squad. Here's a look at what Fulks and Kugel accomplished off the bench in the competition, while being overshadowed No. 5 overall pick Keaton Wagler.
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Game 1
The Clippers started off on a tough note, dropping a 91-85 result to the Sacramento Kings. Fulks did not see the floor, but Kugel scored three points as he sank his only three-point attempt.
Game 2
Los Angeles bounced back with a 104-82 win over the Utah Jazz. Fulks again did not play, while Kugel saw just under four minutes of action. Kugel scored three points, sinking one of his two attempts from beyond the arc.
Game 3
In a chippy matchup, the Clippers dropped their third game 99-85 to the Lakers. Fulks took the court for two and a half minutes, recording four points with a turnover. Kugel played six and a half minutes, scoring three points.
Game 4
The Clippers again managed to rebound from a loss, taking down the Washington Wizards (who notably did not use top overall pick AJ Dybantsa) in a 108-94 game. Fulks played 11 minutes without scoring, but recorded three assists and a rebound, while turning the ball over once. Kugel played 13 minutes with five points, in addition to two rebounds and an assist, while turning the ball over once.
Game 5
In what was arguably the best game of the competition, the Clippers took down the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-20 in overtime. LA's 128 points in a single game set a new Summer League record.
Kugel played 13 minutes, scoring 6 points with two rebounds and a steal. He also turned the ball over twice. Fulks, meanwhile scored seven points with five assists, plus three rebounds with one turnover.
What's Next?
With the Clippers' Summer League schedule concluded, Fulks and Kugel are unrestricted free agents. Both will be hoping for an Exhibit 10 contract, which would get them a training camp invite and a one-year, minimum-salary contract. Otherwise, their next step would be the G League, most likely with the Clippers' affiliate team in San Diego to start. If that door isn't immediately open, then pursuing a contract with a team overseas is the next best option.
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