Dec. 20, 2006
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (www.ucfathletics.com) - UCF senior forward Josh Peppers (Memphis, Tenn./Whitehaven) recorded a career-high 26 points on Tuesday to lift the Golden Knights to a 67-61 victory in the first round of the San Juan Shootout in Puerto Rico. Following the Golden Knights' practice session on Wednesday morning, the Memphis native sat down with the UCF Athletics Communications staff to discuss the game against the Utes, the Golden Knights' visit to San Juan and his experiences on the road with the team.
UCF faces Appalachian State in the tournament semifinals on Wednesday at 4 p.m. Eastern. On Thursday, the squad will play either Tennessee Tech or Vanderbilt.
In the Golden Knights' San Juan Shootout opening victory over Utah on Tuesday, you scored 26 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the field. That performance came after a tough outing at Minnesota last week. Did you do anything differently offensively in this game?
I was feeling like I was getting back in the swing of things. I concentrated on being more aggressive. I was trying to do some of the things that I hadn't been doing in the past, like taking the ball to the basket.
What have you enjoyed the most during the team's visit to Puerto Rico?
We have a lot of time to relax. It is just fun being in Puerto Rico. It is a good time to bond as a team. On this trip, I feel like we are doing all of the things necessary to become one.
During your career at UCF, you have been able to travel not only around the country, but around the world. You have visited places like Alaska, Arizona, Europe and now Puerto Rico. Looking back, how fun has it been to travel around the globe with your teammates?
I couldn't ask for anything better. I feel blessed that I have been able to visit a lot of places that I knew I would not be able to see on my own. The sport of basketball has opened my eyes to the world.
Which trip have you enjoyed the most?
I would have to say Europe. That was a lot of fun. There were a lot of great memories from that trip and I really feel fortunate that we were able to go there.