Oct. 23, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Last season served as a year to learn about the collegiate game for UCF sophomore forward Andre Thornton (Memphis, Tenn./Mitchell). He appeared in just 12 contests for the Knights.
Thornton watched as power forward Lavell Payne did it all for the Knights inside the paint. Now Payne, along with his 10.8 points and 5.5 boards per game, are gone and Thornton hopes to contribute anyway he can.
"I am going to be the garbage man for the team," he said. "I am going to hustle, rebound, play defense and get all the floor burns for the team."
In his limited playing time last season, Thornton proved that he could score. He averaged 2.6 points in just 2.4 minutes and shot 58.3 percent from the floor.
In 2007-08, he hopes to exhibit a more well-rounded game. Listed at 6-foot-6, he improved his strength and conditioning in the offseason and looks forward to helping out the Knights inside.
"I am up to 265 (pounds in the bench press). When I got here as a freshman, I was at 145. I am stronger, my physique is better and I feel better."
Season tickets are currently available by calling 407-UCF-1000. One lucky season ticket holder for will get to drive home from the new UCF Arena in a brand new 2008 UCF edition Mazda CX-9, courtesy of Classic Mazda, the presenting sponsor of this year's season ticket drive. UCF fans who purchase two season tickets be entered into a drawing to win the Mazda CX-9.
The Knights open the campaign at home on Nov. 11 against Nevada. The squad will play 16 regular-season contests at home this year. The first of the Knights' two exhibition games is set for Nov. 3 against St. Leo at the new UCF Arena. Admission is free both preseason contests.
For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel, log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. Also check out www.ucfphotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.
Notes: Despite the fact that the building's official opening occurred in September, construction crews continue to work inside the new UCF Arena. Last week, ticket windows were installed in the back of the arena, near the UCF Soccer and Track & Field Complex. The main ticket office is housed in the front of the building.