Oct. 25, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Former UCF star Josh Peppers is playing far from home this season. Peppers, who concluded his collegiate career last year, is now playing professionally in Japan.
The small forward recently signed a contract with Rizing Fukuoka, a team that plays in Japan's Superleague.
Peppers concluded his career as one of the best offensive players in program history. The Memphis, Tenn., native played with the Knights from 2003-07 and was a member of two NCAA Tournament teams.
He finished his career as the seventh-leading scorer in program history with 1,376 points. As a senior in 2006-07, Peppers led UCF in scoring at 14.3 points per game. He was selected to the All-Conference USA Second Team after the regular season.
In four years with the Knights, Peppers scored in double-figures 72 times. He ranks second among all UCF players with 180 3-point field goals and 491 career 3-point field-goal attempts.
During his time in Orlando, Peppers appeared in 123 games, which ranks first in program history.
Peppers is no stranger to Asia. Prior to his senior year, Peppers toured China as part of the Sports Reach Christian Ministry. Peppers played on a squad with UCF teammate Drew Speraw (Oviedo, Fla./Oviedo) and their team played against professional and semi-pro squads.
The 2007-08 Knights will open the regular season at the new UCF Arena on Nov. 11, hosting Nevada. The squad will play 16 regular-season contests at home this year, including eight Conference USA games.
UCF's first exhibition game is set for Nov. 3 at 11 a.m. at the new arena against St. Leo.
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.
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: Peppers is one of two players from last year's squad that is playing professionally. Power forward Lavell Payne has signed with CSKA in Bulgaria... Head coach Kirk Speraw's Knights practiced for three hours on Thursday afternoon inside the new UCF Arena.