15255781525578

UCF Fastbreak - Nov. 8

Nov. 8, 2007

UCF Basketball Press Conference

ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - On Thursday afternoon, UCF head coach Kirk Speraw took time from his busy schedule to meet with members of the media inside the new UCF Arena. Speraw talked about his team's inaugural game at the facility, the upcoming season and excitement surrounding the football and basketball programs at UCF.

The Knights host national power Nevada on Sunday at 2 p.m. in the inaugural men's contest at the 10,000-seat new UCF Arena. Speraw spoke to the local media for about 20 minutes inside the press conference room at the arena.

Many of the questions were about the new venue, which Speraw was happy to speak about.

"This (arena) is state-of-the-art. This is a great facility and as great as anyone has in the country," Speraw said. "It is exciting for us and it is exciting for our players. It is a great opportunity. I know our season-ticket holders are excited. I hope the people in the community that haven't come out and seen UCF basketball... I hope those people are starting to get excited about it."

Prior to Speraw meeting the press, senior guard Mike O'Donnell (Largo, Fla./Largo) talked with reporters for about 10 minutes. O'Donnell is the Knights' captain this season.

His media session began with questions about the team's opening-game opponent. The Wolf Pack, who have played in four-straight NCAA Tournaments, won 29 games in 2006-07 and were ranked as high as 10th nationally.

"That is why you play college basketball; to play types of teams like Nevada. They were a top-10 team last year and are very well coached," O'Donnell said. "They bring in talent. They are going to be really well prepared for us and we need to be just as prepared for them coming into that game."

Season tickets are currently available by calling 407-UCF-1000. One lucky season ticket holder 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 will be automatically entered into a drawing to win the Mazda CX-9.

Single-game tickets are also available now at all Ticketmaster outlets and at the UCF ticket office at Bright House Networks Stadium. 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: Following the press conference, the Knights practiced for just over two hours inside the arena. Several members of the media watched the beginning of practice.