Dec. 21, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - A year ago, UCF received an unexpected contribution during the season from forward Jacob Loucks. The senior saw time in 23 games as a reserve, shooting 70 percent from the floor.
In 2007-08, another walk-on is helping the team in a major way. Freshman guard Taylor Young (Orlando, Fla./The First Academy), who sat out last year as a redshirt, is averaging seven minutes a contest this year. He has seen action in five games as a point guard and is coming off of an impressive outing at Nevada on Dec. 16.
In seven minutes against the Wolf Pack, he totaled five points, one assist and a steal. Young was inserted into the contest late in the first half and helped spark a 13-4 UCF run to close the period.
Young is comfortable with his role on the team. With scorers like junior guard Jermaine Taylor (Tavares, Fla./Taveres) and senior guard Mike O'Donnell (Largo, Fla./Largo) on the squad, UCF head coach Kirk Speraw does not need Young to put points on the board.
"I just go out there and bring energy on the defensive end and take care of the ball," Young said. "I need to continue to guard, take care of the ball and bring a spark off the bench."
Young had a big moment in the Nevada game, scoring his first career points in exciting fashion. On a fastbreak, Young caught a lob near the basket from O'Donnell and scored on a layup.
"It was nice to get that monkey off of my back and get one (basket) in. Every minute you play, you feel more comfortable out there," he said.
UCF's next game is set for Dec. 28 at home versus traditional power Connecticut. The contest begins at 8 p.m. at the new UCF Arena.
The UCF Athletics Association is offering a special holiday ticket package. For $25, fans will receive tickets to the Connecticut contest and for both of UCF's games at the UCF Holiday Classic (Dec. 30-31). The holiday package provides fans with a $10 discount as tickets to these three contests usually cost $35.
Fans should call 407-UCF-1000 to purchase the ticket package.
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 UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports photos.
Notes: After just seven Knights played in the team's game against Ole Miss on Dec. 8, Speraw has used 12 different players in UCF's past two games. Ten UCF players saw time at Nevada... Starting with the Connecticut game, the Knights will play three contests in four days.