Feb. 14, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - When the name Mike O'Donnell (Largo, Fla./Largo) is mentioned, most people tend to associate the 6-foot senior guard with his outstanding offensive ability, especially from behind-the-arc. So, it may come as a surprise that he is more than adequate from a defensive prospective as well.
O'Donnell, in his third season with the Knights after transferring from NC State, ranks second in the Conference USA with 1.8 steals per game. He also leads the Knights with 41 steals this year.
"I'm never looking to make a steal. I don't think there was ever one time in my career when I've said I'm going to get a steal on this play," O'Donnell said. "A lot of times it's just preparation meeting opportunity and being in the right place at the right time. I just try to be as quick as I can."
O'Donnell ranks eighth all-time at UCF with 134 career steals.
Most fans recognize O'Donnell's offensive skills as he is third on the team in points per game (11.4) and has connected on 59 3-pointers this season.
Next up, O'Donnell will have the opportunity to up his steals average as UCF travels to Houston for a C-USA game against Rice this Saturday.
The Knights will return to action at home on Feb. 20 against East Carolina. Tip-off at the new UCF Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. For ticket information, call 407-UCF-1000.
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 pictures.
Notes: After enjoying yesterday off, the Knights will practice on Thursday afternoon at the new UCF Arena... UCF's 2007-08 schedule is currently ranked as the 73rd-toughest in the nation according to www.realtimerpi.com... The contest at Rice will serve as a homecoming for senior guard Chip Cartwright (Houston, Texas/Phillis Wheatley). Cartwright will also play in front of his family and friends on March 5 when the Knights take on Houston.