April 1, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - As the Knights' captain in each of the last two years, Mike O'Donnell was unquestionably UCF's leader. The point guard was happy to guide his teammates both on and off the court.
With the eligibility of O'Donnell, and four other players from the 2007-08 squad, now expired, head coach Kirk Speraw's squad will have a new leader next season. The team will have just two seniors: guard Jermaine Taylor (Tavares, Fla./Tavares) and center Kenrick Zondervan (Hoofddorp, Holland).
According to guard Taylor Young (Orlando, Fla./The First Academy), who will be a sophomore next season, the leadership role should not solely fall on the seniors. Young is entering his third year at UCF after sitting out the 2005-06 campaign as a redshirt freshman.
"We are all going to have to step up collectively. I am going to have to lead by example and do what I can to help us."
This past season, O'Donnell was the team's lone captain. In 2006-07, he shared the duties with Josh Peppers.
O'Donnell was not the only player who provided leadership during the year as fellow seniors Stanley Billings and Dave Noel also helped mentor younger teammates.
On Tuesday, the Knights had their third postseason workout session of the spring at the Education Gym on campus. Returning squad members worked out for an hour, focusing on individual skills.
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