Oct. 2, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - John Friday was not a typical college basketball player. A 6-foot-6 center, Friday spent two seasons at UCF in the mid-1980s after a four-year stint in the United States Navy.
Despite playing in just 44 contests for the Knights, Friday was one of the best defensive post players in school history. He totaled 94 career blocks, which ranks fourth all-time at UCF.
As a senior in 1986-87, Friday, who came to Orlando after two years at San Diego City College, recorded a school-record 74 swats. That season he averaged 8.2 points and a team-high 6.7 boards.
As a senior, Friday posted a pair of impressive defensive performances. Against Western Illinois in Orlando, he established a school record with seven blocks. Just five days later, he matched the effort at home against Delaware State.
Season tickets for UCF's 2008-09 campaign are currently available. Head coach Kirk Speraw's Knights are slated to open the year on Nov. 16, hosting North Carolina A&T. The squad will play 16 games at the new UCF Arena, including a Conference USA contest with national runner-up Memphis. For more information about season tickets and premium seating options, contact the UCF ticket sales office at (407) UCF-1000.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.
The 2008-09 campaign will mark the UCF men's basketball program's 40th season. To commemorate the anniversary, UCF is unveiling the top-40 players in school history. Members of the UCF athletics communications office worked with UCF basketball historian Bill Beekman to select the best players who finished their collegiate careers as Knights. One player from the list will be recognized each Thursday at UCFAthletics.com.