Oct. 23, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF women's basketball is working furiously to get set for the 2008-09 season. As the season opener at Colorado approaches on Nov. 16, each of the 14 players on the Knights' roster this season will be introduced to the fans each weekday on UCFAthletics.com. The series will run from Oct. 22 until Nov. 7.
Sophomore Emma Cannon (Rochester, N.Y.) made a splash on the college basketball scene in 2007-08. One of nine freshmen on last season's Knights' roster, Cannon established herself as a force on both ends of the court for head coach Joi Williams.
In earning a spot on the Conference USA All-Freshmen Team, Cannon averaged 11.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per contest.
"Emma gives us a strong presence in the post on both the offensive and defensive ends," said head coach Joi Williams. "We look for her to build off a great freshman campaign."
Despite the high expectations, Cannon is excited for the upcoming season and the strides that she has made as a player. She is the team's leading returning scorer and rebounder, but says she feels no pressure because of that.
"I do not feel any pressure, I just feel I need to step up and take a role and responsibility of being a leader," she said. "It is not about scoring but about helping my team in any way that I can, whether that means as the leading scorer or rebounding or defensively. I just hope to continue to get better, to play hard and to help my team in any way that I can."
Cannon ranked fourth last season among the nation's freshmen in double-doubles with 12. She grabbed 10-plus rebounds in 14 contests and her 261 rebounds rank seventh on the all-time single-season rebounding list. The New Yorker says she takes pride in crashing the boards.
"I love rebounding," she said. "I am very aggressive and if I see the ball I am going to go after it."
The Knights and Cannon are currently working in practice to prepare for the regular season. After opening at Colorado, UCF will play its home opener on Friday, Nov. 21, hosting Florida A&M at 7 p.m. at the new UCF Arena.
Season tickets for the UCF women's basketball program are currently on sale through the UCF ticket sales office. For more information about the arena's premium seating options, including club seats, group discounts, courtside tables and suites, contact the UCF ticket sales office at (407) UCF-1000 or visit the women's basketball ticket page at UCFAthletics.cstv.com/tickets/w-baskbl-tickets.html.
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.
Knight Life with Emma Cannon
- The best thing about being a Knight is...wearing black and gold
- I am most looking forward to...going to the Virgin Islands
- My first memory of playing basketball is...traveling every time I got the ball
- The best word to describe Coach Williams is...determined
- When I am finished playing basketball I plan to...play overseas
- My favorite sport play besides basketball is...volleyball
- My favorite sports to watch besides basketball is...tennis
- My favorite sports team is...the Boston Celtics
- My favorite book is...Addicted
- My favorite musician is...Lil Wayne
- My favorite movie is...Love and Basketball
- My favorite midnight snack is...a cookie
- My dream car is...a BMW
- If I could have dinner with anyone in the world, it would be...Kevin Garnett
- The person I most admire is...my mother because without her I would not have made it here