Oct. 23, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Sophomore guard Taylor Young (Orlando, Fla.) says he thinks like a veteran. Now in his third year in the program, Young is happy to take a leadership role on a youthful Knights' squad.
Young appeared in 24 contests last year, making one start. He played at both guard spots and dished out 26 assists with only seven turnovers.
Head coach Kirk Speraw's squad lost four backcourt players to graduation following the 2007-08 campaign, including starting guards Dave Noel and Mike O'Donnell. As a result, more will be expected out of Young this season.
"I think I can contribute a little more," Young said. "Leadership is obviously going to be a bigger thing this year compared to last year. If I need to score, I can score when called on."
UCF's roster includes seven true freshmen, so if Speraw asks Young to mentor the rookies, he is ready for the task.
"I do think that is my role," he said. "I am an upperclassmen now. This is my third year. (In practice) I try to grab the guards on the side and encourage them."
The freshmen class consists of four guards - A.J. Rompza (Chicago, lll.), Isaac Sosa (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico), Amara Thompson (Tucker, Ga.) and Will Weathers (New Orleans, La.).
UCF's season opener is slated for Nov. 16 as the Knights will begin the year at the new UCF Arena against North Carolina A&T. UCF will play 16 home contests in 2008-09. The schedule includes a Dec. 6 contest with cross-state foe USF and a Conference USA game with national power Memphis on Jan. 10.
Season tickets are currently on sale. To order your season tickets today, and to learn more about the Fastbreak Club and other premium seating opportunities, 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.
Notes: On Tuesday, plans were announced for the inaugural UCF Postgame Madness. The event, which will include an inter-squad scrimmage and a chance to choose your season ticket location, will occur on Nov. 8 after UCF's Homecoming football game with Southern Miss. Fans attending the event should enter the new UCF Arena through the building's main lobby. UCF Postgame Madness will include free food and giveaways and is scheduled to start around 7 p.m... After taking Wednesday off, the Knights returned to the practice court Thursday afternoon.