Oct. 24, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF women's basketball team 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.
At 5-10, sophomore D'Nay Daniels (Atlanta, Ga.) is one of the bigger guards in Conference USA. The Atlanta, Ga. native takes pride in her ability to exploit this advantage to excel defensively and rebound.
"On defense I see myself as a very good defender and an important rebounder because of my size as a guard," said Daniels. "I love playing defense, it is one of my favorite things to do, and I think coach would call me a defensive stopper. Most guards do not rebound and box out, but I always crash the boards so it usually gives our team an advantage in numbers on the boards."
As a freshman, Daniels made an immediate impact on C-USA and the Knights. She played in each of the 30 games, including 18 starts, and averaged 10.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per contest. The team's leading rebounder from the perimeter, Daniels grabbed four or more rebounds on 17 occasions.
"D'Nay has the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways," said head coach Joi Williams. "She is a great athlete and really came on strong at the end of last season."
While Daniels enjoys her role as a rebounder and a defender, she also has the ability to put up big numbers offensively. She is one of three Knights' returning players who averaged in double figures last season, and she posted 20-plus points in three games, including a career-high 22 against SE Louisiana on Dec. 15, 2007.
Looking to this season, Daniels sees the experience she gained last season as an edge, and she thinks the team will improve in some key areas.
"I think the experience will help because I know what to expect and I know how hard I have to play each and every game to help us win," said Daniels. "I am not concerned with what I do I just hope as a team we do really well and improve on turnovers, mental toughness and being able to play 40 minutes each game."
Daniels and UCF are currently practicing in preparation for the beginning of the regular season. After opening at Colorado, the Knights will play their 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 D'Nay Daniels
- The best thing about being a Knight is...exposure
- I am most looking forward to...traveling and being with the team
- My first memory of playing basketball is...doing cartwheels down the court
- The best word to describe Coach Williams is...classy
- When I am finished playing basketball I plan to...open my own sports agency
- My favorite sport play besides basketball is...volleyball
- My favorite sports to watch besides basketball is...volleyball
- My favorite TV show is...One on One
- My favorite book is...Flyy Girl
- My favorite cartoon character is...SpongeBob SquarePants
- My favorite movie is...Love and Basketball
- My favorite midnight snack is...pineapples
- My dream car is...Maybach
- My favorite sports team is...the New Orleans Hornets
- The person I most admire is...my mother because she is a hard worker