Oct. 27, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Adjusting from high school to college is never easy for student-athletes. For this season's UCF squad, there is strength in numbers. The Knights have seven true freshmen who are helping one another get acclimated to Division I basketball.
Six of the true freshmen arrived at UCF in June for summer classes. The rookies worked out and played pickup games together. On Oct. 17, the Knights officially began preparations for the 2008-09 campaign.
According to forward P.J. Gaynor (Jacksonville, Fla.), the large number of newcomers has helped in the transition from college to high school.
"It has helped a lot," Gaynor said. "We have all jelled. We are all real close. We talk about (moving to college) all the time."
For the freshmen, the transition is more than basketball. Going to college means more rigorous academic demands, not to mention living away from home.
Guard A.J. Rompza (Chicago, Ill.) says that his teammates have helped him adapt to life at UCF.
"We have a really close connection. The whole college life, not just basketball, is really a different experience for us all. We are all on the same page and really helping one another. It helps all of us."
As the 2008-09 campaign approaches, the young Knights realize that they are not only preparing for this season. They are working towards success in the future.
"These other six guys are like my brothers," guard Will Weathers (New Orleans, La.) said. "We are going to be together for the next four years. We sit in the locker room (after practice)... everyone is tired and everyone's muscles are aching, but we talk about working towards our goals."
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.
Fans can get an early preview of the Knights by attending UCF Postgame Madness, which is scheduled for after the UCF-Southern Miss football game on Nov. 8. The free event at the new UCF Arena includes an inter-squad scrimmage and an opportunity to choose your season ticket location for the upcoming season.
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: UCF head coach Kirk Speraw and assistant coach Steve DeMeo are featured in an article in the latest edition of ESPN The Magazine. The story discusses the college coaching profession... The Knights are scheduled to practice on Monday afternoon.