Oct. 31, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - This past summer, freshman guard Isaac Sosa (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico) had the opportunity to face off against some of the world's best young players. Sosa hopes that the experience gained will help him make a contribution for the Knights this season.
In July, he averaged 13.8 points in five games for Puerto Rico at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship in Argentina. He totaled 19 points and six rebounds against Canada in the tournament's bronze medal game.
Sosa, who played one year at the high school level in south Florida at Grandview Prep, went up against some of the better young players in the world at the event. The United States squad included guard Kemba Walker of Connecticut and Travis Releford of Kansas, who are both considered two of the top freshmen in the nation this season.
Sosa credits the event with helping him adapt to the college game.
"That helped me get a lot of experience," he said. "I know the different levels of basketball. College is going to be a lot tougher and intense (than high school). In basketball, international experience is very important and I had the opportunity to get it."
Sosa lists shooting and attacking the basket as the strengths of his game. Although he played off the ball in high school, he says that he has the ability to play point guard for the Knights.
"They recruited me as a combo guard, so I am expecting to play the one and two," he said.
Sosa is one of seven true freshmen on UCF's roster this season. The Knights lost starting guards Dave Noel and Mike O'Donnell due to graduation after last year.
UCF's season opener is set for Nov. 16 against North Carolina A&T at the UCF Arena. 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, call the UCF ticket sales office at (407) UCF-1000.
On Nov. 8, UCF is hosting the inaugural postgame madness. The free event at the arena will include a chance to select your season ticket seat location, and will also feature an inter-squad scrimmage. The event will begin following the conclusion of the UCF-Southern Miss football game.
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: Yesterday, the preseason ESPN/USA Today Poll was released and two of UCF's 2008-09 opponents are listed in the rankings. Conference USA foe Memphis comes in at No. 12 and Florida is 19th.