Oct. 9, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - No player represented UCF's impressive transition from the Atlantic Sun to Conference USA more than Josh Peppers. One of the few Knights who played in the pair of leagues, Peppers helped head coach Kirk Speraw's squad achieve success in both conferences.
Never known for his defense, the small forward from Memphis was always comfortable shooting the ball. From 2003-07, Peppers totaled 1,376 points, good for seventh in UCF history.
A key reserve on UCF's 2004 NCAA Tournament team, he played a bigger role the following campaign as a sophomore. Peppers averaged 13.1 points in 2004-05, helping the Knights again make the "Big Dance." Following the regular season, he earned a spot on the A-Sun All-Conference Second Team.
When the Knights moved to C-USA the following year, Peppers stepped up to the challenge. Facing better competition, he averaged 13.7 points as a junior.
Peppers made great strides with his game as a senior. He averaged a team-best 14.3 points to go with a career-high 4.5 rebounds. In league play, he ranked seventh in scoring (15.3) as the Knights won 22 contests and finished second in the 12-team conference. He was rewarded for his play with a spot on the All-C-USA Second Team.
Peppers finished his career as the school's all-time leader in games played (123). He ranks third in program history in 3-point field goals with 180 and is seventh in free throws with 258.
Season tickets for UCF's 2008-09 campaign are currently available. Head coach Kirk Speraw's Knights are slated to open the year on Nov. 16, hosting North Carolina A&T. The squad will play 16 games at the new UCF Arena, including a C-USA contest with national runner-up Memphis. For more information about season tickets and premium seating options, 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.
The 2008-09 campaign will mark the UCF men's basketball program's 40th season. To commemorate the anniversary, UCF is unveiling the top-40 players in school history. Members of the UCF athletics communications office worked with UCF basketball historian Bill Beekman to select the best players who finished their collegiate careers as Knights. One player from the list will be recognized each Thursday at UCFAthletics.com.