Nov. 6, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - UCF's 2004 NCAA Tournament team did not lack leaders. Dexter Lyons was the squad's main scorer. As a point guard, Gary Johnson showed his leadership qualities each time he touched the ball. Then there was Roberto Morentin.
The big man was undoubtedly the Knights' emotional leader. One of the best post players in school history, the Spaniard wore his emotions on his sleeves during his two years at UCF. After each basket, block, foul or non-call, Morentin had a reaction.
"You don't have any problem understanding what's going on with Roberto," head coach Kirk Speraw told the Orlando Sentinel in 2004.
Morentin did more than just demonstrate his feelings on the court. His post moves included fadeway jumpers and baby hook shots. As a senior in 2003-04, he averaged 13.5 points and a team-high 6.9 boards. The 6-foot-9 Morentin shot 55.3 percent from the field.
He helped the Knights record their finest campaign at the Division I level that season. Speraw's squad won 25 contests, including a 13-game winning streak, claimed the Atlantic Sun Championship title and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Against Pittsburgh in the first round of the tournament, Morentin led UCF with 16 points and also grabbed nine rebounds.
In his first year at UCF, he averaged 10.3 points and 5.7 boards in 2002-03. Morentin did not speak English when he arrived at San Jacinto College in Texas in 2000. Four years later, the business management major earned ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District honors.
Speraw's 2008-09 team will open the regular season on Nov. 16, hosting North Carolina A&T at the UCF Arena. Season tickets are currently available by calling (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 marks 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.