Dec. 4, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - When discussions about the best players in UCF history arises, several names are usually mentioned. Bo Clark, the school's all-time leading scorer, is considered to be one of the greatest players to suit up for the Knights. Clark's teammate, Jerry Prather, is also referred to as one of the best at UCF, as is rebounding machine Ken Leeks.
One name that is not typically brought up is Benny Shaw. The absence could be explained by the fact that he spent just two years in Orlando after transferring from junior college in the mid-1970s.
Despite his short time at UCF, Shaw proved that he was one of the best scorers in program history, good enough to be selected in the National Basketball Association Draft.
In just 49 career games, Shaw totaled 1,238 points before the advent of the 3-point field goal. He ranks 11th all-time in scoring at UCF and is the only two-year player in the school's 1,000-point club. For his career, he averaged 25.4 points, which trails only Clark in UCF's record book.
As a junior in 1974-75, Shaw averaged 25.2 points for head coach Torchy Clark. He connected on 240 field goals and was named to the Associated Press Division II All-America Team. Shaw totaled 42 points in a game against Florida A&M.
The following season, he upped his average to 25.4 points. Shaw helped lead the Knights to a 20-5 mark and a 10-0 league record in the inaugural campaign of the Sunshine State Conference. In a contest versus Medgar Evers, he established a school record with 15 made free throws. The record still stands today. He again earned All-America honors and was tabbed to the Sunshine State Conference First Team.
The only player in school history to be selected in the NBA Draft, Shaw was picked by Milwaukee in the ninth round in 1976.
After five-consecutive games away from home, the 2008-09 Knights will host cross-state foe USF Saturday at 7 p.m. at the UCF Arena. Season tickets, which begin at only $99, are still available. 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.
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.