Dec. 16, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Last year, freshman forward P.J. Gaynor (Jacksonville, Fla.) often ventured over to the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena to watch Jacksonville University compete. On Saturday, Gaynor will be in action at the venue when the Knights meet Florida at 6:30 p.m.
The former Mandarin High School star expects at least 50 family members and friends to attend the game.
"I am real excited. I am always excited to play period, but I am really excited to play in Jacksonville," Gaynor said. "I am excited to see my family. My dad bought a bunch of tickets."
Gaynor had the best game of his young collegiate career Friday, totaling 12 points and seven rebounds in UCF's victory over Florida Tech. On the season, he is averaging 5.3 points and 2.7 boards per outing.
Last year, Gaynor received Florida Class 6A All-State Second Team honors after averaging 15.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, 4.0 blocks and 2.5 steals per game for Mandarin. He was also named to the Florida Times-Union All-First Coast Team.
Although Florida fans should outnumber UCF supporters Saturday, expect to see a large amount of black and gold in the stands. UCF's ticket office has sold 300 tickets to the contest.
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's young team got even greener over the weekend as freshman guard Kory Pugh (Orlando, Fla.) joined the squad as a walk-on. Pugh attended Pine Castle Christian and helped the Eagles to the 2006-07 Florida Class 1A State title. The Knights now have seven true and eight total freshmen on their roster... The contest with Florida will be aired live statewide on Fox Sports Florida.