June 11, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - In its latest edition, Dime Magazine calls UCF's Jermaine Taylor "the best sleeper" in the upcoming National Basketball Association Draft. Dime's Aron Phillips has a story about Taylor as part of the magazine's NBA Draft Preview.
Phillips writes that, "While Taylor has work to do on the defensive end, his ability to score the rock will undoubtedly be contributing to an NBA team next season." As a senior in 2008-09, Taylor ranked third nationally in scoring at 26.2 points per game.
In his story, Phillips credits Taylor for electing to attend the Portsmouth Invitational in April. Taylor led the event, which featured the top seniors in the country, in scoring, averaging 21.3 points.
Dime also lists the Conference USA Player of the Year as the 30th-best prospect in the draft.
Taylor has garnered plenty of media attention since the draft process began. In addition to a blog on Dime's web site, the shooting guard has had diary entries posted on Rivals.com.
Until his senior year, Taylor did not receive much national media coverage. He is clearly enjoying the recognition that he is now garnering.
"It hasn't always been like this," he said. "To now finally get a little respect is good."
The NBA Draft is set for June 25.
Season-ticket deposits for the 2009-10 UCF men's basketball campaign are currently being accepted. For more information, visit UCFAthletics.com or call (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.
Notes: On Wednesday, sophomore guard Isaac Sosa (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico) scored 11 points in Puerto Rico's 105-90 win over the United States in his squad's opening game at the World Juniors Basketball Tournament in France. The event runs through Sunday.