July 31, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Most UCF fans only have one memory of forward Dave Diakite (Washington, D.C.) from the 2008-09 - an impressive dunk over a North Carolina A&T defender in the Knights' season-opening win at the UCF Arena. Diakite is working hard this summer to show UCF supporters that he can do more than just get above the rim.
Diakite played in UCF's first four contests a year ago, totaling 11 points and 18 rebounds. He injured his knee before the squad faced South Dakota State at the Cancun Challenge in Mexico on Nov. 29 and was forced to miss the remainder of the campaign.
With his injury now healed, Diakite is working on improving his game. The redshirt freshman says that he is focusing on his ball-handling and shooting. He should see time at small forward for the Knights in 2009-10, but at 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds, Diakite also has the ability to play down low.
"I can see myself playing the wing and a little bit of post," he said. "If I am needed to play down there, I can do it. I have been working on my game enough so that I could do it."
Regardless of what position he will play, Diakite is clearly excited about returning to the court and showing UCF fans his all-around game when the season begins in November.
"I am looking forward to it a lot. I can't wait. It has been almost a year since I played, so I am just anxious."
Season tickets for the 2009-10 campaign are currently on sale. New season ticket orders are currently being accepted by the UCF ticket sales office at (407) UCF-1000 or by visiting UCFAthletics.com. Head coach Kirk Speraw's team will open the slate on Nov. 13, hosting UMass at the UCF Arena.
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: With the hiring of Robert McCullum this week, UCF now has two assistant coaches who have head coaching experience on the Division I level. McCullum served as the head coach at both Western Michigan and USF. Associate head coach Mike Jaskulski is the other member of the staff with head coaching experience, having guided Towson.