Oct. 23, 2009
By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - As of today, there is only one game this year that sophomore forward P.J. Gaynor (Jacksonville, Fla.) is looking ahead to - the Nov. 13 season opener versus Massachusetts at the UCF Arena. After a rookie year filled with ups and downs, Gaynor is excited about getting his sophomore campaign underway.
In 2008-09, he played in 25 games as a reserve, averaging 2.0 points in 9.6 minutes. He shot 50.0 percent overall, but averaged just 0.9 points in Conference USA play.
Gaynor expects to make more of a contribution this year. He says that his knowledge of head coach Kirk Speraw's system has grown leaps and bounds.
"Now that I have a year under my belt, of course the offense comes easier. The pace of the game is a little easier," he said. "It will also be easier because I know what is expected of me."
A skilled offensive player, Gaynor will be one of five posts on the UCF roster this year, along with junior A.J. Tyler (Palm Harbor, Fla.), sophomore Jakub Kusmieruk (Sokolow Podlaski, Poland), redshirt freshman Dave Diakite and freshman Keith Clanton (Orlando, Fla.).
Even armed with a greater understanding of the Knights' system, Gaynor plans on using the preseason to continue improving.
"I am still young, so I am still learning too," Gaynor said.
Season tickets for the 2009-10 campaign begin at just $79, and are currently available by calling (407) UCF-1000 or by visiting UCFAthletics.com.
On Nov. 1, fans can select their season-ticket location in person by attending UCF Pregame Madness. The free event, which begins at 5 p.m. at the UCF Arena, will include a short inter-squad men's scrimmage and an autograph session with the men's and women's teams.
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: When UCF Pregame Madness is held on Nov. 1, it will mark the second-straight year that UCF has held a basketball event during the preseason in conjunction with a home football contest. Last year, UCF Postgame Madness occurred on Nov. 7, following the UCF-Southern Miss game at Bright House Networks Stadium.