Oct. 28, 2009
By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Head coach Kirk Speraw has described UCF's 2009-10 non-conference schedule as the toughest in program history. The slate includes games against three BIG EAST Conference programs and two contests versus Southeastern Conference teams.
Speraw might not be too excited about games against Notre Dame, USF, Connecticut, Auburn and Ole Miss, but his players are certainly looking forward to the matchups. The Auburn contest is a neutral-site game in Daytona Beach. The other games are all on the road.
"I am just really excited. When I found out that we were playing at UConn and at Notre Dame, I was just real excited for the opportunity. I can't wait. Playing on the road is fun," junior guard Taylor Young (Orlando, Fla.) said.
The Knights are slated to begin the season on Nov. 13, hosting Massachusetts at the UCF Arena. Seven days later, the squad will open play at the Glenn Wilkes Classic. After meeting Auburn, the team will close the tournament against Niagara and Drake, two teams that played in the postseason a year ago.
UCF's young team - the Knights have 13 underclassmen - will face some tough challenges right at the start of the year. Junior forward A.J. Tyler (Palm Harbor, Fla.) thinks that the difficult schedule will only help the Knights.
"It is going to test us early. We will have the ability to see where we are as a team," he said. "It will help us move forward towards conference play. The earlier the better."
Season tickets for the 2009-10 campaign are currently available by calling (407) UCF-1000 or by visiting UCFAthletics.com. Tickets start at just $79. UCF Basketball Pregame Madness is set for Nov. 1 at the arena, and will feature a select-a-seat event, an inter-squad scrimmage and an autograph session. The free event will begin at 5 p.m.
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: Single-game tickets are scheduled to go on sale Friday... Season tickets were mailed yesterday, so fans should receive those in the coming days.