Oct. 29, 2009
By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - For as long as he can remember, freshman guard Nik Garcia (Chicago, Ill.) has been an accurate shooter. Garcia feels that his shooting ability will help him contribute for the Knights this year.
The shooting guard averaged 22.0 points as a senior at Evanston Township High School a year ago. He brings a scorer's mentality to UCF, which should only help the Knights in 2009-10.
"I think I need to come in and provide some offense," he said. "I need to make some shots. I think I can give the team a boost offensively."
Head coach Kirk Speraw believes that Garcia's shooting ability will allow him to make an impact as a freshman.
"He can really shoot the ball," Speraw said. "Nik shoots with great confidence. He has such a quick release and is very accurate."
Garcia is hoping to exhibit a more well-rounded game once the season starts. He says that during the preseason, he has focused on getting to the basket and becoming a better defender.
Garcia and his UCF teammates will open the regular season on Nov. 13, hosting Massachusetts. Season tickets start at just $79 and are currently available by calling (407) UCF-1000 or by visiting UCFAthletics.com.
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 Thursday evening, CBS College Sports will air the Conference USA Men's Basketball Tip-Off Show at 9 p.m. The program will include a look at the Knights and an interview with Speraw... UCF Basketball Pregame Madness is set for this Sunday, starting at 5 p.m. The free event at the UCF Arena will include an autograph session with the Knights and a chance to pick your season ticket seat location... Single-game tickets for the 2009-10 campaign will go on sale Friday morning via Ticketmaster.