Oct. 8, 2009
By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Junior guard Taylor Young (Orlando, Fla.) and his UCF teammates have been waiting for Oct. 16 for weeks. After nearly two months of workouts, the Knights will officially start practice a week from Friday.
"We are very excited to start practice," Young said. "There is so much you do in the fall, but you are mostly waiting for the first weeks of practice."
Young appeared in all 31 games a year ago and averaged 3.3 points and 3.4 assists. He shot 31.6 percent from the field, and as a result, wanted to work on his accuracy during the offseason.
"It has gone well," he said. "I am shooting the ball more consistently."
Young is one of just three upperclassmen on the squad this season. In his fourth year at UCF after redshirting in 2006-07, he is serving as a mentor to some of his younger teammates.
Before team workouts, Young usually goes over plays with the underclassmen, making sure they understand head coach Kirk Speraw's offensive system.
"It is my fourth year. I understand the offense. I am trying to help the younger guys," Young said. "I really enjoy it. We have a lot of guys who have come in and need to learn and pickup stuff."
Young and the Knights will open the 2009-10 regular season on Nov. 13, hosting Massachusetts at the UCF Arena. Season tickets, which begin at just $79, 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 Friday, former UCF star Jermaine Taylor will return to Orlando when the Houston Rockets play an exhibition game against the Magic. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at the Amway Arena.