Nov. 26, 2009
By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Freshman forward Keith Clanton (Orlando, Fla.) has made an immediate impact for the Knights this season. Through five games, the former Orlando Christian Prep star is averaging 8.2 points and 7.0 boards. Clanton is averaging 23.2 minutes per contest as a reserve, and is shooting 64.3 percent from the field. On the defensive end, the rookie has already totaled 10 blocked shots.
UCF's first post player off the bench, Clanton has helped the Knights start the year 4-1, with big wins over Auburn and Massachusetts.
No player more than junior forward A.J. Tyler (Palm Harbor, Fla.) has benefited from Clanton's arrival. With Clanton on the floor, Tyler has been able to up his offensive production. Tyler is averaging 10.0 points this year, compared to 7.1 a year ago.
"Having another big guy out there who is versatile helps me," Tyler said. "It is fun playing alongside him. We are able to work off of each other well."
Clanton, who has already recorded a double-double this season, still has much to learn. According to head coach Kirk Speraw, he is turning the ball over too much, and has had a few lapses on defense.
Tyler thinks that Clanton will show great improvement during the campaign, and will be a force for the Knights in the future.
"He is a great player. He has great skills. He will be able to learn a lot this year. He will be a great player for years to come."
Clanton and the Knights will return to action Saturday, hosting Albany at 5 p.m. at the UCF Arena. Fans can reserve their UCF football bowl tickets at the game, and then receive a free Knightmare t-shirt while supplies last.
A special "Pick Your Starting Five" ticket plan is currently available for UCF home contests at the UCF Arena. The plan allows fans to select tickets to five games of their choice for as little as $45. To purchase the "Pick Your Starting Five Plan" today, call (407) UCF-1000 or visit 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: The Knights practiced for three hours Thursday morning inside the UCF Practice Facility... With Marc Daniels in Alabama for the UCF-UAB football game, Scott Adams will handle play-by-play duties for the Knights' contest with Albany Saturday on the UCF-ISP Sports Network. Adams will be joined on the broadcast by former UCF star guard Mike O'Donnell.