Nov. 8, 2009
By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - In UCF's exhibition win over St. Leo Wednesday, freshman forward Keith Clanton (Orlando, Fla.) showed flashes of his potential. On his way to 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the field, the heralded freshman had several impressive plays offensively.
Head coach Kirk Speraw expects that it will take a little while for Clanton to get adapted to the college game. When he does, says Speraw, Clanton should be able to contribute for the Knights.
"When he gets a feel for what he is doing, then his natural talents will really start to come out. You saw a couple of them (against St. Leo), and some of the plays that he can make," he said. "We have got to make him more assertive at the right time, and get him stronger and more intense at different times. He has been great in trying to listen and improve on the things that we are trying to get him to improve on."
Clanton should see time at both forward spots as a rookie. He has the ability to play both facing up, and with his back to the basket, which has Speraw and the UCF coaching staff excited.
"He is very versatile," Speraw said. "That is why he fits very well with our offense... because of his versatility. I think that is a big reason why he chose to be here because we are going to utilize all of his talents. He has a chance to be a good player for us."
Clanton and the Knights will open the regular season on Friday, hosting Massachusetts at the UCF Arena. Season tickets, which begin at just $79, are currently available by calling (407) UCF-1000.
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: As part of UCF's Armored in Black campaign for Homecoming, fans are encouraged to wear black to support the Knights Friday against Massachusetts.