Dec. 14, 2009
By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Two years ago, UCF made its first trip to Tampa to face cross-state foe USF since 2000. Sitting out the 2007-08 campaign as a transfer from Clemson, junior forward A.J. Tyler (Palm Harbor, Fla.) missed out on the chance to play close to home.
Now starting in the post for the Knights, Tyler will have the opportunity to appear in front of friends and family members on Wednesday when UCF meets the host Bulls. Tip-off from the Sun Dome is set for 7 p.m.
"I am looking forward to playing at USF," Tyler said. "I am looking forward to going back home. It should be fun. I am sure that I will have a lot of people there."
In UCF's win over Bethune-Cookman in Orlando Saturday, Tyler led all players with 18 points. On the year, he is averaging 11.4 points and 4.9 rebounds.
Tyler is not the only Knight from the Tampa area. Sophomore guard Ben O'Donnell (Largo, Fla.) attended Largo High School and is in his first campaign with the Knights after transferring from Florida State.
The contest at USF will be televised live regionally on Bright House Sports Network.
UCF's next home game is Dec. 29, when the team opens the UCF Holiday Classic versus Liberty.
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 will head to Tampa Tuesday afternoon and practice at the Sun Dome that evening... Freshman forward Keith Clanton (Orlando, Fla.) had four blocks in the win over Bethune-Cookman. Clanton ranks fourth in Conference USA, averaging 2.0 swats per game.