March 18, 2010
By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - In 2008-09, a list of UCF's top individual performances would have simply included Jermaine Taylor's top-10 games. After all, the All-America selection seemingly took over contest after contest, setting new school and Conference USA records in the process.
A look at the Knights' top individual showings from this past season is quite different. Balance was the key for the team, as six players averaged at least 7.0 points per game. The squad's top scorer, sophomore guard Isaac Sosa (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico), averaged 10.3 points.
Below is a list of the team's top individual performances from 2009-10:
10. A.J. Rompza at Marshall
In one of the most memorable games in Conference USA history, Rompza shot 2-of-15 from the field, and scored just five points. Ignore those numbers. The key to his stat line was 13 assists with only two turnovers. The Knights trailed by 17 points at halftime, but Rompza found scorers like Isaac Sosa and Taylor Young often after intermission, helping UCF get back into the ballgame. The point guard also spent 51 minutes on the floor, tying a UCF single-game record.
9. Keith Clanton vs. UAB
Clanton scored 13 points against the Blazers, but it was his work on the glass that was truly impressive. The rookie totaled 15 rebounds in the Conference USA contest. Six of his boards were offensive. Clanton's 15 rebounds were the most by a Knight in a league game since UCF joined C-USA in 2005, and were the most by a UCF player since Paul Reed grabbed 20 at Marist in 2001.
8. David Diakite at No. 14 UConn
Diakite logged just 22 minutes against the Huskies' huge front line before fouling out. He made the most of his time, helping UCF nearly upset UConn by dominating the glass. Diakite grabbed 13 rebounds, with six coming on the offensive end. The small forward scored just two points, but certainly made a big contribution on a snowy day in Hartford.
7. Keith Clanton vs. Rice
Clanton's Conference USA debut was a success. The freshman made 7-of-9 attempts from the field and finished with 17 points. Things went so well for Clanton that he even drained both of his 3-point tries. The Orlando native added six rebounds and three blocks in the Knights' victory.
6. A.J. Rompza vs. Houston
Rompza helped UCF sweep the season series with the Cougars, who eventually went on to claim the Conference USA Championship title. The Chicago native dished out 10 assists with only one turnover, and also registered four steals. He also scored eight points in the big win.
5. David Diakite vs. Albany
In UCF's victory over the Great Danes, Diakite did it all for the Knights. He made 7-of-11 field goals, grabbed eight rebounds and had a pair of steals in 29 minutes. The redshirt freshman brought the UCF Arena crowd to its feet with some big dunks, especially a jam off an in-bounds play in the second half.
4. Taylor Young at Marshall
During his career, Young has never been known as a scorer. Instead, he has served as an extra point guard on the floor for the Knights. At Marshall, Young showed that he could put the ball in the basket. The junior hit shots all over the court on his way to a career-best 23 points. Young shot 8-of-11 from the field in the triple-overtime game, and hit four triples in 41 minutes.
3. A.J. Tyler vs. Auburn
Tyler played big in UCF's victory over Auburn at the Glenn Wilkes Classic, which served as the program's first triumph over an SEC squad. The junior totaled 19 points and eight rebounds. He did most of his damage at the free-throw line, making 6-of-7 attempts.
2. Isaac Sosa vs. UMass
The UCF Arena was packed for UCF's season-opener against the Minutemen, and Sosa put on a great show. The sophomore hardly missed, making 9-of-11 attempts from the field, and 6-of-7 3-pointers on his way to a career-best 26 points. Sosa was a big reason that UCF shot 54.5 percent overall and 58.3 percent from 3-point range in the win.
1. Marcus Jordan at Houston
The freshman really was perfect in UCF's win over the host Cougars. Jordan made all nine of his field-goal attempts and finished with a season-high 23 points. Jordan hurt Houston both inside and outside. He nailed long jumpers, and also drove to the basket. The contest was a coming out party of sorts for the shooting guard, who along with Clanton, earned Conference USA All-Freshman Team honors at the conclusion of the season.
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.