April 26, 2010
By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - For each of the last two summers, sophomore guard Isaac Sosa (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico) had the opportunity to represent his homeland. Sosa gained international experience playing for Puerto Rico in a pair of prestigious events, including the FIBA U19 World Championship in New Zealand in 2009.
The tournaments gave the shooting guard a chance to compete against some of the top young players in the world, and he was able to contribute to the success of his national team. The sharp-shooting Sosa played well both summers; he averaged 9.6 points in New Zealand.
Despite all of the positives associated with representing Puerto Rico, participation in the tournaments might have stunted Sosa's growth as a player. Each summer when he could have been in Orlando working on his game, Sosa was utilized by the Puerto Rico coaching staff for what he does best: 3-point shooting.
With no obligations to play in international tournaments this summer, Sosa will have plenty of time to work on improving his game.
"For me, it is going to be better," he said. "I am going to stay here with the team. I will not be playing with somebody else, playing in a different system. I am going to stay here for summer A and summer B and apply the stuff that we are going to use next year. It is going to help me out."
Despite a tough stretch in January, Sosa was the top shooter from deep in Conference USA this past season, making 73-of-171 (42.7 percent) of his attempts. He averaged a team-high 10.3 points.
Sosa knows exactly what he needs to work on during the offseason - putting the ball on the floor and creating his own shot.
"I want to improve my game. I have already started a lot. I have been working on my own, focusing on ball-handling," he said.
The Knights will have a new look in 2010-11 as new head coach Donnie Jones plans to implement his fast-paced style of play. Sosa and Jones agree that he will no longer be able to simply rely on his 3-point shot.
"He said that in order for me to be successful in this system, I am going to have to put the ball on the floor and create on my own shot. I have the ability to do it. I just have to take it to the next level," Sosa said.
Sosa has no regrets about playing in the tournaments for his homeland. He is especially proud of getting the chance to wear the Puerto Rico uniform and help the island improve on the national scene. At the tournament in New Zealand, Puerto Rico placed sixth out of 16 teams.
"It is a great opportunity," he said about representing the island. "It is a different kind of competition."
The UCF ticket sales office is currently accepting season-ticket deposits for the 2010-11 campaign at (407) UCF-1000 or online at UCFAthletics.com. By placing their deposit now, fans will receive a free 2010-11 NIKE Knightmare t-shirt with their ticket purchase. Season tickets start at just $99.
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.