April 8, 2010
By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Having visited the UCF campus three times over the last three years, Shawn Finney knew that the school boasted one of the top home venues in the country in the UCF Arena. But after spending just three days on campus this week, the new UCF assistant coach has learned that the school has much more to offer potential student-athletes.
"You have everything you need here," said Finney, who along with Brett Nelson and Darren Tillis, joined head coach Donnie Jones' staff as assistants on Tuesday. "You have the practice facility and a nice arena. You have an incredible campus with an incredible college atmosphere. We have a lot to sell here. There are a lot of amenities, not only in basketball, but on the whole campus."
Finney, Nelson and Tillis, plus director of basketball operations Tim Thomas, spent the last three seasons working for Jones at Marshall. The Thundering Herd traveled to UCF each year, giving Finney a glimpse at the school.
Even before joining the staff at Marshall, Finney was familiar with Conference USA. He served as the head coach at Tulane from 2000-05. Prior to taking the helm of the Green Wave program, Finney was an assistant coach under Tubby Smith at Tulsa (1991-95), Georgia (1995-97) and Kentucky (1997-00). He helped the Wildcats claim the national title in 1998.
Having been in C-USA while at Marshall, Finney feels that the coaching staff should be able to help the current Knights quickly adapt to Jones' up-tempo style of play.
"We have a good feel for what these current guys can do offensively and defensively. Coming in here and having the chance to watch them workout, we can see some of their strengths and weaknesses. When you are in the gym, actually coaching, you see things differently. But we are excited about this group and the opportunities here at UCF."
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.
Notes: On Thursday evening, UCF head coach Donnie Jones will appear on AlumKnight Live on 740 The Game in Orlando. Jones will join the show around 7:45 p.m... The Knights began their spring individual workouts earlier this week. The squad spent time with the new coaching staff Monday afternoon and Wednesday morning inside the UCF Practice Facility.