June 11, 2010
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By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
Click here to secure your season tickets for the 2010-11 campaign
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Since taking over the helm of the UCF program in late March, head coach Donnie Jones has been focused on getting to know the current Knights. Making matters easier for Jones is the fact that he already has a relationship with one of his new players.
Senior forward A.J. Tyler (Palm Harbor, Fla.) has known Jones for about eight years, through Jones' relationship with his brother Garrett. While Jones was an assistant coach at Florida, Garrett was a member of the Gators from 2004-07. He helped the program claim back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007.
Tyler got to know Jones while his brother was at Florida. When Jones was named UCF's head coach, Tyler felt comfortable with the pick. So did Garrett, who now lives in Texas and came to watch the Knights play at SMU and Rice this past season.
"My brother said that he is a great guy and a great coach," Tyler said of Jones. "He had a really good relationship with him at Florida. He had nothing but positive things to say about him and his ability to coach."
Jones had a chance to work with the Knights in April during the team's individual workouts. As a result, Tyler says the Knights know what to expect from their new coach.
"He is a motivator, he really pushes us hard," Tyler said. "He expects us to bring the intensity every day."
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.