May 6, 2011
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By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Last summer, Dwight McCombs got a late start in preparing for his first season at UCF. After concluding his studies at Moraine Valley Community College in Illinois, McCombs moved to Orlando in time to start classes for the second summer session.
UCF's large group of returnees had spent the previous summer session on campus, working out and playing pickup games each day. The workouts and games provided the Knights with the opportunity to learn more about, and get prepared to play in, new head coach Donnie Jones' up-tempo system.
So when McCombs arrived at UCF, he had ample work to do on the court. Not only did the post player need to learn about his new teammates, but he also had to improve his conditioning in order to thrive in Jones' system.
In 2010-11, McCombs appeared in 32 games, making 19 starts. The Chicago native averaged 3.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 12.1 minutes of action. He also shot an impressive 64.3 percent from the field.
McCombs enters his senior campaign knowing exactly what he needs to do to have a successful season at UCF.
"Being able to be in the program for a year, I know what the expectations are. With that being said, I can prepare all summer to be ready to succeed," he said. Success for McCombs will start with conditioning. He plans to workout each day, and eat right to stay in great shape.
Nearly all of McCombs' points last season came in the paint or at the free-throw line, so this summer he is also working on diversifying his game.
"I am really working on my game from 15 feet," he said. "I want to have a good jump shot. I am going to have more balance in my game."
McCombs will certainly be working hard this summer, both in Chicago and in Orlando. And as his final collegiate campaign approaches, he strongly believes that he won't be the only Knight putting in major effort over the summer.
"We are all going to work hard to make sure we have success," McCombs said.