Oct. 27, 2011
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By David Buchman
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Josh Crittle the self-proclaimed "biggest cheerleader" from last season," is ready to take the court with the UCF men's basketball team for the 2011-12 campaign.
"I came in last year knowing I had to do something to contribute to the team," he said. "I knew I wasn't going to be putting on a jersey every night, so I took it upon myself to try and get the fans involved as much as I could and just be the biggest cheerleader we had."
Crittle would have much preferred playing with the Knights last season, but due to NCAA transfer rules, he was required to sit a year after leaving Oregon. The 6-foot-9 post player didn't waste any time during his transfer year and made the best of it by getting in better shape.
"I wanted to come into this season and be able to play to the best of my abilities," he said. "In order to do so, I felt like I had to shed some pounds."
By working out hard and making changes in his diet, Crittle lost a total of 45 pounds since January and now weighs around 260 pounds, and credits the team's strength and conditioning coaches for the role they played in helping him get in better shape.
"I love being a Knight already," the redshirt junior mentioned. "And now that I'm feeling better than ever. I really can't wait to hit the court."
During the Knights' tour of Canada this summer, Crittle had his first taste of playing in a game as a Knight. Against the Champlain All-Stars, Crittle made his UCF debut and hit his first basket as a Knight. He went on to shoot 3-of-4 from the free throw line, and recorded three rebounds and two blocks as the Knights went on to win 88-66.
"Canada was awesome," he said. "Even though we were just playing exhibition games, it meant the world to me to finally contribute to the team and be on the court."
For Crittle, the next step in his Knights' basketball career is playing in his first game at the UCF Arena. In fact, it's something he has dreamed about since first transferring to UCF.
"Since I got here the fans have shown me a lot of support," he said. "I love Knight fans and I can't wait to play in front of them."