Oct. 18, 2012
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By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Many young players would be intimidated by going against one of the premier big men in the nation each day in practice, but not Staphon Blair. The freshman forward has enjoyed guarding and being guarded by Keith Clanton since he arrived on the UCF campus this summer.
Blair, a 6-foot-9 forward from Fort Lauderdale, feels that battling against Clanton in practice and in pickup games has only helped as he makes the adjustment from high school to college.
"I enjoy going against Keith. We always compete," Blair said. "He pushes me. I try to push him. I can get better and hopefully he can get better at the same time."
In addition to squaring off with the Conference USA Preseason Player of the Year each day, Blair is spending plenty of time listening to the UCF coaching staff. He has embraced learning the Knights' offensive and defensive schemes and hopes to contribute at the start of the season.
An incredible athlete, Blair averaged 14.0 points, 14.0 rebounds and 4.5 blocks as a senior at Dillard High School. He hopes to show off his athleticism and his enthusiasm once the campaign begins on Nov. 10.
"I want to bring a lot of energy," he said. "I want to go in there in play hard, get rebounds and block shots."