Nov. 14, 2012
="" alt="Twitter Logo" border="0" class="imported"> ="" alt="Facebook Logo" border="0" class="imported"> UCF Athletics Social Media Directory
By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - A pair of talented in-state prep standouts - Steve Haney and Justin McBride - have signed National Letters of Intent to join the UCF men's basketball program, head coach Donnie Jones announced Wednesday. Haney, a 6-foot-6 guard from St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, and McBride, a 6-foot-10 post player from Bradford High School in Starke, will compete for the Knights next fall when the program joins the BIG EAST Conference.
"We are so pleased that Steven and Justin are joining the program at such an exciting time as we move to the BIG EAST," Jones said. "Both Steven and Justin are passionate about this university and this program, and we are looking forward to them joining us this summer."
Haney is ranked among the top-150 seniors in the nation by Rivals.com, and is listed as the 42nd-best shooting guard. As a junior, he averaged 15.5 points and 4.0 rebounds and helped St. Thomas post a 21-5 record. He was named to the Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-State Class 7A First Team and the SourceHoops Class 7A All-State First Team. In April, Haney played for the United States U18 Team at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Germany.
"Steven comes from a great basketball family. He will bring a great basketball skill set to our program," Jones said. "Steven is a one of the top shooters in the country, but is also versatile and can play multiple guard positions."
McBride averaged 15.9 points and 11.7 boards as a junior. The big man also averaged 4.4 blocks per contest and was selected to Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-State Class 1A Team and the Gainesville Sun All-Area First Team. In 2010-11, he averaged 10.5 points and 9.3 rebounds for the Tornadoes.
"Justin has huge potential," Jones said. "He has a great skill set with the ability to score on the block and also be successful facing the basket. He is a hard worker with a great attitude who loves the game of basketball."
Haney and McBride join a program that has enjoyed great success under Jones. A year ago, the Knights won 22 games, including memorable victories over No. 4 UConn and Memphis, and earned a spot in the postseason NIT for the first time in school history.
The Knights are currently 2-0 this season and opened the campaign with an impressive 74-56 win over cross-state rival USF in Tampa last Saturday.