At an imposing 6-foot-9 and nearly 250 pounds, Staphon Blair has the look of someone who can make a major contribution for the Knights this upcoming season. And now with a year of college experience, the big man has the potential to be a factor in the paint in 2013-14.

Blair has only been playing organized basketball for a few years after moving to Fort Lauderdale from Jamaica and used last season to get acclimated to playing on the Division I level. He appeared in 29 games, making one start, and averaged 1.9 points in 7.2 minutes per game.

He logged 11 minutes against No. 17 Memphis at home, and utilized his time to show UCF's fans his potential. Blair scored four points against the Tigers and had a huge block on a Joe Jackson dunk attempt.

Despite his efficient performance against Memphis, perhaps his best moments came during practice each day when he battled Keith Clanton, the best big man in program history. Blair should benefit from defending a crafty offensive player like Clanton and also from trying to score on UCF's all-time leading shot blocker.

Blair has great size, strength and potential. With Clanton's collegiate career now over, he will have the chance to earn more minutes utilize his opportunity to make an impact as a sophomore.

The thought of teaching and standing in front of an elementary school class made several UCF student-athletes nervous, but at the end of the day it was a memorable and rewarding experience.

 

13 Knights took part in the first "JA for a Day". A program associated with Junior Achievement of Central Florida. The goal of the organization is to help teach children in grades K-12 how to make smart academic and economic choices.

 

The UCF student-athletes taught five lessons to children between grades 3-5 at Hidden Oaks Elementary School.

 

"It's a wonderful opportunity for our student-athletes to not only develop professionally, but also personally," said UCF Assistant Athletic Director for Student Services Keith Embray. "The number one fear is speaking in the public and they will have to speak in the public to little people, but at the same time were very happy to be here."

 

To find out more about how "JA for a Day" went for the Knights watch the video above.

The first-ever Knights Without Borders trip has been over for nearly a month. But you can be sure the impact of the trip isn't over for the UCF student-athletes and administrators who made the trip to Panama to work in a pair of children's homes there. Of course, the hope is that there was just as big an impact made on the people the Knights Without Borders group worked with in Panama. 

The entire trip was documented on video and a full-length documentary is in the works. Here's the first trailer for that documentary to give viewers just a little more insight into what the trip to Panama was like for the Knights Without Borders. Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.

As a junior in 2012-13, Isaiah Sykes developed into one of the most versatile players in the country. Sykes led the nation with two triple-doubles and put up impressive stat lines nearly every game.

The Detroit native finished the year by averaging 16.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.3 steals in 35.4 minutes an outing. The dynamic Sykes played nearly every position on the floor, including ample time at point guard.

Playing the position for the first time on the collegiate level, the 6-foot-5 Sykes did his best each night and carried the Knights many games. He scored in double figures 27 times and had 12 20-point performances.

Sykes was recognized for his stellar all-around play with All-Conference USA First Team, NABC All-District 11 First Team and C-USA All-Defensive Team honors.

Following the season, Sykes declared for the NBA Draft, but withdrew his name for consideration in April. What is next for him as a Knight?

For starters, he will have the chance to showcase his game and abilities on a larger stage. When the Knights make their debut in the American Athletic Conference in 2013-14, UCF will face the toughest schedule in program history with contests against defending national champion Louisville, UConn, Cincinnati, Memphis and Temple. The team will play on television more often and a national audience will learn more about Sykes.

Additionally, he will have the opportunity to continue to handle the ball and show off his play-making abilities. Daiquan Walker is back for his sophomore year and will handle most of the point-guard duties, but Sykes will again have the chance to log time with the ball in his hands. He recorded 141 assists a year ago, but is working to cut down on his turnovers (109).

Finally, Sykes will have the chance to finish his career as one of the greatest players (and winners) in school history. Since the program moved to the Division I level in 1984, no Knight has been a member of four-straight 20-win teams. Sykes has that opportunity.

And with Sykes back, the Knights have the opportunity to make some noise in their first year in The American.

Matt Williams had an incredible college debut. After missing UCF's first five games of the 2012-13 campaign while recovering from an illness, Williams had a performance to remember against Florida Tech. The shooting guard played only 13 minutes off the bench, but finished with a team-high 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting from 3-point range.

In limited minutes, Williams drained 3-pointer after 3-pointer in the victory. His performance was good enough to earn the Orlando native the Conference USA Freshman of the Week award.

The traits that Williams displayed in his debut - a quick release, accurate shot and great feel for the game - helped the Jones High School product average 5.0 points in 15.6 minutes during the season. He appeared in all 26 games after his return and did most of his scoring from long distance. Thirty-seven of his 42 field goals came from 3-point range.

Williams hopes to show a more well-rounded game this upcoming season. A deceptively good athlete, he has the ability to get to the basket and can handle the ball if needed as well.

Williams can also earn minutes with his play on the defensive end. In UCF's memorable home win over Southern Miss, he logged 29 minutes and was on the floor at the end of the game thanks to his ability to guard on the perimeter.

With a continued focus on defense and focus on his all-around game, Williams can show in 2013-14 that he is more than just a knock-down shooter from deep.

Matt Williams had an incredible college debut. After missing UCF's first five games of the 2012-13 campaign while recovering from an illness, Williams had a performance to remember against Florida Tech. The shooting guard played only 13 minutes off the bench, but finished with a team-high 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting from 3-point range.

In limited minutes, Williams drained 3-pointer after 3-pointer in the victory. His performance was good enough to earn the Orlando native the Conference USA Freshman of the Week award.

The traits that Williams displayed in his debut - a quick release, accurate shot and great feel for the game - helped the Jones High School product average 5.0 points in 15.6 minutes during the season. He appeared in all 26 games after his return and did most of his scoring from long distance. Thirty-seven of his 42 field goals came from 3-point range.

Williams hopes to show a more well-rounded game this upcoming season. A deceptively good athlete, he has the ability to get to the basket and can handle the ball if needed as well.

Williams can also earn minutes with his play on the defensive end. In UCF's memorable home win over Southern Miss, he logged 29 minutes and was on the floor at the end of the game thanks to his ability to guard on the perimeter.

With a continued focus on defense and focus on his all-around game, Williams can show in 2013-14 that he is more than just a knock-down shooter from deep.