A COMPLETE PROGRAM A successful coaching staff that prepares its student-athletes for success in college and beyond. A new 10,000-seat arena that is loaded with dozens of top amenities, from luxury suites to a state-of-the-art video board. The Knightmare, a rowdy student section that is filled to capacity each home game. Twenty-four hour acccess to a brand-new basketball practice facility, which contains a spacious locker room and player lounge. The best in strength and conditioning and sports medicine. Membership in one of the top-10 conferences in college basketball. Alumni in the National Basketball Association. The nation s fifth-largest university, providing opportunities in hundreds of academic fields. Dedication to academic success for student-athletes. Brand-new student housing located in the center of a growing athletics village. Access to one of the world s most vibrant cities. 1
2 2009-10 UCF BASKETBALL
THE UCF ARENA Thanks to the UCF Arena, the Knights play in one of the finest facilities in the nation. The 10,000-seat venue opened in the fall of 2007 and is located on the north side of campus. The facility has dozens of top amenities, including a state-of-the-art video board, luxury suites and wide concourses. The Best of Both Worlds Step inside the UCF Arena and enjoy the best of both worlds - a first-class facility which also highlights the essence of college basketball. The building is one of only a few in the nation that offers unparalled luxury to student-athletes and fans, and also has a great gameday atmosphere. Similar to National Basketball Association venues, the arena features 16 spacious luxury suites and two party suites. The suites include kitchenettes and bar-style seating and can accommodate up to 20 guests. Additionally, the facility has two loges and the unique Black and Gold Club, which provides exclusive access to the club seating area. The arena helps provide UCF fans with a great entertainment experience during games. The Daktronics scoreboard above center court has four video screens that show replays and provide player information. Seven conncession stands with 28 points of sale are spread throughout the building. Crowded House The arena s unique design has helped develop an intimate atmosphere for fans, while creating an intimidating environment for UCF s opponents. As a result, the Knights enjoy a true homecourt advantage at the facility. The fans, including the raucous student section, are right on top of the action inside the arena. The building s architects created perfect sightlines for spectators, giving every fan a spectacular view. The Knights made their debut at the new arena on Nov. 11, 2007, posting an impressive 63-60 victory over national power Nevada. The team won 12 contests during its inaugural campaign at the new venue. Playing in front of record crowds, UCF has won 25 contests in only two years at the building. In 2007-08, UCF set a school single-season attendance record. The following campaign, a program-record 9,825 fans watched the Knights host Conference USA foe Memphis. 3
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION For UCF student-athletes, everything is right here. Team members reside in the Towers at Knights Plaza, which is located next to the UCF Arena and the UCF Practice Facility. Student-athletes dine at the recently completed Knightro s cafeteria, which is situated inside the arena. So not only do the Knights live a minute away from the arena, they also reside right next to their practice facility, weight room, study area and cafeteria. The convenience for our student-athletes is unmatched anywhere in the country, UCF head coach Kirk Speraw said. Everything that our student-athletes need on a daily basis is within a five-minute walk. 6 7 2 3 4 5 8 1 9 1. The UCF Arena The 10,000-seat UCF Arena opened in 2007, giving the Knights one of the best home courts in the country. 4. Sports Medicine Center The locker room connects to a state-of-the-art sports medicine center, giving the Knights easy access to treatment and rehabilitation. 7. Film Theater/Team Meeting Room The Knights watch film in a room inside the practice facility. Team meetings are also held in the room. 2. The UCF Practice Facility UCF student-athletes have 24-hour access to the facility, which includes a practice court with six baskets. 5. Coaches Offices UCF s coaching staff has offices, meeting rooms and a video room near the court inside the practice facility. 8. Knightro s Cafeteria UCF student-athletes dine at Knightro s, which opened in 2008. The cafeteria is located inside the UCF Arena. 3. Locker Room/Player Lounge The team s spacious locker room connects to a player lounge that includes flat-screen televisions and video-game systems. 6. Team Weight Room The Knights train inside a weight room at the UCF Practice Facility that is stocked with free weights, machine and cardio equipment. 9. Towers at Knights Plaza The Knights reside across the street from the arena at the Towers at Knights Plaza. The apartments opened in 2007. Welcoming the Best to Orlando Because of the UCF Arena, the Knights have been able to attract some of the nation s premier programs to Orlando. Since the venue opened, UCF has hosted several top teams including Connecticut, Nevada and Ole Miss. The Knights typically play 16 home contests - eight non-league games and eight Conference USA tilts. Big-Time Basketball, Big-Time Events In addition to big-time college basketball, the UCF Arena also hosts top national entertainment acts. Bill Cosby, Ciara, Fall Out Boy, Jimmy Fallon, Lupe Fiasco, 50 Cent, Flight of the Conchords, Nine Inch Nails, T.I. (above) and Carrie Underwood are among the acts that have performed at the venue. The arena also hosts UCF commencement ceremonies. Everything is Right Here The UCF Arena is the centerpiece of an area that includes apartment-style dormitories, where members of the team reside, and Knightro s cafeteria. The area has about 100,000-square feet of retail space. UCF student-athletes can dine at restaurants like Jimmy John s Gourmet Sandwiches, Red Brick Oven Pizza and Tailgaters, and shop at stores like Barnes & Noble books. 4 2009-10 UCF BASKETBALL
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT THE UCF ARENA What do former and current student-athletes and coaches think about the UCF Arena? Unanimously they believe that the venue is one of the top facilities in the country. Kirk Speraw The arena is a wonderful venue for the fans to watch a game, and thanks to their support, we have a great homecourt advantage. Jermaine Taylor It is crazy. It gets so loud. It is not too big, but it is not too small. It is just right. I think it is one of the best arenas that I have been to. A.J. Rompza It is like playing in an NBA arena. Everything is new here. The arena is only two years old. For me it is exactly like an NBA arena, just a little bit smaller and more intimate for the fans. 5
GAME NIGHT EXCITEMENT Thanks to Conference USA s best student section and thousands of other loyal fans, the Knights enjoy a true homecourt advantage at the UCF Arena. UCF has achieved great success since the facility opened in 2007, winning 25 home games in only two campaigns. The program has established several attendance records as all 10 of the top crowds in school history have been registered in the new building. UCF s rowdy student section, dubbed The Knightmare, is situated behind the north basket in the arena, creating a daunting atmosphere for opponents. Members of The Knightmare wear matching black t-shirts to each game. From the opening tip-off until the final buzzer, the students stand, stomp, jump, clap and cheer for the Knights. The excitement on game nights begins prior to the introduction of UCF s starting lineup, when the arena s lights are dimmed and a highlight viedo featuring the Knights is shown on the video boards. With spotlights shining, UCF s starters are introduced to the raucous crowd. Game nights at the UCF Arena also include performances from UCF s nationally-ranked cheerleading and dance squads, as well as music from the Jammin Knights. 6 2009-10 UCF BASKETBALL
The Knightmare We get the best student support in Conference USA. Thanks to them, it gets so loud inside the arena. - UCF head coach Kirk Speraw Packing the House Since moving into the UCF Arena, the Knights have set numerous attendance records. 7
8 2009-10 UCF BASKETBALL
THE UCF BASKETBALL PRACTICE FACILITY Not only do the Knights utilize one of the nation s finest home venues in the UCF Arena, members of the team also have access to the UCF Basketball Practice Facility. The venue opened in spring 2008 and includes a practice court for the Knights. UCF student-athletes have access to the facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The facility connects to the UCF Arena. The practice court contains six baskets, two shot clocks and a scoreboard. The Knights use the court for individual development and as a location for pickup games. The facility is equipped with a video system that allows the UCF coaching staff to tape every practice and workout. The coaches then visit with each student-athlete to analyze their performance. Offices and conference rooms for the UCF coaching staff are located on the second floor of the practice facility. A film room is adjacent to the offices. The practice facility was constructed during the 2007-08 campaign inside the former home of the Knights - the old UCF Arena. UCF played at the facility from 1991-07. Each summer, Kirk Speraw holds his youth basketball camps inside the venue. Total Fitness A 2,000-square foot weight room is located on the first floor of the facility. The weight room provides the Knights with access to free weight and machine equipment, cardio and treadmills. UCF s basketball teams are the only programs that use the weight room. Staying Healthy The Knights utilize a large sports medicine center located inside the practice facility. The sports medicine center connects to the team s locker room. Additionally, the center is adjacent to the UCF Arena for the Knights to use before and after games. 9
STUDENT-ATHLETE AMENITIES Inside the UCF Practice Facility, the Knights utilize a new locker room, which also connects to the UCF Arena, and a spacious player lounge. Both rooms are used exclusively by the men s basketball program. Inside the locker room, each student-athlete has his own locker stall, which has storage space for team equipment. A personalized name plate is located above each locker. The locker room has direct access to the sports medicine facility. The lounge provides the Knights with a place to relax between classes and before and after games and practices. The lounge includes pool and ping pong tables, two flat-screen televisions, a stereo system, an Xbox 360 and a Nintendo Wii. The lounge is furnished with several comfortable chairs. The Knights have 24-hour access to both the locker room and lounge. 10 2009-10 UCF BASKETBALL
A STAFF WITH EXPERIENCE Kirk Speraw s coaching staff at UCF features a unique blend of youthful vigor and unparalleled experience. Members of the staff possess all of the elements to help the Knights succeed on and off the court: college playing experience, postseason appearances, knowledge of the ins and outs of the game and most importantly, a passion for UCF basketball. Speraw is one of the longest-tenured head coaches in the nation. In his 17th year at UCF, he has guided the program to the NCAA Tournament on four occasions. After leading the Knights to a 22-win season and a second-place league finish, Speraw was named the Conference USA Coach of the Year in 2006-07. Speraw helped Jermaine Taylor garner All-America honors in 2008-09 and watched his shooting guard get selected by Washington with the 32nd overall pick in the 2009 National Basketball Association Draft. UCF s associate head coach, Mike Jaskulski, is in his fourth campaign with the Knights. He is in his 32nd season as a college coach and also has eight years of experience as a head coach, including four at the Division I level. Craig Brown has served as an assistant coach at UCF since the 2000-01 season. During his time in Orlando, the Knights have made two trips to the NCAA Tournament. Brown starred on the collegiate level at Florida and helped the Gators to the 1994 Final Four. Robert McCullum is in his first season at UCF. Like Jaskuski, he boasts Division I head coaching experience. He spent seven years as a head coach and also has assistant coaching stops at Illinois, Florida and Kansas State. Micah Byars is in his fourth campaign as UCF s director of basketball operations. He has nine years of college coaching experience. Byars coached at the junior college level for four years, working at a pair of schools in Florida. Mike Jaskulski Craig Brown Robert McCullum 11
EXCITING OFFENSE Kirk Speraw on UCF s offensive philosophy: We play an exciting brand of basketball. Our offense is designed to get guys good, open looks. We excel in the transition game and really give our guys a lot of freedom on the court. Our teams always run the floor well, and also know how to operate in the half court. Traditionally, our teams shoot the ball at a high percentage. Since we have joined Conference USA, we have led the league in field goal percentage and 3-point field goal percentage several times. We take pride in getting good looks at the basket. Josh Peppers All-Conference USA Second Team selection (2006-07) Dave Noel Led Conference USA in 3-point field goal percentage in 2007-08 Jermaine Taylor Basketball Times All-America Third Team pick (2008-09) A.J. Rompza Conference USA All-Freshman Team selection (2008-09) 12 2009-10 UCF BASKETBALL
DEFENSIVE PRIDE Kirk Speraw on UCF s defensive philosophy: We have a style that makes it difficult on our opponents every possesion. We certainly want to make it tough on them. Sometimes we extend defensively. Sometimes it will be a tough man-to-man. Sometimes it will be match-up zone. We don t want the opponents to feel comfortable when they are trying to run their offense. We make it difficult for them to take good, quality shots. We box out and make sure that we give them only one chance. Dexter Lyons Atlantic Sun Defensive Player of the Year (2003-04) Dave Noel All-Conference USA Defensive Team selection (2007-08) Mike O Donnell Totaled 140 steals to rank in the top-10 in program history Jermaine Taylor Was among the Conference USA leaders in blocks in 2008-09 13
PREPARING FOR SUCCESS At UCF, head coach Kirk Speraw and his staff prepare their student-athletes for success. Speraw s simple guidelines - work hard and do the right thing - urge the Knights to achieve both on and off of the court. Many former UCF standouts believe the UCF basketball philosophy not only helped them succeed during their time in college, but also has aided them in the real world. Coach Speraw helped me achieve so many goals during my time at UCF: I earned my degree, learned so much about the game of basketball and most importantly, grew as a person. - Mike O Donnell (2004-08) Every day, coach preaches hard work. That really prepares you to succeed after basketball and after college. - Mike Battle (2005-08) 08) Playing basketball at UCF helped me grow as a person as it taught me how to be more responsible and prepared me for adulthood. od. - Marcus Avant (2003-05) Although there were many life lessons I learned while playing basketball at UCF, I would have to say the most important life lessons learned were to set goals for yourself, work hard at achieving those goals and don t let road blocks stop you on your journey to success. - Darryl Davis (1991-95) I Playing at UCF prepared me for how it was going to be when I left college. UCF prepared me to be successful in the real world. - Lavell Payne (2005-07) I grew as a player and as a person while at UCF. Coach Speraw and the whole staff helped bring the best out of me as a player and I owe so much of my success to them. - Jermaine Taylor (2005-09) My time at UCF taught me so much about life. It was an important part of the journey in becoming the person I am today. I value my time at UCF and the opportunities and memories it has given me. - Reid Ketteler (1993-96) I grew so much while at UCF. Every time I had a problem or something going on in my life, I could talk to coach Speraw and the coaches and they would help me out. They offered encouragement in basketball and in life and it really helped me a lot. - Kenrick Zondervan (2005-09) 14 2009-10 UCF BASKETBALL
INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT UCF s experienced coaching staff helps each Knight reach his full potential upon arrival on campus. During his tenure at UCF, Kirk Speraw has aided hundreds of student-athletes in their development on the court. An All-America selection as a senior, Jermaine Taylor is an example of how individuals have improved each campaign while at UCF. As a freshman in 2005-06, Taylor averaged 4.3 points and 2.2 rebounds. Under Speraw s guidance, the shooting guard scored 12.7 points per game as a sophomore and also upped his rebound average. As a junior, Taylor continued to show improvement each and every time that he took the floor, and averaged 20.8 points. The 2008-09 Conference USA Player of the Year, Taylor was clearly one of the premier players in the country as a senior. He averaged 26.2 points, good for third in the nation, and established several school and C-USA records. Taylor was selected by Washington with the 32nd overall pick in the 2009 National Basketball Association Draft. He was traded to Houston on draft night and signed a multi-year deal with the Rockets. Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior Points Per Game 4.3 12.7 20.8 26.2 Field Goals Made 49 139 231 291 Field Goal Percentage.395.474.461.480 3-Point Field Goals Made 17 63 79 92 3-Point Field Goal Percentage.304.414.367.376 Free Throws Made 11 54 105 138 Free Throw Percentage.440.711.795.812 Rebounds Per Game 2.2 3.2 4.7 5.2 15
16 2009-10 UCF BASKETBALL
A PROUD HISTORY Dating back to its start in 1969, the UCF men s basketball program boasts a proud history. UCF s basketball tradition includes colorful coaches, memorable teams and All-America selections. The 2008-09 campaign served as the 40th season of Knights basketball. Torchy s Legacy Eugene Torchy Clark, who was responsible for starting the UCF program in 1969, and served as the school s head coach until 1983, passed away in April 2009 at age 80. Clark compiled a 274-89 record as the Knights head coach. Under his direction, UCF was ranked in the top-10 nationally at the Division II level for seven-consecutive years. Clark guided his squads to the NCAA Tournament six times. In 1978, his team advanced to the D-II Final Four. The Knights finished the 1977-78 campaign with a school-record 26 victories. His squad lost just two regular season contests, with both defeats coming against Division I programs. On two occasions, Clark earned Sunshine State Coach of the Year honors. The Wisconsin native is a member of the UCF Athletics and Sunshine State Conference Hall of Fame. While at UCF, he coached his sons, Bo and Mike. Clark s sons are both members of the UCF Athletics Hall of Fame, as are three other players that he coached. Playing in the Postseason Under head coach Kirk Speraw, the Knights have made four trips to the NCAA Tournament. Most recently, the team competed in the Big Dance in 2004 and 2005. After claiming the Atlantic Sun Championship crown in 2005, UCF met Connecticut in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Worcester, Mass. In 2004, UCF won the A-Sun Championship title and faced Pittsburgh in the postseason in Milwaukee, Wis. Speraw has guided the Knights to seven league championship games during his tenure. The Knights are 22-11 in league tournament contests under the veteran head coach. Since joining Conference USA in 2005, UCF has experienced great success in the 12-team league. On two occasions, the Knights have earned first-round byes at the C-USA Championship after finishing in the top four in the league. In 2006-07, UCF ended the regular season second in the league standings, earning Speraw the C-USA Coach of the Year award. 17
MEDIA SPOTLIGHT Thanks to their success on the hardwood, the Knights are enjoying a quickly-expanding media following. UCF plays in the nation s 19th-largest media market. The Knights receive exposure on the local, regional and national levels. In 2008-09, UCF players and coaches garnered coverage in national publications and web sites, including CBSsports.com, ESPN.com and Dime Magazine. In recent years, the Knights have appeared on national television several times. As a member of Conference USA, UCF has television contracts with CBS, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS College Sports and Comcast/Charter Southeast Sports. On the local level, Bright House Sports Network televises several UCF contests per year. All UCF games are broadcast on the UCF-ISP Sports Network and its flagship station, WYGM 740 The Game. Audio and video for all home and C-USA road games are also available online at UCFAthletics.com. UCF s official web site, UCFAthletics.com, is updated regularly with game notes, statistics, feature stories and notebooks. 18 2009-10 UCF BASKETBALL
SEE THE WORLD Under head coach Kirk Speraw, the Knights have played not only all over the United States, but around the world. In the last six years, UCF has played regular-season contests in 24 states, plus Mexico and Puerto Rico. A year ago, the Knights competed in the Cancun Challenge in Mexico. The event was held at the all-inclusive Moon Palace Resort. While in the Caribbean, UCF student-athletes had time to swim, kayak, jet ski and relax at the resort s eight pools. The trip to Mexico marked the fourth time in six years that UCF participated in a tournament outside of the continental United States. In 2006, the Knights competed in the San Juan Shootout in Puerto Rico. The program traveled to Fairbanks, Alaska, in 2004 for the BP Top of the World Classic. The Knights played three games at both of the tournaments. During the summer of 2005, UCF headed to Europe for a five-game exhibition tour. The UCF contingent visited Belgium, France and Holland. While overseas, the Knights had the opportunity to learn about different cultures and also visited famous sites, including the Eiffel Tower in Paris. UCF takes an overseas trip every few years. Attending UCF also means the chance to travel throughout the United States. In 2008-09, the Knights played contests in 11 different states. Since the start of the 2005-06 campaign, UCF has traveled to 17 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Kentucky and Minnesota, for games. The Moon Palace Resort The Knights in Cancun 19
20 2009-10 UCF BASKETBALL
KNIGHTS IN THE PROS In the weeks leading up to the 2009 National Basketball Association Draft, one of the most talked about players was UCF star Jermaine Taylor. Analysts and scouts raved about his scoring ability and athleticism. Playing for the Knights and head coach Kirk Speraw clearly helped Taylor prepare for the next level as he was selected with the 32nd overall pick of the draft by Washington. On draft night, the shooting guard was traded to Houston. In August, Taylor signed a multi-year contract with the Rockets. Taylor is one of many former Knights who have extended their playing careers after leaving UCF. Some Knights have played professionally in the United States, while others have headed overseas to represent UCF all over the world. Taylor s teammate, Kenrick Zondervan, signed with ESTIA Egaleo in Greece after graduating in 2009. Former UCF standout guard Dave Noel spent the 2008-09 campaign with Reno in the NBA Development League. In 2005, former UCF star Mark Jones made his NBA debut with the Orlando Magic. Dexter Lyons, a star on the Knights 2004 NCAA Tournament squad, spent the summers of 2004 and 2005 playing with NBA teams. He participated in the Pepsi Pro Summer League with the Boston Celtics in 2004. The following year, Lyons played with Orlando in the Reebok Vegas Summer League. In 1976, Bennie Shaw became the first UCF player to be affiliated with an NBA franchise when he was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the ninth round of the draft. Former Knights who played professionally in 2008-09 included Gary Johnson (Hertener Loewen - Germany), Lyons (Illescas - Spain), Roberto Morentin (Leche Rio - Spain), Lavell Payne (Pardubice - Czech Republic), Josh Peppers (Sendai - Japan) and Anthony Williams (Valdemoro Siglo - Spain). Dave Noel Mark Jones 21