UCF forward Keith Clanton drives past the Florida defense. Clanton will lead the short-handed Knights during their season opener Saturday. Credit: Gary W. Green / Orlando Sentinel.
UCF vs. St. Thomas
When: Saturday at 5 p.m.
Where: UCF Arena
Coverage: 740-AM (WYGM) in Orlando.
Online: The game will be streamed live online at UCFAthletics.com under All-Access for subscription fee. Click on the watch icon under the schedule section.
Buzz: UCF aims to move on from a tumultuous week, shifting its focus to the season opener against St. Thomas.
An NCAA investigation into men’s basketball and football recruiting practices prompted major changes within the UCF athletic department, including the resignation of UCF Athletic Director Keith Tribble and assistant football coach David Kelly. UCF men’s basketball coach Donnie Jones has been suspended for the first three Conference USA games of the season in January without pay. And senior point guard A.J. Rompza remains sideline while the school waits for the NCAA to rule on his eligibility. The NCAA’s notice of allegations alleges he took $500 from Ken Caldwell, a person Rompza has called his mentor since the fifth grade. However, the NCAA has classified Caldwell as someone working with a professional agent.
UCF senior guard Jeff Jordan, who was suspended for an unrelated question about his NCAA eligibility, has been reinstated and will play in the season opener.
Junior guard Marcus Jordan, senior forward P.J. Gaynor and junior forward Josh Crittle remain suspended for an undisclosed violation of team rules. Jones said there is no timeline for the completion of their suspension. However, the players are not expected to remain suspended for an extended portion of the season.
UCF will likely use the same starting lineup it did in a exhibition game against West Virginia Tech – sophomore forward Tristan Spurlock, junior forward Keith Clanton, senior center Dwight McCombs, freshman guard Rod Days and sophomore guard Isaiah Sykes.
Jones said he is hoping McCombs can stay out of early foul trouble that sidelined him for much of the exhibition game.
It is unlikely Jones’ team will be able to use the press as much as he wants with four players sitting out the game, but the Knights will still play extended pressure defense.
The St. Thomas game is UCF’s final opportunity clean up plays and get adjusted to Sykes running the offense before a big step up in competition. The Knights play at Florida State Monday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.com and the UCF radio team coverage will be streamed online at UCFAthletics.com.
The Sentinel’s Brendan Sonnone will be covering the UCF-St. Thomas game while I handle our UCF football at Southern Miss game-day coverage. Check back later today for postgame updates.
