KAYLI REPORTS IN FROM UKNIGHT MADNESS

KAYLI KEOUGH: Last Friday the UCF Men's and Women's basketball teams stepped on the court to celebrate the upcoming 2011-2012 basketball seasons!  You could feel the excitement in the air as both teams were announced to all the fans.  The men's team showed off with some warmup drills and then competitions began.  There was a three point contest including fans, a player from the women's team (Leonella Montalvo), and the men's team (A.J. Rompza).  "Mr. UCF" aka A.J Rompza took the title in that contest.  Then the teams moved on to the skills contest with four teams made up of a men's player, a women's player, a fan, and a personality from 102 Jams.  One player had to hit a layup, another a free-throw, another a three-pointer, and finally all four had to try to hit a half court shot as quickly as possible.  This one was a lot of fun and it was really exciting try to hit the half court shot before the other teams.  There was also a contest to see if a fan could win $8,000 in scholarship money to UCF! One female and one male fan had one attempt at a half court shot and if they hit it, they got the money! UCF escaped without having to give out the check -- sadly neither hit the tough shot.  For the finale, the men's team had a dunk contest! Tristan Spurlock, P.J. Gaynor, and Kasey Wilson competed with some flashy dunks over teammates.  Kasey took home the prize (a WWE champion belt lol) for slamming the ball through the hoop after teammate, Keith Clanton, threw it off the side of the backboard.  All in all it was a great experience for both teams and the fans- makes us ready to officially start games this season!!! Hope to see y'all there!