Gaynor is a bright spot this season for UCF

An eight-game losing streak is a dark time for any team.

It's over and done with now, with the Knights getting back into the win column on Feb. 12 after beating Tulsa, 58-57.

It was a dark time, but there was a bright spot.

Some players find opportunity through adversity, and in this instance, it was Knights' junior forward P.J. Gaynor.

Injuries to guards David Diakite and A.J. Rompza opened up a starting spot for Gaynor back on Jan. 29 against UAB. Gaynor, who started eight games last season under former-coach Kirk Speraw, has made the most of his increased role and has started the three games following the UAB game as well, for a total of four starts this season.

"He came and gave us what we needed at that three spot," said head coach Donnie Jones.

Gaynor is building a reputation for battling hard even when games aren't going so well.  During the Knights visit to the FedEx Forum on Jan. 26 for their first contest against Memphis, Gaynor came in and scored 10 points in 15 minutes, including a thunderous dunk, despite the fact that UCF was getting beat handedly.

Gaynor also creates problems match-up wise with his length. Listed at 6 feet, 8 inches, Gaynor's long arms make him a valuable defensive asset for Jones and his staff.

"With his length and his size he's able to, at least, affect guy's shots," Jones said.

Since becoming a starter, Gaynor is averaging 6.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. While not immediately associated with his shooting touch, he is shooting an impressive 49.4 percent on the season, 75 percent from the free throw line, and 29 percent on three pointers.

In the big win against Tulsa, Gaynor provided a big boost for UCF. Gaynor grabbed a team-high eight rebounds in the contest, in addition to contributing six points and two assists.

Earlier in the season, Gaynor's minutes varied, as a part of what was then a sizeable rotation for the Knights, who often had every player in uniform make an appearance in games. Still, Gaynor found ways to stand out, most notably recording 13 points and six rebounds over Alabama State, an 84-48 win for UCF.

Gaynor has also gotten in on this season's "block party" for the Knights. The Knights lead Conference USA in blocks and rank third nationally at 6.67 blocks per contest. Gaynor has contributed 12 blocks of his own.

Blocks are just a part of why Gaynor is valuable to the Knights and help him continue to earn his minutes. Gaynor is often a crowd favorite because of his intensity and passion on both sides of the ball.

"He's a tough kid, he plays with great heart," Jones said.

Most importantly, as the season winds down, Gaynor appears to be a player very comfortable in his role. On a team led in scoring by Keith Clanton and Marcus Jordan, Gaynor plays the role of defender and rebounder very well, but has shown a knack for making big shots, as well.

"He's not making mistakes and playing solid," Jones said.

"That's the biggest thing we need from that spot."