Seniors leave mark on team

With a lot still to play for, the Knights are trying to stay focused only on the next game.

For three Knights, however, the realization is creeping into the backs of their heads that their time at UCF is drawing to a close.

For seniors Tom Herzog, A.J. Tyler  and Taylor Young, their college careers are reaching their end as Wednesday's senior night approaches.

"I'm sure it'll be an emotional night," Young said.

Between the three of them is a combined 10 years with the program.

A.J. Tyler is in his fourth year with the program and his fifth year overall, after playing his freshmen season at Clemson and then sitting out his sophomore year due to transfer rules.

Tyler battled injury this year, costing him 12 games and putting a damper on his senior season. Nevertheless, Tyler has worked his way back and into the lineup for the Knights, coming up big at different times, most recently delivering a huge 14 points in a victory of Southern Miss.

"I just kept everything in perspective and I kept working hard,"  Tyler said.

Like Tyler, Young has seen the program at different extremes during his time with Knights.

"A lot of change, but just growth," Young said.

Head coach Donnie Jones said Young's passion for the game is expected to extend beyond his playing days.

"He's got a coach's mentality," Jones said. "He's got a great IQ for the game."

Herzog transferred from Michigan State last summer after getting minimal playing time with the Spartans, where he spent the first three seasons of his career.

While Herzog has only been with the program for a year, he has quickly endeared himself to fans and teammates with his style of play and ability to alter opposing offenses game plans.

"Tom's worked hard and he's had a great attitude," Jones said. "He's really helped in a lot of ways in a short period of time for our program."

Both Young and Tyler have seen the program go through some changes during their time here. Both came in at the end of the Jermaine Taylor-era. Taylor, now in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings, was the face of the program.

Now, all three seniors are leaving the program in great shape, as the Knights seemed poised to become a regular on the national scene with transfers becoming eligible next season and an impressive recruiting class.

"As a player, to watch [the program] grow and come to the great fanbase — it's been unbelievable," Young said.

All three players will be able to say they were part of the first UCF basketball team to be ranked in the national polls, a landmark for the program.

"The recognition we got was awesome to be a part of," Tyler said.

As for favorite memories, Young and Tyler seemed to agree that a 72-71 win over New Mexico on the road in 2008 was up at the top.

"Best road game as far as atmosphere was that New Mexico game," Tyler said. "That had to be one where you felt the vibe before the game."

With the end nearing on their careers, all three players are focused on finishing strong for the program.

"I'm so proud to be a UCF Knight and I'm going to be back here," Young said. "I'll be here for sure, helping out the program and contributing."