Clanton honored by conference head coaches

Senior forward Keith Clanton has paid his dues, now he’s reaping the benefits.

The 6-foot-9-inch Knight was named the Conference USA Preseason Player of the Year by the league’s head coaches Thursday, becoming the first UCF player to earn the award.

“This is a great honor for Keith, and it is great that he is getting recognized,” UCF head coach Donnie Jones said in a release. “Keith has done a great job serving as a leader for our team and is very excited for his senior season. He knows that it is wonderful to receive the preseason praise, but how you lead your team during the season is what really matters.”

The senior averaged 14.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game last season, earning All-C-USA First Team honors.

But maybe most impressive of all is Clanton’s off-the-court track record.

Clanton took leadership to the next level during the offseason amid the turmoil brought on by the program’s postseason ban.

Seniors were given the opportunity to leave without penalty, giving the talented forward many options to choose from for his final year.

But, despite losing teammates Josh Crittle, Marcus Jordan and C.J. Reed, Clanton opted to stay for his final year, giving his team one of its most talented players and hope for the year.

Clanton will continue to climb in the UCF record books during his senior campaign. He is currently 11th all-time in scoring, third in rebounds and first in blocks.