July 5, 2012

UCF Athletics Social Media Directory

By Brandon Naidus
UCFAthletics.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Calvin Newell's journey to UCF has had numerous stops along the way, but the dynamic guard is happy to be a Knight. Before transferring to UCF last December, Newell played at Oklahoma.

The junior averaged 13 points in five games last season for the Sooners. He posted a career-high 19 points in the Sooners' season opener against Idaho State. Newell played in 36 games in a year and a half with the Sooners, until he decided to head to UCF.

Due to NCAA transfer rules, Newell must sit out a year. He will be able to make his Knights debut in December.

Even though he has not been able to participate in games, he has still helped the program.

"I've been challenging guys every day. Every chance I get, I'm going to challenge them because I can't play until December. (The practices) are my game, until I can step actually on the court and play in December," he said. Newell describes himself as an east coast guard who is quick and can shoot well. He can play both guard spots.

Since arriving at UCF, he has been working on aspects of his game and is even watching film of NBA players to better himself.

"I've been working on ball handling, my mental state, when to pass and what read to do. I have been watching different film on Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade," he said.

Growing up in Philadelphia, Newell was primarily a football player until he started playing basketball in seventh grade. He started his high school career at Ridley High School, before transferring to Strath Haven High School.

"I played a year and a half there and I scored 1,400 points. I averaged 30.9 points per game and we made it to states and playoffs for the first time in school history. We had sold out crowds every night," he said.

Newell then went to Evelyn Mack Academy in Charlotte, N.C., to finish up classes before choosing Oklahoma. Now happy at UCF, he has high hopes for this upcoming season.

"I am turning my game up. I want to win. I want to help bring this school championships and anything positive."