Gaynor ready for the next step

Last Saturday at Winter Park High School, P.J. Gaynor stepped on the court for the last time as a high school basketball player. Gaynor, a senior at Jacksonville's Mandarin High School, took part in the Senior Showcase, an all-star game pitting the best players from Florida against the nation. His next stop will be UCF.

Gaynor was on the roster for Team Florida, a group that included other Sunshine State standouts such as Jared Swopshire, Luke Loucks and Marcus Capers. He scored 13 points in the game, including four dunks, and seven rebounds.

"It was a lot of fun," Gaynor said after the game. "I liked everything about the whole weekend, especially just hanging out with all the guys, both Team Florida and Team USA, on the bus and in the hotel. It was an experience of a lifetime. This was my last game before I go to UCF so I had try and do as good as I could."

A couple of his future college teammates, Drew Speraw and A.J. Tyler, watched him from the stands.

"That was fun," Gaynor said. "It was great to see them out here."

The teams attended the Orlando Magic game Friday night, which Gaynor said was a highlight.

"That was really exciting," he said. "It was a good game to watch too and the Magic won, which is always good."

Gaynor also recently took part in the FACA North-South All-Star game in Daytona Beach where he scored six points and registered three blocked shots. He averaged 17 points and 11 rebounds his senior year at Mandarin, helping lead the Mustangs to a 22-8 record, which was the second best finish in school history.

He signed with UCF in the fall signing period, choosing the Knights over Nebraska, Tulane, Richmond, Appalachian State, Jacksonville and others.

"UCF was my first and only visit," Gaynor said. "The coaches are just great. I got along with the whole team. They're just a great group of guys. Just look at it-- UCF is very nice. It's not too far away and not too close either. My family can come and see me play."

Gaynor was a regular visitor to campus during the fall, attending several football and basketball games on unofficial visits. He'll officially be a Knight when he enrolls later this summer.

"I'm reporting on July 8," Gaynor said. "I'm going to Summer B. I'm real excited."

Gaynor, who is 6-foot-9, will play either the three or four position in college.

"The coaches just want me to work as hard as I can," he said. "I don't know what specific role I'll have, but I'll have to earn everything I get. I plan on working hard for lots of minutes."

He feels his best basketball skill right now is his first step, but he's working on everything. Gaynor, who is left-handed, moves well for his size, has the ability to play with his back to the basket and is also a good shooter.

"I think the future (at UCF) is looking good and bright," Gaynor said. "We're just one little step away from being there."