ORLANDO, Fla. – Recognized as one of the best recruiters in the nation, Steve DeMeo has joined the University of Central Florida men’s basketball staff as an assistant coach, head coach Kirk Speraw announced Friday. DeMeo spent the last 10 seasons at Providence, where he served as the Friars’ associate head coach for four years.

During his time at Providence, the Friars participated in the postseason on five occasions, including a pair of trips to the NCAA Tournament. DeMeo also helped Providence finish in the top three in the BIG EAST standings three times.

After joining the Providence staff in 1998, DeMeo led the Friars’ recruiting efforts. He successfully recruited several future All-BIG EAST performers, including Ryan Gomes and Marcus Douthit. Gomes garnered All-America honors in 2003-04 and was selected in the 2005 National Basketball Association Draft by the Boston Celtics. Douthit was picked in the 2004 draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.

A New York City native, DeMeo was recognized as one of the top-25 assistant coaches in the country by Rivals.com in 2007.

“We are fortunate to attract a quality coach like Steve DeMeo to UCF. He brings an impressive list of credentials and a proven track record to our staff,” Speraw said. “As the associate head coach at Providence, he helped the program attract several successful recruiting classes. Steve is also a great teacher who brings a wealth of experience to UCF.”

--UCF ATHLETICS