Orlando Magic Daily
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2017 Central Florida 85 Nos. 35-50: Behind the scenes

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 24: Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins introduces Jeff Weltman as President of Basketball Operations during a press conference on May 24, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MAY 24: Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins introduces Jeff Weltman as President of Basketball Operations during a press conference on May 24, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Marc Leishman
ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 19: Marc Leishman of Australia celebrates with the winner’s trophy on the 18th green after the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented By MasterCard at Bay Hill Club and Lodge on March 19, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

46. Marc Leishman, PGA TOUR

The Arnold Palmer Invitational has had some great winners in its long history. Tiger Woods is chief among them. But many of the game’s greats have won the tournament.

So who is Marc Leishman?

The Australian won this year’s tournament by one stroke. It was just his second win of his career, and his first since 2012. Leishman is just a solid player — currently 20th in the FedEx Cup standings and 30th in the Official World Golf Rankings.

That makes him a solid champion at Bay Hill, although not the biggest name. Bay Hill certainly rewards players who hit it long and can play solid approach shots. And his breakthrough win this year was a big one for the veteran pro.

45. A.J. Davis, UCF Men’s Basketball

A.J. Davis is not always the guy anyone notices on the basketball floor for UCF. Tacko Fall is 7-foot-6 and kind of hard to miss, sucking up all the attention on the court. And B.J. Taylor too is hard to miss with his lightning quick drives to the basket.

But Davis is someone who makes the team go. Of course, the son of former NBA veteran Antonio Davis is a solid defender and has great length and athleticism to guard multiple positions. His scoring is still coming along — he averaged only 8.3 points per game.

What Davis provides this team is just a solid foundation. He defends, he rebounds and, when called upon, he will make his open shots. For UCF to complete the turnaround and make the NCAA Tournament this year, they will need Davis to lead the team as its senior.

44. Will Johnson, Orlando City

When Orlando City was at its peak earlier in the season, Will Johnson was his very best.

The midfielder was a calming presence on both sides of the field, able to win the ball and get the attack going and distribute into the box to put players in position to score. His role is not to score necessarily — he has two goals and three assists. But he has shown plenty of danger to do so throughout the year.

Johnson is going to remain a key glue guy for Orlando City as the team searches for its first Playoff berth. The MLS veteran is not likely to go anywhere and should remain a fixture in the Orlando City lineup.

43. Cre Finfrock, UCF Baseball

Cre Finfrock was set to have a banner junior year for UCF last year. The pitcher had a solid sophomore season, going 4-7 in 15 starts but pitching 76 strikeouts. A lot of the buildup for Finfrock was his becoming the team’s ace and bouncing back to where he was his freshman year.

A should injury derailed Finfrock last year. He missed the entire season. So his junior year in 2018 will not only be a tour of redemption, but also one to boost his MLB Draft stock. Finfrock was well on the radars for scouts before his injury. Now he has to prove he belongs again.

And now he will be on a Knights team that has tournament expectations again.