UIC Flames Basketball: What to Expect This Season

The UIC Flames are set to have a great season this year and we can’t wait to see what they’ll do! Here’s what you can expect from them this season.

UIC’s Current Roster

The University of Illinois at Chicago’s Men’s basketball team is gearing up for another season and there are a few things fans can expect. First, let’s take a look at the team’s current roster:

– Senior forward Dikembe Dixson is the team’s leading returning scorer after averaging 17.1 points per game last season. He is also a preseason all-conference selection.
– Senior guard Tarkus Ferguson is the team’s second leading returning scorer after averaging 10.5 points per game last season. He will likely start at point guard for the Flames this season.
– Junior guard Marcus Ottey is a transfer from Niagara who was named the MAAC Rookie of the Year last season. He will provide a scoring punch off the bench for the Flames.
– Sophomore forward Dominique Matthews redshirted last season after transferring from Northern Illinois He is expected to be a key contributor on both ends of the court for the Flames this season.

With four seniors and four juniors, this is one of the most experienced teams Head Coach Steve McClain has had in his time at UIC. The Flames will look to use that experience to make a run at the NCAA tournament this season.

UIC’s Schedule

The UIC Ames basketball team’s schedule has been announced for the upcoming season The Flames will be playing in a number of tournaments and face off against some tough opponents. Here’s a look at what to expect from the UIC Flames Basketball team this season.

UIC’s Conference

The UIC Flames compete in the Horizon League which is considered one of the top mid-major conferences in NCAA Division I basketball. The conference is made up of 10 teams, all located in the Midwest:

-Butler University
--Cleveland State University
--University of Detroit Mercy
--Green Bay Phoenix
--Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
-Milwaukee Panthers
-Northern Kentucky Norse
--Oakland Golden Grizzlies
--Youngstown State University

UIC’s Key Players

This season, watch out for UIC’s three Key Players juniors Dikembe Dixson and Marcus Ottey, and redshirt sophomore Tarkus Ferguson.

Dixson, the Horizon League’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, is a 6’7″ forward who averaged 13.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last season. He is a versatile player who can shoot from anywhere on the court, making him a difficult match-up for opposing teams.

Ottey, an honorable mention All-Horizon League selection last season, is a 6’2″ guard who averaged 11 points and 2.6 assists per game He is a high-energy player who is always looking for ways to make an impact on the game, whether it be scoring, rebounding or getting his teammates involved.

Ferguson is a 6’4″ guard who sat out last season due to NCAA transfer rules. He was a highly touted recruit coming out of High School and has the potential to be one of the best players in the Horizon League He has a great balance of size and athleticism and can score in a variety of ways.

UIC’s Coaching Staff

Under first year head coach Stephen A. Greer, the UIC Flames look to revive a storied Basketball Program that has seen limited success in recent years

The majority of the Coaching Staff has remained in tact from last season, with a few changes made in key positions.

UIC’s Style of Play

The UIC Flames men’s basketball team is looking to improve on their record from last season and make a run at the conference title Head Coach Steve McClain has instilled a tough, hard-nosed style of play that relies on aggressive defense and quick transitions on offense. The Flames typically play an up-tempo style of game, which can lead to some high scoring affairs. However, they are just as comfortable slowing things down and grind out a win with their tenacious defense.

One thing that you can always expect from UIC is a team that will fight until the final buzzer. They have shown time and again that they are never out of a game, regardless of the deficit. This fighting spirit has earned them the nickname “Cardiac Kids”, as they have come from behind to win numerous games in recent years With a mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers, the team looks to be in good position to build on last year’s success.

UIC’s Fans

UIC has some of the most passionate and dedicated fans in college basketball No matter what the game situation is, the fans are always loud and supportive. They really make a difference in the game and create a great atmosphere.

UIC’s Facilities

The UIC Pavilion, located at 525 S. Racine Ave., is the home of Flames basketball. The 10,000-seat arena originally opened in 1982 as the Sears Center and underwent a $69-million renovation in 2005. It features 42 suites, two club levels, four locker rooms a state-of-the-art score board and one of the largest center hung video boards in college basketball In addition to serving as the home of the Flames, the UIC Pavilion has also hosted Chicago Bulls preseason games Depaul Blue Demons men’s basketball games Big East Men’s Basketball Tournament games, WNBA Chicago Sky games and numerous concerts and family shows.

The UIC Pavilion is just one of many first-class facilities on campus that Flames athletes have at their disposal. The Campus Recreation Facility houses a six-lane pool, saunas, a steam room, an indoor track and weights. The Student Athletic Academic Services office provides tutoring services and academic advising to student-athletes. And the state-of-the-art athletic training facility features HydroWorx pools with under water treadmills for injury rehabilitation.

UIC’s History

UIC has a long and storied history in basketball. The Flames have made it to the NCAA Tournament four times in their history, with their most recent appearance coming in 2004. They have also won two regular season conference championships and one conference tournament championship.

UIC’s Rivalries

The UIC Flames have several long-standing rivals in College Basketball The most intense rivalry is with the Loyola Ramblers who are also located in Chicago. The two teams first met on the hardwood in 1981 and have played each other nearly every season since then. The Flames have had great success against Loyola in recent years winning 11 of the last 12 meetings.

Another big rivalry for UIC is with the Milwaukee Panthers These two teams have been playing each other since 1992 and they usually meet at least once a year. The Flames have a slight edge in this series, winning 19 of the 30 meetings between the two schools.

UIC also has rivalries with fellow Horizon League schools Green Bay Wright State and Cleveland State These games are always important as they could make the difference between finishing first or second in the Conference Standings