UIC Flames 2024-25 Basketball Yearbook by Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment

men’s basketball 2024-25 season Preview

In many ways, the 2024-25 UIC men’s basketball season could be the equivalent of an eager young couple moving into a newlybuilt home. The moment you step through the front door, you take in the smell of fresh paint, the furniture straight from the showroom floor and the shiny marble countertops.

The Flames will enjoy a clean slate of their own this season led by first-year head coach Rob Ehsan. A coaching veteran with more than 20 seasons on the sidelines as both a head coach (UAB) and a power conference assistant (Maryland, Virginia Tech and Stanford), Ehsan has a wealth of experience to lean upon, particularly employing an up-tempo, crowdpleasing offensive style as he looks to build his vision of a winner with Chicago’s College Team. Ehsan takes the reins of a UIC program that will be entering its third season in the Missouri Valley Conference following an upand-down campaign in 2023-24. The Flames encountered a number of close losses, having been extremely competitive throughout the conference season. In fact, UIC either led, was tied or was within one possession of the lead in 17 of its 20 Valley games last year. The Flames also made history with their first-ever win at the State Farm MVC Tournament (aka “Arch Madness”), defeating Southern Illinois, 84-82 in double overtime in the opening round.

Two starters from that squad will return for UIC this season. Senior forward and preseason all-MVC selection Filip Skobalj averaged a career-high 8.2 ppg. and ranked second in the MVC with a .418 three-point percentage (.467 in conference games, leading all 2024-25 MVC returnees in both categories), highlighted by a career-high 21 points on 7-of-7 shooting (5-of-5 from three-point range) in a Feb. 11 win over UNI. Meanwhile, senior guard Ethan Pickett added 6.0 ppg. and was second on the team with a .533 field-goal percentage last year. Pickett had a knack for coming up big in key games, including a season-high 16 points in the MVC Tournament win over Southern Illinois. Rounding out the contingent of returnees for the Flames will be walk-on sophomore guards Grant Welch and Khaled Khaled. Of the pair, only Welch saw action last season, appearing in five games and scoring a total of eight points, including three-pointers against Aurora and Murray State.

The success of the 2024-25 UIC men’s basketball team will very likely result from the growth of the 11 newcomers on the Flames’ roster, including eight NCAA Division I transfers who will be donning the Fire Engine Red and Navy Pier Blue. Of those eight, four competed previously at power conference schools and three have experience playing at the NCAA

Tournament. Thus, it’s no surprise that UIC’s incoming class has been universally ranked one of the best new groups in the Missouri Valley Conference this season.

Graduate student guard Joshua Reaves will have two seasons of eligibility at UIC after attending Mount St. Mary’s, where he appeared in 87 games and started 65 times (he missed all but three games as a junior in 202223 due to injury) while earning his bachelor’s degree in business. At the Emmitsburg, Md., school, Reaves averaged 7.5 points per game with a sharp .368 three-point percentage and helped Mount St. Mary’s win the 2021 Northeast Conference title and advance to the NCAA Tournament. Last season, Reaves started all 32 games for the Mountaineers, averaging a career-high 8.8 points per game with a personal-best 65 three-pointers and a .376 three-point percentage. He scored in double figures 12 times last year, highlighted by a career-high 24 points and 6-of-10 threepointers in a Feb. 10 win over MAAC champion Quinnipiac.

Sophomore guard Ahmad Henderson II earned a spot on last year’s Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) All-Rookie Team while at Niagara University. The Chicago native was a four-time MAAC Rookie of the Week selection and appeared in all 32 games as a freshman for the Purple Eagles, starting 26 times. He ranked second on the team and 20th in the MAAC in scoring (11.2 ppg.), reaching double figures 21 times, including five 20-point figures 21 times, including five 20-point outings. Henderson also scored a career-high 28 points in the Purple Eagles’ home opener on Nov. 11 against Bucknell (a school record for points by a freshman in his home debut) and added 27 points on Jan. 15 against Siena, the most by any MAAC freshman last season.

Junior guard Javon Jackson spent last season at Utah State University, appearing in 28 games and averaging 4.5 points per game with a .379 three-point percentage for an Aggies’ squad that went 28-7, won the Mountain West Conference title and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He scored in double figures three times, including a career-high 16 points, five rebounds and three steals in Utah State’s conference tournament quarterfinal win over Fresno State on March 14. Eight days earlier at San José State, Jackson connected on 5-of-6 three-pointers and scored 15 points while his .833 three-point percentage ranks among the top 15 in program history for a single game.

Graduate student guard Tyem Freeman spent last season at Kent State University, where he appeared in 30 games (four starts) and averaged 5.6 points and 2.0 rebounds per game while helping KSU reach the Mid-American Conference Tournament championship game. He was also the Golden Flashes’ top three-point threat, connecting at a .464 clip (26-of-56) from beyond the arc. Freeman scored in double figures six times at KSU, including a season-high 16 points and a 4-of-5 three-pointers at Oregon (Dec. 21) and 16 points and a career-best nine rebounds against Ohio University (Jan. 26).

Prior to arriving at Kent State, Freeman attended UCF for two years, playing in 54 games (two starts) for the Knights and averaging 4.2 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. His best season in Orlando came in 2021-22 when he averaged 5.0 ppg. and ranked second on the UCF roster with a .570 field-goal percentage and .848 free-throw percentage. Freeman also scored a careerhigh 22 points on Jan. 14, 2023, at Tulane, one of the highlights of his second season with the Knights that culminated with a win over Florida and a trip to the second round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).

Junior guard Jordan Mason was a standout in the backcourt at Texas State University for the past two seasons, playing in 61 games and starting 42 times for the Bobcats. During that time, he averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game, posting 29 doubledigit scoring games and helping Texas State advance to the Sun Belt Conference Tournament semifinals both years.

Last season, Mason posted career highs in all major categories, averaging a team-high 12.9 points (18th in the Sun Belt), 3.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists (second on the team) and 1.3 steals per game. He scored in double figures 20 times, including four 20-point games, and had seven games with five-or-more assists. The San Antonio native went on to earn a spot on the Sun Belt All-Tournament Team after averaging 16.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.3 steals in Texas State’s four games, including a career-high 25 points (9-11 FG, 3-3 3FG) in a quarterfinal win over Troy.

The other incoming transfers this season are a pair of redshirt seniors in forward Modestas Kancleris (Cal State Bakersfield) and guard Koby Jeffries (UT Martin).

They will be joined by a trio of incoming freshmen. Carlos Harris III is a Chicago native who was a two-time all-state guard at Curie Metropolitan High School, where he averaged 14 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals per game for the Condors. In his final season, Harris (A three-star athlete ranked among the top 35 point guards in the country) helped Curie to a 31-3 record, the Class 4A sectional title and was the top vote-getter among the media for all-state honors by the Illinois High School Association.

Originally from the Atlanta metro region, Jayce Nathaniel was a three-star athlete who was ranked among the top 50 power forwards in the country by 247Sports and selected UIC over

offers from power conference programs Georgia and Cincinnati. He played three seasons at Buford (Ga.) Lanier High School before moving to Chandler, Ariz., to attend AZ Compass Prep and playing for its EYBL Scholastic Program during his senior year. While there, he averaged 5.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, including a season-high 17 points in a win at Bartlett (Tenn.) High School and a double-double (11 points, 11 rebounds) at Whitehaven (Tenn.).

During his three years at Lanier, Nathaniel was a 1,000-point scorer, a Georgia Basketball Coaches Association (GBCA) Junior All-Star and a consensus all-state selection in 2023 after helping the Longhorns to a school recordtying 26 wins and a berth in the Georgia Class 6A Final Four. On the AAU circuit, Nathaniel was a standout for Team Curry, notably averaging 9.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game at last summer’s Sportradar Showdown in Las Vegas.

The other UIC rookie will be Spanish forward Iker Garmendia, a swingman who brings a strong blend of club and international experience to Chicago’s College Team. The past two seasons, he suited up for the Joventut Badalona club in Spain’s Liga EBA, averaging 11.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while appearing in 30 games. Most recently in 202324, he averaged 15.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game and led the team with 31 threepointers in 15 games.

Along with his club team, Garmendia has been a key contributor to Spain’s U16 and U18 national teams for the past two summers, helping his country earn silver medals at the 2022 FIBA U16 European Championships and 2023 FIBA U18 European Championships. In 2022, he averaged 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in seven tournament games, including 12 points against Poland in the round of 16 and 10 points (on near-perfect 4-of-5 shooting) in the

semifinals against France. In 2023, he added 2.1 points and 2.1 rebounds while appearing in six of Spain’s seven tournament games.

UIC will play nearly half its non-conference games against programs that earned postseason berths last year — including three NCAA Tournament participants in a twoweek span in mid-November — as part of the Flames’ 11-game non-conference schedule. This year’s UIC slate features five nonconference home games, highlighted by a Nov. 8 encounter with NCAA second-round qualifier Yale, as well as a road trip to Windy City rival Northwestern (Nov. 12) and a pre-Thanksgiving appearance at the inaugural Boardwalk Battle in Daytona Beach, Fla. That tournament will see the Flames open against NCAA secondround participant James Madison (Nov. 21) and could result in two more matchups with postseason qualifiers from last spring. UIC closes its non-conference slate with a rugged two-game swing to Ohio Valley Conference champion Little Rock (Dec. 15) and reigning CBI Tournament champion Seattle (Dec. 20).

The Flames’ 20-game MVC schedule begins Dec. 4 with a home game against UNI and resumes after the Christmas holiday. Among the Valley schedule highlights for UIC are six Saturday home games and a unique New Year’s Day home game against Drake. The Flames will also play on a Saturday at their closest conference opponent, Valparaiso (Jan. 18) and see the Beacons a second time on March 2 for Senior Day.

UIC will then head to St. Louis for Arch Madness, as the 49th edition of the State Farm MVC Tournament takes place March 6-9 inside the Enterprise Center.

Women’s basketball 2024-25 season Preview

Entering its third season in the Missouri Valley Conference, the UIC women’s basketball team aims to exceed expectations once again and capitalize on the momentum of back-to-back postseason berths since joining The Valley in July 2022.

Leading the way is third-year head coach Ashleen Bracey. The Oak Park native finished the Flames’ second season in the MVC to a 18-16 record, and a second consecutive postseason tournament berth with UIC’s first trip back to the WNIT since 2007. Bracey and her coaching staff are returning 10 players from

a season ago, with five new faces set to make their Flames’ debut. The returners includes senior wing Makiyah Williams (Chicago, Ill./ Marquette/Trinity) who led the team in scoring with 12.9 points per game. In 2023-24, Williams was a key contributor primarily coming off the bench, playing in all 34 games and being a leading scorer in 14 of those contests. The Chicago native earned recognition in The Valley at the end of the season, being selected to the 2024 MVC All-Conference Third Team and MVC All-Newcomer Team.

Graduate student Keimari Rimmer (Chicago, Ill./DePaul/Proviso East) returns for her second season with the Flames. A member of the 2024 MVC All-Newcomer Team, Rimmer played in all 34 contests, leading the Flames in rebounds per game (6.5) and steals (55). She scored in double figures in 19 games for UIC, earning six double-doubles throughout the season. Rimmer’s efforts earned her preseason recognition, being named to the 2024-25 Preseason All-Missouri Valley Conference Second Team on Oct. 1.

Two returners are set to leave their marks on program history, entering their fifth seasons here at UIC. Graduate student Jaida McCloud (Peoria, Ill./Richwoods) sits ninth in program history with 1,352 points and eighth in rebounds with 690. Graduate student Kristian Young (Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence North) sits third all-time in the UIC record books in assists with 431. She has also accrued 203 career steals, ranking ninth in program history.

After three seasons at Coastal Carolina, senior Arin Freeman joins the Flames for her final collegiate season. The guard led the Chanticleers in assists for three consecutive seasons, including 99 assists during the 202324 campaign. Freeman finished a season ago with 13.5 points per game, the second-highest mark on the team. She finished her time at Coastal Carolina averaging 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game in 87 contests as a Chanticleer.

Coming off of a successful high school basketball career, freshman guard Chantrel “Tutu” Clayton (St. Louis, Mo./Vashon) is set to make her collegiate debut at UIC in 202425. The McDonald’s All-American Nominee was a force on the basketball court at Vashon, being crowned Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Class 4 Player of the Year senior season. Clayton was instrumental in the Wolverines first-ever girls basketball state championship run in 2023 (27-5 record).

The Flames are set to embark on their 30game season beginning on Oct. 29 as they open up non-conference play. UIC is set to face off against top-tier opponents in the opening weeks of the season, including Big 12 program Cincinnati (Nov. 5) and the 2024 Horizon League Champions in Green Bay (Nov. 13). UIC’s non-conference culminates on Dec. 19 when the Flames face off against the 2023 NCAA National Champions, LSU at Credit Union 1 Arena.

MVC play begins Dec. 29 at home, when the Flames host Missouri State right after the holidays. Barring a potential playoff match-up, this may be the last time both programs would compete against one another as members of the Missouri Valley Conference, with the Bears set to leave after this academic year. After most of January spent on the road, the Flames are set to be home frequently throughout the month of February with four of the seven contests taking place at Credit Union 1 Arena. The Flames’ home finale against Drake on March 8 will also serve as senior night for the graduating class.

Women’s basketball will gear up for a postseason run in a new location, as the Missouri Valley Conference announced on Sept. 17 that the 2024 MVC Women’s Basketball Championship will take place in Evansville, Ind. at the Ford Center March 13-16.

2024-25 men’s basketball schedule

DATE OPPONENT location time

NOV. 4

NOV. 8

NOV. 12

NOV. 16

NOV. 21

NOV. 22

NOV. 23

NOV. 30

DEC. 4

DEC. 8

DEC. 15

DEC. 20

DEC. 29

JAN. 1

JAN. 4

JAN. 7

JAN. 11

JAN. 15

JAN. 18

JAN. 22

JAN. 25

JAN. 29

FEB. 1

FEB. 5

FEB. 8

FEB. 11

FEB. 16

FEB. 19

FEB. 22

FEB. 26

MAR. 2

MAR. 6-9

ST FRANCIS (ILL.)

YALE

NORTHWESTERN

SAINT MARY’S (MINN.)

JAMES MADISON**

TBD**

AURORA^

UNI*

DARTMOUTH

LITTLE ROCK

SEATTLE

ILLINOIS STATE*

DRAKE*

BELMONT*

MISSOURI STATE*

BRADLEY*

MURRAY STATE*

VALPARAISO*

EVANSVILLE*

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS*

BRADLEY*

INDIANA STATE*

ILLINOIS STATE*

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS*

MURRAY STATE*

MISSOURI STATE*

DRAKE*

EVANSVILLE*

UNI*

VALPARAISO*

STATE FARM MVC TOURNAMENT

CREDIT UNION 1 ARENA

EVANSTON, ILL.

CREDIT UNION 1 ARENA

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA.

CREDIT UNION 1 ARENA

LITTLE ROCK, ARK.

SEATTLE, WASH.

NORMAL, ILL.

CREDIT UNION 1 ARENA

NASHVILLE, TENN.

SPRINGFIELD, MO.

CREDIT UNION 1 ARENA

VALPARAISO, IND.

EVANSVILLE, IND.

CREDIT UNION 1 ARENA

PEORIA, ILL.

CREDIT UNION 1 ARENA

CARBONDALE, ILL.

MURRAY, KY.

CREDIT UNION 1 ARENA

DES MOINES, IOWA

CREDIT UNION 1 ARENA

CEDAR FALLS, IOWA

CREDIT UNION 1 ARENA

ST. LOUIS, MO.

2:00 PM 7:00 PM

7:00 PM 2:00 PM 7:00 PM 2:00 PM 7:00 PM TBD 7:00 PM 2:00 PM 6:30 PM 2:00 PM 6:00 PM 2:00 PM TBD

*Conference Game ^Exhibition **Boardwalk Battle ALL TIMES CENTRAL (CT) DATES/TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

DATE

OCT. 29

NOV. 5

NOV. 13

NOV. 21

NOV. 27

DEC. 1

DEC. 8

DEC. 13

DEC. 19

DEC. 22

DEC. 29

JAN. 2

JAN. 4

JAN. 10

JAN. 12

JAN. 17

JAN. 19

JAN. 26

JAN. 30

FEB. 1

FEB. 7

FEB. 9

FEB. 13

FEB. 16

FEB. 21

FEB. 23

FEB. 27

MAR. 1

MAR. 6

MAR. 8

MAR. 13-16

ROOSEVELT^

CINCINNATI

GREEN BAY

WISCONSIN

NIU

ST. THOMAS (MINN.)

NORTH CENTRAL

DEPAUL LSU

OHIO

MISSOURI STATE*

DRAKE*

UNI*

BELMONT*

MURRAY STATE*

BRADLEY*

ILLINOIS SATE*

VALPARAISO*

EVANSVILLE*

INDIANA STATE*

MURRAY STATE*

BELMONT*

VALPARAISO*

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS*

INDIANA STATE*

EVANSVILLE*

ILLINOIS STATE*

BRADLEY* UNI*

DRAKE*

MVC TOURNAMENT

basketball schedule

CREDIT UNION 1 ARENA

MADISON, WIS.

DEKALB, ILL.

ST. PAUL, MINN.

CREDIT UNION 1 ARENA

CHICAGO, ILL.

CREDIT UNION 1 ARENA

DES MOINES, IOWA

CEDAR FALLS, IOWA

NASHVILLE, TENN.

MURRAY, KY.

CREDIT UNION 1 ARENA

EVANSVILLE, IND.

TERRE HAUTE, IND.

CREDIT UNION 1 ARENA

VALPARAISO, IND.

CARBONDALE, ILL.

CREDIT UNION 1 ARENA

NORMAL, ILL.

PEORIA, ILL.

CREDIT UNION 1 ARENA

EVANSVILLE, IND. 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 6:30 PM TBD 12:00 PM 12:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 12:00 PM 3:00 PM 6:00 PM 2:00 PM 6:30 PM 2:00 PM 7:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 6:00 PM 2:00 PM 7:00 PM 1:00 PM 6:00 PM 2:00 PM TBD 2:00 PM 6:30 PM 2:00 PM 7:00 PM 2:00 PM TBD

*Conference Game ^Exhibition ALL TIMES CENTRAL (CT) DATES/TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

ROB EHSAN

MEN’S HEAD COACH

Rob Ehsan, one of the nation’s top young coaches and an elite recruiter, was named UIC men’s basketball head coach in April 2024, subject to approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.

Ehsan (pronounced E-sahn) brings 20 years of college basketball coaching experience to Chicago, including four as the head coach at UAB where he posted winning seasons in each campaign. He spent the previous three

years as associate head coach and offensive coordinator at Stanford University in the Pac-12 Conference.

“We are delighted to welcome Rob to UIC and our vibrant campus community,” said Chancellor Marie Lynn Miranda. “Coach Ehsan brings both deep experience and strong leadership on and off the basketball court. He has demonstrated a fervent commitment to ensuring the success of student-athletes in all the many dimensions of their lives. Coach Ehsan brings an impressive track record to UIC, and we look forward to working with him as he elevates Flames Basketball to the next level.”

Ehsan has earned a reputation as a superb offensive tactician with a keen eye for talent. During his career, which includes stops at three ‘power conference’ programs (Maryland, Virginia Tech, and Stanford), Ehsan has led his teams to three conference titles, eight postseason appearances (four NCAA Tournaments), and recruited numerous All-Americans and future NBA Draft picks, including Greivis Vasquez (2010 ACC Player of the Year) and Alex Len (No. 5 overall pick in 2012 NBA Draft).

“I could not be more excited to join the Flames Family as the head coach of UIC Men’s Basketball,” Ehsan said. “From our location in the heart of Chicago, the nation’s greatest and most diverse city, to competing in one of the country’s top leagues, The Missouri Valley Conference — all the pieces are in place to take this program to the next level.

For the past three seasons (2021-24), Ehsan was an assistant coach and lead recruiter at Stanford. He was the architect of a Stanford offense that ranked among the top 35 nationally and reached 20-year highs for offensive efficiency. This past season, the Cardinal defeated No. 5 Arizona by 18 points,

the largest-win ever for Stanford against a topfive opponent.

Ehsan signed a pair of McDonald’s AllAmericans during his three-year tenure with the Cardinal. In addition, Stanford’s 2023 incoming class featured two top-40 recruits for the first time since 2006.

Under Ehsan’s tutelage, Harrison Ingram was named the 2022 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year – Stanford’s first since 2000 – while Spencer Jones blossomed into an All-Pac-12 forward in 2023 and Sam Beskind was named Pac-12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year following the 202122 season.

Ehsan made his way to Stanford following a four-year tenure as the head coach at UAB, where his teams posted 76 wins (19 per season) and registered a winning record each year. His 2020 squad was on its way to a thirdstraight, 20-win campaign when COVID-19 prematurely ended the season. He developed several All-Conference USA selections, including Chris Cokley, Jalen Benjamin, and two-time C-USA Defensive Player of the Year William Lee. At the time of his hire in Birmingham, Ehsan was one of the five youngest Division I coaches in the country.

In the classroom, Ehsan’s UAB teams garnered consecutive NCAA Public Recognition Awards for exemplary Academic Progress Rates, marking the only times in school history that such honors have been bestowed. Off the court and in the community, the program partnered with the Mike Slive Foundation to promote the #BlockCancer campaign, which raised money for prostate cancer research.

Ehsan’s tenure as head coach at UAB included numerous marquee victories, including a win over Memphis, 71-56, on Nov. 30, 2017 and a win at Stephen F. Austin on Dec. 7, 2016, which snapped their 31-game home win streak. The 41-year-old coach won 62.5 percent of his

games in the C-USA Tournament, which ranks second-best all-time at UAB.

Before taking the helm of the Blazers’ program, Ehsan spent four years as an assistant coach in Birmingham under Jerod Haase, including the final two as associate head coach. He was a member of the coaching staff for a team that advanced to the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament with a landmark first-round win against third-seeded Iowa State.

Overall, UAB made four trips to the postseason in Ehsan’s eight years as a Blazer. Additional highlights during his time in Birmingham included a 26-win campaign in 2016-17 (the winningest season in program history), a victory over then-No. 16 North Carolina in 2013, and the signing of William Lee, the highest-rated recruit in UAB history.

Prior to UAB, Ehsan spent six seasons as an assistant at Maryland (2006-11) under legendary Hall of Fame coach Gary Williams and another season at Virginia Tech (201112) under current ESPN college basketball analyst Seth Greenberg. At the time of his arrival at Maryland, Ehsan was the youngest assistant coach in the ACC (26). He helped the Terrapins to three NCAA Tournaments and two NIT berths, as well as the 2010 ACC regular season championship. Ehsan recruited and coached five future NBA Draft picks while in College Park, including Vasquez, who went on to win the 2010 Bob Cousy Award as the nation’s top point guard and was selected 23rd overall in the 2010 NBA Draft.

Between his time at UAB and Stanford, Ehsan founded the TopConnect Leadership Academy, an exclusive program for the top graduate assistant coaches (men’s and women’s) in college basketball which teaches skills to prepare them for careers in coaching. He also worked for the Pac-12 Network as a color and studio analyst.

Ehsan is a 2005 graduate of UC Davis, where he was a four-year basketball letterwinner, ranked in the top 25 nationally in free throw percentage his junior year and served as team captain his senior season. After completing work on his bachelor’s degree in economics at UC Davis, he earned his MBA from Maryland in 2008.

A native of Sacramento, Calif., Ehsan is married to the former Lindsey Rattray. They have one daughter, Katelyn, and two sons, Davis and Robert Ryder.

ASHLEEN BRACEY

WOMEN’S HEAD COACH

Ashleen Bracey enters her third season as the head women’s basketball coach for the UIC Flames going into the 2024-25 season.

Bracey earned the title of the 2023-24 Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) Women’s NCAA Division I Co-Coach of the Year in her second season. This achievement marked the first time a Flames’ coach received the award since its inception in 2007.

Under Bracey’s guidance, UIC finished 1816 in 2023-24, earning the program’s second consecutive postseason tournament berth and first trip to the WNIT since 2007. In their second go-round in the Valley, the Flames emerged as one of the MVC’s top defensive units, ranking third in scoring defense (66.2 points per game allowed).

It also marked the second consecutive winning season for the Flames, something the program has not done in a decade (2013-14 and 201415 seasons). In further evidence of Bracey’s impact and the skyrocketing trajectory of the UIC program under her leadership, the Flames are 37-33 in her two years at the helm (they had 37 combined wins in the seven seasons prior to her arrival).

Bracey had a memorable first season back home in Chicago, leading the Flames to a 19win season, a postseason appearance and a tie for the second-most wins by a head coach in school history. The Flames began the 202223 season going 8-1, accumulating more wins then they had over the past three seasons combined. They tied the 1976-77 and the 2013-14 teams for the best start over a nine game span.

After being projected to place 12th in UIC’s inaugural season in the Missouri Valley Conference, Bracey and her coaching staff led the Flames to a 10-12 record against conference opponents, and a sixth place seed in the 2023 MVC Women’s Basketball Championship at Hoops in the Heartland in Moline, Illinois. The Flames faced off against the No 11. Valparaiso in the opening round, where they came away with the victory, 72-47. This was the first conference tournament win for UIC since the 2016-17 season.

UIC’s play in the conference garnered a postseason bid for Bracey and her staff at the Women’s Basketball Invitational. This was only the third postseason appearance by the

Flames, and their second time in the WBI. They finished the three-day tournament in Lexington, Kentucky with a 1-2 record.

A native of nearby Oak Park, Ill., and former standout student-athlete at Illinois State University, Bracey arrived at UIC in March 2022 after spending the past six seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Missouri, a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) at. During her tenure at Mizzou working alongside head coach Robin Pingeton, Bracey was instrumental in helping the Tigers reach three NCAA Tournaments and make two WNIT appearances.

Bracey played a pivotal role in Missouri’s recruiting efforts during her time in Columbia. Of note, she led efforts to sign the nation’s 12th-ranked recruiting class in 2019, regarded as the best in program history. The group included Aijha Blackwell, the top prospect in the state of Missouri and No. 9 in the country, as ranked by espnW.

The Flames head coach mentored seven All-SEC players and three All-SEC Freshman Team standouts while at Mizzou. In addition to Blackwell, All-Conference honorees coached by Bracey also include three-time All-SEC First Team selection Sophie Cunningham, the 13th overall pick in the 2019 WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury.

Mizzou won at least 20 games three times in Bracey’s six seasons, including 24 victories in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 campaigns. The Tigers won 18 games in 2021-22, including an overtime thriller against No. 1 South Carolina and a road win at No. 15 Florida to close out the regular season. Bracey was responsible for developing and administering the game plan and scouting reports for both MU triumphs.

As a student-athlete, Bracey starred on the hardwood at Illinois State from 2006-10. She was a three-year starter for Pingeton and the

Redbirds and was a key contributor on three Missouri Valley Conference championship squads. During her time at ISU, Bracey and her teammates reached the postseason each year, qualifying for the 2008 NCAA Tournament and making three appearances in the WNIT, reaching the semifinals in 2009 and 2010.

As a senior in 2009-10, Bracey served as team captain and earned All-MVC First Team honors, as well as a spot on the conference’s All-Defensive Team. She was selected MVC Player of the Week four times during that campaign and earned recognition on the 200910 MVC Scholar-Athlete Team.

She tallied 1,194 points as a Redbird, and shot over 50% from the floor for her career. Her 765 career rebounds tie her for fifth most in program history. Bracey tallied 21 doubledoubles in her Redbird career.

Upon graduating from Illinois State in 2010 with a degree in Criminal Justice Sciences, Bracey played professional basketball in Greece for one year prior to transitioning to the sideline as a coach.

Bracey attended Oak Park-River Forest High School, where she was a three-time All-West Suburban Conference honoree for the Huskies. Her brothers also played college basketball, Bryan (Oregon) and Chris (West Texas A&M), and went on to professional careers in Europe.

Bracey cut her coaching teeth at several stops prior to arriving at Mizzou. From 2012-15, she served as the recruiting coordinator and assistant coach at UAB. She also spent time on staffs at Ball State University and Eureka College.

MEN’S COACHING STAFF

MEN’S SUPPORT STAFF

men’s basketball 2024-25 roster

NAME

HOMETOWN

AHMAD HENDERSON II

JAYCE NATHANIEL

JORDAN MASON

CARLOS HARRIS III

ETHAN PICKETT

MODESTAS KANCLERIS

KHALED KHALED

TYEM FREEMAN

KOBY JEFFRIES

IKER GARMENDIA

SAŠA CIANI

JAVON JACKSON

JOSHUA REAVES

GRANT WELCH

FILIP SKOBALJ

CHICAGO, ILL.

PENSACOLA, FLA.

KAUNAS, LITHUANIA

BURBANK, ILL.

SPRINGFIELD, MO.

OLIVE BRANCH, MISS.

BARCELONA, SPAIN

NOVA GORICA, SLOVENIA

HOUSTON, TEXAS

HAMDEN, CONN.

MOLINE, ILL.

BELGRADE, SERBIA

prior to uic

Transferred to UIC from Niagara University. The Chicago native was a four-time MAAC Rookie of the Week selection and appeared in all 32 games as a freshman for the Purple Eagles, starting 26 times. He ranked second on the team and 20th in the MAAC in scoring (11.2 ppg.), reaching double figures 21 times. A product of Brother Rice, Henderson II was a second-team all-state honoree in 2023, a two-time all-area selection (2022, 2023) and a three-time first-team Chicago Catholic League choice (2021, 2022, 2023). Studying Urban Education at UIC.

Played three seasons at Buford (Ga.) Lanier High School before moving to Chandler, Ariz., to attend AZ Compass Prep and playing for its EYBL Scholastic Program during

Georgia Basketball Coaches Association (GBCA) Junior power forwards in the country by 247Sports and selected

prior to uic

Transferred to UIC from Texas State, where he was a standout in the backcourt for the past two seasons, playing in 61 games and starting 42 times for the Bobcats. During that time, he averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game, posting 29 doubledigit scoring games and helping Texas State advance to the Sun Belt Conference Tournament semifinals both years. The San Antonio native went on to earn a spot on the Sun Belt All-Tournament Team after averaging 16.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.3 steals. Majoring in Accounting at UIC.

High School in Chicago. Averaged 14 points, six assists,

Meanstreets, one of the nation’s elite programs that has

2023-24 (JUNIOR)

Played in all 32 games for UIC, starting 25 times, and averaging 5.8 points and 3.0 rebounds per game with a .532 field-goal percentage. Scored in double figures seven times, including a season-high 16 points (7-11 FG) in the Flames’ double-overtime win over Southern Illinois in the opening round of the MVC Tournament on March 7 in St. Louis.

prior to uic

Played sophomore season at Triton College, appearing in all 25 games (starting 16 times) and averaging 9.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game with a .526 field-goal percentage. Competed his freshman year for Northwest Mississippi Community College, starting all 25 games in 2021-22 and averaging 11.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. Graduated from Cherokee High School in Pensacola, Fla., where he captained the Warriors to a 20-7 record and the second round of the GHSA Class 7A playoffs as a senior Majoring in Communication at UIC.

prior to uic

Join the UIC men’s basketball program in May 2024, transferring from Cal State Bakersfield after a prior stint at Creighton. At Cal State Bakersfield, Kancleris appeared in 50 games, starting 19 times, and averaged 6.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. Prior to his time in Bakersfield, Kancleris was enrolled for two years at Creighton, where he played in 14 games during the 2021-22 campaign for the Bluejays, who advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament before a narrow loss to the eventual national champion Kansas. Kancleris brings extensive international experience to UIC. A constant contributor for several of Lithuania’s U16 and U18 national teams, he helped his country place seventh at the 2019 FIBA U18 European Championship. In addition, Kancleris spent four seasons with European club power BC Zalgiris, based in his hometown of Kaunas, Lithuania, earning a spot on the 2019 adidas Next Generation Tournament All-Star Team. He is currently pursuing his master’s in Instructional Leadership Policy Studies.

prior to uic

Spent last season at Kent State University, where he appeared in 30 games (four starts) and averaged 5.6 points and 2.0 rebounds per game while helping KSU reach the Mid-American Conference Tournament championship game. He was also the Golden Flashes’ top three-point threat, connecting at a .464 clip (26-of56) from beyond the arc. Prior to arriving at Kent State, Freeman attended UCF for two years, playing in 54 games (two starts) for the Knights and averaging 4.2 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. His best season in Orlando came in 2021-22 when he averaged 5.0 ppg. and ranked second on the UCF roster with a .570 field-goal percentage and .848 free-throw percentage. Freeman began his career in 2020-21 at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa, where he registered 18.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. He earned National Junior College Association of America (NJCAA) first-team All-America honors and was named the 2021 NJCAA Region XI Player of the Year. He is currently pursuing his master’s in Instructional Leadership Policy Studies.

prior to uic

Comes to UIC after three seasons at UT Martin, where he played in 91 games and started 43 times for the Skyhawks. During his career at UTM, he averaged 5.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, including a career-high 6.3 ppg. and 3.3 rpg. He also scored in double figures 13 times for the Skyhawks and helped them win the 2023-24 Ohio Valley Conference regularseason title.

Jeffries began his collegiate career at UAB, where he played in 10 games during the 2020-21 season, tallying five points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jeffries matriculated to UAB from The Skill Factory prep school in Woodstock, Ga., where he was selected to participate in the Nike Global Jam in Gran Canaria, Spain, as well as the prestigious All-American Jamboree and National Prep Showcase events.

prior to uic

GARMENDIA

Suited up for the Joventut Badalona club in Spain’s Liga EBA for the past two seasons, averaging 11.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while appearing in 30 games. Most recently in 2023-24, he averaged 15.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game and led the team with 31 threepointers in 15 games.

prior to uic

Played his freshman year at Xavier, appearing in 31 games (starting five times), averaging 2.5 points and 2.9 rebounds. Helped the Musketeers earn a berth in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).

Along with a year at the U.S. college level, Ciani has suited up for several club teams in Europe, as well as for the Slovenia national and age-group teams.

In 2022-23, he played for Košarkarski klub Cedevita Olimpija. He also averaged 11.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.9 blocks, while shooting 65 percent from the field, while on loan to Cedevita Junior competing in the First Croatian League in Zagreb, Croatia.

Ciani represented Slovenia at the Under-20 European Championships in 2022 and 2023. He also made his debut with the Slovenian National Team in August 2022 in an exhibition against the Netherlands before playing in two games for Slovenia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup European qualifiers. One of his teammates on that 2023 Slovenian National Team was NBA All-Star Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks. Majoring in Urban Studies at UIC.

prior to uic

Spent last season at Utah State, appearing in 28 games and averaging 4.5 points per game with a .379 threepoint percentage for an Aggies’ squad that went 28-7, won the Mountain West Conference title and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Prior to Utah State, Jackson began his collegiate career with one season (2022-23) at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Okla. He played in 32 games and made 25 starts for the Crimson Storm, ranking second on the team in scoring (15.8 ppg.) and leading the squad in assists (2.75 apg.) and steals (1.3 spg.), while adding 3.4 rebounds per game. He was named the Great American Conference Freshman of the Year, as well as a first-team all-conference selection.

Jackson was a prep standout at C.E. King High School in Houston, Texas, and also spent one year at Impact Basketball Academy following his graduation. He was a four-time first-team all-district selection and helped lead the Panthers to consecutive District 22-6A championships. As a senior in 2019-20, he was a Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) Class 6A all-state pick and the District 22-6A Player of the Year. Majoring in Psychology

Saw action in five games as a preferred walk-on during

Converted 3-of-8 shots, including a pair of three-pointers. Made his collegiate debut in Nov. 19 home win over Aurora, knocking down a three-pointer in a season-high five minutes … also picked up his first steal in that game.

Murray State. Scored his final points of the season on a jumper in the lane against Belmont at home on Feb. 18.

Four-year varsity standout at Moline High School, helping the Maroons to a 34-3 record and the school’s Illinois Class 4A state title as a senior in 2022-23. During his prep career, averaged 15 points, five rebounds and five assists per game. Second-team all-conference in 202223. Competed on the AAU level with the powerful All Iowa Attack program. Majoring in Civil Engineering at UIC.

2023-24 (JUNIOR)

Played in 32 games and started 30 times. Averaged career highs in nearly every category, including scoring (8.2 ppg.), rebounding (3.6 rpg.), field-goal percentage (.470) and three-point percentage (.418). Ranked second in the MVC in three-point percentage. Logged a careerbest 27.5 minutes per game, scoring in double figures a personal-best 12 times. Earned second consecutive MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team citation, as well as College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors.

prep / personal

The Belgrade, Serbia native averaged 26 points and 11 rebounds for Rockstock’s U19 team in the NBBL, the top youth league in Germany. While competing at the prestigious Adidas Next Generation U18 tournament for Bayern München, Škobalj averaged 15 points and five rebounds. Škobalj also brings international experience to the Flames, having competed for Serbia’s U18 and U16 national teams as well as Sweden’s U16 national team. Majoring in Business Management at UIC.

EXCEPTIONAL CARE FOR YOU

Located on UIC’s West Campus, UI Health combines expert patient care with academic excellence from UIC’s seven health sciences colleges. UI Health helps students get and stay healthy – from routine check-ups and vaccinations to specialized care to help athletes get back on the court sooner. Our expert care teams serve students, faculty, their families, and all of Chicago. Call 866.600.CARE to schedule an appointment or visit UIHealth.Care

WOMEN’S COACHING STAFF

WOMEN’S support STAFF

JULIA

KRYSTYNA

MAGDALENA

SANDRA

KEIMARI

MAKIYAH

HOMETOWN

JOLIET, ILL.

INDIANAPOLIS, IND.

ST. LOUIS, MO.

MUNSTER, IND.

PEORIA, ILL.

FRANKLIN, N.J.

LITTLE ROCK, ARK.

ST. LOUIS, MO

CHICAGO, ILL.

BERLIN, GERMANY

PEGO, SPAIN

CHICAGO, ILL.

JALYSA STOKES

GUARD | 5-5 | SR.

PRIOR TO UIC

Spent three seasons at University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). Came to UIC with one year of eligibility remaining after three successful seasons at the Division II level. Posted a career-high 38 points against IllinoisSpringfield on Jan. 21, 2023. A second-team allconference choice her junior year, as the team’s leading scorer, averaging 17.3 points per game (third-best in the conference). A First Team All-GLVC selection as a sophomore, as she led the team in scoring at 17.4 per game (tied for second in the GLVC). Started all 26 games averaging 36.9 minutes per contest her second year as a Triton. Named GLVC Player of the Week after averaging 31.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.3 steals in a three-game stretch. Reached double figures in scoring 22 times and had at least 20 points in a game seven times her sophomore year. Named to All-GLVC Freshman team, averaging 8.8 points and 2.5 rebounds per game in her first season.

PREP / PERSONAL

Three-time Joliet Herald News All-Area Team. Twotime Gazette Honorable Mention All-State. Southwest Prairie East Division All-Conference (junior). Southwest Suburban Blue All-Conference (freshman/sophomore). Voyager Media Second Team All-Area (sophomore). MVP Oswego East Christmas Tournament (junior) Several other different all-tournament teams. As a junior, recorded 1,000th career point, while averaging 16.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.0 steals per game and helping team to a 26-7 record. As a sophomore, averaged 14.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Team went 27-6, winning regional championship.

KRISTIAN YOUNG

GUARD | 5-5 | GR.

2023-24 (Senior)

Played and started in all 34 games for the Flames. Her 431 career assists puts her third in UIC record books Closed out the season with 203 career steals, which puts her ninth in UIC history books. Averaged 21.7 minutes per game, which was third highest on the team (738 minutes). Averaged 3.7 APG, 3.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, and 1.4 SPG. Scored a season-high 11 points against Illinois State (1/21/24). Dished out season-high 10 assists against Omaha (12/1/23). Finished fourth in the MVC for assist-to-turnover ratio (1.9), ninth for assists (126), and 16th in the MVC for steals (47).

PREP / PERSONAL

Lettered in basketball at Lawrence North School and helped lead her team as Sate Runner-Up in 2019. Guided her squad to a state championship, a Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference (MIC) Championship and a Marion County Championship in 2020. Ranked in the top-60 of all Indiana players. Named Athlete of the Year in 2020 and named as an All Star in both her junior and senior year. Garnered AllMIC honors and ranked in the top-30 academically at Lawrence North. Currently Majoring in Integrated Health Studies at UIC. Daughter of Miwako Story and Gayle Young.

CHANTREL CLAYTON

PREP / PERSONAL

Crowned Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Class

4 Player of the Year her senior season. McDonald’s AllAmerican Nominee. Member of the 1,000-point club. Named to both the All-State and All-District teams. Began her high school career at Cardinal Ritter in St. Louis, before transferring to Instrumental in Vashon’s historic run to its first-ever girls basketball state championship in 2023 (27-5 record). Averaged 16.1 points, 2.7 assists and 2.9 steals, all while boasting a .430 three-point shooting percentage as a junior. Earned a spot on the Mascoutah AllTournament Team, averaging 19.2 points per game while shooting 48-percent from the floor. During the tournament, Clayton shot 62-percent (18-29) from behind the arc and maintained a 2.0 assist-to-turnover ratio. Played AAU basketball for Bradley Beal Elite. Parents are Chantrel and Cornelius Clayton.

SARA ZABRECKY

GUARD | 5-9 | GR.

2023-24 (SENIOR)

Played in 34 games, starting in 19 of them. Averaged 3.6 PPG and 1.4 RPG. Scored a season-high 12 points at Omaha (12/01/23). Finished the season with 30 made triples and was the team’s top three-point shooter for the second year in a row.

PRIOR TO UIC

Played two seasons at St. John’s University.

prep / Personal

Four-star recruit out of her class, considered to be one of the top shooters. Majoring in Communications at UIC. During her junior year at Lake Central High School, she scored 14.4 points per game and grabbed 3.9 rebounds. She was named to the Northwest Indiana Times and Chicago Post Tribune All-Area selection. Transferred to Munster High School for her senior year and helped lead the Mustangs to a program-record 22 wins and their first section title since 2010. Was named 2020 Northwest Times Player of the Year. Finished her senior year averaging 17.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.5 APG and 1.8 SPG.

JAIDA MCCLOUD

FORWARD | 6-3 | GR.

2023-24 (senior)

Named to the 2023-24 Preseason All-Missouri Valley Conference Second Team. Played in and started all 34 games for the Flames. Led the team in minutes at 26.1 MPG, with a total of 887 minutes on the season. Finished the season ranked ninth in scoring in UIC record books at 1,356. Sits eighth overall in UIC’s all-time rebounding list with 690 boards. Was fourth on the team in scoring (8.4 PPG) and second in rebounding (5.9 RPG).

prep / personal

Four-year basketball letter-winner at Richwoods High School. Two-time Illinois AP 3A Second Team All-State honoree. Majoring in Communications. Daughter of Jonelle and Daniel McCloud.

ky dempsey-toney

FORWARD | 6-2 | SR.

2023-24 (JUNIOR)

Appeared in 33 games for the Flames, starting 3. Averaged 3.5 PPG and 2.9 RPG. Set career high in rebounds with 11 against Bradley on Feb. 17, 2024. Scored season-high of 15 points against Drake on Feb. 29, 2024.

PREP / PERSONAL

Lettered all four years in basketball at Franklin High School. Played a role in her team to a 78-24 record, including a 34-0 sophomore season. Won the 2018-2019 Skyland Conference Championship. Winter Athlete of the Year in 2020 and Group 4 MVP in 2021. All-Skyland Conference Select First Team and Honor Roll StudentAthlete. Majoring in Disability and Human Development at UIC. Daughter of Ronnetta Toney.

ARIN FREEMAN

GUARD | 5-7 | SR.

PRIOR TO UIC

Spent three seasons at Coastal Carolina. Started in majority of the contests during her time as a Chanticleer. Scored a career-high 29 points vs. Radford on Dec. 19, 2021. Averaged 13.5 points per game in her junior campaign, the second-best mark on the team. She collected a team-leading 99 assists during the 2023-24 season, capping off her third-consecutive season leading the Chanticleer’s in that stat category. Grabbed a careerhigh 16 rebounds in Coastal Carolina’s 69-54 victory over Furman on Dec. 11, 2022. Had six 20-point games as a junior, including 26 points against South Alabama on Mar. 6, 2024. Led the team in assists two seasons in a row (4.0 apg sophomore season, 2.0 apg freshman season). Second on the team in scoring as a freshman (9.0 ppg). Tallied double-digit points in 25 games during her junior season. Tallied double-digit points in 16 games her sophomore year.

PREP / PERSONAL #11

Was a two-year starter at North Little Rock High School. Averaged 12.2 points per game at point guard. Team captain in 2019-20. She was listed as among the tops five players in the 6A conference, as voted by the High School Arkansas Basketball Coaches Association (ABCA) as a member of the North Little Rock High School team in 2020-21. Selected to play on the East AllStar team. Scored a career-high 30 points vs. Fayetteville High School. Father, Allie Freeman III, played basketball at Arkansas from 1984-88. Brother, Allie Freeman IV, played football and basketball at Ouachita Baptist University.

julia coleman

PRIOR TO UIC

Played one season at Texas State. Played in 27 games averaging 11 minutes a night. Scored 168 points for an average of 6.2 per game. Had a season high in the Sun Belt Conference tournament where she scored 18 points and had eight rebounds against Georgia Southern. Had two double doubles on the season including a 15-point, 10-rebound performance against Troy and had 13 points and 14 rebound in the regular season finale versus ULM on Mar. 1. Her 14 rebounds were a season high. Had two of the Bobcats’ three double doubles of the season. Had six games with double-digit scoring performances.

prep / PERSONAL

Prepped at Westminster Christian Academy in St. Louis. Finished her career as team captain with 1,425 points, 837 rebounds, 229 assists, 355 steals and 110 blocks. McDonald’s High School All-American nominee. A firstteam all-district selection as well as the district’s comost valuable player. A St. Louis All-Metro Third-Team selection. Played for coach Larry Sutton of the Missouri Phenom EYBL on the AAU circuits. Her cousin, Patrick Chew, plays for the Murray State men’s basketball program. Daughter of Erika Coleman and David Smith.

krystyna ellew

GUARD | 5-10 | SR.

2023-24 (junior)

Came off the bench for the Flames in all 34 contests. Averaged 14.6 minutes per game. Averaged 4.2 PPG and 1.9 RPG. Tallied season-highs (13 points) on two occasions.

prior to uic

Comes to UIC from Wisconsin. Played in more than 50 games for the Badgers with 16 starts over two seasons. Scored 29 points in her Badgers debut against St. Thomas on Nov 10., shooting 60 percent from the field. Netted 21 points against Green Bay on Dec. 21. Ellew also shot a team-best 80% from the free throw line her freshman year. In her sophomore season, Ellew scored 13 against Florida State and hit double figures against Milwaukee and Bradley.

#14

prep / personal

Selected for the 2018 and 2019 All-State Third-Team. Was also named to the 2017 All-State Honorable Mention team, 2021 IBCA first-team All-State and AP SecondTeam All-State. Four-time All-conference and Chicago AllCity. Averaged 21 points, nine rebounds and four assists her senior year. All-time leading scorer (1,758 points) for coach Iveta Salkauske at Taft High School. Broke the school record scoring 58 points on 25 field goals versus Lane Tech in 2019. Represented the region at the Downstate 3-Point Championship in 2019 and 2017. Played for the Lady Lighting AAU program under coach Mike Seberger. Parents are Thomas Ellew and Anita Warner-Ellew. Majoring in communications.

MAGDALENA WINTER

CENTER | 6-4 | FR.

PREP / PERSONAL

Played for the German U17 World Cup Team in 2022. Also, a member of her country’s U16 National Team in 2021. Competed with the ALBA Berlin club team.

SANDRA FRAU-GARCIA

GUARD | 5-7 | SR.

2023-24 (junior)

Appeared in all 34 games for the Flames. Led the team in assists with 3.8 APG. Wrapped up the season ranked eighth in the Valley for assists (122 total)

prior to uic

Played at Casper College for two years before transferring to UIC. Started in 56 of 58 games with the Thunderbirds. Ranked third in the NJCAA in total assists (230) and first in her region. Also finished first in the region in assists per game (6.8). Two-time AllRegion-9 team and a National Junior College Athletics Association second team All-American.

prep / personal

Grew up in Spain. Awarded the best local athlete in 2017 by the Pego City Council. Daughter of Juan Francisco and Maria Dolores. Human Development & Learning major.

keimari rimmer

FORWARD | 5-10 | GR.

2023-24 (GRADUATE STUDENT)

Was a member of the 2024 MVC All-Newcomer Team. Earned Newcomer of the Week from the Valley on three different occasions. Played in 34 games, starting in 31 during her first year with the Flames. Led the team in steals and rebounds at 6.5 RPG and 1.6 SPG and finished second on the team in scoring at 10.7 PPG. Scored double figures in 19 games and earned six double-doubles. Season high in points and minutes with 22 points and 35 minutes at Northwestern (11/09/23). Grabbed a season-high 13 rebounds versus Illinois State (01/21/24). Ranked 11th in conference for steals (55) and 15th for rebounding (220 in total).

PRIOR TO UIC

Transferred to UIC after playing four years at DePaul. Rimmer played in 57 career games for the Blue Demons, starting in six of them. Averaged 17.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.1 steals her senior year. Hit double-figures over nine games her senior season. Her biggest game came against Marquette on Feb. 27 when she scored 21 points. Rimmer also had four double doubles, including a 13-point, 12 rebound performances in a 76-67 win over Maryland on Nov. 25, 2022.

PREP / PERSONAL #22

As a senior at Proviso East, she averaged 17.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.1 steals. Her stats as a junior were 18 points, seven rebounds, five steals and three assists. Played AAU for Chicago Hoops Express. Daughter of Keisha McSwine and Mario Rimmer. Studying to get her Master’s in Youth Development.

makiyah williams

GUARD | 6-0 | SR.

2023-24 (JUNIOR)

Named to the 2024 MVC All-Conference Third Team and MVC All-Newcomer Team. Played in all 34 games for the Flames, and made three starts. Led the team in scoring at 12.9 PPG, ranking 14th in the Valley. Was UIC’s leading scorer in 14 contests.

prior to uic

Joined the Flames after spending two seasons at Marquette. Played in 38 games over two seasons for the Golden Eagles. Collected nine rebounds and blocked three shots, both career-highs against Saint Francis. Scored a career-high nine points against Seton Hall.

prep / PERSONAL

#23

Finished her senior season averaging 22.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks. Named to the 2020-2021 The News Gazette Illinois All-State team. Made the Pioneer Press All-Area First Team and the IHSA Class 3A First Team her junior season. Concluded her high school career as a three-time all-conference selection. Earned IHSA All-State Honorable Mention as a sophomore in 2018-19. Parents are Marquita Ross and Kevin Williams. Majoring in communications.

MEGEN SANAJ

2023-24 (FRESHMAN)

Appeared in 6 games for the Flames.

prep / PERSONAL

Made All-State second team as a junior. Received Independent School League Player of the Year honors. Named to First Team All-Conference each season. Illinois High School Association’s 2A All-State Team honors for the 2020-2021 season. Member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s All-State Team. Played a key role in the Romans winning the Independent School League championship and the Regional Championship three times. A fixture for Latin High School’s basketball program, playing on the varsity level since her freshman year. Named to the All-Tournament team at the Lisle Classic in 2019. Totaled 928 points in just two seasons, as one of her years was cancelled due to Covid. Averaged 23.3 points on 36% shooting, grabbed 7.6 rebounds, handed out 2.3 assists, and snatched 4.1 steals per game. A multi-sport athlete, playing four years of varsity volleyball. Also ran the 400m in varsity track and field for one season. Daughter of Sentiliano and Rozafa Sanaj. Business Administration major.

DANYEL MIDDLETON

GUARD | 5-10 | GR.

2023-24 (SENIOR)

Played in 33 games, started in 31. Averaged 10.5 PPG and 3.2 RPG. Finished second on the team in assists at 1.7 per game. Completed the season ranked 24th in the Valley for steals (37 total). Scored a career-high in points versus Drake with 24 points (01/14/24). Tallied a careerhigh six steals at Milwaukee (11/12/23). Swatted away a career-high of three blocks versus Bradley (01/19/24).

prior to uic

Played two seasons at Marquette University.

prep / personal

Four-year letterwinner at Bolingbrook High School. AllConference performer and was named the program’s most valuable player. Named to all-area roster. Helped the Raiders to first super sectional title since 2012. Played on the AAU circuit for the Mac Irvin Fire, one of the top programs in the country. At one point, was ranked as high as No. 2 in the nation. Majoring in Disability and Human Development at UIC. Daughter of Dyona Tramel and David Middleton.

#25

HEAD coaches and administration

Michael A.Tadin President

lrllarina Cartage has been providing outstanding delivery, transport and storage solutions to Chicago and the Midwest for over fifty years. Call us today, or visit www.MarinaCartage.com for any of these exceptional services:

•WASTE & SPECIAL WASTE HAULING

•HAZARDOUS MATERIAL HAULING

•INTERMODAL TRUCKING

•U.S. CUSTOMS BONDED

•SPECIALIZED CHASSIS EQUIPMENT

•STORAGE

•CONSTRUCTION

SUPPLY COMPANIES

•

MISSOURI VALLEY CONFERENCE

The Missouri Valley Conference -- the nation’s second-oldest NCAA Division I conference -- continues to be a leader in college athletics and is one of the nation’s most progressive conferences, celebrating its 118th season in 2024-25.

The Valley brand remains very strong, both regionally and nationally, and the great athletic tradition of the Conference remains a compelling force in recruiting student-athletes and in marketing all the MVC programs. League members have worked together to focus on common goals and objectives, placing a high value on league harmony, while continuing to invest in athletic programs to compete at the highest level. League members include Belmont, Bradley, Drake, Evansville, UIC, Illinois State, Indiana State, Missouri State, Murray State, Northern Iowa, Southern Illinois, and Valparaiso.

Men’s basketball continues to be the engine that drives Valley athletic programs as four MVC teams competed in postseason play last year. The league has now combined for 20 wins in the NCAA Tournament in the past 11 NCAA championships and has earned multiple bids 16 times since 1994.

The State Farm MVC Men’s Basketball Championship -- affectionately known as Arch Madness -- continues to be a spectacular showcase for the league, and the MVC has an agreement with Enterprise Center (formerly known as Scottrade Center) that will keep Arch Madness in St. Louis through at least 2028. The tournament will celebrate its 49th anniversary overall in 2025, observe its 31st anniversary at Enterprise Center, and it will be the 35th-straight season the event has been held in St. Louis. Only the Big East Conference (in New York City) has had a longer continuous run at a single site.

In women’s basketball, The Valley sent a total of seven teams to the postseason in 2024, including UIC (WNIT). The seven postseason teams tied for the most sent by the league, previously doing so in 2012. As a conference, The Valley finished the year rated at the 13th ranked league (NET), marking the sixth-straight season the league has finished as a top 15 ranked conference.

The Conference remains committed to keeping the championship at a neutral site for the 18thconsecutive year in 2025. The women’s basketball championship will begin a three-year rotation in Evansville, Indiana, March 13-16, at the Ford Center. The Valley matches the ACC, SEC, Big Ten and Big 12 Conference Tournaments, as the only Division I stand-alone women’s basketball championships to be held at a neutral site for 16-or-more consecutive years.

SPARKY & SPIRIT SQUAD

Born from the embers of the Great Chicago Fire, Sparky is no ordinary dragon.

As UIC’s proudest ambasador, he uses his immense powers only for good and puts a smile on everyones face while competing for victories in and out of competition. A true Chicagoan at heart, Sparky is all about grit, hard work, and rising to meet the challenge even whn the odds seem stacked against him. Although relatively young for a dragon, he is wise beyond his years, and focused on continual growth and success, just like his beloved UIC Flames.

Spary is vibrant, loyal, confident, and dependable. He is engaging, playful and bursting with energy. The spirited grin Sparky maintains represents friendliness, determination and a winning attitude. He welcomes all to UIC and helps create a fun and boisterous enviornment for the Flames.

Sparky was born from a collaboration between UIC Athletics and the Chicago Mascot Company, a family-owned local business with more than 50 years of experience. Business development specialist Barry Anderson worked with the Chicago Bulls for 12 seasons and helped make the franchise’s Benny the Bull mascot among the most popular in all sports. His creative team used feedback from dozens of interviews with students, staff, alumni, and other UIC stakeholders to design and produce Sparky.

With his Fire Engine Red fur, Navy Pier Blue head spikes, and a Champions Gold Flame on the tip of his tail, Sparky fully embodies the UIC Flames Spirit. His number ‘0’ jersey pays homage to our roots as the Chicago Circle Campus. Chicago Blue accents and custom sneakers featuring UIC’s iconic skyline firmly ground Sparky in his hometown. Beyond his refreshed appearance, Sparky’s suit provides for increased mobility to enhance his performances and engagement with fans.

The UIC spirit squad and pep band are integral parts of the fan experience at UIC basketball games. These talented athletes and musicians support the Flames throughout the season and are some of the best ambassadors of UIC and the Department of Athletics.

The Spirit Squad is led by Coach Chelsea Lemon, while the pep band is under the direction of Professor Nicholas Carlson.

Make sure to check out the spirit squads’ performances at all Flames home games this season at Credit Union 1 Arena.

FLAMES ATHLETIC FUND

The Flames Athletic Fund is the official fundraising arm for our 300 student-athletes across 18 sports, providing critical resources for the UIC Department of Intercollegiate Athletics to operate and extend a holistic student-athlete experience. While unrestricted philanthropic gifts to the Flames Athletic Fund are the most impactful on an annual basis due to the flexibility, they provide the department and its leadership, gifts can also be made directly to a specific sport or the general scholarship fund. All gifts are used to enhance the student-athlete experience by enhancing 5 major initiatives for Intercollegiate Athletics:

When you donate to the FAF, your contribution supports everything a student-athlete needs to be a successful as a flame. More than 60% of the cost is an investment in scholarships that includes tuition, room, and board. Each scholarship also helps to cover travel costs, strength & conditioning, sports medicine, nutrition, and the F.L.A.M.E.S. Leadership institute. These opportunities would not be possible without fans like you helping build the team behind the team. Becoming a member of the FAF is easy, and there are a variety of options available to match your passions and interests.

- Making a tax deductible donation to the FAF General Unrestricted account

- Premium seating membership at Men’s or women’s basketball games

- be a men’s or women’s basketball season ticket holder

- gift-in-kind donations

- naming rights in our athletic facilities

Regardless of the size, every gift makes a difference and will allow our student-athletes to compete in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Whether you are a longtime supporter or a new member of Flame Nation, you are an integral part of the current and future success of Flames Athletics. We are excited to see you at the field, stadium, and arena. Go Flames!