Hard-working Tibbs just misses Rockstars final cut

CARR ALSO TRIMMED FROM TEAM

(9/2/06)

Whoosh! photo Former UIC walk-on Corry Tibbs (right) showed his skill and his spirit in the Rockstars veteran camp last week. Here Tibbs runs a play with former De La Salle and Robert Morris star Aaron Wellington guarding him.

As a three-year walk-on at UIC, Corry Tibbs was the ultimate underdog. After seeing action in just 18 games in his Flames career, Tibbs never gave up on his basketball dreams.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound point guard was working out over the past several weeks for the expansion Chicago Rockstars of the American Basketball Association.

Tibbs, 25, made it through two tryout camps and impressed head coach Kenny Williams so much that he was invited to the team’s three-day veteran camp last weekend at Moraine Valley Community College.

Although Tibbs was vastly improved in his game and was confident, he was not invited to the Rockstars training camp next month.

“In those three days, I came out and gave it my all,” Tibbs said. “I have no regrets on how I played. Everyday is a learning experience for me.”

UIC coach Jimmy Collins was happy to see how far Tibbs has come along.

“He was a tremendous athlete, but he couldn’t dribble or shoot well,” Collins said. “But he always had a passion and a love for the game to work hard to accomplish his goals. He’s a really good kid. He was able to get out there and hold his own against some pretty good players.”

In addition, former Flames standout Aaron Carr, who had been with the Rockstars for two tryouts, was sent home after the second day of the veteran camp.

While Tibbs and Carr were cut loose, local players such as Loyola’s Derek Molis, DePaul’s Ayinde Avery and St. Xavier’s Phillip Watson were granted invitations to the training camp.

Also former Rambler swingman Louis Smith was the first player signed by the Rockstars last week. Smith helped West Aurora win the 2000 IHSA Class AA state title, besting Cedrick Banks and Martell Bailey’s Westinghouse squad.

During his time with the Rockstars, Tibbs was working as a teacher’s aide with the Jewish Federation in an alternative, private school for kids ages 7-18, on Chicago’s North side.

Despite the 9-to-5 grind, Tibbs wants to continue pursuing the dream.

“It was honor to be out there with those guys,” Tibbs said. “It was a chance for me to shine. I’m going to keep trying.”

OTHER PRO ENDEAVORS: In addition to Cedrick Banks’ deal with Nancy of the French Pro-A League, two other Flames have new deals for European teams for the upcoming season.

Former forward Armond Williams (2001-05) will be playing for AB Contern in Luxembourg, while one-time swingman Mike King (1995-97) will compete for Componenta Karkkila in Finland.

STEWART UPDATE: According to published report in the Edwardsville Intelligencer, incoming Flames freshman Spencer Stewart was arrested for unlawful consumption of alcohol at a party on the night of Aug. 12.

The incident occurred in Dorsey, a rural town about 14 miles North of Stewart’s hometown of Edwardsville.

Stewart, 18, was among 32 minors picked up by Madison County Police.

There was speculation on the internet that was Stewart was arrested for DUI, which was false, according to Stewart’s father, Eric.

Eric Stewart’s father took the time to e-mail Whoosh! with a statement on the incident.

“Spencer was part of a large group (approx. 50) that attended a party on Aug 12, in a very remote area in Madison County,” Eric Stewart said. “Shortly after some kids from another town were asked to leave because of their disruptive behavior, the Madison County police arrived. Spencer was one of 32 kids arrested. Some three police wagons showed and hauled the kids in.

“Actually, Spencer and I spoke on the phone approx. 10:00 p.m. on the 12th. At that time, he was on his way there and would be staying overnight, camping out. His mother and I insisted he not leave once he got there, yet be home early the next morning. We had a family trip planned to Kentucky and would be leaving by 8:00 a.m. By 11:30 p.m., the police had arrived and the rest is history.”

UIC coach Jimmy Collins was disappointed with the incident, but said it was just harmless fun.

“I don’t condone what he did,” Collins said. “He made a mistake, but there were no drugs, no weapons, and he wasn’t driving. It was in a [secluded] area. It was like their last party after high school graduation.”

Collins was upset with the fact that the incident is being blown out of proportion.

“I talked to Spencer and he said he doesn’t want this to hurt the start of his college career,” Collins said. “He’s a great kid, but haven’t we all, or at least, most of us, done something that isn’t right?”

Spencer Stewart is a 6-foot-4 point guard that figures to see playing time for the Flames this season. He finished his Edwardsville career with 97 victories and was a four-year starter for the Tigers, who wrapped up the 2005-06 season at 30-1 after a loss to Marshall in the Class AA quarterfinals.

Spencer was also named Second-Team All-State by the Associated Press after his senior season after averaging 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 3.2 steals per game.

Eric Stewart closed with this statement: “The charge/fine has been resolved and Spencer is attending classes at UIC and looking forward to this season and the opportunities that lay ahead.”

SNEAK PREVIEW: In the first major college basketball publication to hit the newsstands, Lindy’s predicts the Flames to finish second in the Horizon League behind crosstown rival Loyola.

Wright State beat writer Marc Katz of the Dayton Daily News wrote the following: “The Flames have considerable experience returning, although at a little younger level than Loyola.”

Katz also has junior swingman Othyus Jeffers on the All-Horizon League First Team and sophomore guard Josh Mayo on the Second Team, while also mentioning senior forward Danijel Zoric as the conference’s top defensive player.