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Let the kids play FLAMES SHOW STUFF AT MADNESS (10/14/06)
After a fan fest with autographs, games and free food, the men’s and women’s basketball teams scrimmaged. The men took the floor after the women’s scrimmage. The Blue and White teams battled each other for 10 solid minutes, resulting in a 24-24 tie, which saw acrobatic dunks, slick passes and high energy levels. The dunk exhibition was hit-and-miss, however. The high-percentage shots weren't quite falling. “It was alive out there,” junior swingman Othyus Jeffers said. “We were just showing off for them. We’ll practice those [dunks] along with the free throws.” Collins was pleased with the first glimpse of the team and the support from the students and fans. “It was a nice turnout,” UIC coach Jimmy Collins said. “It gave our students and some of our younger people an opportunity to see a little bit of talent that we have back and some that we brought in. “We’re nowhere close to where we want to be, but we’re a long way from where we were two weeks ago.” Collins took a quick opportunity to highlight a couple of players with whom he was impressed. “Jovan [Stefanov] is hitting his shots,” Collins said. “He’s moving better; he’s stronger and that’s certainly going to help us.” Junior college transfer Jermaine Dailey and junior guard Robert Bush showed a lot of fire and energy on the floor, as well. “Jermaine can run and jump and he’s a smart player,” Collins said. “He gets to where he needs to be on the floor. He doesn’t force things and does the things he needs to do well.” MILLER TIME: Former Flames star Mark Miller was in attendance, still waiting for a good offer from a European squad. “The teams aren’t coming through with good offers,” Miller said. “I’m not too worried about it right now.” In the meantime, he will support his cousin, Othyus Jeffers. FLAMES FLICKERS: Comcast SportsNet will broadcast three Flames games this season, starting with the Dec. 16 game with Akron at the UIC Pavilion. According to assistant athletic director Dave Rosengard, the other contests will be Loyola on Jan. 13 and Detroit on Jan. 20. … UIC’s game with Illinois at the United Center on Dec. 9 will likely be picked up by WCIU-Ch. 26 as part of the Big Ten’s TV package. … With plenty of road and neutral site games booked for the 2007-08 season, athletic director Jim Schmidt is looking for four non-conference home games. He said that New Mexico State, coached by former Bull Reggie Theus and Collins’ alma mater, could be one of the home contests. UIC has road games with Georgia Tech, Akron and Illinois State, along with the return of this season’s Bracket Buster game. UIC will also play three games in the Paradise Jam in November, which was previously reported by Whoosh! |
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