CHICAGO – UIC head men's basketball coach Steve McClain announced on Tuesday, Nov. 14 that Isaac Bassey (Baltimore, Md./Capital Christian Academy/State Fair CC) has signed a National Letter of Intent during the early period to continue his education and basketball career at the University of Illinois at Chicago beginning in the 2018-19 academic year.
 
"We are excited to welcome Isaac and his family to our UIC family," said McClain. "He is a physical big man who will bring a strong mentality and energy that is infectious and will make all of us better coaches and players. He understands the game at a high level and moves very well for a player of his size. We love his aggressiveness at both ends of the floor and know he will fit right in with what we like to do as a team."
 
"UIC felt like home for me," said Bassey at a signing day ceremony at State Fair last week. "I feel that I can continue my development as basketball player and continue my education as well."
 
Bassey is currently a sophomore at State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Mo. He will have two seasons of Division I eligibility as a member of the Flames. Bassey brings a strong, physical presence to the UIC frontcourt as he stands 6'11" and weighs 230 pounds.
 
Originally from Nigeria, he matriculated to State Fair from his adopted hometown of Baltimore, Md. and he attended Capital Christian Academy in Upper Marlboro, Md.
 
"[Bassey] is a good defensive player who can rebound the basketball," said State Fair head coach Matt Brown. "He will also bring leadership and toughness."
 
Bassey, who plans to pursue a degree in business management, will be the second player to make the jump from State Fair to UIC under McClain's leadership. Senior Clint Robinson also attended SFCC from 2014-16 before becoming a Flame prior to the start of the 2016-17 season.