July 31, 2009

CHICAGO- Former UIC center Scott VanderMeer (Dyer, Ind./Lake Central H.S.) has signed a contract to play for the professional basketball club BC Lugano Tigers in Switzerland.

"I am happy with all the support I have been getting from everyone at UIC and I am very excited to start my professional career in Switzerland," said VanderMeer.

"Scott has upside that is still going up," said UIC head coach Jimmy Collins. "He's a tremendous defensive player who has offensive skills from the perimeter as well as being able to do things inside. He will represent any team well, just like he represented the Flames, and we wish him the best of luck in his professional endeavors."

VanderMeer averaged 11.9 ppg and finished 2008-09 as the Horizon League leader in rebounding (8.9 rpg) and blocked shots (2.5 bpg), the second consecutive season he led the conference in both categories.

The three-time Horizon League All-Defensive Team selection holds school and league records for blocked shots in a career (273 from 2006-2009), in a season (111 in 2006-07) and in a single game (nine vs. Cleveland State on Jan. 27, 2007).

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1. Download the free UIC Athletics Widget and click on the "UIC Flames Podcasts" link

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