Aug. 25, 2009
CHICAGO- With the first week of classes now in full swing, UIC head men's basketball coach Jimmy Collins revealed the Flames' 2009-10 roster on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Collins announced that 6-foot-11 center Kyle Robbins (Falmouth, Maine/Cheverus H.S./Southwestern Illinois College) has signed with the Flames and will play beginning this fall.
Robbins began his collegiate career at Vermont before transferring to Southwestern Illinois in Belleville.
"Kyle has a big body with great hands and great offensive tendencies," said Collins. "He is very sound fundamentally. We're looking forward to working with him and helping him, and us, plug our paint up."
Collins and his staff also unveiled five new walk-ons: 6-foot guard Arthur Wiley (South Holland, Ill./Thornwood H.S.), 6-foot-3 guard Erin Pryor (Chicago, Ill./King College Prep), 6-foot-5 forward Mylin Northern (Chicago, Ill./Kenwood Academy/Triton College), 5-foot-10 guard Corey Gray (Missouri City, Texas/Hightower H.S.) and 6-foot-4 guard Matt Bush (Quincy, Ill./Quincy H.S./Black Hawk College).
The six latest additions join a 2009-10 rookie class that already includes 6-foot-9 center Louis Green (Hillside, Ill./St. Joseph H.S.), 6-foot-7 forward Brad Birton (Chicago, Ill./North Lawndale College Prep/South Suburban College), and 6-foot-5 guard Anthony Kelley (Aurora, Ill./Aurora Central Catholic H.S.).
"I really like the balance of this roster," said Collins. "With veteran leadership from Robo Kreps, Spencer Stewart and Jeremy Buttell to go along with the needed additions of athleticism from Brad Birton, Louis Green and others, we have a good mix of guys who will really work to be successful."
Collins also announced that junior forward Tori Boyd and fifth-year senior forward Jovan Ignjatovic have decided to forego their remaining collegiate athletic eligibility to pursue other interests. Both will remain at UIC to complete their degrees.
"I want Tori to succeed in any endeavor he chooses," said Collins. "If his real interest is anything he works towards, he will be successful.
"I have always said that Iggy was one of our most skilled big men, and we will miss him," said Collins. "We wish both Iggy and Tori the best in their future endeavors as they stay at UIC to finish their education."
In addition, senior forward Rob Eppinger and freshman forward DeMarkus Isom-Jones have left the University for personal reasons.
Fans can listen to podcasts featuring exclusive interviews with UIC head coaches, staff and student-athletes in two ways:
1. Download the free UIC Athletics Widget and click on the "UIC Flames Podcasts" link
2. Download podcasts for free on iTunes by searching "UIC Flames."
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