Aug. 31, 2009
CHICAGO- Cedrick Banks and Josh Mayo, two of UIC's all-time greatest basketball players, will square off for the very first time on the professional side in an exhibition between their respective French teams this Tuesday, Sept. 1.
Mayo will lead Stade Clermontois, a French Pro B League team, against Banks' Entente Orléanaise 45, a French Pro A League club.
"I'm really looking forward to it," Mayo said of the matchup against his fellow UIC alum. "I've never played against him outside of open gym, so I am excited. It will be fun to play against Ced in a professional setting."
Banks is UIC's all-time leading scorer with 2,097 points from 2001-05, while Mayo is the Flames' fourth all-time best point producer with 1,718 points from 2005-09.
Mayo has been in Clermont, about three and a half hours away from Paris, for the past three weeks and is enjoying the city and the professional experience.
"Playing ball for a living is not a bad job," said Mayo. "The language barrier is the toughest part, but I am learning a little more French everyday. This is a nice city with a nice cathedral, a nice mall, and many great things to offer."
Mayo, who is living with his wife, Meisha, in France, gave the Flames faithful best wishes in 2009-10.
"Good luck this season and thanks for everything," Mayo said to the UIC universe.
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."
Fans wishing to learn more about affordable and flexible UIC ticket plans are encouraged to call 312-413-UIC1 or visit www.uicflames.com and click on the "Tickets" tab on the Flames home page.
