Aug. 11, 2011
CHICAGO -UIC head men's basketball coach Howard Moore announced three promotions on his coaching staff Thursday. Former assistant coach Al Biancalana was named the program's Associate Head Coach, while Drew Slempkes was tabbed Director of Basketball Operations and former UIC hoops standout
Jeremy Buttell was named the program's Coordinator of Basketball and Video Operations.
"When I took over the UIC program last August, one of the primary challenges was forming a solid coaching staff that would help during the transition," said Moore. "The group of guys we assembled has far surpassed my expectations. For their hard work and dedication to the program, they have all earned these promotions in their own right."
Biancalana, who was also on the same coaching staff as Moore during their time together at Bradley (2000-03), served as Moore's top assistant coach last season, and was instrumental in orchestrating UIC's offensive system. He also worked directly with the post players, which helped the Flames lead the Horizon League in offensive rebounding.
"I can't say enough good things about the job that Al Biancalana has done since coming on board," Moore said. "He is a tireless worker, and has a great basketball mind. I've known Al for a long time, and he has more than earned the title of Associate Head Coach. His familiarity with and experience coaching basketball in the state of Illinois has really opened a lot of recruiting doors for us."
Slempkes served as UIC's Director of Student-Athlete Development last season. In that role, he was the liaison between the men's basketball program and UIC's academic staff, organized community service projects and development and served as the lead video coordinator. Slempkes was a student manager for the Wisconsin men's basketball team during Moore's stint as an assistant coach with the Badgers.
As the Director of Basketball Operations, Slempkes' responsibilities will include team travel and budgeting, fundraising, organizing team clinics and camps and overseeing the program's student managers. He will also maintain his community service development and academic duties. Slempkes is replacing former Director of Operations Matt Ryan, who left the program at the conclusion of the 2010-11 campaign to pursue career opportunities outside of coaching.
Buttell, who played in 88 games and scored nearly 600 points during his playing career with the Flames (2007-10), served as the program's Administrative Assistant last season. In that role, Buttell assisted with team travel and video coordination, as well as community outreach and helping spearhead the newly formatted UIC Basketball Summer Camps.
As the Coordinator and Video Operations, Buttell will take over all video coordinating duties, and assist Slempkes with team operations. He will also serve as the assistant to Howard Moore.
"Drew and JB are extremely important to the future success of this program," said Moore. "They bring an energy to the office each day that is infectious, and they are passionate about basketball. There is no doubt in my mind that both of them will make great coaches one day. I look forward to their further contributions to this program."
