CHICAGO -- UIC standout
Tai Odiase, one of the most decorated players in program history, will begin a career in professional basketball after signing a contract with Iberostar Tenerife, a club based in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain.
"I cannot not say enough about what
Tai Odiase has meant to our program," said UIC head coach
Steve McClain. "He worked through a lot of tough times early in his career and was an integral part of back-to-back postseason teams the last two years at UIC. There is no doubt he has helped to change our culture for the better and elevate this program closer to where we expect it to be.
"Everyone is well aware of what is he capable of on the court, but it is his work ethic, maturity and leadership that often takes place when no one is watching that will help set him apart at the next level," said McClain.
Odiase, a three-year captain, played 130 games at UIC from 2014-18. He started 117 times, including all 102 under McClain's leadership. The Glenwood, Ill., native was named the Horizon League Defensive Player as both a junior and senior and he is one of only three players in Horizon League history to be named to the conference's All-Defensive Team three times. Odiase is the all-time leader for both UIC and the Horizon League with 361 career blocks. That number places him tied for 37
th on the NCAA's all-time list with Harvey, Ill., native
Melvin Ely.
The only player in program history with at least 1,000 points, 700 rebounds and 200 blocks, Odiase helped the Flames win 20 games during his senior season, which was the most for any UIC team since the 2003-04 campaign. He finished his career with 1,153 points, good for 16
th on the program's all-time list, and 745 rebounds, ranking sixth in program history in that category. UIC finished as runner-up in the
CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament and Odiase was named to the All-Tournament Team.
Iberostar Tenerife, or Club Cantera Base 1939 Canarias plays in the Liga ACB and the Champions League. Odiase will join the club for the remainder of its season.
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