CHICAGO – The UIC men's basketball team announced Tuesday the signing of Yusef Salih (YOO-sef sa-LEE), a junior transfer from the University of Idaho. Salih marks the third off-season addition by third year head coach Luke Yaklich and his staff.
 
"We are excited to welcome Yusef Salih into the Flames' basketball family," commented Yaklich Tuesday. "Yusef is a 6'2" combo guard who has played the last two seasons at the University of Idaho. Yusef has made commitment to being a player that can impact the game on both ends of the floor. He has a serious-minded approach to development on and off the court. He has a passion for the gym and individual development coupled with a competitive spirt and team-first mindset. He has earned a 3.53 grade point average and plans to pursue a degree in criminology. Yusef will have two years of eligibility remaining."
 
The Gainesville, Va. native was indeed impactful on both ends of the floor during his first two collegiate seasons in Idaho, leading the Vandals in three-pointers made in 2022-23 with 47. Along with drawing 28 offensive fouls on the year, Salih also posted a season-high 18 points and a career-best five made threes in a game at Long Beach State on Dec. 21, 2022. Salih also recorded a career-high in assists against Portland State on Feb. 2, 2023.
 
Salih will join UIC's roster as a junior for the 2023-24 season, with two remaining seasons of eligibility. The Idaho Honor Roll member is a 2021 graduate of the Highland School, where he played under head coach Brian Hooker, and helped the Hawks to a 28-3 record in 2019-20, garnering First-Team All-Conference honors.