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Season in review: Final evaluations

A LOOK BACK AT THE 2005-06 UIC FLAMES

(4/24/06)

Part one of a three-part series, looking back at the season and peeking ahead to next season. This installment looks at the Flames players and coaching staff.

SENIORS

Photo credit: Rob Freeman/Chicago Flame
Justin Bowen: Arguably, he was the team leader, especially early in the season when the team finished second at the Top of the World Classic. Bowen really improved in all facets of his game and assumed the team’s leading scorer role in the absence of Cedrick Banks. He sharpened his perimeter skills, which saw him drill 15-footers on a consistent basis. He was also one of the league’s top rebounders, which helped him land on the Second-Team All-Horizon League. In addition, Bowen’s emotions, positive and negative, were factors this season. His spat with head coach Jimmy Collins in Indianapolis on Jan. 2 was a rare black mark on an outstanding season and it helped start a six-game tailspin. When he was positive, the Flames were obviously a much better team. Bowen should probably be able to make some money playing professionally, whether it’s in a U.S. minor league or overseas.

Photo credit: Rob Freeman/Chicago Flame
Rocky Collum: Boy, did the Flames ever miss this guy? Sidelined for much of the season with injuries and illnesses, Collum became the team’s secret perimeter weapon down the stretch. He hit for a career-best 21 points in the Horizon League tournament game against Wright State at the Pavilion. Collum scored 42 points in his final three games as a Flame after working his way back into the rotation. If UIC had a healthy Collum for most of the season, the results may have been different. Despite the adversity, Collum took his misfortunes in stride and enjoyed his experiences and was a valuable asset when he was fit.

Photo credit: Rob Freeman/Chicago Flame
Etienne Nelson: A hard-working four-year walk-on, Nelson embraced the spirit that Collins desired from his team. Often used as a key member of the scout team, he would prepare the regulars for future games. It was a shame that the Nelson couldn’t earn more floor time during games, because he always played hard. Nelson accomplished two things that most college walk-ons can only dream about: Play in the NCAA tournament (March 2004) and play at Cameron Indoor Stadium (Dec. 2004). He did earn a well-deserved start on Senior Day against Wright State on Feb. 25.

Photo credit: Rob Freeman/Chicago Flame
Elliott Poole: What should have a breakout year for the burly power forward from Farragut turned into a nightmare. Shortly before the Flames’ Jan. 5 game vs. Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the team found out that the 6-foot-7, 255-pounder was academically ineligible. With that a year of struggles that included asthma problems which limited his conditioning, the end of Poole’s ineligibility was a deathblow to his Flames. He will be remembered for the game-winning shot in the Horizon League tournament finals against UWM in March of 2004, but his third (and final) season as a Flame was truncated. Poole did hit a game-winning rebound basket against Northern Illinois in December, but “Butch” never reached the height of his potential, which is a shame, considering he was part of an All-State class that included Andre Iguodala, Dee Brown, Richard McBride and Sean Dockery as a high school senior.

JUNIORS

Photo credit: Rob Freeman/Chicago Flame
D.J. Smedley: Collins talked up the native of Philadelphia as being a solid floor general and leader before the season, but a slow start with some bumps and bruises along with a non-existent offensive game, landed Smedley on the bench. Late in the season, walk-on Greg Zimny was called upon as the primary back-up at the point behind freshman Josh Mayo. Smedley’s lack of success and playing time was a head-scratcher to those that expected big things from the junior college import. He did show some bright spots on defense, but it wasn’t enough for extended time on the court. It will be interesting to see what role Smedley will play in 2006-07.

Photo credit: Rob Freeman/Chicago Flame
Jovan Stefanov: He is probably UIC’s most unselfish player – quite possibly to a fault. Collins called upon Stefanov to do the little, dirty things like rebound and play defense – and he did so. He was a key ingredient to the Flames’ turnaround when Collins put the lanky 6-foot-9 forward at the top of the zone defense, hounding the opposing point guard. On Jan. 25, UIC was down by 15 points at Wright State and staring at a seventh consecutive loss, but Stefanov shadowed Raiders star DaShaun Wood and helped a Flames’ pressure defense confuse the Raiders as UIC pulled out an incredible victory. Offensively, Stefanov can score off the dribble, though he always looks awkward doing so. He can also stroke the three-pointer when left open. Collins would have liked to have a more aggressive Stefanov as it pertains to offense, but the coach appreciates all the subtle things as well. Look for Stefanov to average in double figures in scoring and about 6-7 rebounds per game, helping to pick up the slack for Bowen’s departure. He could get some consideration for Horizon League honors.

Photo credit: UIC Athletics
Greg Zimny: A gritty, hard-nosed competitor, Zimny gave the Flames key minutes off the bench at the point. He has surprising quickness and plays tough defense. In his limited minutes, he was usually a spark for the team. Zimny could see more minutes in 2006-07 and will, perhaps, help stretch defenses with long-range shooting. As a senior next season, he will also be looked upon by the younger players on the court and in practice.

Photo credit: Rob Freeman/Chicago Flame
Danijel Zoric: The 6-foot-9 Serbia native and junior college import had a bit of a slow start at the beginning of his Flames career. Zoric had just one double-figure scoring game in the first half of the season. Coach Collins often said Zoric was his own enemy and that he could be a much better player with more confidence. In the preseason, Collins hinted that Zoric could be the best post player that the Flames have ever had, and while that’s still a stretch at this point, Zoric really developed in the second half of the season. When the Flames started to adjust after the loss of Poole, Zoric was a key factor. He was able to hit jumpers out to 18 feet, particularly on the baseline. He improved his scoring and rebounding numbers in the season’s second half, going for double figures in points eight times and grabbing at least five rebounds on nine occasions since mid-January. A good sign for Flames’ success in the latter part of this past season was getting Zoric involved early in the game. His defense may not have talked about much, but he improved as a shot-blocker late in the season. He was also vocal on the floor, talking to his teammates on defense.

SOPHOMORES

Photo credit: UIC Athletics
Alok Aiyar: A two-year walk-on, Aiyar is a heady point guard that helps the scout team a great deal. The Bartlett graduate has not yet scored in a Division I game, but did actually lead the team in a 2004 game against Saginaw Valley State with three assists. In his limited time on the floor, he tends to be an unselfish player.

Photo credit: Rob Freeman/Chicago Flame
Kevin Bond: Coach Collins’ confidence in the Morgan Park grad grew as the season moved along. Bond is never afraid to shoot the ball, which is his best asset to the team. His lanky body and reach helps Bond shooter over smaller defenders. Bond’s deficiency early was his defense, but Collins was pleased with his effort to improve in that area. That improvement gave Bond more playing time in key moments, especially in the overtime win at Horizon League champion Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Feb. 15. Look for Bond to provide more instant offense in 2006-07 and to give the Flames more of a presence on the perimeter, as well as, in the mid-range game. He probably won’t be a starter, but he should get significant minutes to utilize mismatches.

Photo credit: Rob Freeman/Chicago Flame
Robert Bush: It was somewhat of a strange season for the sophomore out of Thornton High School. Bush opened the season as the starting off-guard and poured in 16 points in the opener against Montana State in the Top of the World Classic. He went on to start 14 games, but he only scored in double figures two more times the rest of the season. He had seven DNP’s in the Flames’ last 11 games. There was no apparent reason for Bush’s benching other than the coaching staff trying something different. When Bush was hot, he was the team’s top shooter, especially early in the season. He nailed four three-pointers in the team’s overtime loss at Wisconsin-Green Bay on Jan. 11. While he rode the bench for most of the stretch run, Bush can still be a key contributor for the Flames in the next two seasons. He has the ability to score and seems to play hard when he’s out on the floor, though he’s prone to some mistakes.

Photo credit: Rob Freeman/Chicago Flame
Othyus Jeffers: Incredible athlete. Great jumper. Intense. Tenacious rebounder. High energy. Just a few words and phrases that describe the Flames’ super sophomore, who won the Horizon League’s Newcomer of the Year Award. From Day 1, Jeffers established himself as a leader on the floor, scoring when he needs to, but also doing the dirty work, like rebounding and passing the ball. Jeffers, a 6-foot-5 swingman, who plays like a combination of a power forward and a two-guard, led UIC with 92 assists. Defensively he’s one of the best. One of the few flaws in his game was his free-throw shooting, but that even improved as the season went along. He can hit jumpers out to 15 feet and is working on extending that range. He’s also the best offensive rebounder in the Horizon League. He has great bloodlines as he is the cousin of former UIC great Mark Miller. In fact, a source close to the athletic department said recently that Jeffers “has been working in the gym all the time.” The source said that, one particular day, Jeffers and Miller were working out together for an entire day. That said, it looks like Jeffers is sure-fire First-Team Player in the league next season.

Photo credit: Rob Freeman/Chicago Flame
Eb Noonoo: A sophomore walk-on from Loyola Academy in the North suburbs, Noonoo made the team with an impressive workout and a recommendation from Bowen. Noonoo was a solid under-the-radar player at Loyola before enrolling at UIC as a student. The 6-foot-4 forward got extended minutes in the Flames’ home loss against Butler and showed some toughness. He could be a wild-card as far as the Flames’ plans for 2006-07 are concerned. Noonoo is a pretty solid rebounder for his size. Even when he’s on the end of the bench, he’s one of the first players to start cheers and congratulate teammates on their efforts. Just a good glue guy to have on the team.

Photo credit: Rob Freeman/Chicago Flame
Karl White: Perhaps the biggest enigma on the team during the 2005-06 campaign, White, perhaps, was pressured too much by comparisons to Banks. White is the probably the best pure athlete on the team with sprinter’s speed and a quickness rarely found at the mid-major level. Sometimes, White freelances too much for the coaching staff’s liking. In fact, Collins has benched him on occasion to try to harness his abilities and get White to conform more to team play. Overall, White is a tremendous player and a talented young man that anyone can like off the court. Defense was probably White’s strong point this season, getting key stops and steals late in games. He needs to improve on his outside shooting and needs to make smarter decisions on the court. One thing that White is not afraid of is taking a big shot when the team needs one. With two years left in his UIC career, White can still be a major contributor. At his best, he may give the Flames double-figure scoring and good defensive intensity.

FRESHMEN

Photo credit: UIC Athletics
Jovan Ignjatovic: The “other Jovan” didn’t see much time on the court this year and was redshirted by the coaching staff early in the season. He had his appendix removed in early December and did not play thereafter. When he did see court time, Ignjatovic displayed a knack for being aggressive. He also can shoot from the outside, possibly giving the Flames a secret weapon at 6-foot-9. “Iggy” could be a contributor next season, especially if he gets a little stronger.

Photo credit: Rob Freeman/Chicago Flame
Josh Mayo: The only freshman to get significant minutes, Mayo earned his way on to the Horizon League All-Newcomer Team. He definitely lived up to the hype from his high school days at Merrillville (Ind.). After a slow start from the perimeter, Mayo became the Flames’ most dangerous three-point weapon. His breakout game came at Georgia Tech when he scored 21 points and drilled 9-of-10 from the free-throw line to put the nails in the Yellow Jackets’ coffin in a dominating 73-51 victory. He hit game-winning shots against Mississippi and Detroit and scored eight clutch points in overtime at UWM. Mayo is also the Flames’ best free-throw shooter in quite awhile. He was second on the team in assists after being forced into the starting point guard role after injuries to Collum and Smedley. He made a few mistakes, but this freshman played more like a junior. In 2006-07, look for Mayo to be a major contributor, especially with improved outside shooting.

COACHING STAFF

Photo credit: Rob Freeman/Chicago Flame
Jimmy Collins and assistants: There have been arguments from many UIC fans that the team isn’t focused enough against the so-called “weaker opponents” like St. Xavier, Chicago State and Wisconsin-Parkside. Collins and his staff probably should shoulder much of that blame, but there’s plenty to commend the staff about as well. The fact that UIC gained wins over Mississippi, Georgia Tech, Northwestern, Davidson, San Diego State and Wisconsin-Milwaukee and played very tough against NCAA teams Syracuse and Murray State on the road is a great accomplishment. Collins and his staff were handcuffed by the loss of Poole in early January. It eventually took some “desperation” and change in defenses to get the Flames.

Photo credit: Rob Freeman/Chicago Flame Assistant coaches Lynn Mitchem (from left), Dave Donnelly and Mark Coomes.
Give credit to Collins for going with the zone defense with Stefanov at the top, guarding the opponent’s primary ballhandler. The zone did have its deficiencies as the Flames gave opponent shooters too many open looks (see Horan, Bruce). On the interior, the Flames were tough and physical, using mostly undersized players to pack the paint. Offensively, the Flames struggled for awhile without Banks, but Bowen started off well, and then Jeffers and Mayo came along. Even Stefanov, Zoric and Bond showed some offensive flashes as the team balance, which helped UIC win eight of its final 12 games. In the second half of the season, the staff did a nice job of molding a team. Hopefully that will carry over into next season.

In other recent news:
Ex-Flame joins coaching ranks (plus Granderson, notes) (4/16/06)
Stewart's next stop: UIC (3/21/06)
Kreps honored a Class A tournament (3/15/06)
Flames' prospects still doing well (3/10/06)
Stewart, Edwardsville stay hot (recruit, alum update) (3/7/06)
No matter how you say: Flames' season over (HL vs. UWGB) (3/4/06)
Green Bay awaits Flames in Milwaukee (preview) (3/2/06)
Rock solid effort by Collum (HL tourney vs. WSU) (3/1/06)
Flames looking stoked (HL tourney preview) (2/28/06)
Jeffers, Bowen, Mayo honored by league (2/27/06)