Impressive Start for the Luke Yaklich Era
UIC won its first three games under new head coach Luke Yaklich, optimism brewing with 3-1 start.
New UIC (3-1) head coach Luke Yaklich has been billed as a defensive genius ever since he was credited with transforming a mediocre Michigan defense in 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 into a top-five unit according to KenPom.com. Four games in with UIC, the Flames are thriving as a well-oiled machine defensively. The statistics speak for themselves:
Opponents are shooting 38.9% from the field
That number dwindles more from three, as opposing teams shoot 13.3% (8-60!) from beyond the arc
The Flames are well coached as they aggressively contest every three, rarely allowing open looks. This strong defensive emphasis early on has served as the catalyst for UIC, as the offense still works out the kinks.
Some thoughts on UIC:
(photo courtesy of uicflames.com)
Redshirt junior Teyvion Kirk has been outstanding: 10.5 ppg, 8.8 apg, 7.5 rpg in 31.3 mpg. Kirk thrives at getting into the paint, drawing multiple defenders then finding the open man. His performance against Valparaiso was off the charts, dishing 14 assists and only committing one turnover. But turnovers plagued him in UIC’s lone loss against Ball State, he had seven turnovers to six assists. His finishing ability needs to improve, as he shoots 28.6% from two. Teams will sag off him, daring him to shoot as the year progresses. Scoring in general is a concern, but he’s the best playmaker through four games.
Braelen Bridges is a force in the paint. The redshirt junior has scored in double-figures every game and can get a basket with either hand. Bridges is a difficult matchup because he establishes deep position prior to receiving the ball, then has great footwork and hands to finish. He’s also patient once getting the ball, aware of double-teams converging his way. Bridges can pass it well from the post, despite only averaging one assist per game. The only points of concern are foul trouble and rim-protection.
Junior college transfer RayQuawndis Mitchell has been prolific from deep, making three 3-pointers per game at 46.2% as UIC’s leading scorer at 14.0 ppg. He does the bulk of his damage from deep and at the free throw line, he’s only connected on three 2-pointers. The Flames need to work to get him quality looks from three, it helps that junior Maurice Commander is back after missing the first three games. Kirk and Commander are the facilitators who’ll handle the ball, which allows Mitchell to hunt his shot from deep.
Zion Griffin is another transfer who has benefitted from a change in scenery. He’s averaging 9.0 ppg while making 1.8 three’s per game at 46.7%. He has shown flashes of breaking down the defense and getting into the paint, but needs to complement his scoring in other areas. Griffin has yet to record a block or steal, and only grabs 3.5 rebounds a game. Part of that is Kirk being a ball magnet, but Griffin is too vertically gifted not get more blocks and rebounds.
A major test awaits UIC as Loyola visits Credit Union 1 Arena on Saturday. Loyola has become a mid-major power under Porter Moser and bring a senior-laden roster that passes and shoots well.
Subscribe to College Hoops Report
UIC Men's Basketball