After naming Rob Ehsan as the successor of former coach Luke Yaklich, the University of Illinois Chicago Flames have their eyes set on growth for the upcoming season.
The former UAB coach comes to Chicago known for his offensive play, leading the Blazers to four consecutive winning seasons in his four years. Ehsan’s coaching experience includes three conference titles and eight postseason appearances. Most importantly for the Flames, Ehsan is heralded as an elite recruiter in the world of collegiate basketball.
Sophomore guards Khaled Khaled and Grant Welch are returning for the Flames, as well as seniors Filip Skobalj (forward) and Ethan Pickett (guard). The Flames’ freshman class includes U18 Spanish National Team player Iker Garmendia. The offensive powerhouse averaged 15.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game with his club team over the past two seasons. Garmendia was also the Joventut Badalona club’s 3-point leader last season, sinking 31 across 15 games.
Freshman signee Jace Nathaniel also projects to make waves this season. Coming from the No. 2 ranked high school basketball program in the country (AZ Compass Prep, according to MaxPreps), Ehsan said Nathaniel is “someone who’s best basketball is in front of him.” Although Ehsan’s coaching style is offensively focused, Nathaniel brings a fluid defensive style of play that staff and fans hope will help the Flames’ point differential this season.
The signings of Tyem Freeman and Jordan Mason highlight Ehsan’s strategic use of the transfer portal. Freeman, a grad student, was a standout 3-point shooter during his seasons with UCF (2022-23) and Kent State (2023-24). Mason is a junior guard from Texas State. Mason was on the Sun Belt All-Tournament team after a career-high 25-point game in Texas State’s win over Troy.
“Jordan is a versatile defender who uses his size and length to disrupt opposing offenses,” Ehsan said.
The Flames begin their non-conference season on Nov. 4 against St. Francis, with a highly anticipated homecoming game against Yale the following week.
