Midwestern Collegiate Conference report

SportsLine.com Report
April 10, 2000

The Flames got hot late in the season, winning three straight home games at one stretch, then overwhelming favored Cleveland State in the first round of the conference tournament.

Coach Jimmy Collins' squad, however, never established any consistency and, like so many MCC teams, struggled on the road, going 1-12 on foreign courts in the regular season. It was a struggle all season to find a point guard after health problems once again forced Joel Bullock to the sidelines.

UIC always seems to have plenty of talent. This year was no different, but Collins at times had trouble getting across the concept of "team." Two constants were freshman forward Maurice Brown, named to the all-newcomer team, and senior guard Theandre Kimbrough, who was honored by opposing coaches as one of the league's top five defenders.

A glance at 2001

A lot depends on Bullock and his recovery from heart trouble. He is expected to play, but there will always be doubt, especially after doctors cleared him to play this season but he didn't quite feel comfortable enough. With Bullock, the Flames can move up the standings. Without him, or a reasonable facsimile at point guard, they are doomed to a treadmill-like existence, just running in place.

The Coach

No coach in the conference is more animated on the sidelines than Jimmy Collins, but after a 20-loss season, you have to wonder who's listening and if his players have tuned him out.

Who'll Be Back

While the Flames hope Bullock makes it back, they are definitely counting on Brown. The 6-foot-8 Syracuse transfer can't do it all, but he did finish fifth in the conference in rebounding.

Who's Gone

Without question, guard Theandre Kimbrough will be the toughest for Collins to replace. UIC's leading scorer (13.5 ppg), he topped the Flames in scoring 12 times, scored 20 or more points five times and delivered lock-down defense night after night.