Last Season: 19-16 (12-8 MVC)
Preseason KenPom Rank: 106 (2nd in MVC)
Head Coach: Rob Ehsan
After a program-defining 2025-26 campaign under second-year head coach Rob Ehsan, the UIC Flames enter 2026-27 with real momentum, returning core pieces from a team that posted a 19-16 overall record (12-8 in the Missouri Valley Conference, tied for third), reached the Arch Madness championship game for the first time since joining the league, and earned the program’s first NIT berth since 2003.
The Flames led the MVC in opponent turnover percentage (20.5%) and offensive rebound percentage (35.3%), reflecting the physical, aggressive defensive style and rebounding edge that fueled their late-season surge. They also posted their highest KenPom rating since 2004 (110), best defensive efficiency since 2008, and highest-ever NET ranking (115).
The roster blends experienced returners with high-major and portal additions, though chemistry and integrating newcomers will be early priorities. Transfer Asa Thomas (Clemson/Furman) is out for the year following hip surgery and returning guard Andy Johnson will start the year out with a broken foot, but hopes to be back in the mix by Conference play.
Key Returners
UIC brings back significant backcourt and wing production:
- Ahmad Henderson II (Senior, 5’9” PG): Averaged 12.0 points, 2.3 assists, and shot nearly 87% from the free-throw line. The local product provides veteran leadership and scoring punch in the backcourt.
- Andy Johnson (Sophomore, 6’6” G): All-MVC Freshman Team selection. Averaged 11.2 points (on 34.8% from three) while starting 34 of 35 games. Efficient scorer and shooter who should take a larger role; as noted earlier, he does have broken foot that should be fine by conference play.
- Mekhi Lowery (Senior, 6’7” G/F): Started all 35 games, averaging 8.1 points and a team-leading 5.8 rebounds with 1.4 steals. Versatile rebounder and defender (noted for strong steal rates) who brings toughness and length.
- Rashund Washington Jr. (Sophomore, 6’5” G): Averaged roughly 8.7 points and 5.0 rebounds while earning MVC All-Tournament Team honors. Dynamic athlete who thrived in the postseason (including a big performance vs. Drake).
- Jayce Nathaniel (redshirt sophomore, 6’8” F): Developing frontcourt option who contributed scoring and rebounding as a redshirt freshman.
Newcomers and Transfers
The portal and recruiting class add experience and shooting:
- Gabe Cupps (Redshirt Junior, 6’2” G, Dayton, Ohio/Indiana/Ohio State transgfer): Former four-star and Ohio Mr. Basketball with high-major experience (started as a freshman at Indiana). Limited production in the Big Ten but brings ball-handling, defense, and pedigree as a point guard option.
- Benny Gealer (graduate, 6’1” G, Stanford): Career year at Stanford with 10.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 41% from three (while starting most games). Excellent floor-spacer and defender who shot efficiently and ranked high in offensive rating. He’s a 5-for-5 guys, so as of now he’s eligible to play but could potentially be ineligible based on the latest court rulings.
- Lucas Scroggins (Redshirt Junior, 6’9” F, Valparaiso/Saint Peter’s): Size and rebounding presence in the frontcourt.
- Freshmen: Elijah Garrett, DJ Hudson, Mario Wooden Jr., Rocco Pagliocca, and Dikembe Shaw provide long-term upside.
A look at the Valley (Preseason KenPom Ratings)
Murray State is the preseason pick in the MVC but UIC sits just off in second. Belmont Evan Bradds) and Northern Iowa (Kyle Green) have new coaches, Bradley has a big-time roster revamp. Illinois State ranks 3rd with a solid returning core and Valparaiso are a team that has steadily improved under Roger Powell.
Schedule Snapshot
The Flames should open up 3-0 before heading out to Saint Mary’s for a big matchup against new head coach Mickey McConnell and the Gaels. The Jacksonville Classic is the highlight of the Non-Conference Schedule against Miami Ohio and Rice. The Flames have two other road games; Milwaukee on December 12th and Missouri State on December 21st. UIC hosts Charlotte on December 18th, that one should be an intriguing home matchup.
In conference play, the matchups against Murray State (12/29, 2/3) and Illinois State (1/30, 2/15) stand out. The two earlier MVC games are vs Valparaiso on December 2nd and vs Indiana State on December 15). There is a tough stretch from December 21 to January 16 where the Flames have 5 of 6 games on the road (Including at Murray State and at Belmont).
Outlook
UIC should again contend in the upper half of the Missouri Valley. The returning production, defensive identity (turnovers and rebounding), and additions of shooting (Gealer) and experience (Cupps) give Ehsan a roster capable of building on last year’s postseason breakthrough. Another step in the right direction would be to eclipse the 20-win mark this season. KenPom has the Flames projected for 22 wins, this squad should be the best defensive team in The Valley this team should compete with Murray State and Illinois State for the top of the league!
