Same ole Coach Yak

[Chuck A]

We here in the city of Chicago have seen it time and time again: our professional teams hire an assistant coach from another team, who turns out to not be very good running his own team. It's mostly happened with the Bears. This is the same thing that's happened with UIC. I've mentioned before that because you happened to be a serviceable assistant that did help the overall program, does not mean you're head coach material. To me Luke Yaklich falls into this category. He had so much hype about his defense (especially the 3-point defense) at Michigan and Texas only to have it be non-existent at UIC. He also had a computer file called "Things I would do as a Head Coach"'(paraphrasing, of course). So he had assistant coach experience; actually been "in charge" of defensive schemes; and time to create, develop and hone his basketball culture/style and what we have in 3 years and 1 game is a coach who is 35-50 and has no idea how to develop a system nor the ability or desire to hire a coach who knows offense. I won't even mention his inability to use his players correctly. I guess I just did.

By the way, Coach Yak is here through the '25-'26 season.

[uiclaflame]

I think I'm officially out on Yak - it's at least getting really close. I initially gave him some extra grace because he started his tenure during the COVID year - but I actually have now started to think new head coaches have benefited from COVID transfer rule changes vs. hurt (at least the good ones).

I've seen many instances across D1 of new former assistant head coaches making significant changes in wins and culture in 2-3 year windows. I feel like we wouldve made a jump already if Yak had the goods as a coach. While WBB is different landscape, look at what Coach Bracey is doing on the WBB side for example as seeing pretty quick results from new coach - it's clear that the real good ones can have big impact quickly in today's transfer portal world.

I will say I do think Yak probably couldve gotten better results if his first head coaching gig was with a team that had more of an established culture. UIC is tough gig that I think needs someone very special/particular/unique to work out here on the MBB side

[Big D]

We’ve accomplished very little during his tenure:

0-3 vs Loyola (average loss by 10+ points)
0-1 vs Depaul
0-1 vs Northwestern (38 point blowout)
0 conference records at .500+
0 Power 5 wins
0 ability to recruit a productive big.

Skimming past schedules, what is his biggest win? Breaking the Valpo win streak against us? Central/Western Michigan? ISU last year? Is that it in 3 seasons?

Jury still out on this year, but we need to be moving up in conference. Have to be middle of pack at least. It’s hard to judge against Cincinnati since most teams we play won’t be that big and athletic. I thought we played tough defense for most of that game…it’s the shot selection, lack of 3-point shooting, and carelessness on the other end that did us in.

I want to beat Loyola. Coach can cool the seat a bit with a win there. Unlikely, I know. Outside of that, we just need to start winning games we’re supposed to win as members of the Valley. Beat Little Rock convincingly to start.

[goveybaseball]

I have to agree with most if not all of this.
No big wins. Not able to bring in any exciting non conference teams to play at UIC like Collins used to.
Crowds are worse than ever.
Not recurring nearly enough locally.
No shooters which is comical in this day of basketball.
Very little size.
I love the guys passion but we need to see a step up.

[flamernation]

The frustrating part so far is schedule. No fun exciting non conference teamd coming in. Where is the united center vs Illinois game. Where is the northwestern ot DePaul at our house game. Bring Texas or Michigan in here. 35-50 right now will get us 45-72 after the 10-22 season we about to have. Not looking good. Dee Brown got Roosevelt hot. Ashleen Bracey got some big time transfers from Marquette Wisconsin DePaul St.Johns... team plays hard defense good shoot selection. Looks the part... we look small, skinny, weak. Game over at tip off. Same story under moore, mcclain. Dont have the answer but i do see improved social medis post. Nice promotions. Nice giveaways. Good website just bad scheduling. Need to bring in teams fans want to see. No one wants clayton state and little rock. Bring in Purdue.i bet it sells out.