Key Reserves
Marcus Ottey- Sophomore
Ottey is going to be the first player off of the bench for the Flames this year. Ottey is also a Canadian, and, much like Boahen, Ottey is a very good three-point shooter but is best suited as a dribble drive player who gets to the rim. Ottey like a few other Flames last year had a season that was hampered by a few injuries. In a game at Northern Kentucky last year Ottey had his best statistical performance, and, since it was a conference favorite, it appears Ottey is at his best when the lights shine the brightest. The starting five for the Flames is pretty potent, but, if Ottey plays up to his potential, he will not provide much drop-off.
Clint Robinson- Senior
The Jamaican big man provided quality minutes last year either in the starting line up or helping get Odiase some fresh legs. Robinson will not provide the defensive presence that Odiase will, but the Flames will not lose much on the rebounding end and especially on the offensive rebounding end. Robinson is also an elite offensive rebounder averaging just under three per contest. Robinson was very efficient on offense a year ago shooting almost 50% from the field. It will be interesting to see how the division of minutes for the Flame big men are distributed. If Dixson stays healthy all year, Robinson could see a drop off in minutes but only because Dixson and Odiase are that important to this teams success.
Jordan Blount- Sophomore
Blount is a product of Ireland originally but came to Illinois-Chicago via the SPIRE Academy in Ohio. At the Spire Academy, Blount shot the lights out. Blount has been very successful on the European circuit as well. At the 2015 European Championships, Blount scored 25 points per game and added about 10 rebounds and three assists. He also scored 65 points in a semifinal of a national tournament. Blount comes from a line of boxing champions in Ireland, so he is a tough kid who should have no problem finishing strong through contact. The defense is still not where it needs to be yet, but, if he shows he can score like he is clearly capable, Coach McClain will find a spot for him on the floor.
Naradain James- Junior
James is entering his first year in the Flame program after a successful stint at Garden City Community College in Kansas. James is another frontcourt player who will push for time behind Dixson and Odiase. James showed he could be a good rebounder at the JUCO level last year and was able to pour in 11 points per game last season. James did shoot 40% from the three-point line last year, so he will come into the games off the bench and look to get himself some quick offense by launching some threes. James should get minutes early on in the year, but, if he struggles as the year goes on, his minutes may be fewer and fewer.