CHICAGO – UIC head coach Luke Yaklich announced Monday (Aug 3) the addition of Demetrius Calip II to the Flames roster. Calip, who hails from just outside Los Angeles in Woodland Hills, will join the Flames for the upcoming 2020-21 season after a standout prep career at Taft High School in California.
 
"We are excited to welcome Demetrius to UIC and our men's basketball program," said Yaklich. "He brings a winning mentality to our program after playing four years for Coach Derrick Taylorat Taft High School in California. Demetrius has also learned a great deal from his father who won a national championship as a player at Michigan."
 
A three-star prospect by both Rivals and 247Sports, the 6-foot-4 Calip led Taft High School to a 22-11 record and a spot in the regional quarterfinals of the CIF State Division III playoffs. Calip averaged 16.3 points per game while hauling in 5.2 rebounds per game for the Toreadors.
 
As a senior, Calip was tabbed as an Honorable Mention All-Area pick by the LA Daily News in addition to being named to the West Valley League First Team. In addition to his high school achievements, Calip played on the California Supreme AAU team and was invited to compete at the 2019 NBPA Top 100 Camp.
 
"He is a versatile and athletic guard that takes pride in competing on both ends of the floor. We are really looking forward to Demetrius' ability to positively impact our program on and off the court during his four years at UIC. Demetrius takes pride in his academics as well as his athletic performance. We are excited about the opportunity to help him be successful on and off the court at UIC. Demetrius is really excited about the opportunity to grow and build our culture help us compete for championships," added Yaklich.
 
Calip's father, Demetrius Calip, played collegiately at the University of Michigan and helped the Wolverines to the national title in 1989. He played professionally for three years following his graduation in 1991, highlighted by a stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.