Texas Border Business
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Men’s Basketball Head Coach Matt Figger announced on Sunday the signing of 6-0, 175-pound guard Ismail Habib for the 2021-22 season.
Habib played this past season at national powerhouse Bishop Walsh School, part of the newly formed National Interscholastic Basketball League, in Cumberland, Md. This allowed Habib to compete against nationally renowned programs such as Oak Hill, Montverde and Sunrise Christian Academy, among others.
Originally from Chicago, Habib played his first three seasons at Lincoln Park High School, leading the Lions to back-to-back 20-win seasons. He earned Illinois High School Athletic Association All-State Third Team honors as a junior by averaging 22.7 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists per game. He was also recognized as a GetBucketsChicago.com All-City Second Team and Chicago Sun-Times All-City Third Team honoree as a sophomore.
Habib saved his best for the biggest stages, scoring 43 points against Chicago Lane Tech Academy and putting up 23 points against DJ Steward, who declared for the NBA Draft after one season at Duke, and nationally-ranked Whitney Young High School. His play caught the eye of renowned AAU programs, leading to Habib playing for Derrick Rose’s Team Rose.
“Ish is a hard-nosed competitive kid who plays with a lot of bravado and a big chip on his shoulder,” Figger said. “He has the ability to facilitate and run a team. He can also score, make shots and stretch the defense. He brings a Chicago-toughness to the program and we’re excited to have him here.”
Habib joins 6-8, 210-pound forward Shavaul Butters, 6-9, 215-pound forward Donte Houston Jr., and of 6-9, 195-pound forward RayQuan Taylor and 6-6, 185-pound guard/forward Justin Johnson as part of the 2021-22 recruiting class.
 Men’s Basketball Head Coach Matt Figger announced on Sunday the signing of 6-0, 175-pound guard Ismail Habib for the 2021-22 season.){kind=link}