VanderMeer finding success overseas

“My goal is simple: to help the team I am on win every game and to win a championship,” says Scott VanderMeer, former UIC Flame who’s playing professionally in Uruguay. Photo: Steve Woltmann

Former UIC men’s basketball standout Scott VanderMeer is looking for his next pro championship abroad.

VanderMeer recently signed a contract to continue his professional career with Team Malvin in Uruguay’s LUB league.  The 7-foot center, who graduated from UIC in 2009, has racked up four championships during his pro career, including a NBA D-League title with the Iowa Energy in 2011. VanderMeer is one of 13 former UIC players competing professionally.

“Team Malvin in Uruguay has always been a top tier team in the LUB,” VanderMeer said. “Last year they won the championship and I feel it was a great situation for me to be with a winning organization. I played in Uruguay two years ago for playoffs and loved every second of it. The fans and people of the city were amazing.”

VanderMeer played three seasons with the Flames from 2007-09 and is a three-time All-Horizon League Defensive Team honoree.  The Dyer, Indiana, native ended his collegiate career with 273 blocked shots — a UIC and conference record.

While playing in Japan last season, VanderMeer was a force in the post as he averaged 19.9 points and 13.2 rebounds per game.  He has also competed in Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Switzerland.

“Looking past this season, my goal is simple: to help the team I am on win every game and to win a championship,” VanderMeer said. “I will do whatever it takes to the best of my ability to make it happen. My ultimate goal is to play basketball as long as I possibly can.”

Team Malvin has won three of the last eight LUB championships.