Men’s basketball adds coaching staff

Matt Saey, director of player development. “His expertise spans across many platforms,” says head coach Howard Moore.

UIC head basketball coach Howard Moore finalized his staff for the 2014-15 season with the hiring of Matt Saey and Phil Gaul.

Saey is the director of player development and Gaul will be director of basketball operations, pending Board of Trustees approval.

“I am thrilled to have Matt and Phil join our staff,” Moore said. “Both individuals hold qualities that I highly value and I know they will treat their positions with respect and commitment.”

Saey spent the last four years as the director of strength and conditioning for Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights. Saey created a training program and helped significantly revamp the Lions’ weight room facility. He was responsible for the development of nearly 400 student-athletes competing in more than 20 varsity sports. Saey was one of just three full-time high school strength coaches in the state of Illinois.

Saey worked in the Flames’ strength and conditioning department as an assistant coach from 2006 to 2010. He worked directly with the men’s basketball, volleyball, swimming, track, gymnastics and tennis teams. He graduated from Western Illinois with a degree in exercise physiology and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Saey is a sports performance coach certified by USA Weightlifting.

Phil Gaul, director of basketball operations. “Phil has proven himself through hard work and competency,” Moore says.

“Matt brings a wealth of knowledge about human performance to our program,” Moore said. “His expertise spans across many platforms, including strength training, conditioning and nutrition. He has an extremely high energy level which will fit in well with our team.”

Gaul has spent the past four years with the UIC men’s basketball team, beginning as a student manager during Moore’s first year with the Flames and most recently was program assistant. Last season, Gaul oversaw the student manager program and aided the squad in several logistical areas. Gaul’s duties will include the coordination of team travel, budgetary responsibilities and practice schedules among other team-oriented tasks.

“Phil has proven himself through hard work and competency,” Moore said. “His dedication and attention to detail will make him a great addition to our staff.”