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3-star recruit joins UIC basketball

Pat Birt, a 6-foot-5 wing player from Plano East High School in Texas, has signed to play basketball for UIC, head men’s coach Howard Moore announced Friday.

Birt, who is a three-star recruit according to Rivals.com, will have four years of eligibility with the Flames beginning next season.

“We’re excited to be able to bring a player of Pat’s caliber into our program this late in the spring period,” said Moore. “He’s going to be a solid addition with his size, athleticism and skill at the wing spot.

“This signing also keeps our foothold strong in the state of Texas, which is a priority for us in recruiting. We’ve been able to bring some very talented players from Texas into our program the past few years, and Pat is another one of those pieces.”

Birt was a First-Team 5A All-State selection in Texas last season after averaging 17.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game during District play. The Panthers (26-4) finished the 2012-13 campaign ranked No. 11 in the state. He was also named the District 10 “Most Valuable Player.” Birt transferred to Plano East for his senior season after previously attending Arlington Grace Prep in Arlington.

Birt was also recruited by Auburn, Texas Tech, Fresno State, Florida Gulf Coast, College of Charleston, Akron, Northern Colorado and Long Island.

Birt represents the third player from the state of Texas to join UIC’s basketball program under Moore, joining All-Horizon League point guard Gary Talton, who exhausted his eligibility last season, and junior-to-be Marc Brown, who attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas.

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