Former Illini basketball star Sergio McClain was recently named the ninth head men's basketball coach at Parkland College.  McClain will succeed Chris Warren, who resigned two weeks ago after seven years as the Cobras' Head Coach.  Parkland was 10-22 this season but will potentially return 10 players next season, including three starters.

"We are excited to get someone of Sergio's reputation and character to coach at Parkland," said Athletics Director Rod Lovett.  "He is extremely knowledgeable about the game and I think he will be an excellent coach both in practice and in games.  We hope that our players will display the same hustle, dedication, and work ethic that Sergio had at both Manual and Illinois."

McClain most recently served one year as the Player/Head Coach of the Peoria Kings of the Prairie Basketball Association, where he led the first-year team to the playoffs.  He has also spent one year as an assistant Coach at Champaign Central in 2005-2006.  He is consultant/program implementer for Prime Time Computer Services.

Sergio is best known as "The glue" of the Fighting Illini during his four-year career from 1997 - 2001.  During his time at Illinois, the Illini compiled a record of 86-46 (.652), winning the Big 10 Championships during his freshman and senior seasons.  He was the team co-captain as a senior in 2001, leading Illinois to 27 wins, the third most in school history.  He recorded just the second triple-double by an Illini in a game vs. Michigan on January 13, 2001 when he finished with 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.