EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball announced the signing of guard Ismail Habib for the 2025-26 season.
“We are thrilled to add Ismail to our basketball family,” said USI Head Coach Stan Gouard. “Ismail is a tough, hard-nosed guard.
“While his shooting ability, play making, and defensive intensity will fit great within our system, we are excited about what he brings to the culture of our locker room with his tremendous work ethic, attitude, and character,” concluded Gouard.
Habib is transferring to USI after spending the last two seasons at Portland State University. He appeared in 35 games for the Vikings over the last two seasons, averaging 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per contest.
The 6-1 guard averaged 8.7 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.4 assists in seven contests and one start during 2024-25. He scored a two-year high of 29 points versus Evergreen State University.
During his first season at Portland State in 2023-24, Habib posted a two-year best 9.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 28 games, making 25 starts.
Prior to playing last year for Appalachian State, Habib started 54 games over two seasons at Hill College (2023-24) and Western Texas College (2022-23). He was named All-Conference for Hill College after averaging 12.8 points and 6.1 rebounds.
Before playing at Portland State, Habib started his collegiate career at South Plains College in 2022-23. He averaged 11.5 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.7 rebounds for the Texans as a freshman.
Habib played three seasons at Lincoln Park High School (Chicago, Illinois) and one season at Bishop Walsh School (Cumberland, Maryland) before starting his collegiate career. He was third-team All-State in Illinois as a junior, averaging 22.7 points, four rebounds, and five assists per game.
The USI Screaming Eagles are a member of the Ohio Valley Conference and will be NCAA Tournament eligible in 2025-26 following the completion of the accelerated transition from Division II. USI has reached the OVC Championship in two of the first three seasons of Division I action.
