Lindblom Math and Science Head Coach Zack Linderman

Chicago Rebels and Lindblom Math and Science Academy head coach Zack Linderman is a Buffalo Grove native that recently took over the head coaching position at Lindblom and is on his way to developing a great city magnet school. Lindblom is located in Engelwood on Chicago's south side. His varsity squad took 2nd in their conference last year with a squad consisting of freshman and sophomores. Linderman and star point guard Sedric Ferguson are looking to do big things in the years to come.

1. When did you take over at Lindblom? 

I took over the varsity basketball program at Lindblom in 05-06. 

2. Where is it located? 

We are located in the West Englewood neighborhood on the south side of Chicago.

3. What makes the school a good place?  

Lindblom is really an incredible school.  We have the best math and science program in the city of Chicago and an exceptional college prep curriculum.  But aside from its outstanding academic status, the vision of Lindblom is that it acts as a home away from home for students, which is evidenced by the fact that students are here from 6:30 in the morning to 8:30 at night on a daily basis.  And whether they are involved in school-sponsored programs and activities or just socializing with friends, the doors are always open to Lindblom students.  Lindblom is extraordinary in that it is a community created through a joint effort on the part of both the faculty and students.  Students are given privileges and freedoms that you don’t see at most CPS schools.  Students here have no dress code to abide by, have a say in the school rules and guidelines, and are not confined to specific areas of the building.  We don’t have classes on Wednesday.  Instead students choose from a variety of mini-courses called colloquia that involve unique math and science opportunities or fun, engaging projects in the community.  All in all, Lindblom is truly a one-of-a-kind school.

4. Who are some good players on your team? 

I have a trio of outstanding sophomore guards that all averaged double figures on varsity last season.  We are led by all-conference selections Sedric Ferguson (19.5 ppg) and Darien Davis (15.4 ppg) and point guard and team captain Dan Jackson (12 ppg).

5. Talk about the Chicago Rebels. 

I started the Chicago Rebels Basketball Club because I didn’t like a lot of what was going on in the AAU world.  I think many of the teams and coaches are involved in AAU for the wrong reasons.  I wanted to provide opportunities for kids to play and, most importantly learn the game of basketball.  I wanted them to be able to do this without having to come up with hundreds of dollars just to be a part of a team.  There is no fee to play for our team.  All funding comes from private donations which are used to pay for uniforms, tournament fees, travel costs, and any other expenses.  We want our kids to feel like they are part of another family with the Rebels.  Check us out at www.chicagorebelsbasketball.com.

6. Why is it a good fit for incoming student athletes in Chicago? 

Opportunity.  Because we are such a small school right now, there is so much opportunity to play and gain experience here at Lindblom.  If you are an incoming freshman that can play, you will have a great chance to play up on the sophomore and maybe even varsity level.  There are obviously magnet schools in Chicago (like Young and Lane) that have more established programs right now.  Those are great schools and great programs, but they cannot offer the same opportunities to play a ton of sophomore and varsity minutes as we can here at Lindblom.  You don’t improve your game by sitting, you improve by playing, and that is what we can offer.