The Illinois State Redbirds are gearing up for an exciting basketball season, and the exhibition opener against Illinois is just the beginning! But will they soar to new heights or face unexpected challenges?
The Redbirds' Journey Begins:
The Illinois State men's basketball team is set to tip off its exhibition season on Sunday, October 19, at 2 p.m. in the State Farm Center, Champaign, against the formidable Illinois squad. This marks the first of two preseason matchups against Big Ten opponents, providing an early test for the Redbirds.
A Season of Records and Achievements:
Last season, the Redbirds shattered records, sinking 341 three-point field goals, a new single-season benchmark for the program. And that's not all; they also clinched the post-season tournament championship at the Purple CBI in Daytona Beach, Florida. But here's where it gets intriguing: graduate student Brandon Lieb and head coach Ryan Pedon have a unique connection to Illinois, having spent time with the Illini in the past.
A Winning Streak to Build On:
ISU is riding a three-game win streak, the fifth-longest in the nation, thanks to their undefeated run in the Purple College Basketball Invitational. This achievement puts them in elite company, alongside Florida, Chattanooga, Nebraska, and Eastern Illinois. And with only 16 schools across the country winning their final game of the 2024-25 season, the Redbirds are in rarefied air.
Returning Firepower:
The Redbirds retain a formidable scoring presence, bringing back 1,786 points from last season, which accounts for 65.49% of the team's total scoring. This ranks them fifth in the NCAA for returning points and tenth for returning scoring percentage heading into the new season.
Dynamic Duo:
Johnny Kinziger and Chase Walker, the junior duo, were a force to be reckoned with last season, combining for 1,042 points. This remarkable feat made them the highest-scoring sophomore duo in program history and the second-highest in the NCAA. They join an exclusive club, becoming just the eighth sophomore pair in the NCAA since 2020-21 to each score 500+ points in the same season.
Statistical Surprises:
Over the past decade, few NCAA schools have matched ISU's remarkable improvement. From 2023-24 to 2024-25, the Redbirds soared 313 spots in the three-point percentage national rankings, ending the season ranked 22nd in the country. And it's not just about percentages; Chase Walker and Johnny Kinziger both cracked the top-10 in single-season scoring by a sophomore, an impressive achievement.
A Season of Low Turnovers:
Illinois State's ball security was exceptional last season, with six games featuring five or fewer turnovers, tied for seventh-most in the NCAA. Additionally, forward Chase Walker drew fouls at an impressive rate of 7.4 fouls per 40 minutes, ranking seventh in the country.
High Expectations:
With three of their top four scorers returning, including two All-Missouri Valley Conference selections, the 2025-26 Redbirds are generating buzz. Mid-Major Madness, Lindy's Basketball Magazine, Blue Ribbon Basketball Magazine, and the MVC media poll all predict a championship-winning season for the Redbirds. Chase Walker is named Preseason Player of the Year by multiple sources, while Johnny Kinziger earns a spot on the Preseason First Team.
Statistical Excellence:
The Redbirds' shooting prowess was on full display last season, making 48.2% of their field goals, the ninth-best in program history. Their free throw percentage of 74.9% was equally impressive, ranking seventh all-time. And when it comes to effective field goal percentage, which emphasizes three-pointers, the Redbirds ranked 13th in the country.
Rebounding and Long-Range Excellence:
Johnny Kinziger showcased his rebounding skills, grabbing the fourth-most rebounds in the NCAA last season among players 5-11 or shorter. Meanwhile, Jack Daugherty, a sophomore, hit 59 three-pointers as a freshman, ranking fourth in three-point percentage among players with at least 50 makes.
KenPom Efficiency:
In terms of efficiency, KenPom, the renowned college basketball statistics site, rated Illinois State's adjusted offensive total at 112.7, the highest in the program's history. Stathead basketball's Offensive Rating metric also places ISU's offense highly, with a rating of 113.8, nearly 10 points higher than previous seasons.
As the Redbirds embark on their journey, will they live up to the hype? Can they maintain their winning streak and dominate the court? The stage is set for an exciting season, and the basketball world eagerly awaits the Redbirds' performance. What do you think? Are the Redbirds destined for greatness, or will they face unexpected challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
