Illinois State...
I remember 3 years ago sitting at Redbird arena watching Ben Richardsons half court attempt rim out at the buzzer. It was a tough, physical. Missouri Valley game…The Redbirds of this year seemed the polar opposite, not very tough or competitive. Their two games against Norther Kentucky, which they lost by 15 points and UIC which they won by 1 best describes them this year. They were a top tier Horizon League team. They did have some injury issues with Sophomore guard Derric Boyd missing. games and Taylor Buninga who LU recruited missed a ton of time for the 2nd year in a row with a foot injury.
They will be losing 3 of their top 5 scorers including Couple good young guards coming back in Boyd and Antonio Reeves from Simeon who had a good freshman year,.
An unknown is 5 new players ( they are currently 1 over the scholarship limit) None of the 3 incoming freshman scare me based upon their offer sheets….Josh Strong who is a JUCO from Iowa Western was their leading scorer and shot 45% from 3..He originally signed with Navy…..They also have a 6”10 guy from Russia via Dayton Community where he was injured…so he really is an unknown.
I think they will be competitive at the guard position and the key to their season will be the development of Keith Fishcer….their 6”8 transfer from San Jose State and the development of their young centers.
Bottom line for me though is that I have never thought of Muller as that good of a coach. So know I have E
vansville, Drake, Illinois State, Bradleyhttps://www.pantagraph.com/sports/colle ... 54b1a.html