Illinois State – Will the Face-Lift Work?

Ten New Players Form a Redbird Mystery

(St. Louis, MO) – Illinois State coach Dan Muller has never had a team like this. The face-lift for this year’s team includes ten active players that didn’t wear the Redbird uniform last season.

After a season when Illinois State won a ‘Muller-era’ low 17 games, ILS fans are looking for a turn around. Heading into his eighth season, Muller had three Division 1 transfers sitting on the bench and practicing with the team. There were times when those players were the best players AT practice.

But, will the face-lift work?

Do You Know the Way To San Jose

Two San Jose State transfers may be the key to the season. Keith Fisher III and Jaycee Hillsman bring veteran toughness, leadership and proven production. Fisher was a team captain last year even though he couldn’t play in a game. Muller says Fisher is a natural leader.

While at San Jose State the 6’8 Fisher averaged 10.4 points and 6.3 rebounds and Muller appreciates his toughness.

Hillsman played three seasons with the Spartans and his junior season accumulation of 9.6 scoring and 4.2 rebounding averages. The 6’6 Hillsman can play multiple positions and gives Muller a versatile weapon.

Needed Firepower

Dedric Boyd had some explosive moments playing for Eastern Kentucky. The 6’4 guard averaged over 13 points per game while topping the 20-point mark four times. Boyd succeeded on just 28 % of his shots beyond the three-point line.

Muller says those three players and Abdou N’Diaye bring talent versatility and toughness to the Redbird lineup.

 

 

(See ‘Missouri Valley’s Top Five Impact Transfers‘ to see more about Valley transfer talent)

 

Returners Key to the Face-Lift

Zach Copeland and Matt Chastain were key components on last year’s team and need to be productive for this year’s squad to be successful.

Copeland averaged over 18 points per game for the City College of San Francisco before arriving in Normal, Illinois. During his final season there, he topped the 30 point mark twelve times.

Last season was not easy for the Oakland native. He averaged 9.3 points and three assists per game, while struggling to fit into the point guard role. He made just .317 of his shots from deep and recorded 96 assists, but also 71 turnovers. Thirteen times he reached double-figures in scoring, but did so only once during the Redbirds’ final eight games.

Chastain has brittle knees and has to be held out of practice with regularity. However, he had electrifying moments last season. His high-flying dunks, charges drawn and rebounding in traffic are jaw-dropping. His statistics don’t reflect his value.

The 6’6 wing averaged just 3.5 points and 4.2 rebounds aren’t numbers that jump off the page, but he is a proven sparkplug and energy player. Recently, Chastain broke his hand, taking a charge in practice.

Prior to that injury, Muller revealed Copeland and Chastain need to be more consistent for the Redbirds to be successful.

 

 

Depth in the Backcourt

Three other newcomers bolster the backcourt. Wichita State transfer Ricky Torres and a pair of freshmen bring depth and talent to Muller’s guard contingent. D.J. Horne and Antonio Reeves come to ILS with great credentials.

Torres is a senior transfer. He played in all 37 Shocker games averaging over two points and two assists per game. The 6’2 veteran figures to contribute at the point guard position, freeing Copeland to move to the shooting guard spot.

Reeves, is 6’4 and a three-star recruit out of Chicago’s historic Simeon High School. Horne is an all-state player from the state of North Carolina.

Others to Watch

Sophomores Rey Idowu and Taylor Bruninga could be key ingredients. Idowu will spell N’Diaye in the post and at 6’9/240 will present a different look than the 6’9/190 N’Diaye. The highly touted Bruninga missed all of last season after averaging 4.9 points per game as a true freshman. His left foot injury isn’t completely behind him. As of our conversation with Muller, the 6’8 ‘stretch-four’ still had not practiced this year.

With ten new players, the face-lift at Illinois State is in high gear. A Muller led Redbird team had never won fewer than 18 games before last season. Many predicted they would contend for the Valley title last season, but they finished the conference season with a 9-9 record.

The health of Chastain and Bruninga and the meshing of so many new parts into a cohesive unit will determine if this face-lift looks like Demi Moore or Joan Rivers.

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