Indiana State – Balanced For Success

Perimeter Stars Joined With Frontcourt Talent

(St. Louis, MO) – Indiana State always has all-star guards, but now they are balanced for success. Coach Greg Lansing has recruited a host of frontcourt players to take some of the pressure off his all-conference guards.

Guards Jordan Barnes and Tyreke Key are two of the most explosive offensive players in recent Missouri Valley Conference history. While Key was last season’s Valley scoring leader, Barnes has accumulated 1,180 career points. Two seasons ago Barnes set the Sycamore single season record for three-point baskets (117).

Barnes was a second team all conference player in 2018 and Key landed on that team in 2019. Both were named to the Valley’s all-improved teams during their respective sophomore years. Key has accumulated 788 points during his two seasons in Terre Haute.

Barnes is one of the greatest free-throw shooters in Valley history connecting on .867 of his charity tosses. The 5’10 senior had a down season where the three-point line is concerned. Now, Barnes has something to prove. (See ‘Four Returners Will Shape the Valley Season‘)

Lansing says those two guards are a dynamic duo.

 

 

Key averaged 17.4 points per game while becoming the fourth Sycamore to ever lead the Valley in scoring.

 

Lansing’s recent teams have struggled defensively and have lacked offensive production from their front-court.

Now, they may be balanced for success.

First FULL Seasons for Neese and C. Williams

There were great expectations for Cooper Neese and Christian Williams when they transferred to Indiana State. Neese arrived from Butler and Williams from Iowa. Both sat out for a year and a half.

Neese was named to the Valley’s all-freshman team while averaging 8.2 points per game while connecting on 38% of his long distance shots. Williams averaged 7.9 points starting all 23 of the games that he and Neese were eligible.

Lansing says they both took some time to get acclimated, but expects great things from the 6’4 Neese and 6’6 Williams.

Front Court Reinforcements

Lansing is optimistic about newly recruited frontcourt players. 6’8 junior college transfer Christopher Agbo and freshmen Tre Williams and Jake LaRavia bring athleticism and talent to the Sycamore interior game.

Agbo is a 280-pound physical specimen and Williams is a traditional back-to-the-basket post player. Laravia originally signed with Southern Illinois Edwardsville, but after a coaching change for the Cougars, LaRavia signed with Indiana State.

Lansing says the 6’8 Indiana all-star is highly skilled and can do special things.

The veteran head coach says those frontcourt players will help his team be balanced for success.

 

 

Improved Facilities and Murderous Schedule

ISU’s administration is doing a massive upgrade to the Hulman Center. The multi-million dollar project will elevate the Sycamore program, but presents difficulties for this year’s team. As a result, Lansing’s squad can’t play a home game until late November.

The Sycamores open with six straight road games including contests at extremely difficult Dayton and Louisville. Following a neutral site game with Ball State, ISU plays in the Bahamas in the Junkanoo Jam.

Lansing says the improved facilities and playing a demanding schedule are important for the development of the program.

 

 

After the opening six games ISU plays five of six at the Hulman Center, including their MVC opener.

ISU is finally balanced for success. How quickly the new front line players adapt to Valley play will determine how much success this year’s Sycamore team finds.

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