Redbirds Flying Again

(St. Louis, MO) – Illinois State’s basketball team seems to have finally adjusted to life after Reggie Lynch. The 6’10 center was a big part of their plans after last year’s successful season. When he abruptly transferred to Minnesota last summer, the program and players were stuck with a plan that had been unplugged.

A demanding early season schedule without the shot blocking menace in the middle changed Dan Muller’s rotation, their defensive schemes and put players in uncomfortable positions.

After an early December home loss to UAB, ISU was 3 and 6. Included in that record were losses to then # 2 Maryland and # 1 Kentucky. Losses to San Diego State and later to Saint Joseph’s don’t look as bad now as they once did. Other than a three-game losing streak early in the Valley season, the Redbirds have been really good.

Muller’s crew has gone 12 and 5. Four of the five losses have been on the road. One was an overtime decision at Missouri State and another was a 3-point edging at Southern Illinois.

The Birds have won three straight and six of their last seven games. Included in that streak is their home, upset victory over nationally ranked Wichita State. ISU is in sole possession of second place in the Valley.

What happened to turn things around?

Sophomores MiKyle McIntosh and Deontae Hawkins have found their games and Paris Lee regained his. McIntosh has been a different player since January 6th and his improvement has been a spark to Hawkins reaching more of his unlimited potential.

Since scoring nine points combined in ISU’s first three Valley games, McIntosh has scored nine or better in eight of their ten games, and Hawkins seems to be following him up the ladder of MVC success. McIntosh is averaging over 15 points per game in that ten game span. Hawkins has reached double figures in rebounding three times during Valley play and in three games he made six three pointers. The two long, athletic athletes also have a wide variety of skills. Both can take a defender off the dribble. Both can dial it in from long distance and for being 6’7 or better, their ball-handling skills are exceptional. No Valley team outside of Wichita has two such players.

Lee is a different story. After a solid sophomore season Lee regressed early this year. His steals were down and his turnovers up. He seemed confused or unmotivated and Muller noticed. The fourth year coach took his point guard out of the starting rotation. He played three minutes against Tennessee State and 18 against Missouri State, and it seemed to help Lee refocus and find his role again.

Since the turn of the year, he is more assertive, better with the ball and his scoring is up. Muller wasn’t concerned about the junior from Maywood, Illinois’ ability to score, but was unhappy with his willingness to lead and sacrifice for the good of the team. Since the Missouri State game he is averaging four assists and over 12 points per game. During Thursday’s win at Evansville the left-hander scored 12 points, handed out nine assists and collected four steals.

With five games left, the Birds are squarely in a battle for second place in the Valley, a bye in the first round of Arch Madness 2016 and some post-season play. A strong finish and they could be NIT bound for the second straight year, or a spot in one of the other post-season tournaments.

It won’t be easy. After Sunday’s game against Bradley they host Indiana State, travel to equally streaking Northern Iowa, entertain Southern Illinois and finish at revenge minded Wichita State.

Perhaps the recent emergence of Nick Banyard, another explosive 6’8 player will carry them to some exciting basketball opportunities in the month of March.

Do Good