State of Redbird basketball

[CaliRdBrd]

My expectations were pretty low this year, and I have to say that the 'Birds are right about where I expected them, and I can accept this if I felt we were trending in a positive direction. I'm now not so sure that we are and wanted to hear from fans actually viewing the games whether this team is actually improving, and looks like they'll be a contender next year, or if were going to be searching for a new coach.

Me ranting...

It seems to me that this program should be the cream of the valley for several reasons...

1. We're only 100 miles from Chicago (a major media market and huge pipeline of talent).
2. A great history of quality basketball (when I attended we were one of three programs that never had a sub .500 Division I record).
3. Top notch facilities.
4. Awesome (relatively new) arena.
5. AD who seems committed.

One major sore spot to me is the lack of coverage by the Chicago Tribune. Even when the'Birds were ranked #3 in football, there was never any mention. All this despite the fact that there are probably more Redbird alumni in Chicago than any other university.

Just thought I'd see what other Redbird fans think and also what other programs think of the state of affairs in Normal.

[Sheev]

1AA football is generally ignored by most so that may explain the snub by the Chicago media. In terms of basketball I think that a few schools have competitive advantages over Illinois St. Creighton for one because of their arena and the support that Omaha gives them has to put them near the top. Wichita St. is starting to see a similar thing happen in regard to the support they receive from the city of Wichita. UNI, SIU, and Missouri St. are probably in the same boat as Illinois St. roughly although all three have their programs going in the right direction while Porter Moser and Co. can't seem to get the thing going in the right direction.

[DoubleJayAlum]

I watched the Redbirds play the Jays in Omaha. I watched Osiris go off for 27 points. Needless to say, I was impressed. Richardson also looked to have a lot of potential, although he does appear to be a bit small.

I've said it several times. You have a young team. The youthful players are very talented, perhaps the most talented group of frosh you've had in several years. This year is their year to learn and to develop relationships with one another. Be a little patient. Next year, if they are still struggling, it may be a different story.

My two cents.

[panther2317]

I watched the Redbirds play the Jays in Omaha. I watched Osiris go off for 27 points. Needless to say, I was impressed. Richardson also looked to have a lot of potential, although he does appear to be a bit small.

I've said it several times. You have a young team. The youthful players are very talented, perhaps the most talented group of frosh you've had in several years. This year is their year to learn and to develop relationships with one another. Be a little patient. Next year, if they are still struggling, it may be a different story.

My two cents.
I know UNI fans are concerned with the amount of talent they'll face tonight in Normal. There are no nights off in the Valley and Illinois State can beat any league team on any given night. I think the talent is there and once they gel, the Redbirds could really take off again.

[NoPlaceLikeDome]

I expect a turnaround for Illinois State in a few years.

It wasn't too long ago that your football program was in a similiar state as your basketball program. And look and what happened last year and then this year. Tied with UNI for 2nd in the Gateway.

Illinois State has the pieces to make a great athletic program, they just need to get them to come together.

EDIT: PS-Please don't get it together tonight! ;)

[MSNSaluki]

The fact of the matter is this - the Valley is so strong this year because most of its teams returned several starters from a year ago. Illinois State brought in a bunch of newcomers.

That the Redbirds are struggling, given the league makeup, isn't surprising. But I think you guys have some good players ... it's just going to take time. I suspect you guys will have a leg up on several schools next year if you can keep all your guys together.

[Fetz86]

As much as I hate to admit it, ISU has a very good shot at a top 4 finish next year if their new people develop.

[btisu22]

As much as I hate to admit it, ISU has a very good shot at a top 4 finish next year if their new people develop.
What about Indiana State? I think we have a ton of new players and a couple of good Sophs also.
:sycamores:

[DUBulldog]

One major sore spot to me is the lack of coverage by the Chicago Tribune. Even when the'Birds were ranked #3 in football, there was never any mention. All this despite the fact that there are probably more Redbird alumni in Chicago than any other university.

More ISU alumni in Chicago than U of Illinois alums? Are you sure? I'm very confident that there are more U of I alums, and it's not all that close. I'd be surprised if there weren't also more NIU alums in Chicagoland than ISU, but I could be wrong. There might even be more UIC alums in Chicago than ISU alums. I grew up in Chicago area and one of my sisters went to ISU, but I knew a lot more U of I people and NIU people.

[DUBulldog]

What about Indiana State? I think we have a ton of new players and a couple of good Sophs also.
:sycamores:

I don't think that anybody is denying that Indiana State will be good, but since this is a thread about Illinois State, nobody really brought up their thoughts on Indiana State.

[TrueBlueJay]

DUB - You are missing out on a great Hot Italian Beef Sandwich tonight. I guess that is what happens when you get engaged again.

[btisu22]

I don't think that anybody is denying that Indiana State will be good, but since this is a thread about Illinois State, nobody really brought up their thoughts on Indiana State.
You're right, my bad!:innocent:
:sycamores:

[DUBulldog]

DUB - You are missing out on a great Hot Italian Beef Sandwich tonight. I guess that is what happens when you get engaged again.

Old Chicago is opening up 3 locations here in the next several months....guess I'll just have to wait......but, damn, that does sound good!:lol:

[DoubleJayAlum]

DUB - You are missing out on a great Hot Italian Beef Sandwich tonight. I guess that is what happens when you get engaged again.

Is this a Brokeback Mtn thing?

[bcg]

I watched the Redbirds play the Jays in Omaha. I watched Osiris go off for 27 points. Needless to say, I was impressed. Richardson also looked to have a lot of potential, although he does appear to be a bit small.

I've said it several times. You have a young team. The youthful players are very talented, perhaps the most talented group of frosh you've had in several years. This year is their year to learn and to develop relationships with one another. Be a little patient. Next year, if they are still struggling, it may be a different story.

My two cents.

Except for O, this is a junior/senior team in Normal. Most of these guys are jucos.

Where do you see the potential in a junior that is shooting 2 for 35 (05.7%) in conference play? Do you see him getting up to 10% shooting in his final year?

There's a reason that attendance is still falling in Redbird Arena.

[CaliRdBrd]

Except for O, this is a junior/senior team in Normal. Most of these guys are jucos.

Where do you see the potential in a junior that is shooting 2 for 35 (05.7%) in conference play? Do you see him getting up to 10% shooting in his final year?

There's a reason that attendance is still falling in Redbird Arena.

That's my feeling as well. Too many juco transfers and nobody interesting comign in. Where is the Chicago recruiting? There is no way we shouldn't be dominating that scene along with U of I.

I understand bringing in a juco if you're just a puzzle piece away from a contender, but to bring them in when you're rebuilding a program is a waste of a scholarship.

I need to see some amazing recruits in the next few years for me to have faith.

[DUBulldog]

Is this a Brokeback Mtn thing?

LOL....why do you think McBulldog is going and I'm staying home? :lol:

[SiuCubFan8]

That's my feeling as well. Too many juco transfers and nobody interesting comign in. Where is the Chicago recruiting? There is no way we shouldn't be dominating that scene along with U of I.

I understand bringing in a juco if you're just a puzzle piece away from a contender, but to bring them in when you're rebuilding a program is a waste of a scholarship.

I need to see some amazing recruits in the next few years for me to have faith.

Not trying to stir the pot, but what really makes you think you should dominate the CHI recruiting scene? I mean come on look your recent 5 year history and compare it to others.

[CaliRdBrd]

Not trying to stir the pot, but what really makes you think you should dominate the CHI recruiting scene? I mean come on look your recent 5 year history and compare it to others.

Proximity to the city and number of alums that live there - that's about it. Just common sense I guess?

[Phantom]

The JUCOs were brought in because we had to plug holes. We needed IMMEDIATE fixes in several areas. Last year was abysmal. Our defense kept us in games, but we couldnt score and had no direction and no depth. So we brought in a combo of freshmen and JUCOs to help make an immediate impact and they have, its just been inconsistent.

We got off to a nice start at 6-2 and were scoring alot of points and the team was improving each game, but we have hit a brick wall with the start of conference play. We struggle to score and rebound, and generally have looked horrifiying in 3 of our 4 Valley games. We played pretty well @ CU but if not for Eldridge catching fire we wouldve been blown out that game too.

Still, there have been some bright spots. We were winless away from home all last year and we got that monkey off our back with some road wins, including a nice one @ St. Johns. But after some good wins and steady improvement during the first 8 games, weve gone backwards in the last few. Alot of it has to do with these guys learning to play together and as such we did expect some growing pains, but its been a bit more harsh than most of us expected. We DO have talent on this team though, so hopefully they can figure out how to gel REAL REAL soon. Once they do I think we can win some games. This team just has to put it together. In the meantime, many fans are bailing, attendance continues to dwindle down to next to nothing, and the optimism and hype is really taking a nosedive. :no: Hopefully these guys can get it turned around, and quick...

:redbirds:

[CaliRdBrd]

The JUCOs were brought in because we had to plug holes. We needed IMMEDIATE fixes in several areas. Last year was abysmal. Our defense kept us in games, but we couldnt score and had no direction and no depth. So we brought in a combo of freshmen and JUCOs to help make an immediate impact and they have, its just been inconsistent.

We got off to a nice start at 6-2 and were scoring alot of points and the team was improving each game, but we have hit a brick wall with the start of conference play. We struggle to score and rebound, and generally have looked horrifiying in 3 of our 4 Valley games. We played pretty well @ CU but if not for Eldridge catching fire we wouldve been blown out that game too.

Still, there have been some bright spots. We were winless away from home all last year and we got that monkey off our back with some road wins, including a nice one @ St. Johns. But after some good wins and steady improvement during the first 8 games, weve gone backwards in the last few. Alot of it has to do with these guys learning to play together and as such we did expect some growing pains, but its been a bit more harsh than most of us expected. We DO have talent on this team though, so hopefully they can figure out how to gel REAL REAL soon. Once they do I think we can win some games. This team just has to put it together. In the meantime, many fans are bailing, attendance continues to dwindle down to next to nothing, and the optimism and hype is really taking a nosedive. :no: Hopefully these guys can get it turned around, and quick...

:redbirds:
Is Moser doing the right things in your opinion? Will the attendance ever get up to where it once was without several highly succesful seasons?
Just curious...

[siudog]

This is will blow people away when they hear this..

salukibob is cheering for the Redbirds tonight....

I just got back from the cardiac unit at my local hsp.. after I heard that from SB

:wheelchair:

:salukis:

[Phantom]

Is Moser doing the right things in your opinion? Will the attendance ever get up to where it once was without several highly succesful seasons?
Just curious...

Really hard to say, Cali. Sometimes everyone (coaches and players) look phenominal, and other times (games vs. UE, SIU, INSU) they all look lost. Its just been inconsistent and streaky. I guess thats a sign of essentially a brand new team that hasnt totally gelled yet. One of the biggest concerns on most Redbird fans' minds is the sudden stoppage of improvement. Early on, these guys got better each game it seemed, then once Valley games started, they just imploded. Granted, the competition is obviously much better, but it dosent seem like they team is even attempting to do the things that got us some early wins. Not to mention the player rotations have really been quite strange. (Like the Indy St game for example when we desperately needed points and 2 of our best shooters, Holtz and Fortes, sat the bench all night.)

Attendance will pick up once we win consistently and get some good buzz goin about these guys again. The old addage "Winning cures all" really holds water around here. Until then, we'll still struggle to get people to the arena.

[underdawg2]

Really hard to say, Cali. Sometimes everyone (coaches and players) look phenominal, and other times (games vs. UE, SIU, INSU) they all look lost. Its just been inconsistent and streaky. I guess thats a sign of essentially a brand new team that hasnt totally gelled yet. One of the biggest concerns on most Redbird fans' minds is the sudden stoppage of improvement. Early on, these guys got better each game it seemed, then once Valley games started, they just imploded. Granted, the competition is obviously much better, but it dosent seem like they team is even attempting to do the things that got us some early wins. Not to mention the player rotations have really been quite strange. (Like the Indy St game for example when we desperately needed points and 2 of our best shooters, Holtz and Fortes, sat the bench all night.)

Attendance will pick up once we win consistently and get some good buzz goin about these guys again. The old addage "Winning cures all" really holds water around here. Until then, we'll still struggle to get people to the arena.


I watched the Indiana State-Il State game on TV--I'm not trying to flame--but it's your point guard (name? the JUco kid) that seems to be the problem--he was often out of control--you need a reliable point to run your coaches' offense IMO

[SiuCubFan8]

Proximity to the city and number of alums that live there - that's about it. Just common sense I guess?

ISU is not the only school close to CHI and with lots of alumni in CHI.

[DoubleJayAlum]

Suddenly things don't look so dismal in Normal. :grin:

Great win tonight redbirds!!!!!!