Upcoming Season Preparation
NORMAL — In preparation for the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season, Ryan Pedon, the head coach of the Illinois State Redbirds, conducted individual meetings with his players last month, prior to the team’s first official practice.
Meeting Beyond the Court
Pedon, in his fourth year as coach and a former assistant at Illinois, took a more personal approach by meeting with Ty Pence in a Normal coffee shop. Their conversation touched on the considerable changes since Pence’s freshman year at Illinois State.
Freshman Year Challenges
As a highly regarded recruit in 2023, Pence was expected to make an impact but started just one of 24 games, largely serving in a limited role during a disappointing season that ended with a first-round exit from the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. “His freshman year didn’t go as he wanted, as he would have planned,” said Pedon, emphasizing Pence’s resilience in choosing to remain with the team instead of transferring.
Building on Experience
This past season, Pence saw his role expand as a sophomore and is now regarded as a leader among the Redbirds, who are aiming for NCAA tournament success. This week, the Redbirds will face No. 17 Illinois in an exhibition match, testing their skills against tough competition.
Support and Growth
Pence reflects positively on the struggles of his freshman year, as they taught him valuable lessons in resilience and improvement. His teammates, including Chase Walker and Johnny Kinziger, have noted Pence’s unwavering positive attitude throughout their journey together. “He never flinched. He always kept an upbeat spirit,” stated Kinziger.
An Enduring Support System
Pence has not only benefitted from his teammates’ support but also from his hometown community. Brian Brooks, the former coach from Pence’s high school, remarked on Pence’s determination to overcome adversity as a testament to his character. “It’s really hard to play college basketball,” Brooks noted, recognizing the challenges that Pence has successfully navigated.
Aiming for Success
Determined not to repeat his freshman experience, Pence revamped his approach heading into his sophomore season, which proved fruitful. Having played a pivotal role in the Redbirds’ postseason run, he aims for even greater accomplishments this year as he and his teammates aspire to make Illinois State’s first NCAA tournament appearance since 1998. “Reaching the NCAA tournament is a goal we’ve put to ourselves since we got here,” Pence shared, emphasizing their commitment to teamwork and improvement.
