Welcome to Redbird Arena. For the first time in several years, I expect a big crowd for a WSU game at Illinois State. It’s been awhile since the community was excited about ISU hoops. Obviously, the Redbirds are giving them a good reason to show up this season. The students are back in class, and two sections are almost full 25 minutes before game time. Let’s start with a Q&A by Jim Benson, the beat writer for the Pantagraph. Jim is in his second season covering the Redbirds.
What’s the biggest difference between last season’s Redbirds and this season?
I would say it’s a combination of a couple things. Many of the key contributors were first-year players a year ago and weren’t quite ready for the intense level of play in Valley games. The other factor is coaching. Tim Jankovich has the Redbirds playing much harder on the defensive end. Offensively, ISU doesn’t have the ball in Boo Richardson’s hands all the time, especially at the end of shot clocks. There aren’t as many set plays on offense, giving the players a chance to free lance more.
Is Osiris Eldridge the best player in the Valley?
He is the best I’ve seen thus far. I thought it was a serious omission when he was left off the preseason All-Valley team. Not only can he take a game over offensively by driving the ball inside or shooting three-pointers, he also grabs tough rebounds in traffic and has turned into a pretty good defender.
What kind of contribution is Brandon Sampay, who committed to WSU before switching to ISU, making?
Sampay battled foot and ankle injuries early in the season and didn’t get to play much. He is finally starting to get healthy and has seen an increased role in the past four games. He gives ISU a big body inside and can defend strong post players like Falker and Coleman. Offensively, Sampay has a nice touch on 15-footers and is a pretty good free throw shooter.
Was Duke assistant Chris Collins any kind of candidate for the coaching vacancy last spring?
Probably not. I don’t think Doug Collins would have wanted Chris to have that kind of pressure on him, coaching a team on Doug Collins Court. Doug is a legend in these parts. I heard early on in the process Chris wasn’t a candidate.