by Adunk33 » October 17th, 2023, 12:43 pm
For the Redbirds, there are a lot of question marks right now. Having seen some practices and scrimmages, the team has a lot more depth than a season ago. In a perfect world, you probably want to get to a rotation of 9. I think these 9 will change based on personnel they're facing. I could see a couple different starting lineups.
Small:
1: Dalton Banks, SIU xfer, 6'2, 190
2. Darius Burford, 6'0, 175
3. Jordan Davis, Wisc xfer, 6'4, 200
4. Kendall Lewis, 6'8, 210lb
5. Myles Foster, Monmouth xfer, 6'7, 235lb
Foster is a physical forward with a 7'+ wingspan. He could match up with another team's five.
Now, if they wanted to go with a "more traditional" line up, that would move Lewis or Foster to the bench with 7'1, Brandon Lieb, Illannoy xfer taking his spot.
Now for the bench, 6'3 Malachi Poindexter is a name Valley fans will remember from last year. The Virginia xfer was forced to play PG last year when he has even said he's more comfortable off the ball. Now, he'll be able to spell Burford and play off the ball. Pedon brought in two legit PGs in Banks and Mr. Basketball Wisconsin, 5'11 Johnny Kinziger. I watched him a lot in HS and he's a baller and in complete control of the game. Johnny and Banks have been battling and it wouldn't surprise me to see JK take over the reigns by the end of the year. Spelling Jordan Davis will be K-State xfer, 6'5 Luke Kasubke. He started some games for the Birds last year but really seemed to find his rhythm coming off the bench. Lewis and Foster will spell each other at the 4. Assuming he can get and stay healthy, giving Lieb a breather will be 6'9, 290lb freshman, Chase Walker. Walker was my biggest question going into this season, thinking he would be a good RS candidate but the kid is ready. He is a physical force that can move and shows touch around the rim but his best aspect is his passing. During a recent scrimmage, he had assists on 3 or 4 consecutive possessions.
Right now, I would say those are the top 10. A name I haven't mentioned yet is freshman, 6'6 Ty Pence. He 100% absolutely will play. He just looked like a freshman compared to the other two in his class. He's versatile, can score and defend at a high level but there will be a learning curve. Offensively he'll be a 3 or small 4 but can guard 1-4.
The others that are left are 6'10, Ryan Schmitt who is a really sound, fundamental player but at times he's physically outmatched. Then there's returner Harouna Sissoko, fans were a little surprised he decided to return after going through senior day activities last year. He's is ultra-athletic and made the game saving block in the Return to Horton game last season. You might be thinking, hasn't he been at ILST forever? Why yes, he has. Sissoko got to ILST for the 2019-20 season and redshirted the '21-22 season. With the COVID year, he actually has this and next season of eligibility.
There is an event Thursday night this week and the exhibition is a week from Sunday. We made it folks, basketball is back!
