NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — Illinois State enters the season with high expectations after making it to the Final Four of the NIT for the first time in program history, and they’re going to be one of the favorite teams in a solid Missouri Valley Conference this year.
The Red Birds return plenty of talent from that roster a year ago, which includes seniors Chase Walker and Johnny Kinziger, who are returning for their fourth seasons in Normal and both will be relied upon to lead ISU as they look for their third consecutive 20 plus win season and potentially a berth in March Madness.
“It was a lot of fun last year, especially in that post-season round. Like you said, we were just such a connected team,” said Kinzinger. “Coach did a great job of, you know, establishing all our culture and its, you know, with how it is nowadays with all the new guys. It’s on, you know, the older guys, the guys from last year to bring that back, bring that to this team so we’ve been trying to install that all summer.”
Advertisement
“I hope me Klay, Bo and John just from getting experiences in those big time games in the postseason,” said Walker. “Be careful Vinnie and just those environments too like we’re trying to get to March Madness. And with that comes the big crowds and the big lights and all that. So, I think we experienced a little bit of that last year playing Auburn at Hinkle.”
The regular season for the Red Birds will begin on November 2 against Saint Mary’s from California.
Elsewhere in the Missouri Valley Conference Bradley is also looking strong. The Br
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
