I almost fell out of my chair. Ty Pence said that not being in the NCAA tournament since 1998 ATTRACTED him to Illinois State. Credit Pedon and the staff. That's what great recruiters do. There aren't any negatives, just challenges, and Pence has accepted the challenge.Ty Pence commits to Illinois State
Ty Pence from St. Joseph-Ogden, located in central Illinois and only one hour from Redbird Arena, committed to Ryan Pedon and Illinois State on Thursday.chicago.suntimes.com
One of my favorite things about the kid so far. I can't remember a recruit ever saying something like that...and props to Pedon for talking about the drought as a fact and providing encouraging words to end it. Sure, we've been awful close with some real good teams in the last 20+ years but...it's still a hurdle. If this kid wants to be here at least in part because he wants to turn that around, that's a pretty huge get right there in itself.I almost fell out of my chair. Ty Pence said that not being in the NCAA tournament since 1998 ATTRACTED him to Illinois State. Credit Pedon and the staff. That's what great recruiters do. There aren't any negatives, just challenges, and Pence has accepted the challenge.
It's actually a great decision on his part. At some schools an NCAA bid is a ho-hum event. When we get back to the NCAA tournament Pedon and Pence will be ADORDED by all of Redbird Nation. This is a hungry program with a dormant and hungry fan base. The efforts of these coaches and players will not go unappreciated.
Johnny Kinzinger said that was one of the reasons he's coming too. He wants to be a part of the thing that brings the Birds back to relevance. Honestly, this Pence news has really been getting shared around social media. Other recruits are going to see how hyped this fan base/community gets around a solid commitment and that could help sell them. I just look forward to November 10th where fans can welcome in 3 NLI's and then Pedon and the boys beat Eastern by 30.One of my favorite things about the kid so far. I can't remember a recruit ever saying something like that...and props to Pedon for talking about the drought as a fact and providing encouraging words to end it. Sure, we've been awful close with some real good teams in the last 20+ years but...it's still a hurdle. If this kid wants to be here at least in part because he wants to turn that around, that's a pretty huge get right there in itself.