MVC Players in 2024 Portal

[RedbirdSoxFan]

Sissoko 100%, Luke and Dalton would be next on my list of guys we need to upgrade from. I like having Lieb as a backup big, can’t teach 7’1 around the rim

If you move Johnny to starting PG, who is his backup? I think Dalton would be better than anyone you are going to get off the portal that is going to be willing to transfer in to be a backup. Dalton can also play the PG when Poindexter/Burford (not sure both of them stay) goes out for a break (or foul trouble).
And if I’m Lieb, I’m moving down to a school where I am going to get more than 10 minutes a game playing time.

 

[Hamdonger]

So I'm going to say it out loud, and it doesn't reflect on how I feel about these guys from a human perspective.

When did we play our best basketball? We had 2 players out. 1 is probably our most talented individual scorer. He is a legit legit scorer. The other I thought (and there's still some thought left) might very well have the biggest impact on the team in a 15-20 min role. I think I was probably wrong.

We didn't just play our best basketball...we looked like a different team, and holy toledo, an efficient team. TEAM. What makes us a better team???

I know this hurts some feelings and I feel guilty about it, but I think its the elephant in the room.

 

[Rollbirds5]

If you move Johnny to starting PG, who is his backup? I think Dalton would be better than anyone you are going to get off the portal that is going to be willing to transfer in to be a backup. Dalton can also play the PG when Poindexter/Burford (not sure both of them stay) goes out for a break (or foul trouble).
And if I’m Lieb, I’m moving down to a school where I am going to get more than 10 minutes a game playing time.

Good kid plays hard but banks was an absolute liability on the offensive end, just look at the most recent game where E-ville wouldn’t even guard him. If we can’t find a better replacement for Banks in the portal or a juco recruit whether that’s a pg or combo guard then I am having serious doubts with the coaching staff’s recruiting abilities

 

[Manchester Matt]

So I'm going to say it out loud, and it doesn't reflect on how I feel about these guys from a human perspective.

When did we play our best basketball? We had 2 players out. 1 is probably our most talented individual scorer. He is a legit legit scorer. The other I thought (and there's still some thought left) might very well have the biggest impact on the team in a 15-20 min role. I think I was probably wrong.

We didn't just play our best basketball...we looked like a different team, and holy toledo, an efficient team. TEAM. What makes us a better team???

I know this hurts some feelings and I feel guilty about it, but I think its the elephant in the room.

You aren't the only one who feels that way...

 

[Hamdonger]

Good kid plays hard but banks was an absolute liability on the offensive end, just look at the most recent game where E-ville wouldn’t even guard him. If we can’t find a better replacement for Banks in the portal or a juco recruit whether that’s a pg or combo guard then I am having serious doubts with the coaching staff’s recruiting abilities

A confident aggressive Banks is a different player. A gunshy Banks who is afraid to make a mistake does hurt us. 3.7/2.3 assist to turnover. That's way better than any guard we had the year before, although stats only tell you a portion of the story. I'm good with him sticking around unless we have an obvious upgrade. JmO!

 

[Redbird Alum 2004]

Norris coming in as a coaches son with two older brothers already playing DI should be able to contribute immediately. He will understand what this level takes and I bet he spends some time playing against his brothers.

 

[Dmills]

Norris coming in as a coaches son with two older brothers already playing DI should be able to contribute immediately. He will understand what this level takes and I bet he spends some time playing against his brothers.

Braden was by no means a superstar, but did earn 4 all-league honors in 5 seasons. Is finishing up an impressive career at Loyola. Started 125 games for the Ramblers in 4 years only missing 2 games I believe. Cade certainly has potential, we know more in the Fall.

Braden's Accolades:
2019 - Horizon League All-Freshman Team
2020 - RS
2021 - MVC All-Newcomer Team
2022 - Third Team All-MVC
2023 - None (First year in A10)
2024 - Third Team All-A10

 

[Aggie]

It is a new world with NIL and the portal. Every year, every year, is a build/rebuild year. Can the player contribute immediately? And, I would probably add if they don’t contribute a decent amount by the second year then you should try and recruit over them. Many don’t like this new universe college basketball is in. I am probably among them, but building for a three or four year future May just get you players that leave in year 3 or 4. Freshman are nice but no guarantees they stay four years. And it happens at the big school club also, they leave for the NBA. To be successful it looks to me you have to catch a player on the way up and be prepared to find a replacement in one or two years. That is the level ISU finds itself at. We also may get to sign some for their last year. Finding this piece then that piece then next year we get X and hopefully the following year we get Y is how it used to be. Nowadays while trying to get X and Y you probably have C and D leave. It is a whole new ballgame and I hope ISU figures it out. I think as fans we also have to realize every player is basically a free agent every year. Evaluation of talent and how that talent fits in with the team you have coming back along with other additions is probably the key moving forward.

 

[Scipio]

Sissoko?
Kasubke?
Lieb??

Disco and Kasubke have definitely got to go. I would keep Lieb if we can. We need a power forward to replace KL and a reliable shooter. We have some good looking guys coming in, but we need another dependable 3-point shooter; IMO.

 

[RedbirdSoxFan]

Disco and Kasubke have definitely got to go. I would keep Lieb if we can. We need a power forward to replace KL and a reliable shooter. We have some good looking guys coming in, but we need another dependable 3-point shooter; IMO.

Does Indiana State have a Lieb? Does Drake have a Lieb? Does Bradley have a Lieb? Does Belmont have a Lieb? You know who does have a Lieb, a guy who can’t score down low, can’t score from the outside, gets some rebounds (except when someone contests him and he drops the ball because he is not strong). Yes, Illinois State has a Lieb, and I would rather Walker get the minutes that Lieb would be getting. Now, that being said, would I like to have Lieb on the bench? Sure, he could be use as a 9th or 10th guy off the bench if needed. But until he gets stronger and develops his post scoring and defense and proves himself these are my thoughts.

 

[RedbirdSoxFan]

Norris coming in as a coaches son with two older brothers already playing DI should be able to contribute immediately. He will understand what this level takes and I bet he spends some time playing against his brothers.

Norris will be like Kinziger. Johnny is a coaches son, an absolute beast in high school. A true winner. But it still took about half the season to adjust to D1 ball. The same will be true for Norris. I would rather have an experienced veteran like Banks for getting us through the non-conference schedule so that we don’t lose to teams like Norfolk State (at home). When Cade proves he is ready to take over Bank’s minutes than I’m all for that.

 

[Hamdonger]

Now, that being said, would I like to have Lieb on the bench? Sure, he could be use as a 9th or 10th guy off the bench if needed. But until he gets stronger and develops his post scoring and defense and proves himself these are my thoughts.

That's exactly where I'm at with Brandon. I'd like to have him for the back pocket...and IF he plays his way into a regular rotation, so be it. But he'll have to play his way in.

 

[redbirdron1]

Here’s my read on Banks.
Pretty good handles as stats show.
Never gonna b a marksman from 3.
He can drive and that’s a real plus but in off season he’s got to Develop a pull up J from 10’. The majority of his turns r when he gets in the trees and tangled up - pull up and hit the short jumper.

And, all he has to do is make 1 outta 3 deep shots a game and he’d b fine. We got others to take the majority of the deep shots.

Also - Burford needs Serious work on his 3 pt shot, he has no confidence in that shot nor do we in him. Work on it!!

 

[Redbird Alum 2004]

Norris will be like Kinziger. Johnny is a coaches son, an absolute beast in high school. A true winner. But it still took about half the season to adjust to D1 ball. The same will be true for Norris. I would rather have an experienced veteran like Banks for getting us through the non-conference schedule so that we don’t lose to teams like Norfolk State (at home). When Cade proves he is ready to take over Bank’s minutes than I’m all for that.

Dang I wish we had Banks this season so we didn't lose to Norfolk State at home.

 

[Scipio]

Does Indiana State have a Lieb? Does Drake have a Lieb? Does Bradley have a Lieb? Does Belmont have a Lieb? You know who does have a Lieb, a guy who can’t score down low, can’t score from the outside, gets some rebounds (except when someone contests him and he drops the ball because he is not strong). Yes, Illinois State has a Lieb, and I would rather Walker get the minutes that Lieb would be getting. Now, that being said, would I like to have Lieb on the bench? Sure, he could be use as a 9th or 10th guy off the bench if needed. But until he gets stronger and develops his post scoring and defense and proves himself these are my thoughts.

All good points! I’m in total agreement regarding him off the bench. I think we’re on the same page.

 

[Redbirdfan06]

A confident aggressive Banks is a different player. A gunshy Banks who is afraid to make a mistake does hurt us. 3.7/2.3 assist to turnover. That's way better than any guard we had the year before, although stats only tell you a portion of the story. I'm good with him sticking around unless we have an obvious upgrade. JmO!

Sticking around in a reserve role or as a starter? Because I don’t see how this team takes the next step if he is playing 30 minutes a night.

An aggressive Banks was to the detriment of Johnny and Mal. I get that Buford played into that too but you can’t have your point guard dribbling around in circles with no awareness of the shot clock. We looked our best minus Buford and less dribbling of Banks. But the Evansville game was Banks reverting back to his old ways because they refused to guard him from 15 feet and out.

 

[RedbirdSoxFan]

Dang I wish we had Banks this season so we didn't lose to Norfolk State at home.

Banks is not the reason Illinois State did not win

Banks 10 pts 6 reb 4 asst 2-7 - 1-3
Burford 11 pts 5 reb 1asst 3-10 / 0-5
Poindexter 6 pts 3 reb 2 asst 3-10 / 0-5
Lewis 3 pts 5 reb 0 asst 1-4 / 0-1
Lieb 2 pts 2 reb 0 asst 1-1 / 0-0
Davis 2 pts 0 reb 1 asst 1-4 / 0-2
Kasubke 0 pts 2 reb 0 asst 0-2 / 0-2

 

[SgtHulka]

We played our best this year when Banks, Mal and JK took the Lions share of minutes. Banks is turnover prone against faster teams as is Johnny. Both played a lot together when Johnny was shining. That said I'd like a taller faster counterpart with some seniority for the Banks role for defensive match ups with good handles.Burford has the speed, but not the size. Mal lacks size. In short, 4 short primary guards is short sighted

That and a more consistent Lewis for Fosters paint pal. And another if we replace 3 guys. And another guard if we lose 4

 

[Reggie Redbird]

We don't have any open spots. Time to get those meetings scheduled.

I thought we had at least one with two signings and at least three scholarship players graduating?

 

[redbirds2000]

I thought we had at least one with two signings and at least three scholarship players graduating?

Only Schmitt and Lewis are graduating according to the Elgibility Tracker thread.