vs UIC (1-11) - Wednesday, 2/7/2024 - 7 pm - ESPN+/Marquee Network

[SlackBooDom]

A long drive home gave me time to collect my thoughts.

- It is unacceptable to have the basketball three different times in the last minute and not get a shot off. The most important thing in the game is the ball. Giving it back to the other team when you're losing, in situations that should be practiced, left several in disbelief. We ran a set for... someone and threw the ball almost into the crowd. I don't think Pedon even knew who he was mad at because so many people ran the play wrong.
- I do not understand why Pedon is reluctant to change the offense. Our spacing is so bad. We often have 2-4 guys in the same spots on the floor and are so easy to guard. We dribble more than any team in college basketball. The ball is never in motion. It is always being bounced. I could go to a game and close my eyes and tell you when ISU is on offense because the ball is being pounded until Foster gets it and shoots it.
- UIC's defensive gameplan was to leave the 3-point line open in the first half and double the post. We responded with 5/13 shooting and made them correct. After, we went 0/3. We're just not going to win games until we have better guards and wings. Poindexter and Kasubke going 2/12 with two assists while Luke can't guard a player on the floor is so damaging to the team I don't see a way it gets resolved.
- The roster is devoid of talent at every position. Not only that, we were constantly in a mismatch. We're small. We're weak. You can't be less physical and less talented - pick one. UIC was bigger, stronger, more physical, and more athletic than us at 3 positions at all times. It led to turnovers. It led to offensive rebounds. If not for a few missed threes and late turnovers by UIC this would have been a double-digit loss.
- If Ty Pence is going to pass up a wide open three pointer to get blocked on a layup because his confidence is that rattled he needs to just sit down and get ready for next season. He can help next year. He isn't now.
- Do Myles Foster and Chase Walker pass?
- The energy in the building was depressing. 4,394 was announced and it was half that maybe and 10% of that ever made noise. The program is in the basement in terms of talent, fan engagement, energy - you name it. We keep wondering where rock bottom is and I'm wondering if we're just living it consistently and don't even know it.

 

[gobirds85]

A long drive home gave me time to collect my thoughts.

- It is unacceptable to have the basketball three different times in the last minute and not get a shot off. The most important thing in the game is the ball. Giving it back to the other team when you're losing, in situations that should be practiced, left several in disbelief. We ran a set for... someone and threw the ball almost into the crowd. I don't think Pedon even knew who he was mad at because so many people ran the play wrong.
- I do not understand why Pedon is reluctant to change the offense. Our spacing is so bad. We often have 2-4 guys in the same spots on the floor and are so easy to guard. We dribble more than any team in college basketball. The ball is never in motion. It is always being bounced. I could go to a game and close my eyes and tell you when ISU is on offense because the ball is being pounded until Foster gets it and shoots it.
- UIC's defensive gameplan was to leave the 3-point line open in the first half and double the post. We responded with 5/13 shooting and made them correct. After, we went 0/3. We're just not going to win games until we have better guards and wings. Poindexter and Kasubke going 2/12 with two assists while Luke can't guard a player on the floor is so damaging to the team I don't see a way it gets resolved.
- The roster is devoid of talent at every position. Not only that, we were constantly in a mismatch. We're small. We're weak. You can't be less physical and less talented - pick one. UIC was bigger, stronger, more physical, and more athletic than us at 3 positions at all times. It led to turnovers. It led to offensive rebounds. If not for a few missed threes and late turnovers by UIC this would have been a double-digit loss.
- If Ty Pence is going to pass up a wide open three pointer to get blocked on a layup because his confidence is that rattled he needs to just sit down and get ready for next season. He can help next year. He isn't now.
- Do Myles Foster and Chase Walker pass?
- The energy in the building was depressing. 4,394 was announced and it was half that maybe and 10% of that ever made noise. The program is in the basement in terms of talent, fan engagement, energy - you name it. We keep wondering where rock bottom is and I'm wondering if we're just living it consistently and don't even know it.

On the telly, you could feel the lack of energy. Everyone just sits there with a “deer in the headlights” look. The seats that are on camera a majority of the time are empty, but I can’t blame them. Who the hell wants to watch this product?

At least we’ve been kind to the teams below us, so there’s that.

 

[BirdGrad2011]

Even worse than the team is whoever is in charge of Gameday ops and fan engagement. I’ve never seen it so bad/pathetic. It’s like it’s a chore to put on a game and fans are a hassle. Embarrassing all the way around.

 

[schoolsportsfan]

I decided tonight I just can’t continue to support ISU basketball. I’ll attend the last 3 games I have season tickets for and then hopefully I go to another game someday if the program is headed in the right direction. I admire the fans that will continue to go to the games. You’re a better person than me. I was sitting there tonight thinking how I spend my money on tickets, spend my time there, make the long walk to and from the parking lot in sometimes pretty crappy weather…to watch boring and bad basketball. There are 3 players on the team who should be on the team next year. just can’t do it any

A long drive home gave me time to collect my thoughts.

- It is unacceptable to have the basketball three different times in the last minute and not get a shot off. The most important thing in the game is the ball. Giving it back to the other team when you're losing, in situations that should be practiced, left several in disbelief. We ran a set for... someone and threw the ball almost into the crowd. I don't think Pedon even knew who he was mad at because so many people ran the play wrong.
- I do not understand why Pedon is reluctant to change the offense. Our spacing is so bad. We often have 2-4 guys in the same spots on the floor and are so easy to guard. We dribble more than any team in college basketball. The ball is never in motion. It is always being bounced. I could go to a game and close my eyes and tell you when ISU is on offense because the ball is being pounded until Foster gets it and shoots it.
- UIC's defensive gameplan was to leave the 3-point line open in the first half and double the post. We responded with 5/13 shooting and made them correct. After, we went 0/3. We're just not going to win games until we have better guards and wings. Poindexter and Kasubke going 2/12 with two assists while Luke can't guard a player on the floor is so damaging to the team I don't see a way it gets resolved.
- The roster is devoid of talent at every position. Not only that, we were constantly in a mismatch. We're small. We're weak. You can't be less physical and less talented - pick one. UIC was bigger, stronger, more physical, and more athletic than us at 3 positions at all times. It led to turnovers. It led to offensive rebounds. If not for a few missed threes and late turnovers by UIC this would have been a double-digit loss.
- If Ty Pence is going to pass up a wide open three pointer to get blocked on a layup because his confidence is that rattled he needs to just sit down and get ready for next season. He can help next year. He isn't now.
- Do Myles Foster and Chase Walker pass?
- The energy in the building was depressing. 4,394 was announced and it was half that maybe and 10% of that ever made noise. The program is in the basement in terms of talent, fan engagement, energy - you name it. We keep wondering where rock bottom is and I'm wondering if we're just living it consistently and don't even know it.

I decided tonight I just can’t continue to support ISU basketball. I’ll attend the last 3 games I have season tickets for and then hopefully I go to another game someday if the program is headed in the right direction. I admire the fans that will continue to go to the games. You’re a better person than me. I was sitting there tonight thinking how I spend my money on tickets, spend my time there, make the long walk to and from the parking lot in sometimes pretty crappy weather…to watch boring and bad basketball. There are 3 players on the team who should be on the team next year. just can’t do it anymore.

But don't worry...you'll be asked for more Weisbecker money and get to pay higher ticket prices for that product. Oh, and don't forget money for NIL.

 

[BirdGrad2011]

But don't worry...you'll be asked for more Weisbecker money and get to pay higher ticket prices for that product. Oh, and don't forget money for NIL.

When? Nobody has asked me for a dime. It’s probably because I’m not a big donor so I don’t matter. Attitude that reared its head under Matt Lyons never left.

 

[Reggie Redbird]

Pence reminds me of Justin Clark: Justin Clark - Men's Basketball - Illinois State University Athletics

A lot of excitement, but he’s having trouble adjusting to the college game. Hopefully he can get it turned around. He’s a good kid, a lot of talent. Hopefully, he can adjust. We need it.

This game was just awful. It’s not worth trying to find positives but focusing on getting this team ready for Carbondale. Maybe playing better on the road against middle teams will be better than playing the teams at the bottom of the standings.

From the needs improvement: it’s an exhaustive list right now, but I hope we can pull the trigger on shots with better opportunities to score. The number of close shots we pass up to try an outside one or dribble around more is maddening.

 

[91Bird]

It’s so damn frustrating. I don’t expect a conference championship every year. I just want to be competitive and fun to watch. Does anyone in the Athletic Department even care how bad we are?

 

[BirdGrad2011]

It’s so damn frustrating. I don’t expect a conference championship every year. I just want to be competitive and fun to watch. Does anyone in the Athletic Department even care how bad we are?

Nobody in the AD cares at all. I’ve seen countless tweets begging for someone to listen and it’s silence. Paul Kabbe responded to someone he’d love to chat at a game. The response he got was about the product not being worth the cost to go to the game. So let me say it louder. THEY. DON’T. CARE.

 

[Redbird82]

The only silver lining is Evansville best BU

Normally I would be happy about this, I still have to like that Bradley fans are miserable tonight. However it means Evansville is now ahead of us in the standings. Their second year coach took over a much worse situation have they now passed us? We have lost AT HOME to the only 2 teams behind us in the standings. Good grief

 

[Manchester Matt]

Welp, as the 10th or 11th seed, at least ISU won’t be the first team going home from Arch Madness this year.

 

[DWRedbird]

Pence reminds me of Justin Clark: Justin Clark - Men's Basketball - Illinois State University Athletics

A lot of excitement, but he’s having trouble adjusting to the college game. Hopefully he can get it turned around. He’s a good kid, a lot of talent. Hopefully, he can adjust. We need it.

I think the difference for me with Pence is that from what I've seen of his game, he'd be more comfortable slashing and working inside the 3pt, but our offense just largely strands him out there and has him spend 80% of his time shooting 3s. Which I think in turn makes it rough for him to get going. My opinion its poor offensive design.

 

[Birdfriend72]

I think the difference for me with Pence is that from what I've seen of his game, he'd be more comfortable slashing and working inside the 3pt, but our offense just largely strands him out there and has him spend 80% of his time shooting 3s. Which I think in turn makes

he reminds me of Justin Clark right now! I hope he improves!

 

[AgGrad88]

............ That is all.

 

[WoodlandWarrior]

High probability of finishing 11-21 again. Have to redirect my focus to Metamora, Illini Bluffs, the Lincoln Lady Railers, and the Streator Bulldogs in the IHSA post season.

 

[Redbirdmike]

I wonder is Coach Pedon ever reads this board? I think he should. As a head coach of a D-1 program, you should have your finger on the pulse of the fan base. Most especially when you are trying to build or change a culture. That has not happened, and unfortunately he has not done a good job at that. For multiple reasons the truck is actually backing up, not moving forward. When your most ardent supporters become detractors- there is a PROBLEM. This runs deep. Coming from OSU and replacing Muller, Coach P started with a clean slate to change a stagnant culture here. This is a school with decent resources, facilities, a good community and fan base hungry to return to winning. This hasn’t happened.

Watching the game on TV last night you could feel the lack of energy. RA is a veritable morgue. The fan shots coming back from commercial, often times, showed uninterested, quiet, stationary fans. This is even outside of a completely empty upper bowl. This is the exact vision of our program that the public sees. There is no excitement, there is no rush to get tickets, it is no longer “the thing to do” anymore. Even in Normal, IL!

The saddest thing of all has happened to our beloved Redbird basketball program - utter and complete INDIFFERENCE. The student body, the alumni and those who live and work in Bloomington/Normal have nothing left to be proud of, or be excited about year after year after year. It has been a long arduous process (quarter of a century now), and the worst thing a program can experience. INDIFFERENCE. Death by a thousand cuts. Unfortunately, most self-inflicted. I was so excited for a new start, with a new coach. I’m sickened as an alumn and I don’t want to be.

 

[Phantom]

Of all the frustrating and embarrassing things about this team, one of the biggest is how GODAWFUL we are at home. There's no excuse for it. Even bad teams win home games. We are trash, with very few bright spots outside of maybe Chase and it'll be surprising if he's here next year. We had some steady progress until about mid-December and thats it. We hit our ceiling, and it's very low. If anything we've regressed. I also hope our next HC is someone who knows how to win as a HC, I don't care at what level. Find our Josh Schertz, someone who is pissed off and wants to turn this turd of a program around and fast. Fortunately our women's hoops and gymnastics teams are solid and far less depressing to watch for the rest of the winter until baseball season. This hoops team is f'ing deplorable.

 

[Birdfriend72]

Of all the frustrating and embarrassing things about this team, one of the biggest is how GODAWFUL we are at home. There's no excuse for it. Even bad teams win home games. We are trash, with very few bright spots outside of maybe Chase and it'll be surprising if he's here next year. We had some steady progress until about mid-December and thats it. We hit our ceiling, and it's very low. If anything we've regressed. I also hope our next HC is someone who knows how to win as a HC, I don't care at what level. Find our Josh Schertz, someone who is pissed off and wants to turn this turd of a program around and fast. Fortunately our women's hoops and gymnastics teams are solid and far less depressing to watch for the rest of the winter until baseball season. This hoops team is f'ing deplorable.

I think we have to up our budget to find the next head coach or hit the coaching jackpot. We have been irrelevant for so long that we seem to only go after the young up-and-comers. I am not saying that's wrong- i guess it works around our budget.

 

[Manchester Matt]

I think we have to up our budget to find the next head coach or hit the coaching jackpot. We have been irrelevant for so long that we seem to only go after the young up-and-comers. I am not saying that's wrong- i guess it works around our budget.

I don't neccesarily agree on increasing the budget to find the right coach. See the guy coaching the best team in the league. He's making a lot less than Pedon.

 

[Hrtnfldhse]

Pedon is doing everything right in trying to drum up interest in the program. The only thing he isn't doing right is the job he was hired for. I think we need to hire a coach who has experience. I like what Pedon is trying to do, but right now, he's not a head coach. If I was him, I would play all the young guys the rest of the season. Let these kids learn, it can't be any worse than what we have now.

 

[Rollbirds5]

Let’s hire Barry Hinson at least we’ll get some good soundbites, get Marty Simmons on the bench next to him to run the offensive scheme and find tall Lithuanians in recruiting. Half joking