McLean County Times

Illinois State University's Redbirds are set to face the Valparaiso Beacons this Saturday at CEFCU Arena. The game, scheduled for a 4 p.m. tip-off, will be broadcast on ESPN+ and covered by the Illinois State Radio Network. A halftime ceremony will honor Doug Collins, a recent inductee into the Naismith Hall of Fame.

The Redbirds have shown significant improvement this season, jumping 329 positions in rankings and achieving a top-10 national ranking in three-point field goal percentage. Forward Chase Walker has been notable for drawing fouls at one of the highest rates in the NCAA.

Valparaiso enters the game on a six-game losing streak. In their last outing against Southern Illinois, All Wright led with 22 points. The Beacons have four players averaging double-digit scores this season.

Illinois State's depth is evident as seven different players have led scoring through 22 games. Freshman Jack Daugherty has made significant contributions with his three-point shooting.

The Redbirds' recruiting class for 2025 ranks 60th nationally, adding promising talent like Nick Allen and Isaac Ericksen. The team also boasts strong KenPom efficiency ratings this season.

Doug Collins' induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes his extensive contributions to basketball at various levels, including playing and coaching roles in the NBA.

Sophomore guard Johnny Kinziger has been named to an All-America watch list, highlighting his potential impact on the court this season.

The Illinois State men's basketball team was predicted to finish fourth in their conference preseason poll, with Kinziger and Malachi Poindexter receiving individual honors.