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NCAA Basketball: 10 Preseason Mid-majors to watch for 2018-19

By Tristan Freeman

BOISE, ID - MARCH 17: The Gonzaga Bulldogs bench reacts during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID - MARCH 17: The Gonzaga Bulldogs bench reacts during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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ST. LOUIS, MO – MARCH 4: Milik Yarbrough
ST. LOUIS, MO – MARCH 4: Milik Yarbrough /

Illinois State Redbirds

2017-18 results: 18-15 (10-8)

Key losses: Daouda Ndiaye (transfer)

Key returnees: SR Milik Yarbrough (16.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, and 4.8 apg) – SR Keyshawn Evans (15.2 ppg and 3.6 apg) – SR Phil Fayne (15.6 ppg and 7.4 rpg)

In the year prior, Illinois State and Wichita State battled it out for Missouri Valley Conference supremacy. But after losing over 80% of the team’s offense, the Redbirds were going to take a drastic dip.

But the team was still competitive, finishing third in the regular season and making it to another title game. The trio of players, Phil Fayne, Keyshawn Evans, and Milik Yarbrough (who already declared that he’ll return next season) all scored over 15 ppg, and become the go-to players.

The issue has been the supporting cast, with no other player scoring more than six points. Good news is that just about everyone on the roster returns, including the trio of Redbird stars.

The only player who won’t return is Daouda Ndiaye, who has decided to transfer from the program. He only averaged a few points and rebounds but was the only player on the roster over 6’9.

Next: 2018-19 Preseason Top 25

Head coach Dan Muller made a plea for some “home and home” games with good competition. Some of those teams won the first battle, but Illinois State will be much tougher this time around. And that includes Loyola-Chicago in the Missouri Valley Conference.

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