Illinois State Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Redbirds

ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 4: Milik Yarbrough #52 of the Illinois State Redbirds looks to get pst Lucas Williamson #1 of the Loyola Ramblers during the Missouri Valley Conference Basketball Tournament Championship at the Scottrade Center on March 4, 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

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ST. LOUIS, MO – MARCH 4: Matt Hein #5 of the Illinois State Redbirds drives the basket against Lucas Williamson #1 of the Loyola Ramblers during the Missouri Valley Conference Basketball Tournament Championship at the Scottrade Center on March 4, 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

Key Reserves

SO Isaac Gassman

A potential starter depending on how Copeland looks, Gassman was a 39% three-point shooter as a freshman in 15 mpg. He played just about every game for Illinois State last season and figures to be part of the rotation for this season. At the very least, he’s a situational piece when shooting is needed.

SO Matt Chastain

He adds a twist to the impending Loyola-Chicago/Illinois State battles, as he was once a Rambler before transferring to the Redbirds. He averaged a few points and rebounds in limited minutes as a freshman and at 6’6 and 190-pounds Chastain can play and defend multiple positions.

FR Rey Idowu and Abdou Ndiaye

With the transfer of 6’11 big man Daouda Ndiaye, Illinois State could use some insurance depth in the frontcourt. These two are talented – yet raw forwards who’ll be part of future rotations but likely will play sparingly as freshmen.

*Editor’s note: Ndiaye will be an academic redshirt due to academic reasons this upcoming season

JR Josh Jefferson

Another JUCO product, Jefferson was an outstanding scorer at Lake Land College, averaging nearly 23 ppg last season. He also shot around 45% from three-point range and had several 30+ point performances.

Jefferson is a great athlete and could play multiple spots on the perimeter. The reason why I gave Copeland the nod is that his bigger size may make his a better defensive asset, which is more important than which is the better scorer. However, Jefferson’s potential may ultimately force the coaching staff’s hands.

SO Taylor Bruninga

As a freshman, Bruninga started seven times while playing in 18 mpg. The 6’9 forward can stretch the floor, although he’s not much of a rebounder or defender. But in certain matchups, he can take advantage of certain defenses.