NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State men's basketball team held its first official practice of the 2017-18 season Sunday night with a two-hour team workout on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena. Following a home exhibition game versus Lewis Nov. 5, Illinois State will start the 2017-18 season Nov. 11 in Fort Myers, Florida, at 2017 NCAA Tournament qualifier Florida Gulf Coast.
After earning a share of the 2016-17 Missouri Valley Conference regular-season championship, the Illinois State men's basketball team will aim to defend its title during the 2017-18 MVC season.Â
Led by sixth-year head coach Dan Muller, Illinois State returns one starter from last season's championship team – Phil Fayne – who averaged 9.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. The Redbirds return five letterwinners, including Keyshawn Evans, who played in all 35 games and averaged 5.8 points and 2.0 assists per contest.
ISU aims to build off of last year's record-breaking season which saw the Redbirds set program marks for total victories (28), regular-season wins (25) and MVC triumphs (17). Illinois State earned an at-large bid to the 2017 NIT where the Redbirds advanced to the second round.
To purchase men's basketball season tickets, fans are encouraged to contact the Illinois State Athletics Ticket Office either online by navigating to GoRedbirds.com/Tickets, in-person by entering through the north doors to Redbird Arena, or over the phone by calling (309) 438-8000.
GoRedbirds.com: Â Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
