This is my eighth year covering ISU and I have only seen the Redbirds win once here at Hulman Center. That was in my first year, 2007, when Greg Dilligard led the Redbirds past the Sycamores. Tim Jankovich went 0-5 in this building and Dan Muller is 0-1. The Redbirds have a chance to win this game. Indiana State hasn't been real sharp lately and is vulnerable.
Don't see many fans in red in the sparse crowd about 22 minutes before tip. There was a women's game here that ended about 1.5 hours ago. Of course, Bill and Lori Gaddis are here. They are troopers.
I know there are people watching, so gimme some questions. I'm getting lonely...
Jake Odum has been battling tendinitis in his knees. But Odum always seems to be a Redbird Killer. That guy seems like he's been here all 8 years I've been covering the Redbirds.
Is Houston out there tonight? Mr. & Mrs. Buckeye Girl (sounds kinda weird)? Mother?
It's Coaches vs. Cancer Awareness Weekend, so coaches across the country are wearing sneakers on the sidelines. I haven't specifically looked, but sure the Redbird coaches are proudly wearing their Nikes.
Not sure. Probably part of reason and probably had some defensive mistakes. Part of the learning curve....
Indiana State is going to take a dive after this season. Not only will the Trees lose Odum, but also Arop and Cummings. Hopefully they're bringing in a point guard because right now they don't have another in the program. I do think Greg Lansing is a very good coach who won't be down for long.
If you would have asked me on Dec. 1, I would have said get your reservations for Thu in St. Louis. Now, I would be extremely disappointed in the Redbirds if they slipped into the bottom four. I am saying fifth and that may be a tad conservative. They could get as high as No. 3. And, no, I'm not a homer but have seen all the other teams.
I think Brent Scott, a frosh, might be Odum's replacement for the Sycamores. Soph Devonte Brown could also play the pt
Here goes: 1. WSU; 2. Indiana State; 3. UNI (gulp); 4. ISU (I just moved them up); 5. MSU; 6. Evansville; 7. Bradley; 8. SIU; 9. Drake; 10. Loyola