Here’s a bold statement: Ty Pence’s journey at Illinois State is a testament to resilience, loyalty, and the power of perseverance in college basketball. But here’s where it gets controversial—in an era where the transfer portal is the go-to for players facing adversity, Pence chose to stay and fight. And this decision is now paying off in ways that are turning heads across the sport.
Last month, as Illinois State’s men’s basketball team geared up for the 2025-26 season, head coach Ryan Pedon took an unconventional approach to player meetings. Instead of confining discussions to his office or the CEFCU Arena, Pedon met with Pence at a coffee shop in Normal. Their conversation wasn’t just about basketball—it was about growth. Pence, a former high school standout from St. Joseph-Ogden, arrived at Illinois State in 2023 as a top-tier recruit, boasting a top-10 ranking in the state and a national top-50 position at his role. Landing the 6-foot-6, 205-pound forward was a major win for the Redbirds. But his freshman year? Far from what anyone expected.
Starting just once in 24 games, Pence’s role was minimal and inconsistent, as the Redbirds stumbled to a 15-17 record and a first-round exit in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. And this is the part most people miss—while many players in his position would’ve bolted for the transfer portal, Pence stayed. Pedon credits this decision to Pence’s character, calling it a defining moment in his career. But let’s pause here—is staying put always the best move, or is the transfer portal a necessary evil in modern college sports? What do you think?
Fast forward to now, and Pence is no longer the uncertain freshman. After a sophomore season where his role expanded, he’s returning as an upperclassman with leadership responsibilities on a team eyeing an NCAA tournament berth. The Redbirds are favorites in the Missouri Valley Conference, and their exhibition game against No. 17 Illinois on Sunday will be their first real test. Pence reflects on his freshman year with a newfound perspective, acknowledging the struggles but emphasizing the lessons learned. ‘It taught me what I needed to improve on,’ he said. ‘That’s really helped me push to become the player I am today.’
Pence’s high school career was a blitz of success—All-State honors, The News-Gazette’s All-Area Player of the Year, and SJ-O’s all-time leading scorer with 2,328 points. But college basketball demanded a different kind of resilience. Pedon’s unwavering support played a pivotal role. ‘He never babied me,’ Pence recalled. ‘He always told me to stay with it and it would reward me in the end.’ This relationship raises another question: How much does a coach’s belief in a player truly impact their development? Is it as crucial as raw talent?
Pence’s support system extended beyond his coach. Teammates and roommates Chase Walker and Johnny Kinziger stood by him during his freshman struggles. Today, the trio forms the core of Illinois State’s preseason favorites. Kinziger describes Pence as ‘super positive, super resilient, and a great teammate,’ while Walker highlights his reliability. Even Pence’s hometown roots in St. Joseph-Ogden cheer him on, with former coach Brian Brooks praising his work ethic and humility. ‘You don’t have a player like him very often,’ Brooks said. ‘I don’t know if people understand that.’
The turning point for Pence came after his freshman season, when he made a mental shift to avoid repeating past mistakes. He committed to getting stronger—physically and mentally. The results? A sophomore season where he averaged 7.4 points and 4.0 rebounds, shooting 52% from the field and 37% from three-point range. His postseason performance was even more impressive, earning all-tournament team honors during the Redbirds’ College Basketball Invitational title run.
Pedon noticed the change: ‘Late in the season last year, I saw a different look in his eyes. A competitive edge that was game-changing.’ Pence’s success has fueled his ambition for the upcoming season. Alongside Walker and Kinziger, he’s determined to lead Illinois State to its first NCAA tournament since 1998. ‘It’s a goal we’ve put to ourselves since we got here,’ Pence said. ‘We hope we can get it done.’
But here’s the real question: Is Pence’s story an anomaly, or is it a blueprint for success in college basketball? Does staying loyal to a program despite early struggles ultimately lead to greater rewards? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on Pence’s journey and what it means for the future of college sports.
