Missouri Valley Conference report

SportsLine.com Report
April 5, 2000

In the paint

The Redbirds went from 20-game winners to 20-game losers in a two-year span, but the rebuilding project is under way.

A six-game skid just after Christmas hurt the worst in 1999-2000. Three three-game losing streaks added to the tough finish.

Illinois State had the scorer with junior Tarise Bryson, an All-MVC pick after going for 19.4 points a game. But coach Tom Richardson had a hard time filling the gaps around him all season, especially after forward L. Dee Murdock went down with a knee injury in January.

A glance at 2001

The Redbirds were one of the youngest teams in the league, so their future has possibilities. Don't be surprised to see them jump into the middle of the pack by next winter.

Bryson is one of the top threats in the MVC, but needs to round out his game a little. Watch for guard Shawn Jeppson to make a major jump as a junior, and 6-foot-11 Andy Strandmark will benefit from getting his feet wet after the injury to Murdock.

The coach

Richardson was left with a tough job after replacing Kevin Stallings and losing starting point guard Vic Williams to Oklahoma State. But now that the first year is over, it should get a little easier.

But remember, people in Normal, Ill., will be expecting a winner again soon.

Who'll be back

The list is long, but starts with Bryson and Jeppson. Both Strandmark and P.J. Smith emerged as freshman starters, so their futures are bright.

Rich Beyers, Chad Mazanowski and Dan Luczywko all saw decent minutes on Illinois State's front line. Richardson also gave freshman Ishmael Joyce a late look at the point, including a start in the MVC Tournament.

Who's gone

An injury-plagued career is over for Murdock, who could have been one of the MVC's best if he stayed healthy. Ryan Crowley started 21 games as a senior and Joe Hein played in 19 games, but Illinois State will be able to overcome the losses of both.