Here’s a story that challenges everything you think you know about college basketball’s rising stars: Ty Pence, once a highly touted recruit, faced a freshman season that could have broken him—but instead, it forged him into a cornerstone of Illinois State’s championship aspirations. And this is the part most people miss: Pence’s journey isn’t just about basketball; it’s about resilience, loyalty, and the power of staying the course when the easy path is transfer portal temptation.
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 conversations to his office or the CEFCU Arena, Pedon met with Pence at a coffee shop in Normal. Their discussion wasn’t just about basketball—it was a reflection on how far Pence had come since his freshman year, a season that fell short of everyone’s expectations.
But here’s where it gets controversial: In an era where the transfer portal is the go-to solution for players facing adversity, Pence chose to stay. Why? And is this a dying breed of loyalty in college sports? Pedon himself admits, ‘In this era, probably 95 percent of guys in his situation would have left. He didn’t. To me, that defines him.’
Pence’s freshman year was a far cry from his high school glory days. A top-10 player in Illinois and a national standout at his position, the 6-foot-6 forward arrived at Illinois State with high hopes. Yet, he started just once in 24 games, playing a minimal role off the bench as the Redbirds stumbled to a 15-17 record. It was a humbling experience for someone used to dominating the court.
‘There were a lot of struggles,’ Pence admits. ‘But it taught me what I needed to improve on. I think that’s really helped me push to become the player I am today.’ His high school coach, Brian Brooks, echoes this sentiment: ‘You don’t have a player like him at St. Joseph-Ogden very often. I don’t know if people understand that.’
What’s striking is Pence’s support system—both on and off the court. Teammates Chase Walker and Johnny Kinziger, who shared his freshman struggles, describe him as ‘super positive, super resilient, and a great teammate.’ But it was Pedon’s unwavering belief in Pence that made the difference. ‘He never babied me,’ Pence recalls. ‘He always told me to stay with it and it would reward me in the end.’
Here’s the bold question: Is Pence’s loyalty to Illinois State a blueprint for success, or a rarity in today’s college basketball landscape? As the Redbirds enter this season as Missouri Valley Conference favorites, Pence’s role as an upperclassman leader is undeniable. But his journey raises broader questions about player development, patience, and the value of sticking it out.
Last season, Pence began to break through. He played in all 36 games, averaging 7.4 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting an impressive 52% from the field. His postseason performance was even more remarkable, earning all-tournament honors during the Redbirds’ College Basketball Invitational championship run. ‘Late in the season, I saw a different look in his eyes,’ Pedon said. ‘A competitive edge that was game-changing.’
Now, Pence and his roommates-turned-teammates, Walker and Kinziger, are aiming higher: becoming the first Illinois State team to reach the NCAA tournament since 1998. ‘It’s a goal we’ve put to ourselves since we got here,’ Pence says. ‘We hope we can get it done.’
So, here’s the final thought: In a sport where instant gratification often trumps long-term growth, Ty Pence’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the hardest path leads to the greatest rewards. Do you think Pence’s loyalty will pay off this season? Or is the transfer portal the smarter move for players facing early struggles? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
