Here’s a story that challenges everything you think you know about college basketball players and their commitment to their teams. Ty Pence, once a highly touted recruit, could have easily jumped ship after a disappointing freshman season at Illinois State. But he didn’t. Instead, he stayed, worked harder, and transformed himself into a cornerstone of the Redbirds’ NCAA tournament 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 a support system.
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. Rather than confining discussions to his office or the CEFCU Arena, Pedon met with Pence at a coffee shop in Normal. Their conversation reflected on how far Pence had come since his freshman year, a season that fell short of both his and the team’s expectations. Arriving at Illinois State as a top-tier recruit—a top 10 player in Illinois and a nationally ranked talent with power-conference offers—Pence’s decision to join the Redbirds was a significant win for the program. Yet, his first year saw him starting just once in 24 games, playing a minor, inconsistent role off the bench as the team finished 15-17 with a first-round exit in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament.
But here’s where it gets controversial: In an era where the transfer portal is the go-to solution for players facing adversity, Pence stayed put. “To me, that defines him,” Pedon said, highlighting Pence’s character and the influence of those around him. This decision raises a thought-provoking question: Are players who stick with their teams through tough times the exception, or should this be the norm? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Pence’s sophomore season marked a turning point. His role expanded, and now, as an upperclassman, he’s a leader on a team favored to win the Missouri Valley Conference and make a run at the NCAA tournament. The Redbirds’ first test comes Sunday in an exhibition against No. 17 Illinois, a chance for Pence to showcase his growth. Reflecting on his freshman year, Pence admits it was tough in the moment but now sees it as a learning experience. “It taught me what I needed to improve on,” he said, a mindset that’s propelled him to become the player he is today.
High school success had come easily for Pence, a three-time All-State honoree and St. Joseph-Ogden’s all-time leading scorer with 2,328 points. But college basketball demanded he learn how to fail—and that it was okay to fail. This lesson was reinforced by Pedon, who consistently supported Pence, even working out with him after games where he saw limited playing time. “He never babied me,” Pence said. “He always told me to stay with it, and it would reward me in the end.”
Pence’s support system extended beyond his coach. Teammates and roommates Chase Walker and Johnny Kinziger stood by him during his freshman struggles. Kinziger praised Pence’s resilience, saying, “He never flinched. He just came back every day working.” Walker added, “He’s always there when I need him.” This bond has been instrumental in the trio becoming the core of Illinois State’s preseason favorites.
Even Pence’s hometown roots played a role in his journey. Brian Brooks, SJ-O Superintendent and former Spartans coach, described Pence as “a great kid, so easy to root for.” Brooks noted the rarity of Pence’s talent and character, emphasizing how uncommon it is for a player of his caliber to emerge from St. Joseph-Ogden. “He’s fought through adversity and come out on top,” Brooks said, a testament to Pence’s determination.
The turning point came after Pence’s freshman season, when he made a mental shift to avoid repeating past mistakes. He committed to becoming physically and mentally stronger, and it paid off. In the 2024-25 season, Pence played in all 36 games, averaging 7.4 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 52% from the field. His postseason performance was even more impressive, earning all-tournament honors during the Redbirds’ College Basketball Invitational championship run, where he averaged 14.3 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 61% overall.
Pedon noticed Pence’s transformation, particularly his competitive edge late in the season. “He’s as good a teammate as I’ve ever been around,” Pedon said. Pence’s success carried into the offseason, where he and his teammates decided to return for another year, aiming to be 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 said, highlighting the bond with Walker and Kinziger, who remain his roommates and best friends.
Here’s a counterpoint to consider: While Pence’s loyalty is commendable, is staying with a struggling program always the best decision for a player’s development? Or does the transfer portal offer a necessary escape for those seeking better opportunities? Share your perspective below.
As Pence and the Redbirds prepare for what could be a historic season, one thing is clear: his journey is a testament to the value of perseverance, support, and growth. Whether they achieve their NCAA tournament goal remains to be seen, but Pence’s story is already one worth telling. What do you think—is Pence’s path the ideal model for college athletes, or is there room for a different approach?
