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, faced a freshman season that fell far short of expectations—yet he chose to stay and fight rather than take the easy way out. And this is the part most people miss: in an era where the transfer portal is the go-to solution for players facing adversity, Pence’s decision to stick with Illinois State is a testament to his character and resilience.
Last month, as Illinois State’s men’s basketball team prepared for the 2025-26 season, head coach Ryan Pedon met with Pence not in his office or the arena, but at a coffee shop in Normal. Their conversation reflected on how much had changed since Pence’s freshman year. A former standout at St. Joseph-Ogden, Pence arrived at Illinois State as a top-tier recruit—a 6-foot-6, 205-pound talent with power-conference offers. Landing him was a coup for the Redbirds. But his first season didn’t go as planned. Pence started just once in 24 games, playing a limited and 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: While 95% of players in his position might have entered the transfer portal, Pence stayed put. “That defines him,” Pedon said. This decision wasn’t just about basketball; it was about growth, perseverance, and trust in the process. Pence’s sophomore season saw his role expand, and now, as an upperclassman, he’s a leader on a team with NCAA tournament aspirations. The Redbirds are favorites in the MVC, and Pence’s journey is a key reason why.
Looking back, Pence acknowledges the struggles of his freshman year but frames them as lessons. “It taught me what I needed to improve on,” he said. Coming from a high school career where he was the star—earning All-State honors, The News-Gazette’s All-Area Player of the Year, and SJ-O’s all-time leading scorer—Pence had to learn how to fail and that failure wasn’t the end. His support system, including Pedon, teammates Chase Walker and Johnny Kinziger, and his hometown community, played a crucial role in his development.
Here’s the bold truth: Pence’s story isn’t just about basketball; it’s about the value of sticking with something even when it’s hard. His sophomore season was a breakthrough, with Pence averaging 7.4 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 52% from the field. He shined in the postseason, earning all-tournament honors during the Redbirds’ College Basketball Invitational title run. Now, as a junior, he’s poised for a phenomenal season, with the NCAA tournament as the ultimate goal.
But the real question is: In a sport where players often chase immediate success, is Pence’s path the exception or the rule? And more importantly, does his story challenge the way we view player loyalty and development in college basketball? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—do you think more players should follow Pence’s example, or is the transfer portal a necessary part of the game today?
