The Rise of Ty Pence: Overcoming Adversity and Becoming a Redbirds Leader
In the ever-evolving world of college basketball, Ty Pence's journey with the Illinois State Redbirds is a testament to resilience and growth. As the team gears up for the 2025-26 season, Pence's evolution from a key recruit to a seasoned upperclassman with leadership responsibilities is a story that deserves to be told.
Imagine this: Ryan Pedon, the fourth-year head coach, sits down with Pence at a cozy coffee shop in Normal, reflecting on the transformation since Pence's freshman year. It's a tale of perseverance and character development.
When Pence, a former standout at St. Joseph-Ogden, arrived at Illinois State as part of the Class of 2023, he was a highly touted recruit, ranked among the top 10 players in the state and top 50 nationally at his position. With offers from power-conference schools, his decision to join the Redbirds was a significant win for the program.
However, his freshman season didn't live up to expectations. Pence started just once in 24 games, and the Redbirds finished with a disappointing 15-17 record, exiting early from the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. It was a tough reality check.
"His freshman year was a true test of character," Pedon shared. "In today's era, most players would have jumped ship after a rough season. But Ty stayed the course, and that speaks volumes about his resilience and the support system around him."
But here's where it gets controversial: Pence chose to stay, despite the challenges. He avoided the transfer portal, a decision that could have been seen as a risk, but one that paid off.
As a sophomore, Pence's role expanded, and he became a reliable contributor off the bench. Now, as an upperclassman, he's ready to lead a team with genuine NCAA tournament aspirations. The Redbirds are favored to win the Missouri Valley Conference, and Pence is a key piece of that puzzle.
And this is the part most people miss: Pence's freshman struggles taught him invaluable lessons. He learned to embrace failure and use it as a catalyst for growth. His high school career, filled with accolades and records, didn't prepare him for the challenges of college basketball, but he adapted and thrived.
"I'm grateful for the struggles of my freshman year," Pence reflected. "They taught me what I needed to improve and showed me the path to becoming a better player."
Pence's support system played a crucial role in his journey. His teammates, Chase Walker and Johnny Kinziger, stood by him during those difficult times. Brian Brooks, the SJ-O Superintendent and former coach, praised Pence's character, saying, "He's a player you don't come across often. His decision to stay at Illinois State, despite early struggles, speaks volumes about his resilience."
After his freshman season, Pence made a mental shift. He committed to putting in the work to become physically and mentally stronger. His hard work paid off during the 2024-25 season, where he became a part-time starter and a key contributor off the bench. His performance in the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) was exceptional, earning him all-tournament honors.
"I saw a different Ty last season," Pedon said. "He brought a competitive edge that was game-changing. He's an incredible teammate, and I'm proud of the man he's become, both on and off the court."
Pence's successful sophomore season propelled him into the offseason with a clear goal: to lead the Redbirds to their first NCAA tournament appearance since 1998. He, Walker, and Kinziger, still roommates and best friends, are determined to make it happen.
"We've been pushing each other since day one," Pence said. "Reaching the NCAA tournament has been our goal since we arrived. We're ready to make it a reality."
As the Redbirds prepare for their exhibition game against No. 17 Illinois, Pence's journey serves as an inspiration. It's a reminder that sometimes, the greatest growth comes from overcoming adversity. So, what do you think? Is Pence's story a testament to the power of perseverance? Or do you see it differently? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
