The Illinois State mens baketball team was picked fourth in the 2002 Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Poll, according to a vote of the confernces sports information directors, beatwriters and radio play-by -play broadcasters. The poll was announced at the Valley Basketball Media Day on Tuesday.
The Redbird received 205 points in the poll, trailing behind No. 1 Creighton with 290, No. 2 Southern Illinois (274), and No. 3 Wichita State (208). Last year, the Redbirds finished third in the final 2001-2002 league standings, despite losing Tarise Bryson, the 2001 Valley Player of the Year, to a wrist injury.
Baboucarr Bojang, a 6-9 forward from Greenville, S.C., was named to the 2002-03 Valley Preseason All-Conference Team. Last year, he was a second-team all-conference and All-Newcomer selection, averaging 13.2 points and 7.6 boards per game.
Illinois State hosts its first exhibition game against Southern Illinois-Edwardsville at Redbird Arena with a 7:05 p.m. tip-off on Monday, Nov. 4. The Redbirds open regular season action on Saturday, Nov. 23, with a home game against Utah State, also scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
2002 Mens Basketball
Valley Pre-Season Poll
(voted by Valley coaches, SIDs and media)
1. Creighton (25) 290
2. Southern Illinois 274
3. Wichita State 208
4. Illinois State 205
5. Drake 178
6. Bradley 132
7. Northern Iowa 118
8. Southwest Missouri State 116
9. Indiana State 71
10. Evansville 53
