The Missouri Valley Conference and Illinois State mens basketball claimed some national recognition as Sports Illustrated predicted three Valley schools, including the Redbirds, to make the 65-team NCAA Tournament field this season.
The issue, which hit newsstands this week, picked the Birds No. 50. Last years sweet-16 representative Southern Illinois was tabbed No. 30, while Creighton, which posted a first-round win over Florida last season, was forecasted at No. 48.
Head coach Tom Richardson was modest about the Redbird projection, but was pleased with the recognition.
This is great for the Missouri Valley Conference and is really a tribute to what Southern Illinois and Creighton did in the tournament last season, Richardson said. This has always been a tough league and the Valley is finally getting the respect it deserves. As far as our team goes, I wish the tournament selection was based on this, but there are a lot of games to be played. But again, it is just great recognition for our program and the hard work that our kids have put in.
The Redbirds open the regular season Saturday night at Redbird Arena against Utah State. Tip-off is slated for 7:05 p.m.
