NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State head men's basketball coach Ryan Pedon has announced the addition of Myles Foster for the 2023-24 season.
"Myles is a tremendous young man," said Pedon. "He comes from a very close-knit family and that means a lot to me. We were drawn to his maturity and character through this recruiting process."
Foster, a 6-7 forward with a 7-3 wingspan, played and started in all 33 games last season for Monmouth. He averaged 12.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, including nearly three offensive rebounds per game. He scored in double-figures 23 times, including four games of 20+ points. His season-high came on February 25 against William & Mary where he made 7-of-11 field goals and 9-of-15 free throws en route to 23 total points. He ended the year ranked in the top-20 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in offensive rebounds (fourth), free throws attempted (fifth), total rebounds (seventh), steals (15th), and points (17th).
"Two things really stand out to me about Myles as a basketball player," said the head coach. "First, his production is undeniable. He has an ability to impact the game in a multitude of ways with his talent, versatility, and length. Coming from Monmouth he was one of the conference leaders in points, rebounds, steals, and free throw attempts."
The Brooklyn, N.Y., native had two double-doubles on the year, including an 18-point, 15-rebound double-double in the season opener at Seton Hall where he also grabbed a season-high nine offensive rebounds. He pulled down double-digit rebounds three times during the year, with his season-high coming against the Pirates.
As a sophomore he played in 34 games with one start, averaging 5.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, while scoring 59 points with 28 rebounds over 19 games during his freshman season. He reached double-figure scoring four times as a sophomore and once as a freshman with 11 points at Iona.
"The other aspect that excites me most about adding Myles to our program is his potential," noted Pedon. "As we got to know Myles, we learned that he is a true student of the game and was eager to find a place to develop him to be his best. Certainly, we were attracted to Myles because of his production, but what we were really drawn to was the potential we see in him. He fits our program in every way. Myles Foster's best days are ahead of him."
Foster played his prep basketball at Brooks School in Massachusetts, and he helped his team capture the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class B title in 2018. He earned back-to-back NEPSAC First Team Accolades, while also earning a pair of All-Independent School League honors. In his final season at Brooks he averaged a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds per contest, helping lead his team to a 25-3 record as a senior and an 88-11 four-year mark that included a state title in 2017-18.
Brooks joins a group of Redbird newcomers that includes former Southern Illinois guard Dalton Banks, Illinois forward Brandon Lieb, and Wisconsin guard Jordan Davis, along with a fall signing group that includes 2023 WisconsinMr. Basketball Johnny Kinziger, Illinois class 2A first team All-State honoree Ty Pence, and Division I Ohio special mention All-State honoree Chase Walker as newcomers for the squad next season.
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