Here’s a story that challenges everything you think you know about college basketball players and their commitment to their teams. In an era where the transfer portal is the go-to solution for players facing adversity, Ty Pence’s journey stands out as a testament to resilience and loyalty. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is staying put in the face of a disappointing freshman season a sign of strength, or a missed opportunity to chase success elsewhere? Let’s dive in.
Last month, as Illinois State’s men’s basketball team geared up for the 2025-26 season, head coach Ryan Pedon took an unconventional approach to player meetings. Instead of confining discussions to his office or the team’s home arena, Pedon met with Ty Pence at a coffee shop in Normal. Their conversation wasn’t just about basketball—it was about growth, perseverance, and how far Pence had come since his freshman year. And this is the part most people miss: Pence’s story isn’t just about basketball; it’s about character.
A highly touted recruit from St. Joseph-Ogden, Pence arrived at Illinois State in 2023 as a top-10 player in the state and a national standout at his position. Landing the 6-foot-6, 205-pound forward was a major win for the Redbirds. But his freshman 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. For most players, this would’ve been a one-way ticket to the transfer portal. Not for Pence.
‘His freshman year didn’t go as he wanted, but he stayed the course,’ Pedon said. ‘In today’s college basketball landscape, 95% of players in his situation would’ve transferred. Ty didn’t. That defines him.’
Instead of seeking an easy out, Pence doubled down. He stuck with the Redbirds, saw his role expand as a sophomore, and now enters his junior year as a leader on a team with NCAA tournament aspirations. The Redbirds are favorites to win the Missouri Valley Conference, and Pence’s journey is a big reason why. But it wasn’t easy. Pence had to confront failure—something he rarely experienced in high school, where he was a three-time All-State player and SJ-O’s all-time leading scorer with 2,328 points.
‘There were a lot of struggles, but they taught me what I needed to improve on,’ Pence said. ‘That’s what’s pushed me to become the player I am today.’ His sophomore season was a turning point. He played in all 36 games, averaging 7.4 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 52% from the field. But it was in the postseason where he truly shined, earning all-tournament honors during the Redbirds’ College Basketball Invitational championship run.
What’s most striking about Pence’s story is the support system around him. From Pedon, who worked out with him early in the mornings after games, to teammates like Chase Walker and Johnny Kinziger, who became his roommates and closest friends, Pence has never been alone in his journey. ‘Ty’s super positive, super resilient, and a great teammate,’ Walker said. ‘He’s always there when I need him.’
But Pence’s impact extends beyond the court. In his hometown of St. Joseph, former coach Brian Brooks reflects on Pence’s rare talent and character. ‘We never had a player like him,’ Brooks said. ‘You don’t get a player like Ty very often.’ Pence’s decision to stay at Illinois State, despite early struggles, speaks volumes about his determination.
Now, as Pence and his teammates prepare for another season together, the question remains: Can they achieve their goal of reaching the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1998? Is loyalty the key to success, or is there a point where players should prioritize their own careers? What do you think? Pence’s story challenges us to reconsider what it means to commit to a team—and to each other. Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
