NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) - Illinois State men's hoops were selected as the preseason favorite in the Missouri Valley Conference for the first time in nearly a quarter century, according to the poll released by the league Monday afternoon.

ISU returns 1st-team All-MVC Chase Walker along with 2nd-team Johnny Kinziger. Multiple role players are also back for the Redbirds.

It's the first time since 2001-2002 the team has been selected as number one. They open the season with a scrimmage against the Illini in Champaign on Sunday, October 19. Head coach Ryan Pedon said it will be the beginning of several challenges in the early part of the season.

"We've got a group of guys that have a lot to prove and we've got a bunch of guys in our locker room that have really put their heads down and got lost

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