Friday, November 6, 2015

Newcomers give UIS men's basketball team different look

To hear coach Bill Walker tell it, the University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball team does not lack for shooters. “We shoot it better as a team,” he said. “If you look at the guys we’ve brought in, by and large, they’re all good shooters.

That’s the common thread.” Walker, who is in his second season at UIS, has a retooled roster after losing two starters and bringing in seven newcomers, including two NCAA Division I transfers.

“We’re deeper,” Walker said. “We have better shooters. We’re more competitive.”

A tough schedule leaves little time for UIS players to ease into the season. The Stars open with an exhibition game Sunday against Division I Illinois at the Prairie Capital Convention Center, then plays next week at the Division II Las Vegas Showdown against Lake Superior State and Findlay. “Seven of our 10 hardest games are before the new year,” Walker said. “They’re going to be challenged. There’s no warming up period.”

UIS has road games in December against Bellarmine, Southern Indiana, Kentucky Wesleyan and NCAA Division I Indiana State.

This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 5, 2015.

Read the entire article here.