Illinois State basketball turns to Lieb, Walker for inside production

NORMAL — As the Illinois State basketball team's two returning centers, Chase Walker and Brandon Lieb will see a lot of each other in practice.

And with the Redbirds replacing departed leading rebounders Myles Foster and Kendall Lewis, ISU coach Ryan Pedon hopes and needs to see a lot of production from Walker and Lieb.

"I think both have gotten off to a really good start in the summer," Pedon said Wednesday after a practice at CEFCU Arena. "Chase, his physical conditioning is much improved. Brandon has been good, playing with real confidence. Both will be really important to us coming into this year."

Walker and Lieb both saw action in 17 games last season.

The 6-foot-9 Walker began the season as a redshirt before it was determined his services were needed. He averaged 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds.

The 7-foot-1 Lieb missed nearly two months with a fibular head fracture to his knee. The Illinois transfer averaged 3.2 points and 3.8 rebounds.

"It was unfortunate. I thought we were starting to pick up a little bit, and I thought I was really finding my voice as a leader," Lieb said of his injury. "It was tough for me to go down, but it kind of helped me in a way. You don't take it for granted.

"When I came back for those last two games I was juiced just to be playing again. I think I've kind of ran with that this spring and summer. I'm pain free now. I'm feeling 100 percent."

Lieb and Walker have both been working on their weight since arriving at ISU. Lieb has sought more poundage on his lanky frame, while Walker has labored at shedding weight. Both have been successful.

Walker played his senior year in high school at 330 pounds and slimmed down to 290 for last season. In the continuation of a remarkable transformation, Walker is currently at 268.

"I hit it dead on. Hit it on the spot," Walker said of reaching his goal weight. "As long as I'm feeling good that's all that matters. It's just an everyday journey."

Walker, who has worked extensively with strength and conditioning coach Ryan Swenson and nutritionist Sarah Wright, actually needed to add a few pounds after returning to campus from a period of time at home in Ohio.

"Those two are amazing. We're making sure we're chipping the weight down but keeping the muscle mass," said Walker. "It's a habit now, what I eat, how I move, when I work out. I can't eat that much no more."

Pedon doesn't want Walker to obsess over the reading on the scale.

"I'm not as concerned and our staff is not as concerned with a number. I want him where he is feeling his physical best," Pedon said. "I don't think any of us know that exact weight. I want him to focus on getting stronger, getting his body where it needs to be where he can perform at his best for the longest."

Lieb moved from 222 pounds upon arrival on campus to 235-240 for last season.

"I'm right around 240. Ideally, 250 is my goal since I came into college," said Lieb. "If I can add another eight to nine pounds before the season and play there, I think it will only help me. I feel a lot stronger out there. It's been great for me."

Pedon believes the 17 games Lieb was able to log last season were critical after seeing little court time at Illinois.

"This is the first offseason collegiately where he actually has minutes under his belt and some game experience," the ISU coach said. "He's got to continue to build on that. That can hopefully bring him confidence. He's a real asset already to our program. My hope is he can have the best year of his life coming up here."

Lieb and Walker "have had a lot of good talks," according to Lieb. "We've gotten a lot closer this spring and summer. We're really pushing each other every day for what we're going to need out of each other. We have some big shoes to fill.

"But it's a good amount (of past playing time) for both of us to hit the ground running. It gets each other better when you've got a good opponent to go against in practice."

Walker agrees squaring off in practice will benefit both, but gave a clear edge to Lieb after Wednesday's workout.

"He just kicked my (butt) today. He's been working his behind off, and he's got a lot better," Walker said. "He's probably making me better more than I'm making him better right now. I got to get up there."

Schedule not finalized

Pedon indicated the Redbirds are "down to a couple" as far as finalizing their schedule for the upcoming season. "In our league, we're in one of the best positions. There are still some teams looking for four or five games."

In its nonconference schedule, ISU will play Saint Louis at CEFCU Arena and North Dakota State in Fargo as well as participating in the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam on Nov. 22-25.

Pedon declined to reveal other games that are set on the schedule.