Opportunities open up in Illinois State's frontcourt without Keith Fisher III

Alex Kotov puts up a shot over Harouna Sissoko during an Illinois State basketball practice. Kotov and Sissoko could see increased playing time after Keith Fisher III opted out of the season.

NORMAL — Illinois State's basketball team has begun to move on without Keith Fisher III.

The Redbirds' senior forward, an all-Missouri Valley Conference preseason third-team pick and the team's leading returning scorer and rebounder, announced last Friday he has opted out of the season due to COVID-19 concerns for his family.

That has left a frontline without much Division I experience heading into the season opener Nov.