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Watch now: Illinois State trying to gel ASAP with basketball season opener at hand

NORMAL — Mark Freeman doesn't know "the exact time or date" when Illinois State's basketball team will feel truly comfortable with each other on the basketball court.

However, the 5-foot-11 junior point guard is confident it happens sooner rather than later.

"We're together almost every day, 24/7 on and off the court," said Freeman, a transfer from Tennessee State. "That makes it easier on the court. I think we're going to gel really quick because we're so close off the court, so that brings us more wins on the court."

A team similar to the Redbirds and trying to blend in newcomers with some returners will provide the first test.