NORMAL — Ryan Schmitt realized his role on Illinois State's basketball team changed dramatically on Jan. 23 when Sy Chatman was withering in pain on the Ford Center floor in Evansville, clutching his left knee.
Without Chatman, who was the Redbirds' top post scoring threat and leading rebounder, the 6-foot-11 Schmitt would be among those ISU head coach Dan Muller counted on even more going forward.
"We all knew once Sy went down everyone would be needed to pick up their level a little bit," said Schmitt. "Coach always tells me to be a great rebounder, great screener, finish around the rim.