Illinois State’s Boden Skunberg

Hard Work Sparking a Strong Start

(St. Louis, MO) – Illinois State has won five straight games and the versatile Boden Skunberg is enjoying his grad-student season. The 6’5 North Dakota State transfer is averaging ten points, 4.9 rebounds per game and filling it up from deep (3.79). He has a crafty offensive game and coach Ryan Pedon utilizes his talents in several different ways.

Illinois State (6-2) has won five straight games and Skunberg, who sat out all of last season with an injury is thriving this year. The Redbirds were the Missouri Valley Conference preseason favorites and after a sluggish start, seem to have found their stride. Returners Chase Walker and Johnny Kinziger highlight a team with numerous returners and a highly regarded freshmen recruiting class.

After a successful career at North Dakota State (1,142 career points), Skunberg wanted to branch out and put his name in the transfer portal. One visit to Normal, Illinois was all it took for him to know where he would play next. He says sitting out last season has turned into a blessing.

 

During last week’s MTE championship in Florida, the multi-dimensional Skunberg put his crafty offensive game on display. Reaching double digits in scoring for the third and fourth time this season, Pedon calls him his ‘Swiss-army-knife’. It’s a role he enjoys. Skunberg is glad to provide whatever his team needs and he believes teammate Ty Pence (Tournament MVP) is just scratching the surface of what he can accomplish.

Team Chemistry and Mom

Skunberg believes hard work has bonded the current Redbird roster. Early morning offseason workouts helped the players gel. After last season’s College Basketball Insider championship, they came into offseason practices with confidence and momentum. Team chemistry, talented players and great depth are major assets for Illinois State.

While bragging on his teammates, he also gives us some insights into the team’s stars, Kinziger and Walker.

 

Illinois State’s Boden Skunberg says being named the Valley preseason favorites is a privilege and he’s glad his team has earned that respect. He gave us a unique answer when we asked ‘who shaped his basketball career?’ While speaking about her unique qualities, Skunberg says it was his mother.

 

The Redbirds  host Eastern Kentucky tonight.

Head to Valley Hoops Insider Podcasts to listen to our full conversation. We discuss the players he emulated as a young player, why he wears the number 14, tonight’s game and much more.

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