The Voice of the Sycamores
(St. Louis, MO) – Luke Martin is taking us inside Indiana State basketball. He is becoming the voice of the Sycamores. Martin is Indiana State’s Digital Video Coordinator and is the play-by-play voice of numerous Sycamore sports teams. He handles the men’s basketball broadcasts and carries the Sycamore brand far and wide.
During a time of transition for the ISU basketball program, Martin brings us his insights and opinions on Sycamore hoops! While Martin has been employed at ISU, the Hulman Center has been renovated, coach Greg Lansing has been replaced by Josh Schertz, the Missouri Valley has a new commissioner and the entire college basketball landscape has changed.
A pandemic continues to affect our nation but ISU has inked a new media deal with DLC Media and the Sycamores are the first Missouri Valley basketball program to release its full non-conference schedule.
The voice of the Sycamores has plenty to say about the league, his basketball team and its new coach and his expectations for the coming season.
A True Insider
Martin is a trusted insider in the Indiana State sports family. His long term relationship with former coach Greg Lansing and his quick connection with his replacement has made him a valuable conduit of Sycamore insights for Valley hoops fans.
The Ball State graduate says access granted to him by ISU coaches is the key to his work.
Martin produces a large volume of video content related to Sycamore sports. His insider information on ISU players, coaches and history have served Sycamore fans well.
The Sycamores are the first Missouri Valley team to release its non-conference schedule. ISU will play at least six teams with sub-160 Kenpom.com ratings. That schedule includes a road game at Purdue and the possible neutral site contest with Porter Moser’s Oklahoma Sooners. Indiana State participates in the Myrtle Beach Invitational where they open with Old Dominion and play either OU or East Carolina during the tournament’s second round. A third game ensues.
After a home exhibition game and two road contests, ISU’s first home game is against Division III Hanover. ISU’s entire schedule can be seen here.
The Upcoming Season
Josh Schertz has replaced Greg Lansing at the Sycamore helm. While impressed by Schertz, it was star player Tyreke Key’s reaction to Schertz that caused the voice of Sycamores to have full confidence in the new head man.
Schertz utilizes a faster pace offense. His NBA-like offensive sets and and high intensity defense will be unique in the Valley. Martin says that uniqueness and Schertz’s ability to develop players are things he is excited to see. The former Lincoln Memorial coach set winning percentage records at the Division II level and was known for his ability to groom his players’ individual abilities.
While Schertz may not have the freedom to red-shirt as many players at ISU, helping players improve is one of the affable Schertz’s strong suits.
Our interview with coach Schertz high-lights his offensive and defensive approaches. During that interview he talked about the importance of hard work and player development.
Transitions at ISU
ISU’s Hullman Center has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation and there is a brand new coach. College basketball’s landscape has changed with players’ ability to instantly transfer and to profit from their name, image and likeness.
Tyreke Key – gosycamores.com
One constant in Terre Haute is Tyreke Key. The program’s sixth all-time leading scorer is and poised for another great season. While Key graduated last spring, Martin says the Celina, Tennessee native will be truly working on a master’s degree. He isn’t just grabbing another season of basketball.
Martin says Key appears to be happier then at any time during his Sycamore career.
Voice of the Sycamores
The voice of the Sycamores is enthusiastic about the upcoming season. While he was confident in the former coaching staff, he also sees the promise on the current roster and staff. During our interview we discussed both the roster and challenges that lie ahead. Martin will be heard on a new radio station this season and will continue to produce hours of video content on the Sycamore exploits.
Ou entire interview can be heard at Valley Hoops Insider Podcasts.
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As we near the closing of the portal window, we've reached 1900. Some of them never to play college basketball again, earn a college degree and some to play at a much lower level than they did last season.
I guess we'll be seeing this in a @RacersHoops uniform this year. Glad AJ is staying in the @ValleyHoops.
