What would a Redbird dream look like? A nonconference schedule without any big-name schools doesn't excite some fans, but it may turn out to be a blessing in disguise because of surgeries to three of the Redbirds' top eight players in forwards Brandon Sampay and Bobby Hill and guard Alex Rubin. If the Redbirds can take Saturday's opener at Wright State, which is probably their toughest nonconference game, and beat Southern Methodist in Dallas a week later, they could run the table going into the Missouri Valley Conference season.

That seems unlikely, but a 9-2 or 10-1 mark isn't totally out of the question and, by then, Hill could be completely healed and Rubin might be back in the mix. That would bring a lot of confidence going into the league opener at Missouri State on Dec. 28. With the Valley home opener against Evansville on New Year's Eve, ISU figures to have a good chance to start 2-0 in the league. Then Valley favorite Creighton comes to Redbird Arena on Jan. 3 and a charged-up atmosphere could propel ISU into a heavy January slate.

Osiris Eldridge turned into a big-time scorer for the Redbirds last season and could be even more dangerous with Champ Oguchi at his side. Opponents knew Eldridge would always be taking the big shot in crunch time last season, but now Oguchi can't be left alone, either. ISU could be able to spread the court and leave plenty of driving lanes open for both players, as well as uncontested perimeter shots for ISU's other sharpshooters.

The nonconference schedule was set up to ease the transition of juco point guard Lloyd Phillips and freshman forwards Kellen Thornton, Jeremy Robinson and Ty Modupe. If everything plays right, the Redbirds could develop a deep bench and plenty of team camaraderie heading to St. Louis for the all-important Valley Tournament.

Redbird nightmare

If Sampay and Hill experience setbacks because of their surgeries, Coach Tim Jankovich's squad might be in trouble. Serious trouble. The freshmen are learning on the job, which usually brings mixed results. A couple stumbles could happen against teams ISU would have no business losing to with a healthy roster. It also might take Eldridge and Oguchi time to figure out how to play with each other.

Two other major questions - how does junior forward Dinma Odiakosa deal with the pressure if Sampay and Hill aren't at full strength, and what if Phillips doesn't make a smooth transition? A foul-prone Odiakosa could signal trouble, too.

Defense was really the key for ISU last season. Odiakosa needs to be on the court for 30 minutes for the Redbirds to put their best defensive team out there. If not, opponents might be able to exploit the Redbirds inside. Jankovich doesn't like to play zone, but he might be forced into it. ISU played zone a few times last season. It wasn't pretty.

Redbird reality

Last season might not have resulted in an NCAA Tournament appearance (although the Redbirds felt they deserved it), yet it set the foundation for the future under Jankovich. The Redbirds bought into the hard man-to-man defense and the ball-screen offense where players are free to attack. Just as important, there is a winning attitude now.

Many questioned why ISU would take Oguchi as a transfer for just one season. The doubters should be silenced. Eldridge and Oguchi could develop into a lethal combination. Up front, Odiakosa needs to step up and produce on a consistent basis. He appears in great physical shape.

ISU needs one of the freshman forwards to become a factor. Phillips might be in his first year of Division I basketball, but he isn't young (23) and should be able to handle it. The Redbirds figure to win 20 or more games and be in the thick of the league race. But, after last year, they know only winning the Valley tourney will punch a sure ticket to the Big Dance.