DALLAS - Sead Odzic couldn't wait to get out of Central Illinois and spend a couple days in warmer weather. Yet, the junior guard knows Illinois State's basketball team isn't on vacation here this weekend.

That goes as much for the Redbirds' bench players as the starters.

Odzic said he and the other reserves must be ready to make significant contributions starting today when ISU participates in the three-day round-robin SMU Tip-Off Classic. The Redbirds meet Alabama State at 5 p.m. today at Moody Coliseum before playing Houston Baptist on Saturday and host Southern Methodist on Sunday.

"This isn't AAU or high school where you can just play (three straight days) and beat up on guys. We definitely need everyone to pitch in," said Odzic. "After any game you're tired, (especially) your legs. We need everyone helping."

The Redbirds, coming off a season-opening 69-61 victory at Wright State last Saturday, haven't won an in-season tournament since 1998 when they captured the Hawaii Pacific Classic title.

With Bobby Hill (knee) and Alex Rubin (foot) still sidelined, the Redbirds don't have quite the depth that Coach Tim Jankovich envisioned when he put the schedule together. ISU also plays another three-day event, the World Vision Invitational, next weekend at Redbird Arena.

ISU has been forced to do some juggling on the fly. Brandon Holtz, a 6-foot-4 senior guard, was used for a couple minutes at power forward against Wright State. He likely will see some action there again this weekend in addition to backcourt duties.

"Like I've been saying, I'll do anything I can to help the team. You can put me at 5 (center) if you need me," said Holtz. "It was new. It was fun. It's a different kind of look at the game. I'm ready to go in there and do what I can. It doesn't matter."

Jankovich said trying "to find the happy medium" of not playing the starters too many minutes and still winning the game at hand will be a challenge. The ISU coach's hope is the next two weekends could help his team in March if they have to play three straight days at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.

Odzic's play against Wright State gave Jankovich a lot of confidence. After transferring from Southern California and becoming eligible in late December last season, Odzic was expected to make an immediate impact.

However, Odzic struggled with his shot from the beginning. Soon, his confidence in every aspect of the game wavered. Odzic wasn't playing much at the end when ISU took second place in the Valley Tournament and during two games in the National Invitation Tournament.

Jankovich said he has noticed a difference this season.

"He's really determined. I think he's got more of an edge than he had last year," said Jankovich.

While Odzic's line against Wright State in 26 minutes didn't jump off the stat sheet - no shots, two points - he had five rebounds (two offensive boards) and three assists while also helping hold down Wright State's top player, Vaughn Duggins.

"I had a lot of fun. It was fun playing with these guys. I thought we made a big step forward," said Odzic. "I'm excited about this year. Defensively, I felt we were like a team. We'll get better, but it felt like a team out there helping each other."

One of ISU's three freshman forwards - Kellen Thornton - played in the opener. Jankovich said he "doesn't have a plan yet" on whether Jeremy Robinson and/or Ty Modupe will be redshirted to preserve four years of eligibility.

"That will work itself out," said Jankovich.

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Going to Big 'D'

What: Illinois State (1-0) vs. Alabama State (0-1)

When: 5 p.m., today

Where: Moody Coliseum, Dallas

Broadcast: WJBC-AM (1230), WJEZ-FM (98.9)