NORMAL - Jeremy Robinson received a quick introduction in college basketball from Dinma Odiakosa when he arrived on Illinois State's campus this summer. Well, make that the 240-pound Odiakosa's elbows. | Hoopfest photo gallery | Hoopfest video

"Oh, yeah, more than a couple," said Robinson. "He's going to get them back, but his zings are a little more zingful."

Robinson and fellow freshmen Kellen Thornton and Ty Modupe are going to have to learn quickly from Odiakosa without getting too bruised.

With forwards Bobby Hill (knee) and Brandon Sampay (hip) slowed by offseason surgeries, a couple of the freshmen could be needed early in the Redbirds' season to support Odiakosa in the front court.

"I would rather them be in there and work from the bottom on up," said Thornton. "But it's a good opportunity when they're down to work hard for a spot."

The versatile Thornton may have a slight advantage after playing a year in prep school at Brewster (N.H.) Academy. Thornton and Modupe both stand 6-foot-7 and are more inside-outside players than the 6-8 Robinson, who is considered a true power forward.

"I know all three of them are very good athletes," said ISU coach Tim Jankovich. "All have outstanding length and all three can be outstanding rebounders and shot blockers.

"I've told them about 100,000 times if they'll just be outstanding defenders and rebounders they're going to play a lot. We don't need them to try to be the leading scorer. They need to concentrate in those areas and whatever points they get will be a bonus."

Even before practice officially started last Saturday, the three freshmen have figured out bigger is better at this level. ISU strength and conditioning coach Rohrk Cutchlow said all three have put on between 17 and 23 pounds since coming to campus.

"I look at their weight, and I see myself in them (three years ago)," said Odiakosa. "I think they're even better because I came from far away (Nigeria), and I had no idea of some things."

Robinson, a Decatur Eisenhower graduate, realizes practice battles against Odiakosa, Sampay and Hill will make him a better player.

"I came here knowing I have to get stronger and get my intensity level up," said Robinson. "I've come a long way since high school. I feel I can bang with anybody."

Modupe, who played at Highland Park High Schoool in Topeka, Kan., doesn't need a couple teammates being injured to inspire him.

"A lot of people say I shouldn't be here and at this level, that I'm not ready yet, everybody from friends to recruiting services to sometimes my mother," he said. "Everyone told me I don't deserve to be here yet."

Sampay said he hopes to be ready near the end of November, although Jankovich thinks it could be a little later. Until then, Sampay believes the freshmen have a chance to become key contributors.

"All they need to do is keep working hard, learn Coach's system, play to the best of their ability and not take a day off, and they'll be there," he said.

Hill, who has been cleared for some live contact practice situations, said he expects to be ready for the Nov. 15 opener at Wright State barring any setbacks.

If Hill and Sampay were healthy from the start, ISU might have the luxury to redshirt one of the freshmen forwards.

"As of now, that probably is pretty doubtful given the injury situation," said Jankovich.