FARGO Boden Skunberg wasn't seeking out to stay in the midwest. But his future school made sure he wasn't going to go far.
Skunberg announced Wednesday that he will be transferring to Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois for his final season of collegeiate basketball.
"From the get go, when I went into the portal, they were the first team to reach out. Coach (Ryan) Pedon was adamant the whole time. He said that first week I want to fly to Jamestown, I just want to meet you. I think they just had the best the best basketball fit for me."
The Jamestown native and former Bison guard was honored on Senior Day March 2 prior to North Dakota State's final regular season game against South Dakota State. He made it known he wanted to use his final year of eligibility elsewhere. It will be for a school that NDSU played this season.
The Bison lost 75-65 to Illinois State on December 17 in Normal. Skunberg had four points and seven assists in the game, but did enough for Pedon to take notice.
"I know after the game, they were on the handshake line. The coaching staff said to me 'you're a good player, good job'. They all seem pretty excited about me."
Skunberg leaves after scoring over 1,000 points in his career at NDSU, he was a Summit League honorable mention selection this season, following a second-team selection in 2023. He averaged 14 points this past season as the Bison were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Summit League Tournament by St. Thomas.
He entered the portal shortly after it opened last month and says the interest piled up quickly.
"It was very overwhelming. The first day I probably had 50 schools. But going in, I didn't really respond to and even that first week, as I was kind of figuring out what I wanted, and what was important to me."
Illinois State finished 2023-24 with a 15-17 record, losing in the first round of the Missouri Valley Tournament. The Redbirds have eight seniors on this year's roster and a majority will return for next year. ISU currently has three players in the transfer portal.
"I think the most important thing is I only have one year left and it was a good basketball fit. It's kind of a stepping stone for my professional career. And I want to be able to showcase what I can really do at a little higher level."
https://twitter.com/Redbird_MBB/status/1655981203802177537
Skunberg's time in North Dakota isn't over just yet. The 2019 state champion at Jamestown High School will have another game at the Scheels Center as Illinois State will return to Fargo this year for the back end of the home and home contract. Skunberg relishes another chance to play at home.
"I'm still up there with the coaching staff. I'm still up there hanging with the guys. I feel like once I think it's in December, once I get there, it'll be weird. It'll be weird for certain seeing other guys and playing against them too." ]]> |
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