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The Tribune-Star, Terre Haute, Ind.
Sycamore basketball adds Denson as spot opens up
- Story byThe Tribune-Star, Terre Haute, Ind.
- Sycamore basketball adds Denson as spot opens up
On Saturday, freshman guard DeShawn Denson announced his commitment to Indiana State for this season after a roster spot opened up.
Denson is an 18-year-old, 6-foot-3, 160 pound freshman who hails from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where he attended Midwest City High School. In his high school career, Denson averaged 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals a game.
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The Tribune-Star talked on the phone Sunday to Denson to learn what had transpired for him to become a Sycamore after he had previously announced his commitment to IMG Academy for a post grad year on July 28.
He said the Sycamores had been recruiting him since his senior year of high school. The morning after he announced his commitment to IMG Academy is when it all changed. Denson said ISU called his AAU coach saying they were in need of a guard. He said he and coach Byron Jones who had attended some of his high school games got to talking and then after a phone call with coach Matthew Graves, it felt like the right fit.
"I'm a really good combo guard, I play the one and two, I play defense, I play both sides of the ball, I shoot the ball really well, I can create for my teammates, create for others, I'm a winner," Denson said.
He said he dives for loose balls and does all the little things to try to help his team win. Denson said the Sycamores are getting a hard worker and someone who will come in and do what they want without complaining.
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Denson mentioned he'll have a familiar face on the team noting he played AAU basketball with Kade Speckman and that they have a good relationship. He said the Sycamores expect him to come in and try to help the team win.
"Obviously I have to come in and prove myself," Denson said.
Denson doesn't move in until Friday, but said everybody is team first and that he's a big team first guy as well.
"I feel like I'm coming into a really good situation and we're a really good group," Denson said. "I'm just ready to get started and I'm just excited."
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With how the Missouri Valley Conference plays fast out of Evansville, Denson said he can play any style. He thinks he's going to be just fine. Denson acknowledged his youth being a freshman and how he'll have bumps in the road, but thinks he's ready to show what he can do.
This story will be updated once the Tribune-Star gets official word from ISU on what caused the roster spot to open.
The Sycamores finished last season 11-21 overall and 4-16 in MVC play as they dropped a heartbreaker to Valparaiso in the opening round the Arch Madness conference tournament at St. Louis' Enterprise Center.
ISU will open the 2026-27 campaign with two exhibition games before the regular season. The Sycamores tip things off Oct. 18 at Butler before hosting crosstown institution Rose-Hulman on Oct. 24.
The regular season begins Nov. 2 as the Sycamores host Charlotte in the 49ers return trip after the Sycamores fell at Charlotte last season.
