Illinois State men's basketball has officially added Noah Cleveland as a transfer for the 2026-27 season. Head coach Ryan Pedon expressed enthusiasm for Cleveland's addition, highlighting his strong ties to the community and his impressive performance at Illinois Wesleyan. Cleveland, a Normal, Illinois native, gained recognition as a NCAA Division III All-American and boasts a winning pedigree that aligns with the Redbirds' aspirations for success on the court.

By the Numbers
  • Cleveland averaged 18.8 points and 11.3 rebounds per game for the 26-5 Illinois Wesleyan Titans.
  • He recorded 16 double-doubles, ranked sixth nationally, and had 49 blocked shots, placing 31st in NCAA Division III.
State of Play
  • Illinois State finished the 2025-26 season with a record of 23-13, reaching the semifinals of the National Invitation Tournament.
  • Cleveland's addition is part of a strategy to enhance team performance and build on last season's success.
What's Next

As Cleveland joins the Redbirds, expectations are high for his contributions in the upcoming season, potentially boosting their performance in conference play. His experience and skills could play a pivotal role in guiding Illinois State deeper into postseason tournaments.

Bottom Line

Noah Cleveland's transfer to Illinois State represents a strategic move to marry local talent with the team's ambitions, potentially solidifying their standing in upcoming competitions and enhancing their overall gameplay.