New York native Myles Foster adjusting to life in central Illinois

NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — Illinois State head coach Ryan Pedon didn’t have to go out on a limb when talking about newcomer Myles Foster.

“Central Illinois is a not like Brooklyn, New York. Myles will tell you that,” said Pedon. “But he’s been such a welcome addition to our (ISU) family.”

Brooklyn native Myles Foster admits being at Illinois State is not like being at home.

“It’s nothing like New York City,” said Foster. “It’s a change of pace, a lot slower. I don’t mind it.”

Even though he’s built like a football player, the 6-7, 235-pound Foster says playing hoops in New York parks while growing up shaped his decision to concentrate on basketball as his main sport.

“In New York it’s a concrete jungle, very tight. You really only have room for basketball courts. That’s what everyone plays,” Foster said. “Sometimes you might have a tournament uptown, and you have to get to your next tournament (quickly). Take the train down to Brooklyn or Queens. All day you play.”

He’s been a everyday starter since he stepped onto ISU’s campus in the fall. He was named to the Missouri Valley Conference all-newcomer team on Wednesday night.

Now he’s hoping his team can make some noise this weekend in a different kind of big city, St. Louis.

Myles Foster/ISU senior: I think the whole purpose is to play your best basketball in March,” Foster said about the MVC Tournament. “That’s been our goal since June. That’s what we are aiming towards.”

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