Illinois State guard Johnny Kinziger is one of the most electric players in college basketball. The 5-foot-11 sophomore was the primary catalyst for the Redbirds' win over its 121-year-old rival on Wednesday.
He played through a vicious battle wound after casually boxing out a seven-footer!
Kinziger, a former Mr. Basketball in the state of Wisconsin, was named to the Missouri Valley Conference All-Freshman team last year. Individual honors aside, Illinois State lost both games to Bradley during the 2023/24 college basketball season and six-straight games dating back even further so this latest I-74 rivalry matchup meant a little more than usual.
The Redbirds desperately wanted to get back in the win column and they did. Kinziger scored 19 points with nine rebounds and three assists during an 11-point win over the Braves.
However, it was not his stat line that stood out. It was his hustle and effort!
Kinziger took a nasty shot to the head during a gritty defensive play early in the second half. He forced the turnover but was left bloodied by a sizable cut above his left eye.