Could Ty Rodgers have a role on Illinois Basketball?

Illinois basketball has gone into off-season mode after their round of 32 loss to the Kentucky Wildcats. The Illini will look to retool in a major way after a rollercoaster of a season. They will likely need to replace two stars on the perimeter in Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley. Both Jakucionis and Riley are slated in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft despite what many fan opinions are.

Rumor has it that Illinois basketball is riding well for a top international prospect and hopes to add an experienced perimeter piece in the transfer portal. However, should any of those options fall through, would it be worth it for the Illini to look inward?

Ty Rodgers

Ty Rodgers was one of two returning players from the 2024 Elite Eight roster. However, after representing the school at Big Ten Media Day, Rodgers surprisingly chose to redshirt his junior season. The choice made a lot of sense, the Illini had Will Riley and Tre White on the perimeter and a crowded backcourt. Without a reliable perimeter shot, Rodgers seemed like the odd man out.

However, with Riley and Jakucionis likely moving on, Rodgers could provide a lot of what Illinois basketball needs.

Defense, Rebounding, experience

Whether Rodgers has developed a consistent jumper or not, he has shown that he can contribute at the Big Ten level. He brings elite rebounding and defensive prowess on the perimeter which would be fun to watch alongside rising senior Kylan Boswell. Boswell and Rodgers could make for an intriguing duo that would certainly fit the toughness bill that Brad Underwood wants.

Remember, when Terrence Shannon Jr. was out for six games in January, Rodgers averaged  10.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.  

In a year where continuity was absent and inconsistency was prevalent, Ty Rodgers could be one small piece towards a movement veteran hustle.

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