Does Illinois Basketball Already Have Their Starting Wing?

Does Illinois Basketball Already Have Their Starting Wing?

Illinois Basketball has been extremely active in the transfer portal. This is without surprise as they are practically replacing their entire roster. Though some instances involve upgrading talent and skillsets, they are losing their top 3 players to the professional ranks. Terrence Shannon Jr, Marcus Domask, and Coleman Hawkins leave a huge void in star power and perimeter scoring. As a result, we expect Illinois basketball to heavily pursue a big wing that can be relied upon as a go-to guy.

Ty Rodgers did this two years ago pic.twitter.com/FADk2sj5lt

— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) January 17, 2024

The Illini initially threw their hat into the AJ Storr ring. Additionally, there were rumors circulating that a current NBA draft prospect is interested in Illinois Basketball. None of those names came to fruition, however, I do think that most are forgetting an important returning piece. Ty Rodgers.

“Sometimes the best gets are the ones you already have”- Trilly Donovan

Ty Rodgers clearly played out of position this entire year. Though he has guard skills, Rodgers is ideally a forward/wing player. If there are doubts, Illinois basically pivoted to having Marcus Domask be the primary ball-handler for Illinois in the second half of the season. The roster that Illinois rolled out when Terrence Shannon Jr was suspended was a good preview of Ty Rodgers playing freely in his natural position. He was able to combine his offensive rebounding prowess with his own blend of “booty-ball” and physicality. 

Illinois played six games without Shannon Jr. Without adding the Purdue game in which Rodgers battled illness, he averaged 10.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists on 46% from the field and 76% from the free throw line. Rodgers needs to work on his perimeter shooting this offseason. He does not need to become Klay Thompson, however, he needs to follow the development model that UCONN had for Andre Jackson Jr.

If Rodgers can work on his finishing and if Brad Underwood can find ways to better utilize Ty, he will be in for a heck of a junior season.

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