Illinois Basketball Has a Budding Star in Ty Rodgers

Illinois Basketball Has a Budding Star

Illinois Basketball is more than halfway done with its conference play. After a stressful win at home vs Nebraska, Illinois Basketball now sits at 8-3 in conference play. If all continues to go well, Brad Underwood will finish off another strong conference play record. As Underwood said earlier this week, the team feels whole again. Terrence Shannon Jr is slowly acclimating back to the speed of the game and roles are starting to really solidify.

One player that is starting to solidify his role as the future of Illini basketball is Ty Rodgers.

Much needed motor.

Illinois Basketball is at that point in the season where it is very common to have an in-season lull. Last year’s national champions, the Uconn Huskies, even had a stretch in January where they lost 5 of 8 games. In the last two games, one player has brought a great motor to the table. That player is Ty Rodgers. Through the past two games, Ty has averaged 10.5 points and 12 rebounds, while also contributing 2 steals and 1 block per game. Additionally, Rodgers has shot 7-10 from the free throw line in the past three games.

That is impressive for someone who had struggled last year with any kind of shooting. Rodgers has responded extremely well after a game against Purdue that left fans wanting more.

The Future

Ty Rodgers will be one of the elder statesmen on this team next year. With Terrence Shannon Jr, Coleman Hawkins, and Quincy Guerrier moving on, Ty has a unique opportunity to grab the reigns on the perimeter. If he can attack the basket with ease while also bringing the rebounding and defensive effort, he will be one of the league’s best.

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