Illinois Basketball: Why Ty Rodgers can be the star

Ty Rodgers can be the star for Illinois Basketball this year. The Junior forward will be the veteran for the extremely young and talented Fighting Illini squad and will certainly be one of the most important pieces. As one of two returners from last year’s team, Rodgers will be tasked with being the leader and the “culture-keeper” of Illinois basketball. Brad Underwood has coached Ty for two full seasons. It will be up to him to keep the team together and to keep the young guys confident and focused through Underwood’s tough coaching.

Additionally, no single player on this roster can do the things that Ty Rodgers specifically excels at.

Toughness in the Paint and Rebounding.

Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Outside of true freshman big man, Morez Johnson Jr, Ty Rodgers may be the best rebounder on this team. In the 2024 Big Ten Tournament, Rodgers averaged 9.3 rebounds per game. That number would have been even higher if Rodgers had not caught foul trouble in the Championship game. Even during that game, Ty grabbed 5 key rebounds in 17 minutes. During that 6 game stretch that Terrence Shannon Jr. was out, Ty went on to average a solid 10.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. 

Whether Rodgers can translate that jump shot that has surfaced in practice videos or not, he is the ultimate glue guy who simply brings an edge to the wing. His ability to crash the glass and play hard will be irreplaceable on this young and talented Illinois basketball team.

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