Does Illinois Basketball Already Have Their Starting Wing?

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.