Illinois Basketball: Illini signee Ty Rodgers makes 2022 Jordan Brand Classic

The Illinois basketball team has a player in the 2022 Jordan Brand Classic.

As the Illini push toward their first national title in program history, the future is waiting in the wings ready to make a mark in the college basketball world. But before some of these talented players get to the next level, they have to finish up their time in high school.

Illinois commit and signee Ty Rodgers is one of those players still finishing up his time at Thornton Township High School up in Harvey, Illinois. He transferred over to Thornton this past offseason, and the move, along with his great play on the court, has helped bolster his recognition throughout the country.

Rodgers isn’t just wanted by every program in the country, but he is starting to make some national teams as well. On Wednesday morning, the rosters for the 2022 Jordan Brand Classic were announced. Rodgers made one of the rosters and will be playing for the Home Team.

Illinois basketball keeps landing talented recruits for the future.

It is impressive for Rodgers to make the Jordan Brand Classic considering the rosters are comprised of the best talent in the country.

Rodgers is going to be able to show the world that he should be ranked up there with the top echelon of college players. As of right now, Rodgers is rated as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 61 player in the class of 2022, according to 247Sports.

I think 247Sports is going to need to adjust that ranking a little bit. There are only 26 players in the Jordan Brand Classic, and Rodgers made the roster. For me, that means he is one of the top 26 players in the country.

It doesn’t come as much of a surprise that Rodgers made the Jordan Brand Classic, though. He is an extremely talented player who will help the Illini win a lot of games in the future. But he isn’t the only recruit coming in from the 2022 class.

Jayden Epps, who is ranked as the No. 48 player by 247Sports, and Sencire Harris, who is the No. 98 player in the class of 2022, are also coming into the Illinois program. So, that gives Brad Underwood three top 100 recruits joining a team that will already have some solid talent on the roster.

It is impressive what Illinois has done in the recruiting game. With the tremendous recruiting ability displayed by the coaching staff, I think we will be competitive for years to come.