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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with Amani Hansberry

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN , IL - NOVEMBER 13: The Illinois Fighting Illini logo on the floor before a college basketball game against the Georgetown Hoyas at the State Farm Center on November 13, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
CHAMPAIGN , IL - NOVEMBER 13: The Illinois Fighting Illini logo on the floor before a college basketball game against the Georgetown Hoyas at the State Farm Center on November 13, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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Grand Blanc forward Ty Rodgers (23) shoots a free throw against Ann Arbor Huron during the second half of the MHSAA Division 1 boys state final at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Saturday, April 10, 2021.
Grand Blanc forward Ty Rodgers (23) shoots a free throw against Ann Arbor Huron during the second half of the MHSAA Division 1 boys state final at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Saturday, April 10, 2021. /

No. 3 Guard

Starter: Ty Rodgers

Even though he isn’t listed as the top recruit Illinois secure in the class of 2022, I think Ty Rodgers could end up being the best player to emerge from this group. Rodgers has a special skillset that I love in a basketball player.

I believe Rodgers will be a primary backup this season but will then take over a starting spot for the 2023-24 campaign. It wouldn’t shock me to see Rodgers get a few starts this year either. When I watch Rodgers’ game on the court, it reminds me a little bit of Talen Horton-Tucker. I think Rodgers is better than that, though. He is quicker and more athletic. I love Rodgers’ defensive abilities. I think this is what will set him apart from the rest. Brad Underwood is going to love Rodgers because of his defense. There is no doubt in my mind that Rodgers is a starter in 2023-24.

Backup: Scholarship/Transfer

I don’t have anyone backing up Rodgers on the depth chart. When he needs some rest, they will surely shift the roster around and put someone like Sencire Harris in the game at the No. 3 spot. But that is why I think Illinois should use a scholarship or land someone from the transfer portal.

Illinois would have 11 players on the roster for the 2023-24 season, so this would be the final scholarship available. Landing a nice versatile wing would be optimal.

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