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Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Northwestern

By Rees Woodcock

Jan 4, 2023; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood gestures to his team during the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2023; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood gestures to his team during the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ty Rodgers (20) drives the ball past Bethune-Cookman Wildcats center Dylan Robertson (22) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ty Rodgers (20) drives the ball past Bethune-Cookman Wildcats center Dylan Robertson (22) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Why is Ty Rodgers not seeing more action

Illinois wasn’t playing well on Wednesday night. The players who were supposed to be leading this team didn’t show up once again. So, why not play the freshmen more often?

Brad Underwood made the bad coaching move of keeping the older guys in the game, and it didn’t pan out well. But, for some reason, a player like Ty Rodgers only received two minutes in the entire game.

Rodgers hasn’t exactly played well this season. He is only averaging 1.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, but when everything is going off the rails, why not try the former top-60 recruit more?

In the two minutes Rodgers did see on the floor, he managed to pull down a rebound. He could have brought a spark to the Illini, but he wasn’t allowed to for some reason. One of the top recruits in the country couldn’t get off the bench when the starters were struggling greatly.

When I watch Rodgers play, he clearly cares about being on the court. He tries his hardest and goes after every ball. He hustles up and down the court, and his energy is great for the team. I want to see him play more. It didn’t make any sense why Underwood kept with the guys he played on Wednesday night.

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