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Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Arkansas

By Rees Woodcock

Illinois' Matthew Mayer plays with only one shoe after it fell off during the NCAA men's basketball tournament first round match-up between Illinois and Arkansas, on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Wells Fargo Arena, in Des Moines, Iowa.0316 Illinos Arkansas 001 Arw
Illinois' Matthew Mayer plays with only one shoe after it fell off during the NCAA men's basketball tournament first round match-up between Illinois and Arkansas, on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Wells Fargo Arena, in Des Moines, Iowa.0316 Illinos Arkansas 001 Arw /
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Mar 16, 2023; Des Moines, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ty Rodgers (20) dunks against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2023; Des Moines, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ty Rodgers (20) dunks against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Ty Rodgers is going to be a monster

I am still feeling the pain from the Illinois loss. This defeat won’t go away easily. But I also believe that the future is so bright for the Orange and Blue.

This rendition of the Illinois basketball program was a failed experiment. We brought in a couple of transfer pieces to lead the team, but the chemistry was way off and it ruined some great potential. With that being said, I love what I have seen from Ty Rodgers.

If you aren’t excited about Rodgers, then I don’t know what you have been watching. For being a freshman, Rodgers had a phenomenal year and emerged as a strong future leader of this program. If he develops some type of shot from mid-range or beyond the three-point arc, then he will end up being a first-round NBA Draft pick.

There were some big games, when trusted, that Rodgers had down the stretch. He put up 14 points and seven rebounds in a big win over Michigan. He ended up averaging 5.5 points per game in the final eight games leading up to the NCAA tournament. Those numbers include getting pulled randomly by the Illinois coaching staff at times.

Rodgers was sensational in the game against Arkansas on Thursday as well. He was energetic and was all over the court. He would play 22 minutes and finish with six points, three rebounds, and one assist on 3-of-5 shooting from the floor.

I love what Rodgers brings to the table night in and night out. The biggest bonus of all is the fact he doesn’t have an ego. This kid goes out there and gives it his all in every game. I can’t wait to see what he does when he takes the reins next season.

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