Illinois Basketball: 5 burning questions for the Illini against Kansas
![Feb 14, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks on from the bench during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Illinois 93-81. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports Feb 14, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks on from the bench during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Illinois 93-81. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/88d9de25f0fa1d0d1fc48ce9eef646b79b5e62e74b3aa834bb647dd785a32512.jpg)
5. Does Niccolo Moretti start chipping away at minutes?
I mentioned earlier that I am excited to see what Ty Rodgers can form into at the No. 1 guard spot. He is a forward who has gotten leaner and is trying to develop into a point-forward.
But there will be points this season, and there already have been in the first exhibition game, where I wonder to myself, would it be better to have Rodgers as a forward and move Niccolo Moretti into the starting point guard role?
Against Kansas, I am going to be watching to see what type of minutes Moretti gets and if he is chipping away at some of the point guard minutes that are given to Rodgers.
On the trip to Spain, you could see the potential of Moretti. He was great with the ball in his hand, and that has transitioned over to the first exhibition game. Against Ottawa, Moretti received 14 minutes and had two points, three rebounds, and four assists. His ability to distribute is phenomenal.
I don’t see Rodgers losing the point guard spot anytime soon. But it wouldn’t shock me to see him move into a forward role and for Moretti to take over at the No. 1 spot sometime this season. I am going to see if there is any sign of this against Kansas.
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