Illinois Basketball: 5 surprises to start the 2023-24 Illini season

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CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 17: Niccolo Moretti #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini takes a shot over Darius DeAveiro #6 of the Valparaiso Crusaders during the first half at State Farm Center on November 17, 2023 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

3. Niccolo Moretti is looking like the future at point guard

Entering the 2023-24 campaign, it was clear that Ty Rodgers was going to be the starting point guard for the Illinois basketball program. Much was made of him developing his point guard skills and being our No. 1 guard this year.

I wasn’t sure where the guards behind Rodgers would fit in, though. During the Spain trip this offseason, both Niccolo Moretti and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn looked good, but so did everyone else on the team. It was hard to tell how good each player could be on the court.

Through five games this season, I have been surprised by the point guard play. No, not from Rodgers. I have been way more impressed with Moretti at the No. 1 guard spot.

Rodgers is doing a good job in general. He is averaging 7.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. He is a slasher who can get to the basket, score, and pull down rebounds. That is what I love about Rodgers, but that isn’t what Illinois needs in a point guard.

Moretti has been more of your typical point guard for the Illini. He has great handles, and his vision on the court is something that I don’t know if I have seen since maybe Demetri McCamey. In the three games he has played, Moretti is averaging 2.7 assists per game, which is third on the team. He is also contributing 4.0 points and 2.3 rebounds each night.

I knew Moretti was going to contribute to the Illinois basketball success, but I am surprised he looks this good. As far as natural point guard ability, Moretti is by far the best point guard on the team.

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