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Illinois Basketball: 5 big questions for the Illini against Rutgers

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 23: Ty Rodgers #20 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts after a play during the second half in the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at State Farm Center on February 23, 2023 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 23: Ty Rodgers #20 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts after a play during the second half in the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at State Farm Center on February 23, 2023 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Nov 24, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ty Rodgers (20) drives to the basket during the first half against the Western Illinois Leathernecks at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ty Rodgers (20) drives to the basket during the first half against the Western Illinois Leathernecks at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Will Ty Rodgers continue his improvements against Big Ten competition?

There are a few Illinois basketball players who have improved from last season. I mentioned Terrence Shannon Jr. in an earlier slide. Along with Shannon, I have been impressed with what I have seen out of Ty Rodgers this year.

It is early in the season, but Rodgers seems to have developed nicely over the past offseason. He is only getting about four more minutes per game this season, but Rodgers is averaging over double the amount of points, going from 3.3 points per game to 7.5 points per game.

Rodgers is also averaging 4.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks while shooting 58.3% from the field and 50.0% from the free throw line, all of which are career highs.

Throughout the 2023-24 campaign, Rodgers has been a nice utility guy for the Illini. He has really started to develop nicely as a point guard as well. He has averaged 2.5 assists per game in the last four contests, and he had four assists in the Western Illinois tilt.

Can Rodgers continue this great play against Rutgers? Will he continue his improvements when the competition gets tougher?

The only true sample we have is the Marquette game. Rodgers had six points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block while going 3-of-5 from the field. Those are solid numbers that I would like out of Rodgers every game.

I think the development of Rodgers’ touch around the hoop has been a massive improvement for him. He can hit a floater from 5-8 feet from the basket. That is huge. Let’s see if he can continuously hit those shots and distribute the ball well when Illinois gets into the meat of the schedule.

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