No. 4 Forward
Starter: Ty Rodgers (JR)
Ty Rodgers was a great get for Brad Underwood a couple of years ago. He was a highly touted recruit who moved to Thornton Township for his senior year. This past season, Rodgers started in all 38 games for the Illini. I don’t see that changing either.
Rodgers ended up being a utility guy for the Illini. He played 22.7 minutes per game and averaged 6.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists each night. Underwood had him at the No. 1 guard spot, but with Kylan Boswell now in the mix, Rodgers can move to the No. 4 spot and eat up rebounds. I have him starting at the No. 4 spot next season.
Backup: Transfer Portal (Xavier Amos)
Illinois has four scholarships left. I used the first two on the No. 2 and No. 3 spot. I think the third scholarship should go to another frontcourt player. Someone like Xavier Amos would be suited just fine in this position.
At 6-foot-8, 215 pounds, Amos is coming off a sophomore campaign with Northern Illinois where he averaged 13.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.2 assists per game. Amos is a polished player who is also able to knock down 38.5% of his three-point attempts. I think he would be a perfect option as the primary backup at the No. 4 spot getting 20 minutes per game.