No. 4 Forward
Starter: Ty Rodgers (JR)
I was contemplating Ty Rodgers moving back to the No. 1 spot on the roster when Luke Goode left, but I think the way to go is to still move Rodgers back to the No. 4 spot. Illinois needs Rodgers more in the frontcourt, and I think he would thrive being more toward the basket rather than bringing the ball up the court.
Rodgers is the lone starter returning from last year’s roster right now. He is one of three holdovers from the Elite 8 team as well. Rodgers is nearly the complete package. He averaged 6.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game last season for the Illini. The only thing that is getting in his way of being great is his shooting. This offseason is huge for his development. I have Rodgers starting at the No. 4 spot.
Backup: Carey Booth (SO)
Illinois was able to pull in some great frontcourt help this offseason. We needed a nice big player who can be somewhat of a threat from the outside but also has great size. That is what the Illini were able to land with Carey Booth.
Booth played his freshman season at Notre Dame in 2023-24. He averaged 6.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He isn’t the greatest shooter, as he hit just 29.7% from three-point range, but he seems dangerous enough to keep defenses on their heels. They won’t be able to slack off on defense and clog the lane. I have Booth being the primary backup at the No. 4 spot. Honestly, I believe as of right now, he would come in for the No. 4 and No. 5 spots for the Illini.