The Illinois Fighting Illini had plenty of high hopes going into the 2024-25 season with a completely retooled line-up. This roster also features plenty of experience. That changed quite dramatically before their season opener against Eastern Illinois. Following a meeting with head coach Brad Underwood, it was announced that Ty Rodgers, a rising junior forward, would be sitting out the season. Rodgers’s redshirting may have been the biggest news of the season’s opening night, especially in the Big Ten where youth basketball jerseys are selling lot hotcakes.
NEWS: Illinois' Ty Rodgers has decided to redshirt this season, per @JWerner247 and @IlliniOn247 😳 pic.twitter.com/aX5GQFZda0
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) November 4, 2024
It’s quite a big turn for a player expected to be a huge contributor. This wrench was thrown somewhat out of the blue. Rodgers looked to be one of the leaders during the offseason. However, with so many new pieces, both freshmen and transfers, it appears he didn’t see himself fitting in the rotation this season.
What Ty Rodgers Redshirting Means for Illinois Basketball
Rodgers looked set to enter his third season in Champaign with a possible starting role. However, according to Underwood, there were no guarantees. Underwood spoke about Rodgers’s redshirt decision with Erik Hall from The Telegraph following the Illini’s opening night win against EIU.
“We are going to need his voice,” Underwood said of Rodgers’ leadership despite him not playing this season. “We’re not going to have him on the court, but we’re going to have his voice in terms of helping guys develop and grow in the locker room.”
Underwood sure seems confident Rodgers will be sticking around. That, however, remains questionable at best, given this new era. Just because he’s sitting out and taking a redshirt doesn’t mean he will stick around Champaign.
Illini Didn’t Miss a Beat Without Rodgers
Illinois had to refocus on whether or not he will stick around. They did just that and got a very impressive win against EIU. A 112-67 victory should keep the rowdy Illini fanbase happy, especially since Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn showcased his scoring ability with 21 points. It’s huge, given that Rodgers was the leading returning scorer from last season in Illinois. He only averaged six points per game, but bringing back talent is key.
Talent Seems to Come and Go in Champaign
One thing that has been a staple during Underwood’s tenure is his ability to find and recruit talent. The biggest question remains: why does so much of that talent come and go? It’s the transfer portal and NIL era, but still, it has to get on people’s nerves when guys like Luke Goode and Skyy Clark leave after being right in the hunt to be big-time players for the Illini. It’s great to have plenty of talent to work with. Regardless, Illinois has plenty of homegrown talent, but they bring in two to three transfers yearly, which drives younger players to bolt for greener pastures. Sure, Rodgers hasn’t said anything or made it seem like he will hit the portal, but who knows?
Redshirting and making your intentions known an hour before the season’s opening tip is very questionable at best. If Rodgers remains in Champaign, perhaps a year off will help him improve. He’s got the talent and showcased it in some big moments. Time will tell, but in the end, money talks, and who’s to say someone else won’t come calling? Illinois has plenty of other talent to turn to, but not having Rodgers on the floor will be felt at some point this season.
