As Illinois basketball begins summer workouts, the team has been hit with a tough setback.
Junior forward Ty Rodgers is out indefinitely after suffering a knee injury during a pickup game in his hometown last week, head coach Brad Underwood announced. The injury will require surgery, though Underwood didn’t offer specific details or a clear timeline for recovery.
“We’ll learn more as things progress,” Underwood said. “He’s still in Michigan right now working through the early stages.”
Rodgers, who redshirted last season, confirmed in April that he would return to Illinois, choosing not to enter the transfer portal. In the 2023–24 season, he started all 38 games for the Illini during their run to the Elite Eight, averaging 6.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2 assists per game.
While Underwood declined to go into the specifics of the injury, he acknowledged that any knee surgery puts Rodgers’ availability for the November season opener in serious doubt and could keep him sidelined well into the winter.
“It’s going to take time,” Underwood said.
Set to enter his fourth year with the program — the longest of any returning player — Rodgers was expected to be a key leader on a roster with many new faces. As one of just six returning players and the most experienced in Underwood’s system, the 6-foot-6 redshirt junior was poised to play a significant role both on and off the court.
“Even last year, when he was redshirting, Ty’s leadership and presence were felt,” Underwood said. “Injuries are unfortunately part of the game, and now we see where this road takes us.”
To help fill the gap left by Rodgers, Underwood mentioned freshmen Brandon Lee and Keaton Wagler as players who could see increased opportunities. With Rodgers expected to contribute at both guard and forward, his absence means the Illini will likely need to rely more heavily on their bench. Players like Jake Davis and Jason Jakstys, who were projected to have uncertain roles, may now be in line for greater playing time.
When asked whether Rodgers’ injury might prompt the team to use its final open roster spot, Underwood said the staff isn’t rushing the decision.
“We’ll evaluate,” he said. “We’re always keeping an eye out, but we’re not going to make a move just to fill a spot. If the right fit comes along, we’ll consider it.”
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