ChimpersCage

  The Illinois men’s basketball program is facing an early setback this offseason with the news that veteran guard-forward Ty Rodgers will be out indefinitely due to a knee injury sustained during a workout session. The injury, which requires surgery, is expected to keep him sidelined for a significant portion of the upcoming season, if not all of it. Rodgers’ absence goes far beyond stats. A staple of the Illini rotation, he has been a consistent and hardworking presence on the court since his freshman year. In his second season, Rodgers started every game, bringing a gritty, physical edge to the team. He averaged over six points, grabbed more than five rebounds per game, and added a couple of assists each night. What made Rodgers so valuable was his ability to contribute in ways that didn’t always show up in the box score—defensive intensity, second-chance rebounds, and his commitment to doing the little things right. Known for his high motor and toughness, Rodgers had developed ...