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Brad Underwood explains Ty Rodgers’ decision to redshirt 2024-25 season

Brad Underwood Explains Ty Rodgers' Decision to Redshirt 2024-25 Season

Champaign, Ill. —

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood announced Friday that redshirt freshman forward Ty Rodgers will redshirt the 2024-25 season.

Rodgers, a 6-foot-7 forward from Chicago, played in just eight games last season after suffering a season-ending wrist injury in December.

Underwood said that the decision to redshirt Rodgers was made after consulting with the team's medical staff and that it was in the best interest of Rodgers' long-term development.

“Ty is a talented player with a bright future,” Underwood said. “We think that redshirting him this season will give him the time he needs to fully recover from his injury and to develop his game.”

Rodgers averaged 3.1 points and 2.8 rebounds in eight games last season. He is expected to play a significant role for the Illini in the future.

Illinois is coming off a 21-14 season and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Illini are expected to be a contender in the Big Ten next season, and Rodgers will be a key part of their success.