Epsilon
M tipping over
- Pdx
Problems certainly seem linked. Selfish ball leads to little passing which leads to easier coverage for your opponent.
Illini Basketball 2023-2024
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"Since I was little, I’ve always practiced being a guard. I’ve always had guard skills. I’ve always been handling the ball,” Rodgers said. “I think my IQ was something that was higher, and I could always find open people." --StLouisToday
"I think that’s always been something that I could do,” Rodgers said. “I mean, I played point guard for most of my time throughout high school. So I feel like it was always something I could do. I was really just waiting on coach for what he wanted for this team. And now it’s time to implement that into our rotation, so I think it’s been good.” --StLouisToday
"Rodgers made his presence felt throughout the game, putting together a well-rounded highlight reel of dunks, spin moves, and crafty drives to the basket." --mlive
"Versatility marks his game with his ability to defend any position anywhere on the court and his ability to handle the basketball. Rodgers is the type of player that can be trusted with the basketball and can be trusted to compete at a high level." --247
"He is best as a scorer in the midrange and close range. Has a quick first step and can finish with touch in traffic. Is not a reliable long range shooter at this point but his range is improving. Is a solid and reliable ball handler who sees the court well and has a feel for delivering the timely pass." --247
For everyone hand wringing about the certain disaster of Ty at PG... it kinda doesn't sound like a certain disaster.
Back in the day there was this 6'8" point guard who had a terrible outside shot. He went by the name of Magic. He wound up doing pretty well at the next level.
There is no reason to believe that Ty can't grow into those footsteps.
I think I read.this same.article in early 1979. Cross out Ty Rogers and write Mark Smith.
Different time, different game, so I hope it works out better.
I’m all on board the Ty train but that’s unfair hyperbole. Regardless of his size, Magic was one of the best passers to ever play. There’s no comparison here. That terrible outside shot also went in 30% of the time in his career.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Smith had a good array of skills, but he was *never* a guard. "works out better": Smith's downfall was too much partying. I think there's about zero chance of Ty taking his eyes off the prize
Ransom Stoddard
Ordained Dudeist Priest
- Bloomington, IL
I think the culture woes and the poor shooting were inextricably linked. In retrospect I really think that Hawkins' poor shot selection and decision making were tied to the fact that other players weren't running the offense, and stuff just went sideways.
blackdog
- Champaign
Hard to be a good shooting team when nobody runs plays or wants to pass the ball. I think even last year we had the potential to be a much better shooting team but never got close to taking good shots.
illini80
- Forgottonia
Bingo
3 point girl
- texas
I guess I was looking more at body of work such as Harper-jersey retired Mavericks, Deron USA gold medal Olympics, Anderson-Orlando Magics HOF etc etc. I would have liked to see Ayo match up with Frank Williams in his prime at Illinois. I still dont think Ayo would have won that one.
blackdog
- Champaign
I don't know if its really fair to compare a guy who just finished his second NBA season to the other guy's entire careers. Ayo might not be on the same type of career path to have those kinds of accolades but we don't know that yet. We do know that he had a stellar career as an Illini that stacks up with just about anybody you could name.
I still can't wrap my mind around the effort he put in last year. This was a guy who had a legit shot at making the league. LaTulip called him out repeatedly last year for having his hands on his knees on defense...coming from someone who claimed they wanted defensive player of the year in the conference.
I hope Ty succeeds at PG and proves me wrong, but at this stage, a handful of in-game possessions, a possible lead role at PG in practice, and some kind words from the media doesn't compare to starting the position full time over the course of a B1G season. If he starts next year, especially at PG, he is going to have a lot more pressure put on his shoulders and is going to receive a much higher share of attention from the opponents scouts. Will he be able to handle this and thrive? I'm not so certain from a PG perspective, but I'll stay tuned to find out.
Very true- which is my point. Yet when Steve Lanter went down, we had no backup and Mark Smith was asked to play point during the 1978-79 season.
To this old fart it just feels eerily familiar.
hooraybeer
- Pittsburgh, PA
he's being matched up with Sincere and DGL in practice every day. If he can hold his own against Sincere I feel pretty good about his chances against anyone else in the conference handling the ball.
Also have to imagine that if he wasn't holding his own that there would be more urgency to bring someone else in from the staff
As it's Friday and the coffee was extra strong this morning... This whole thing has me thinking of another recent successful B1G point-forward..
maybe it was an irish coffee.. have a good weekend and ILL
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Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
from one old fart to another, it isn't.
sacraig
- The desert
Maybe he needs a darkness retreat.
Bigtex
- DFW
agree the comparison to Green is much closer than a comparison to Magic.
What’s the percentage that Harmon will make it to campus before the Euro trip?
I will say it if no one else will, this would be a really bad idea. It was pretty obviously not "Plan A" since Illini were pursuing RayJ hard, which makes this look a lot more like a desperation play than a concerted strategy. Huge difference between a 'Point Forward' that can run the offense on the break and putting a natural College 4 as the full time dedicated Point Guard. Love the confidence from Rodgers, I just don't think this is the right fit for a team trying to be competitive. If it doesn't work out, what do we do? Pray Nico Moretti can bring you something?
Dan
Admin
6/29/23 Hour 2: Ty Rodgers (Illini MBB) on summer workouts & playing PG; Jenna Giacone (Illini WBB) on her role & Year 2 with Shauna Green | The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper
Derek and guest co-host Joey Wagner catch up with Ty Rodgers to discuss summer workouts and his transition to point guard this offseason. Later, the guys are joined by Jenna Giacone, who is the Director of Scouting & Player Development for Illini women's basketball.
Or DGL.
You're not the first to voice concerns about this. It's not a death blow to the season though. I agree it caps our potential but we're still talented and experienced enough that we should have a safe floor regardless of who we trot out at pg.
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