We also have to realize Z at the 4 is not ideal. It's where he'll end up as an emergency blanket for the Rodgers injury. Had Ty been available, highly doubt he gets major minutes at PF.
Illini Basketball 2025-2026
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Do you have any basis for saying this? I was under the impression that he was probably out for the year...
Surprised with the limited amount of information about this...
I'm not sure about it necessarily being a "choice." IIRC the staff (and Morez) had all the $$ aspects negotiated, he just chose to go behind the scenes and negotiate elsewhere and leave. After that we pivoted to Z (but it really wasn't a pivot as he was coming anyway to be with Tomi). Overall it's pretty unrelated.
After all he's just one of the tens of thousands of kids that chose to change schools. It's just how it transpired makes him public enemy #1.
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Please, with Morez shooting outside jumpers Ty would feast on the boards.
No insider information here, but with a guy who is likely a Ceiling NBA end of bench/G-League player....
He shouldn't waste a year of eligiblity trying to come back for the tail end of a season/post-season run. By then the team has already gelled and got used to playing without him.
Maybe he can get healthy and make a quicker return later this year...but he for sure won't be 100%. Do we really want a Ty at 70%? Im pretty comfortable saying his athleticism is key to his game.
A BenHum type could come back sooner from an injury in theory as long as his shot is still there. Don't think I'd allow Ty to come back this year, short of an incredibly quick healing.
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
except we weren't the chooser
that said, when you get a lemon, make lemonade. we reacted to the blow very nicely, especially, if Z unlocks his game. one thing's for sure, there's more there
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
forget it
I also think having Ty for the 27-28 season (if he sticks around) will prove much more impactful than having him for one month in 25-26.
Noblesville Illini
- Nappanee, IN
Queen is what beat us last year!
Agree, there’s been little information to conclude anything one way or another.
Do we even know what knee injury it was? There's a wide range of injuries possible to the knee. Some you can be back strong in a few months. Some you may not be 100% even after a year or more.
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OrangeBlue98
Iowa is not in a great spot right now (LvilleILL1)
- Des Moines, IA
Yeah, lots of teams were under pressure with Queen last season.Queen’s a killer…we’re not the only ones that bit the dust.
But don't stop me now . . .
Tomi himself said he wasn’t initially 100% in on staying… you don’t think bringing his brother in wasn’t a big factor? And if Z is coming he’s going to get play… Morez wanted to be the focal point of the offense, that wasn’t happening with Tomi here. You either keep Morez & Tomi parts ways or you take Ivisicx2.
I don't think it's out of the question. He knows the offense, he's a super senior, he's played 30+ games for us.....he's going to be an important player, like it or not.
That said, the guys that are starting game 1, may not be starting game 20. It's a unique roster with a ton of unknowns. It'll be interesting to say the least.
I agree! It is nice to have options!
Tevo
- Wilmette, IL
I could see Brad keeping Ben for the second unit, just because it's good to have some veterans in that group, and I think Ben's likely mature enough to handle it without moping. After that first 8 minutes, it's more about matchups and who's performing. If Ben can be the shooter we all thought, and were told, he could be, he'll play a lot. If he can't shoot and still can't defend, he won't.
Ben will not start, Z is more than primed for that spot. Brad even said he wants to play those two as much as possible.
I could see Brad keeping Ben for the second unit just because he hasn't played as well as our five best players.
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