Is it because he’s a huge A hole?
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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It's complicated.
1. this might not be sustainable given that it is rich guys donating and not revenue from the sport paying these salaries (eh, nil deals for student athletes). That market can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent (Buffet).
2. A 25th pick overall gets $5M+ over the two years guaranteed, whereas the NIL is only for one year.
3. There is some option value a 25th pick is giving up by staying in college because some of them will get a 2nd contract that is much higher, so they aren't really losing their first year salary but a year of salary after they are released from the rookie deal (multiplied by a probability they actually get a deal).
4. If paying $10MM for 2 guys gets you a national championship, it might be worth it to the guys paying the salary and/or the school in terms of increased revenue and/or donations or prestige broadly.
Having said all that, I think I still agree with you. It is just so intricate that it wouldn't surprise me if some of these guys get that much. Allegedly, Toppin got $4MM this year, and it seems like it hasn't found the level yet (which might be bubble level but its still the market). Toppin wasn't even the best player in the country or anything (although he is really good).
Current Official Status
- Transfer Portal: As of April 9, 2026, Illinois is one of the few Power Five teams that has not lost a single player to the transfer portal since it opened .
- Roster: Rodgers remains on the official Fighting Illini roster.
- Eligibility: Having secured a medical redshirt, he is expected to be a redshirt junior for the 2026-27 season .
Maybe he likes college. Maybe he wants to win a championship. Maybe he doesn’t want basketball to be truly a full-time job yet (and yes I know college basketball is now close to a full-time job, but it is not the same).
I think he’ll go, but if he doesn’t, good for him. Like you said, “he has nothing to prove at all,” including to people who think he should go.
Bryce I know you’ve been on a lot of visits and at a lot of schools….still weird you’ve seen Micks A hole though
Makes sense actually. They need to replace their entire frontcourt — Boozer, Brown, Ngomba, and Khameni.
They have quality depth at guard. Boozer, Foster, and incoming freshman Deron Rippey Jr.
Sarr and/or Evans could also come back.
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I am not sad for Ty. I wish he coud shoot. He was paid and paid well. It does suck he never, ever developed a shot at all but it wasnt for lack of effort. I feel bad for the guys that never really had a real chance that were and are clearly talented that had to leave to get playing time or even to the NBA! Ty is a great teammate and worked his !!! off. But he had an opportunity and still does. Just like others that left if he is talented he can prove himself.
InDaAZ
- Eugene, Oregon
But, but, what about your profile pic???
If Ty leaves, I’m confident he’ll be much the same as CoHawk: an Illini for life who comes back for visits… and possibly hired onto the staff at some point. A true, blue EDG who caught more than his share of bad breaks…
RabidDawgClassic
- Los Angeles, CA
One of the most fun plays I've seen in person. Round 1 we sat closer to mid court. Round 2 the tickets on the ends 2nd level were dirt cheap so bought those(not a bad seat in Greenville). Was able to watch the whole play from block to dunk develop and play out in what seemed like slow motion because of the view. Preteen daughter and I were already on our feet arms in the air as he approached the 3 point line. Just a really fun moment.
Well, he recruited me REALLY hard
There's a Josh Dix joke in there somewhere. I'll show myself out.Well, he recruited me REALLY hard
IMHO, people are not taking this first line as true in saying Wagler won't/shouldn't come back. If making the most possible money is not much of a consideration, then returning seems to me to be a legit option that wouldn't surprise me that much with what we know about Keaton and his family.
Wouldn’t surprise me. He doesn’t fit in this offensive scheme
Are we sure Morez is gone? With the talk about the cost-benefit of the lower first round pick money vs NIL (and UM's bags), he could stay, work on his 3, and go to next year's weaker draft. He might declare, but I could see him coming back.
Username checks (himself) out..
madillini4
Ozamataz Buckshank
- Millywaukee
Well, he recruited me REALLY hard
Against the best teams Alabama, Texas Tech, tourney ganes.. he looked pretty good. Admit didn't play much against Michigan.
Full confidence you get tourney AS next season.
Mara was 7'3" while Estrella is around 6'11". I was expecting Michigan to get someone better to replace Mara. Maybe he was recruited just to be a back-up. Michigan seems to have a lot of money to throw around.
Has he gotten scout feedback saying he would be drafted? I’m a big fan, but find that unlikely.
What is this supposed to mean?
He was the team’s second leading scorer on the season.
Over the last 8 games, he was the second best player and it’s not even close. He was also the team’s best defender during that stretch.
You do not get to a final 4 without him (to say the least). Heck we’d be in trouble against VCU if it weren’t for the first half he put together when everyone else looked flat.
I think the point that the OP is making is that Drej will not be attractive to NBA teams with a 24% 3PT%, so he ought to spend another year in college working on that.
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