Illinois coach Brad Underwood has repeatedly said sophomore Ty Rodgers is the team's best rebounder.
It was on display in Sunday's victory against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Rodgers, all 6-foot-6 of him, pulled down a team-high 14 points.
"I think just going [after the ball] honestly," Rodgers said of his rebounding talents. "If you go, it's a chance you're going to get it. Just being aggressive, not accepting block-outs. I think it's an effort thing."
Rodgers is 21st in the Big Ten at 5.7 rebounds a game. He is even more effective on the offensive glass with an average of 2.2, which is 10th in the league.
Rodgers, who also had seven points in the Nebraska victory, is earning a reputation for his scrappy play. It hasn't gone unnoticed by Underwood, who often praises Rodgers in the postgame.
His lack of size combined with speed and grit often creates mismatches when he is used at the center position. He's played a large role in why the Illini are on the cusp of a Top 10 ranking if they keep piling wins.
"Everybody is going to play a five-man on him," Underwood. "It's to our advantage ... Fourteen rebounds, he was the difference. He can play as a screener. He's really good in the pocket. He's athletic. He's making free throws. He's a really, really good college basketball player."
The Illini (17-5, 8-3 in Big Ten) return to action Saturday at Michigan State.
Shandel Richardson is the publisher for Illini Now. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com
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