Illinois Basketball: Projected depth chart /rotation for 2023-24 season

Small forward: Quincy Guerrier and Ty Rodgers

Quincy Guerrier: 9 ppg / 4.6 rpg / 25.6 rpg

After two seasons and Syracuse and two playing in Oregon, the one-time All-ACC Third Team member will spend his fifth year bringing even more experience to Coach Underwood’s backcourt. Listed at 6 foot 8 and 220 pounds the Montreal native is two sides of a coin. On one side, he uses his size and strength to get to the basket. Whether it be with the shot fake from the arc and attacking the basket and actively looking for contact, or to post up a smaller defender for a right-handed floating hook.

On the other side of the coin, he averaged four attempted shots from beyond the arc last season and connected on three or more in six games, with his season-high being six made three-pointers in a victory over Villanova.  Guerrier will have even more opportunity to spot up on the right side and wait for a Terrence Shannon kick out off the dribble drive. Despite his 13 total points during the Spain tour and his 1 for 5 from beyond the arc, Guerrier will be the season-opening starter.

Ty Rodgers: 3.3 ppg / 4 rpg / 17.4 mpg

As a freshman the 6 foot 6 Rodgers spent the season backing up Matthew Mayer at small forward. However, the only thing that says ‘small forward’ about the sophomore is the name of the position, and the only thing that says ‘backup’ is the fact that Guerrier and Domask transferred to Illinois. Coach Underwood will be utilizing a three-guard front and Rodgers will be an important aspect of it. Rodgers started two of the games on the Spain tour averaging 19 minutes.

Both his starts were alongside Shannon, and interestingly, versus the Madrid All-Stars, Rodgers was one of the four guards who started.  Rodgers has the ability to play small forward and shooting guard, all while handling the ball with Shannon on the court as well. His versatility will ensure the playing minutes and the talent of the 2022 No. 57 freshman will ensure production.