Former Illinois Players Commit to Mid-Majors Programs; Wagler Emerges as Potential Top-5 Pick
Ty Rodgers and Brandon Lee committed to their new schools
Four players from Illinois entered the transfer portal following last season, and two of them found their next destinations last week. Ty Rodgers and Brandon Lee both officially committed to new programs, with Rodgers heading to Boise State and Lee set to suit up for James Madison next season.
Boise State and James Madison are a step down from Illinois and the high-major level, but both programs likely fit their skill sets better at this stage of their careers. Brandon Lee was a four-star recruit in the class of 2025 according to 247Sports, but he rarely saw the court during his freshman season in Champaign. Lee averaged just 4.2 minutes and 1.7 points per game in his first collegiate season. His decision to transfer does not come as much of a surprise, and he should have the opportunity to play significant minutes in the Coastal Athletic Association.
Ty Rodgers entering the portal stung for many Illinois fans, as he spent four years on campus as a student-athlete. Rodgers only played in two of those four seasons due to a redshirt year and an injury, but he still became a fan favorite. He started at point guard for Illinois during the program’s 2023-24 Elite Eight run, but he was not expected to play major minutes this upcoming season because of the talent Illinois has added to the roster.
Rodgers has not appeared in a game in two years and is rated as a three-star transfer prospect by 247Sports, but he should still provide value for Boise State at the mid-major level. The former No. 1 player in Illinois is somewhat limited offensively, but he should be able to carve out a significant role for the Broncos.
Toni Bilic and Mihailo Petrovic also entered the transfer portal alongside Rodgers and Lee, but neither has announced a commitment yet. Neither player saw much playing time at Illinois, so it would not be surprising to see them either transfer down a level like Rodgers and Lee or return to Europe to continue their professional careers overseas.
NBA Lottery Complete, Giving Clarity on Wagler’s Draft Outlook
The NBA Draft Lottery wrapped up in Chicago, and all eyes are now on Keaton Wagler ahead of June’s NBA Draft. Wagler is projected to be selected in the top 10 and could potentially crack the top five.
Jonathan Givony of Draft Express currently projects Wagler to go No. 5 overall to the Clippers following the lottery results. His latest mock draft has Darryn Peterson going No. 1 to the Wizards, AJ Dybantsa No. 2 to the Jazz, Cam Boozer No. 3 to the Grizzlies, and Caleb Wilson No. 4 to the Bulls.
The full NBA Draft Lottery order is as follows:
Clippers
Jazz
Grizzlies
Bulls
Clippers
Nets
Kings
Hawks
Mavericks
Bucks
Warriors
Thunder
Heat
Hornets
The lottery results give a much clearer picture of where Wagler could land in this year’s draft. There is a strong possibility he is selected somewhere between No. 5 and No. 8 overall, which would put teams like the Clippers, Nets, Kings, or Hawks in play.
Wagler is also on track to become the highest Illinois draft pick since Deron Williams was selected No. 3 overall in the 2005 NBA Draft.