The Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball team will enter the Final Four with multiple players unavailable, according to the NCAA’s initial player availability report ahead of Saturday’s national semifinal against the UConn Huskies men’s basketball.
Illinois listed three players — Ty Rodgers, Jason Jakstys and Toni Bilic — as out for the matchup, which is scheduled for 6:09 p.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The update provides clarity on Illinois’ roster heading into a high-stakes meeting with a UConn team that reported no players out.
Illinois Injury Report Lists Three Players Out vs UConn
The NCAA’s official availability report confirmed that Rodgers, Jakstys and Bilic will not be available for the Final Four.
Rodgers is sidelined with a torn patellar tendon, while Jakstys has been dealing with blood clots. Bilic is away from the team as part of his development and has not been part of the active rotation this season.
Jakstys has appeared in nine games this season, averaging 1.3 points and 1.9 rebounds in limited minutes off the bench.
Ty Rodgers ‘Locked In’ Despite Injury
GettyTy Rodgers and Blake Fagbemi of the Illinois Fighting Illini in action during the Sweet Sixteen Practice Day at Toyota Center on March 25, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
The Huskies defeated the Illini in the Elite Eight two years ago, and Rodgers is the only remaining Illinois player from that team.
That game marked the last time Rodgers appeared in a contest for Illinois. He redshirted the following season and has not played during the 2025-26 campaign due to injury.
Despite not seeing game action over the past two seasons, Rodgers has remained involved with the program.
“I feel like this whole time I’ve been in tune, just like I’m playing,” Rodgers said, via WCIA. “I still feel like I’m prepared for games, like I’m playing.”
He added that he continues to contribute in other ways.
“I’m in the locker room, locked in with these guys, helping them take their nerves off whatever the case may be,” Rodgers said. “But I’m definitely locked in just like these guys.”
Illinois Faces Rotation Adjustments in Final Four
With multiple players unavailable, Illinois may need to adjust its rotation against a UConn team entering with a full roster.
Tournament games often place increased demands on depth, particularly in high-intensity matchups where foul trouble and fatigue can influence lineup decisions.
Illinois has relied on a balanced approach throughout the tournament, but Saturday’s game could require expanded roles for available players.
Managing minutes and maintaining efficiency will be key against a UConn team that has demonstrated depth throughout its tournament run.
Illini Enter Final Four With Strong Tournament Momentum
Illinois advanced to the Final Four with wins over Penn, VCU, Houston and Iowa, combining offensive efficiency with improved defensive performance during the NCAA tournament.
The Illini have held multiple opponents under control defensively during their run, reflecting an improvement from earlier in the season.
Illinois enters the semifinal with a 28-8 record.
Keaton Wagler Leads Illinois Into Semifinal Matchup
Guard Keaton Wagler has been a central figure in Illinois’ offense, averaging 17.9 points and 4.3 assists per game.
He scored 25 points in the Elite Eight win over Iowa and is expected to play a key role against UConn.
Forward David Mirkovic could also factor into the matchup, particularly in interior scoring situations.
UConn Matchup Presents Additional Challenge
Illinois will face a UConn team that reported no players on its availability report, creating a contrast in roster status entering the game.
UConn advanced to the Final Four with wins over Furman, UCLA, Michigan State and top-seeded Duke, including a comeback victory in the Elite Eight.
The winner will advance to the national championship game.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Illinois Injury Report Reveals Multiple Absences Ahead of Final Four vs UConn appeared first on Heavy Sports.