Brad Underwood talked about what stood out to him about his freshman Ty Rodgers on Friday.

Underwood compared Rodgers to Thomas Walkup, saying that they are practically twins at this point in their careers.

Walkup, also a power forward, played at Stephen F. Austin from 2012 to 2016, which is where Underwood coached him. He was a standout for the Lumberjacks, winning Southland Player of the Year twice and averaging 12.9 points per game and 5.6 rebounds per game across his career.

Walkup now plays professionally in the Euro League.

What Underwood likes about Rodgers is his toughness, versatility, and passing. Underwood even stated that Rodgers might be a better passer than Walkup.

Walkup is 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, and Rodgers is slightly bigger, standing at 6-foot-6 and 200 pounds. Both players are capable of spacing the floor while also holding their own inside the paint.

Rodgers is one four 4-stars in Illinois’ 2022 freshman class, according to 247Sports.