Tracy Abrams, Rayvonte Rice, and now Aaron Cosby--Illinois' injuries have been well documented over the course of the season and the team's depth has taken a substantial hit. Illinois had nine players available for the Purdue game; only four of them were guards. The team needs to have a bit more depth just in case they run into some serious foul trouble.

Well, it turns out that Coach Groce is doing something to get more bodies on the bench.

Ryan Schmidt, a senior student manager, will be dressing with the team on Saturday for their game against Minnesota.

Congrats to manager-turned-player Ryan Schmidt, the newest #Illini. Ryan will dress for Saturday's game at Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/a2oXPmVVfC — Illinois Basketball (@IlliniHoops) January 23, 2015

Early Scouting Report

Unlimited range

Can probably jump higher than you

Trick shot master

Above-average rebounding skills

Gym rat

High basketball intelligence

Not afraid to do the dirty things/mix it up

In all seriousness, congratulations to Ryan. Odds are he won't play unless everyone fouls out, but dressing with the team and sitting on the bench is something that countless fans dream about. We're not exactly sure how many games he'll be suiting up for, but hopefully Illinois can bury, say, Wisconsin by 30 to get him some playing time.

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