Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with Dain Dainja

3 of 5

CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 09: Chance Moore #22 of the Jackson State Tigers drives to the basket while guarded by Ramses Melendez #15 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center on November 09, 2021 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

No. 3 Guard

Starter: RJ Melendez

The development of the 2021 class this season is happening before our eyes. RJ Melendez is one of the members of this class, and he continues to impress me with his great play on the court. Melendez came into the Illinois program as a top 100 recruit and has proved why that ranking was dead-on.

Melendez is averaging 4.2 points and 1.6 rebounds per game. What is impressing me the most about his game is his maturity. When he steps on the court, it looks like Melendez has been playing college basketball for years. His progression this season and ability on the court is why I think he has a legit shot to start at the No. 3 spot next season.

Backup: Brandin Podziemski

The class of 2021 had a trio of talented players come into the program. The third player in this class was Brandin Podziemski. He was the best player coming out of Wisconsin, so this was a shocking snag by Brad Underwood. I think Podziemski is going to see a big minute’s increase next season and be one of the primary players off the bench. He might be our sixth man who gets 20-25 minutes per game.

Don’t be scared off by Podziemski’s numbers as a true freshman. He is only getting 4.3 minutes per game, but I trust what Underwood is doing. He knows how to develop players. It might not be a bad idea to redshirt Podziemski this season and let him continue to develop. Illinois could then unleash him on the college basketball world next year.

Home/Illinois Basketball