Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with ZZ Clark

By Rees Woodcock

PISCATAWAY, NJ - FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half of a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena on February 16, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers defeated Illinois 70-59. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half of a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena on February 16, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers defeated Illinois 70-59. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Illinois basketball
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. 4 Forward

Starter: RJ Melendez (SR)

I think the potential talent Illinois has at the No. 4 spot is exciting. I am not quite sure he will last this long in the college ranks, but I have RJ Melendez starting in this role as a senior. Melendez has shown great ability on the basketball court in just one year with the Illini thus far.

In just 8.5 minutes of action per game, Melendez was averaging 3.8 points and 1.7 rebounds in each contest. Those are impressive numbers that come out to 13.4 points and 6.0 rebounds per game if he was averaging 30 minutes. Melendez also made 60% of his three-pointers this past season, which led the Illini. Look for him to continue developing his game. He could skyrocket into the elite level and potentially not even make it to his senior year.

Backup: Morez Johnson (FR)

This is a tough one and by the time 2024 rolls around, the roster might look completely different than what the projection looks like right now, but for now, I have Morez Johnson as the backup at the No. 4 spot.

It would shock me to see Johnson being an actual backup in 2024 because of so much roster change that happens in the offseason, but even if he was a primary backup at the No. 4 spot, he would still get at least 20 minutes per game. Johnson is currently a four-star recruit who is ranked as the No. 40 player in the class of 2024. He is also the No. 5 power forward in the nation and the No. 2 player coming out of the state of Illinois. The Illini will have such a nasty frontcourt.

Home/Illinois Basketball