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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with Terrence Shannon Jr

By Rees Woodcock

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 24: Terrence Shannon Jr. #1 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates a basket against the Duke Blue Devils during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen round game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Chase Center on March 24, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 24: Terrence Shannon Jr. #1 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates a basket against the Duke Blue Devils during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen round game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Chase Center on March 24, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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Illinois basketball
Jan 29, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard RJ Melendez (15) celebrates Illinois win against the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 Forward/Wing

Starter: RJ Melendez

Illinois is in good hands moving forward. The 2021 class that came in and made an impact last season is poised to make an even bigger impact for the 2022-23 campaign. RJ Melendez was arguably the best freshman this past season. His athletic ability mixed in with tremendous shooting makes him one of the most dangerous players in the Big Ten.

I have Melendez continuing to improve this offseason and entering the year as the starter at the No. 4 spot for the Illini. He is extremely unique in the fact he can play the No. 3 or No. 4 spot. But Illinois needs some length and size at the No. 4. Melendez will be a mismatch as well. He can guard well, and his ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shot is going to be exciting.

Backup: Ty Rodgers

The last two recruiting classes for Brad Underwood might be the most impactful group of players Illinois has had come in over the past couple of decades. Ty Rodgers is a member of the 2022 class, and he should see minutes right away.

Rodgers is a Michigan native but transferred over to Thornton Township High School this past season. He ended up forming into a four-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 51 player in the class of 2022. He was also the No. 8 power forward in the nation and the best player coming out of Illinois. I think Rodgers sees decent minutes in year one. He should be a key reserve for a successful Illini bunch.

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