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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with the addition of Zacharie Perrin

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) /
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Illinois basketball
Feb 13, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard RJ Melendez (15) shares shares a hand with teammate Jacob Grandison (3)at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3 Guard/Forward

Starter: RJ Melendez

It is going to be interesting to watch Brad Underwood manage so much talent on the Illinois roster this season. I have RJ Melendez starting at the No. 3 spot in the lineup, but his backup could easily be starting in year one.

Melendez really came on strong at the end of the 2021-22 campaign. He was playing well and was one of the best players on the team in some crucial games. Melendez really showed that he could play anywhere on the court. I was shocked by his tremendous three-point shooting ability as well. He is a starter at the DI level, and I think Underwood has to start him this season for the Illini.

Backup: Ty Rodgers

The player backing up Melendez at the No. 3 spot is probably going to be Ty Rodgers. I mentioned this before, but Rodgers could easily be starting for numerous teams across the country. He is an extremely talented player who will get a ton of minutes for Illinois in year one.

Rodgers is rated as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 49 player in the class of 2022. He made the U18 team and won gold this summer, so he is clearly looked at as one of the best players in the country. Illinois is getting that great player, and we should use him quite often. I expect 14-20 minutes out of Rodgers each night.

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