Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup for 2023 with no new additions

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN , IL - NOVEMBER 13: The Big 10 logo on the floor before a college basketball game between the Georgetown Hoyas and the Illinois Fighting Illini at the State Farm Center on November 13, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
CHAMPAIGN , IL - NOVEMBER 13: The Big 10 logo on the floor before a college basketball game between the Georgetown Hoyas and the Illinois Fighting Illini at the State Farm Center on November 13, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Illinois basketball
Feb 13, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard RJ Melendez (15) dunks the ball during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 Forward

Starter: RJ Melendez

There are so many talented players currently on the Illinois roster who might not make it to the 2023-24 campaign. RJ Melendez is one of those players. He performed well as a freshman, and I expect big things out of him this season as well.

Melendez was just a freshman backup last season and still shot 60% from three-point range. His defense was solid as well. I expect him to start during the 2022-23 campaign and then, if he is still around, he should be a star for the Orange and Blue at the No. 4 spot in 2023-24. Melendez has a chance to be one of the best in program history.

Backup: Zacharie Perrin

Illinois does have a big-time wildcard coming into the program for the 2022-23 campaign. Zacharie Perrin, a 6-foot-10 forward, committed to the Illini in late June and should be a good option for the Orange and Blue.

Perrine is from France, so he hasn’t been scouted by a ton of people like 247Sports. They don’t have him rated or ranked, but it seems that Perrine is going to be a pretty good player. He has put up some good numbers in international play, so I expect him to make an impact for the Illini. When 2023-24 rolls around, look for Perrine to be a primary backup at the No. 4 spot.

Home/Illinois Basketball