Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup for 2023 with no new additions
![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 ***](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/a810e3d1c5eb1058ed97ce7d13b1c4d7c201529445a69d86c4b502c33aa76572.jpg)
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.