Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with Amani Hansberry

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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

Heading into the current Illinois campaign, I could make an argument the best player on the team is RJ Melendez. What he did toward the end of last season won me over as a fan. I think Melendez could end up being a first-round pick in the NBA Draft.

Melendez should be a starter at the No. 4 spot as long as he is in Champaign. His length mixed in with the ability to shoot 60% from three-point range as a freshman makes him a dangerous player moving forward. Look for Melendez to have a breakout year this season and be a start entering the 2023-24 campaign.

Backup: Zacharie Perrin

It will be interesting to see who wins out for the backup at the No. 4 spot. Purely based on age, I have Zacharie Perrin as the primary backup to Melendez.

Perrin is coming over from France and has been playing against some high-level competition. He has tremendous footwork in the paint and the ability to move around the court. I can’t wait for him to get to the states and to show off what he can do for the Illinois frontcourt.

Backup: Amani Hansberry

Illinois was able to secure a huge commitment from Amani Hansberry for the class of 2023. So far, he is the lone commitment for this class, but there will be players joining him down the road.

I love Hansberry’s physical gifts. He is going to be a great option as a secondary backup for the Illini. I could see him playing the No. 3 or No. 4 spots at times. His freshman year will be about getting the speed of the game and developing. His sophomore season is when Illinois will display this kid and all of his talent.

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