Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup without 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Mar 20, 2022; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard RJ Melendez (15) dribbles the ball past Houston Cougars guard Kyler Edwards (11) in the first half during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2022; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard RJ Melendez (15) dribbles the ball past Houston Cougars guard Kyler Edwards (11) in the first half during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3 Guard

Starter: RJ Melendez (SO)

I think RJ Melendez showed me enough last season and in the NCAA tournament to have earned a starting spot on the Illinois basketball roster this season. Melendez had a great run at the end of the 2021-22 campaign, and I expect big things out of him as a sophomore.

Melendez should get the starting job at the No. 3 spot for the Illini. He has tremendous size at 6-foot-7, and his ability to put the ball in the hoop is phenomenal. The 3.8 points and 1.7 rebounds from last season will increase greatly this year. I am curious if he can keep up his 60% shooting from three-point range, though. That is something to keep an eye on, but regardless, he should be starting for the Illini.

Backup: Ty Rodgers (FR)

Another one of the freshmen sensations entering the Illinois basketball program is Ty Rodgers. He has exploded onto the scene at the high school level and has become one of the best players in the nation. Rodgers finished his high school career ranked as the No. 53 player in the class of 2022. That is an impressive feat.

In his first year at Illinois, I see Rodgers as a primary backup at the No. 3 guard spot. Along with Luke Goode, Rodgers should be one of the first players off the bench. Brad Underwood has a special starting squad, but honestly, I would put our second rotation up against most teams in the country. Rodgers will add so much talent to that second team.

Home/Illinois Basketball