Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup for the start of the 2022-23 season

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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) – 6’ 7”, 205-pounds

During his freshman season, RJ Melendez showed me that the future of Illinois basketball runs through this kid. He played well, especially toward the end of the 2021-22 campaign. His tremendous athletic ability mixed with his offensive prowess is what makes Melendez a starter at the No. 3 spot.

Melendez is the second-highest returning scorer for the Illini. He is only behind Coleman Hawkins in this department. He would finish his freshman campaign averaging 3.8 points and 1.7 rebounds per contest, but his 60% from behind the three-point arc is what piques my interest the most. Melendez started to really lock down teams with his defense toward the end of the year as well. I think he is about to take a big step toward stardom in 2022-23. Look for Melendez to have a big year.

Backup: Ty Rodgers (FR) – 6’ 6”, 200-pounds

For the third straight position, I have a freshman as a primary backup. This is easily one of the best, if not the best, recruiting class in the history of Illinois basketball. I have the primary backup at the No. 3 spot going to Ty Rodgers.

At the end of the day, Rodgers might be the best player coming out of the class of 2022. He won some hardware with the USA U18 team this summer, which is comprised of the best players from around the country. He enters the Illinois basketball program as a four-star recruit and the No. 53 player in the nation. It wouldn’t shock me to see Rodgers get decent minutes and put up some solid numbers as a freshman. Look for him to even get a start or two this year.

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