Illinois Basketball: Best Illini lineup after the Skyy Clark departure

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Dec 17, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Matthew Mayer (24) celebrates with guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) during the second half against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 Forward

Starter: Matthew Mayer

Illinois brought in a couple of big-time transfers this offseason, and while there have been some issues, I think you still have to stick with Matthew Mayer in the starting lineup.

Mayer has impressed me with his shooting from three-point range. He can really knock down shots at a high clip. But the issue I have with him is similar to Terrence Shannon Jr. I don’t think there are leadership qualities in Mayer’s game. This kid is a really good player, but some people are just born leaders. I have no problem with the numbers Mayer has been putting up this season. He is averaging 10.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest while hitting a team-high 36.2% from three-point range. Hopefully, with Jayden Epps stepping into a leadership role, Mayer will have some pressure off his shoulders. He should be starting at the No. 4 spot for the Illini.

Backup: RJ Melendez

I have been disappointed with the Illinois basketball team this season, but one player who has surprisingly struggled is RJ Melendez. He had such a solid finish to last year, so I thought that would translate this season. I was wrong, though.

Melendez has averaged 6.8 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting just 28% from three-point range and 40% from the floor. Those are numbers that should be much higher for the talent I know this kid has in him. I think Melendez will still see solid minutes, but I want to see him as a backup to Mayer moving forward. This would be best for the team.

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