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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup in 2023-24 with Niccolo Moretti

By Rees Woodcock

Feb 2, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Illinois basketball
Jan 10, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard RJ Melendez (15) celebrates a three point basket against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 Forward

Starter: RJ Melendez (4-star)

The struggles of RJ Melendez have been well-documented this season. He hasn’t looked like the player we saw in the NCAA tournament last season. But there is still plenty of time for him to turn things around.

Melendez has only averaged 6.8 points and 3.3 rebounds per game this season, but he had a moment of clarity against Nebraska. This was his best game in over a month, as Melendez would finish with 10 points, three rebounds, and one steal on 4-of-9 shooting from the field in a win over the Cornhuskers. That is the Melendez I have wanted to see all season long. Heading into the 2023-24 campaign, I believe he is going to be our starting No. 4. We don’t have a lot of experience at this position, and Melendez would fit in this role perfectly.

Backup: Amani Hansberry (4-star)

The class of 2023 isn’t just bringing in the guards. This class is also bringing in a talented forward who is going to be the future at the No. 4 spot for the Illini. The player I am talking about is Amani Hansberry.

Hansberry is the No. 70 player in the class of 2023, and he should come in and make an instant impact on the Illinois program. I have Hansberry as the primary backup to Melendez at the No. 4 spot. This would enable him to learn behind Melendez and develop as a player. Hansberry wouldn’t be thrown to the wolves early on. I can’t wait to see this long and athletic monster tear it up in the Big Ten.

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