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Illinois Basketball: Early projected Illini lineup for the 2023-24 season

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 16, 2023; Des Moines, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Luke Goode (10) shoots the ball as Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Eric Musselman reacts during the first half at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2023; Des Moines, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Luke Goode (10) shoots the ball as Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Eric Musselman reacts during the first half at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Illinois’ RJ Melendez drives to the hoop during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament first round match-up between Illinois and Arkansas, on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Wells Fargo Arena, in Des Moines, Iowa.0316 Illinos Arkansas 005 Arw
Illinois’ RJ Melendez drives to the hoop during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament first round match-up between Illinois and Arkansas, on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Wells Fargo Arena, in Des Moines, Iowa.0316 Illinos Arkansas 005 Arw /

No. 4 Guard/Forward

Starter: RJ Melendez (JR)

Coming into this past season, I thought Illinois had an NBA player on their hands with RJ Melendez. The way he finished the 2022 NCAA tournament was impressive, and I was fully expecting that out of him in 2022-23. That didn’t happen, though. Melendez was pretty bad this year.

I will say this, I think Melendez’s issues stem from more than just his own game. I think there were some serious chemistry issues that were messing him up on the court. I project those chemistry issues to depart this offseason, which should leave Melendez open for development. This offseason will be big for him, and when next season rolls around, look for the Puerto Rican Sensation to be in the starting lineup. I have Melendez starting at the No. 4 spot for Illinois.

Backup: Amani Hansberry (FR)

Illinois’ class of 2023 is kind of flying under the radar right now. I have Niccolo Moretti making an impact on the Illini at point guard. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn should come in and give us good minutes as a guard who can play multiple roles. And then we have Amani Hansberry entering the picture in the frontcourt.

Hansberry is a four-star recruit who is ranked in the top 60 nationally. He just won the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Maryland as well. His 6-foot-8, 225-pound size should be great for Illinois at the No. 4 spot. I see him coming in and playing good minutes for the Illini in this role. Melendez can be moved around from the No. 3 or No. 4 spot, so this should leave minutes for Hansberry. Getting good size into the lineup is going to be exciting.

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