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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup after the Jayden Epps departure

By Rees Woodcock

Jan 24, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ty Rodgers (20) grabs a rebound during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ty Rodgers (20) grabs a rebound during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-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 Forward

Starter: RJ Melendez (JR)

I thought there was a chance Jayden Epps could take the keys to the team for the 2023-24 campaign, but he is now gone. A veteran leader who can pick those keys up is RJ Melendez. I have Melendez starting at the No. 4 spot.

This past season was weird for Melendez. I thought he looked uncomfortable in the Illinois lineup. In my opinion, the transfer additions to the team were the focal point, and this threw Melendez off his game. Toward the end of the season, Melendez started to round into form. I think the upcoming season is going to be his chance to shine in Brad Underwood’s system.

Backup: Amani Hansberry (FR)

Illinois was able to snag a bruiser in the class of 2023. While Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn can be a dominating guard, I think the addition of Amani Hansberry is going to be huge for the Illinois frontcourt. He should come in and compete for starting minutes from day one.

I have Hansberry as the primary backup at the No. 4 spot. He is someone who could really make an impact on this team. As a top 60 recruit, I expect big things out of him. Look for Hansberry to get thrown into the madness of college basketball early and often.

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