BREAKING: Illini Sophomore RJ Melendez to Transfer

More unfortunate Breaking news as Illini Sophomore wing, RJ Melendez announced his intent to Transfer.

The second domino of the offseason has fallen into place, as the Illini’s sophomore wing, RJ Melendez is reportedly in the transfer portal. Melendez is the second player to announce his intent to transfer after starting point guard, Jayden Epps also entered the transfer portal. Melendez was a top 100 prospect per 247sports. He announced his commitment to the Illini late in the 2020-21 season. He was viewed as an exciting continuation of Puerto Rican players to commit to Orlando Antigua. Despite Antigua’s departure to Kentucky, Melendez stuck with the Illini and showed some exciting flashes of athleticism and length.

A roller coaster two years for the talented wing.

Melendez did not see the floor much during the initial portion of his freshman year. RJ was a part of a veteran heavy team lead by Trent Frazier, Kofi Cockburn, Da’monte Williams and Jacob Grandison. He came in with superb athleticism, however it was clear that he would need some time to develop his slender frame. As we all know, Underwood needs to see that a freshman will play robust defense in order for them to see the floor. However, as the season went on, RJ found his way to guide his athleticism into some strong effort plays. He showed flashes of a strong combination of length and ability to shoot the basketball.

Melendez started to gain some traction, however was unfortunately hospitalized with appendicitis. Unfortunate timing for the young wing as he was seemingly starting to adjust to the college game. Melendez then found himself playing catch up towards the end of the season, however played outstanding in the NCAA tournament loss to Houston. RJ was a huge spark off the bench, scoring 9 points on 4-5 shooting. He showed the ability that made many tab him as a sophomore breakout candidate, given his length, athleticism and shooting stroke.

The Sophomore Struggles.

RJ earned himself a spot in the starting lineup to start his sophomore season. He put together a string of strong games against Syracuse and Maryland. Against Syracuse, he had 15 points and 6 rebounds. Against Maryland, He had 13 points and 7 rebounds. Additionally, he added a block and steal each game which really put into perspective the kind of stat line he is capable of putting up. However, the Sophomore started to struggle. Melendez underwent a period of time in which he shot 6 for 43 from the 3. This affected his game considerably as he started to have more defensive lapses and ultimately was even missing layups.

Melendez saw his minutes decrease, and confidence kept falling. RJ certainly drew the wrath of Brad Underwood. However, RJ gave credit to Coach Underwood for believing in him. Melendez ended up finishing the season strong. It seemed that he was the only bright spot in the game against Arkansas. Given that RJ had ups and downs this season, there was certainly intrigue about whether he would return

A fresh start.

Ultimately, RJ chose to play elsewhere. Though he likely would have been a key cog on next year’s squad, the lack of consistency never gave Illini fans solitude in RJ Melendez’s future. It would have been a pleasant surprise to see RJ Melendez return despite the flashes of stardom that he showed. I suspect that Melendez will have high major and upper-end A10/AAC options given his athletic potential and decent outside touch. I assume the athletic wing will take his talents to a faster paced league that does not emphasize grinding defense like the Big Ten.

The Illini now have even more scholarships to use in the transfer portal. As stated before, they are likely biding their time in the portal as players pull out from the NBA draft to enter the transfer portal. I am sure the Illini are pining for Coleman Hawkins and Terrence Shannon Jr to return, however they certainly need to target a wing that can shoot the ball to replace RJ Melendez. Baylor’s LJ Cryer has also recently announced his intent to transfer. I suspect that Brad Underwood will be after the scoring rising senior guard.