Illinois Basketball: 2022-23 season preview and outlook for Fighting Illini
By Joey Loose
Projected Starters
Guard – Skyy Clark (Freshman)
Originally a Kentucky commit, Clark is a 5-star prospect who should slide into the Illini’s point guard role right off the bat. He’s a dynamic young guard who can shoot from all over the court and will be expected to lead this new-look offense. Clark tore his ACL in high school and the hope is that he’ll be back to his normal self and regain some of that explosiveness.
Guard – Terrence Shannon Jr. (Senior)
A talented wing who spent the last three seasons at Texas Tech, Shannon averaged double-digit points per game the last two years. This former Top 100 prospect might just be the best transfer in the Big Ten this season and will help fill the role of the losses of Trent Frazier, Alfonso Plummer, and others, all while hitting 38% of his 3-pointers last year.
Guard – RJ Melendez (Sophomore)
If there was anyone who the Illini were hoping would take a big step forward it’s definitely Melendez, who showed signs late during his freshman season. He’s a versatile wing threat who had great shooting numbers in very limited opportunities last season. Another former Top 100 prospect, don’t be shocked to see Melendez develop into one of the best shooters in the conference.
Forward – Matthew Mayer (Senior)
A national champion at Baylor two seasons ago, Mayer is another high-impact transfer who played four seasons with the Bears, averaging 9.8 points and 5.0 rebounds as a starter last year. Mayer is a physical talent who will have a versatile role for the Illini, who’ll hope his shooting numbers take a step forward after hitting nearly 40% of his 3-pointers two seasons ago.
Forward – Coleman Hawkins (Junior)
With Cockburn gone, Illinois will depend on Hawkins to take a big step forward as a junior, sliding into a permanent role in the interior. He averaged just 5.9 points and 4.3 rebounds a game last year, but he’s actually the roster’s top returning scorer. Hawkins is talented and another versatile forward who knows this offense and is expected to develop into a stud down low.