Ramses ‘RJ’ Melendez, the overall outlook no. 97 in the 2421Sport Composition Rankings of 2021, committed him to Illinois, he tells 247Sports.
“I’m on my way to the University of Illinois,” Melendez told 247Sports.
The 6-foot-7, 190-pound forward from Kissimmee (Fla.), Central Pointe Christian Academy, has committed to the Fighting Illini over programs including Alabama, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Iowa State and Virginia Tech.
“It feels like their style of play suits me really well,” he said of why he chose Illinois. “Andre Curbelo is a very good point guard and he’s from Puerto Rico, so the chemistry will be good at university and it will be good for me to prepare myself for my dreams of playing in the NBA.”
Brad Underwood and Orlando Antigua were at the forefront of recruiting for Melendez and he said it was their consistency that stood out for him.
‘I feel like with a coach [Brad] Underwood a coach [Orlando] “Antigua has shown a lot of interest in me,” he said. They both always texted me after games, they texted me how it was going and FaceTiming to see how things were going. They always just looked at me. They were not in and out, but always in. ‘
What he will bring to Champaign, Melendez said he will be versatile.
“I think I can bring a lot of things with my versatility, my height, I can bring a lot of things, a lot of good minutes, I do everything,” he said. “I think it will be very good for me.”
His coach, Carlos Morales Jr., also noted what type of player Illinois gets in Melendez.
“RJ is a very exciting player to watch, coach and to see his growth,” Morales said. “It was amazing to be a part of his development and his career so far. He’s just a kid that he’s so much offensive and defensive things when he steps on the floor, his scoring ability, passing ability, his basketball IQ is not and I think it’s going to be very exciting to see him play at the next level and see how he develops and hopefully he’s out of the NBA. ‘
Melendez is Brad Underwood’s second commitment in the 2021 class Luke Goode, a four-star prospect from Fort Wayne (Ind.) Homestead.
He averaged 20.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.8 blocks and 2.4 steals per game this season with Central Pointe Christian.