Ramses ‘RJ’ Melendez, the potential number 97 in 2021 247Sports Composite Rankings, has committed to Illinois, he told 247Sports.
“I’m going to the University of Illinois,” Melendez told 247Sports.
The small 6-foot-7, 190-pound striker from Kissimmee (Florida) Central Pointe Christian Academy has committed to Fighting Illini programs including Alabama, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Iowa State and Virginia Tech, among others.
“It seems that their style of play fits me very well,” he said of why he chose Illinois. “Andre Curbelo is a really great point guard and is from Puerto Rico, so the chemistry will be great in college and it will be good for me to prepare for my dreams of playing in the NBA.”
Brad Underwood and Orlando Antigua led the recruitment for Melendez and he said it was their consistency that stood out to him.
“I feel like with the coach [Brad] Underwood and coach [Orlando] Antigua showed a lot of interest in me, “he said.” The two were always texting me after the games, texting me as it was and doing FaceTiming to see how things went. They were always just checking on me. They didn’t come and go, they were always inside. “
As for what he will bring to Champaign, Melendez said it will add versatility.
“I think I can bring many things with my versatility, my length, I can bring many things, many good minutes, I do everything,” he said. “I think it will be a great fit for me.”
His coach, Carlos Morales Jr., also highlighted what kind of player Illinois is hiring at Melendez.
“RJ is a very exciting player to watch, train and watch his growth,” said Morales. “It’s been amazing to be a part of his development and career so far. He’s just a kid who when he steps on the ground, does so many things offensively and defensively, his goal ability, passing ability, his basketball IQ is wrong graphics and I think it will be very exciting to see him play at the next level and see how he develops and I hope he makes it to the NBA. “
Melendez is Brad Underwood’s second appointment in the 2021 class entering Luke Goode, a four-star prospect of Fort Wayne (Indiana) Homestead.
He averages 20.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.8 blocks and 2.4 steals per game with Central Pointe Christian this season.