Ad Disclosure
RJ Melendez, Illinois hoops SF, receives injury update ahead of Thursday game vs. Missouri
By Kate Norum
Published:
RJ Melendez could potentially be back on the floor Thursday for the Fighting Illini.
On Thursday morning, an update was made available on Illinois sophomore guard Melendez, who has been dealing with a right shoulder injury. According to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports, he will be available Thursday against Missouri.
Illinois' RJ Melendez (shoulder) will be available for today's game against Missouri, per Brad Underwood. Averages 8 PPG and 3.3 RPG.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) December 22, 2022
Melendez, who currently is averaging 8 points per game, could be a part of Illinois’ starting lineup. He suffered the injury in last Saturday’s game against Alabama A&M, where he posted zero points and 3 rebounds off the bench.
Prior to the injury, Melendez started in the previous 10 games, while freshman guard Jayden Epps has taken over his role on the floor.
The Fighting Illini will take on Missouri tonight at 9 p.m. ET at home and we will see if Melendez will be included in the starting 5.
Kate Norum covers college football for Saturday Tradition. She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a B.S. in journalism and has always been passionate about sports. Follow Kate on Twitter @katenorum