R.J. Melendez commits to UGA basketball

R.J. Melendez, who has played for the Illinois Fighting Illini since the 2021-22 season, announced on Monday that he will transfer to play for Mike White and the Georgia Bulldogs.

Melendez announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on April 4.

2S22.33 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/jbcFK5Adbu

— RJ Melendez (@MelendezRamses) April 4, 2023

Head coach Mike White shared his reaction on Twitter following Melendez’ decision.

RING THE BELL! 🔔 #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/dXn77tQlQP

— Mike White (@CoachWhiteUGA) April 17, 2023

Last season with the Fighting Illini, R.J. Melendez started in 18 games, averaging 6.0 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. He will have two seasons of eligibility remaining in Athens.

“It feels really good to be a part of the program,” Melendez said Monday morning in a telephone interview with UGASports.com. “I’m excited to get there and start working.”

Melendez (6-7, 205) is the first player to transfer to play for Mike White and the Bulldogs since the 2022-23 season concluded.

In high school, Melendez was rated as a four-star recruit and the No. 56 player by ESPN, No. 93 by 247Sports Composite, and No. 117 by Rivals.