Preseason injuries can be extremely heartbreaking, especially when they happen to someone who has just joined the Illinois basketball team.
Lana Brenjo, a Nevesinje, Bosnia, product, suffered an ACL injury that will keep her out for the entire 2026-27 season. She will miss her debut season with the program after signing with the Illini from overseas this past May.
Fighting Illini freshman Lana Brenjo will miss the 2026-27 season. pic.twitter.com/sMSG5AGUSK
— Illinois Women's Basketball (@IlliniWBB) October 2, 2026
Prior to joining the Illini, Brenjo was a member of Mega Superbet, which is a pro team based in Belgrade, Serbia. In 24 games last season, Brenjo averaged 7.2 points and 5.4 rebounds in 27.8 minutes per game.
This season, Brenjo was set to fill out the depth chart behind Berry Wallace and Cearah Parchment in the frontcourt. Sadly, Illinois fans will have to wait until next year to see the Balkan superstar make her debut in the Orange and Blue.
Lana Brenjo's injury certainly changes things for Illinois in 2026-27
Brenjo's injury is a tough one for Shauna Green and Co., as she was poised to be a key rotational piece for Illinois in the frontcourt. She has the size and pro-level experience that make her a viable option for when Wallace and Parchment need a rest.
The 6-foot-4 Brenjo became a rebounding specialist during her career overseas, using her size and high basketball IQ to dominate in the post. She may not possess the range of Wallace or Parchment, but her ability to play in the paint makes her a perfect pairing with Lety Vasconcelos when Illinois needs a rebound.
Thankfully, Illinois has plenty of options to help fill the void created by Brenjo's injury. The return of Gretchen Dolan will give them depth at the wing, and Wallace and Parchment's ability to stretch the floor allows the Illini to be creative with their lineups.
Illinois may be prepared to handle a loss like Brenjo's, but that doesn't take away from the fact that she has lost her first year with the program. Hopefully, the Balkan star has a speedy recovery and gets back to the Illini as soon as possible.
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