Illinois basketball cleaned up regular season accolades ahead of Big Ten Tournament

The women's Illinois basketball team just wrapped up another impressive regular season under head coach Shauna Green, finishing the year at 19-10 and 9-9 in the Big Ten.

The Illini have become one of the most interesting teams in the country heading into March. They have a collection of young, hungry underclassmen who have proven that they can hang with some of the best teams in the country.

This roster is stacked from top to bottom, with stars like Berry Wallace and Maddie Webber scattered across the rotation. Illinois has such a talented unit at its disposal, to the point where three of its stars were recognized by the Big Ten and various media members for postseason accolades.

Berry Wallace ends elite sophomore season in style

Wallace is a superstar; we all know this. The sophomore from Pickerington, Ohio, has been the driving force for the Illini throughout this entire season, averaging 18.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game on a 48.5% field goal percentage.

The former five-star recruit has been absolutely sensational for Green and Co., and her talents were recognized by the coaches of the Big Ten when she was named a unanimous All-Big Ten first team member.

This is a monumental achievement for one of college basketball's rising stars. Wallace's ability to be a creative scorer at all three levels has turned her into a major threat for the other teams in the Big Ten. Personally, the thought of the media voting Wallace to the second team seems a bit criminal. But regardless, greatness is now on full display for the nation to see.

There's a reason why Destiny Jackson was a five-star coming out of high school

If you haven't seen Destiny Jackson play basketball for the Illinois basketball program, then you need to take notice. This young star is special and has shown that she can be a major threat at the point in multiple facets of the game.

Jackson, another five-star recruit for the Illini, is exactly what a pure point guard can be in this league. In 29 games for Illinois, Jackson was able to average 9.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game on 41.5% shooting from the field. Her sensational play has topped the charts when compared to other point guards in the Big Ten, and she was rightfully named to the Big Ten's All-Freshman team because of it.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: there is a reason why Jackson was a five-star out of high school. Her elite ability to make shots when it counts, mixed with the innovative ways she can distribute the ball to her teammates, makes her the perfect point guard that any team can ask for.

It doesn't matter if Jackson is putting up 19 points against Northwestern or swiping eight steals in the USC game; if Jackson is on the court, she is going to contribute in some way. The future is very bright for this young, budding superstar.

Cearah Parchment just put together a season for the ages as a freshman

Cearah Parchment has turned into the perfect running mate for Wallace. She has become a legitimate presence in the paint at such an early age, averaging 13.8 points and 8.7 rebounds on 50.7% shooting from the field.

The Whitby, Ontario, product has certainly outplayed her ranking this season in Champaign, as her uncanny ability to stretch the floor as a big has elevated Illinois to great heights. Parchment has become such an elite threat in the Big Ten that she was also named to the All-Freshman team by the coaches and media.

Parchment has been stacking up the accolades all season long, winning the Big Ten Freshman of the Week for an astounding four weeks. She has been balling out since her first game with the blue and orange, setting a new freshman season record with 12 double-doubles.

Unfortunately, Parchment wasn't able to make the All-Big Ten team as well, with UCLA's Lauren Betts making the cut. But with what Parchment showed us this season, and with all of the time she has ahead of her, there is no doubt in my mind that she will find her way there down the road.