The women’s Illinois basketball program is entering year four of the Shauna Green era.
I can’t believe I am typing those words. It still feels like yesterday, the Illini were an afterthought when it comes to the teams in Champaign. Illinois has been completely transformed by Green and her leadership over the past three seasons.
Entering year four, Illinois is going through some major changes. The experienced players on the roster – incumbents and transfers alike – are gone. Green has to rest on her recruiting ability through the transfer portal and in upcoming youngsters who have a ton of promise.
Each of the last three seasons, Green has gotten Illinois into the AP Top 25 at some point. Before that, it had been the 2000-01 season since the Orange and Blue saw a little number next to our name.
This season, we are close to being ranked. The preseason AP Top 25 was released on Tuesday, and while Illinois isn’t ranked, we did get two votes to be on the coveted list.
The potential of the Illinois basketball program is through the roof for the 2025-26 season
Honestly, I didn’t expect the Illini to be ranked. We weren’t ranked to end last season, and Illinois lost a ton of experience this offseason.
Illinois is getting back some key returning players, and Green did a great job in the transfer portal and on the high school recruiting trail
Gretchen Dolan and Jasmine-Brown Hagger were both huge pieces to the team last season. Berry Wallace is a former five-star and is about to have a breakout sophomore campaign.
And then there is a ton of talent that hasn't been proven yet. Hayven Smith could have a huge sophomore season, taking over for Kendall Bostic. Illinois’ freshmen coming in are all extremely talented. Destiny Jackson is a five-star recruit, and Manuella Alves, Naomi Benson, and Cearah Parchment are all four-star talents.
Illinois has a ton of potential. The talent is there not just to be a top 25 program, but this team could make a run to the second weekend in March. Let’s see what Green can do with the most talent the Illini have ever had for the women’s program.