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Star freshman has Illinois basketball on prestigious award list

The Illinois basketball team has a lot to look forward to with this young core, especially after their star forward was named one of the most impactful freshmen in the country.
ByKellen Sherman|
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Oregon guard Katie Fiso goes up for a shot over Illinois forward Cearah Parchment as the Oregon Ducks host the Illinois Fighting Illini on Feb. 4, 2026, at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon guard Katie Fiso goes up for a shot over Illinois forward Cearah Parchment as the Oregon Ducks host the Illinois Fighting Illini on Feb. 4, 2026, at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The women's Illinois basketball program has a bright future ahead of them after recording their fourth 20+ win season of the Shauna Green era.

From sophomore Berry Wallace to freshman Destiny Jackson and everyone in between, the youngest roster in the Big Ten created problems for opposing teams all season long. The Illini fought continuously and made fans excited for what's to come with this unit.

It has been a special season for a team that was expected to take a step backward at the beginning of the year. But not only that, it has been a special season for one Cearah Parchment, who was just named to ESPN's top 10 most impactful freshmen list.

The Whitby, Ontario, product has been a force to be reckoned with all season long. In 32 games played this season, Parchment is averaging 13.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game while shooting 50% from the field and 40% from three-point range.

Parchment has become the perfect running mate for Wallace, turning Illinois' frontcourt into one of the best in the country this season. Her sensational play has elevated Parchment into the national spotlight, to the point where she's earned four Big Ten Freshman of the Week awards this season.

Can Cearah Parchment be the x-factor for Illinois in this year's NCAA tournament?

Throughout her first season with the Illinois basketball program, Parchment has shown that she can be lethal in multiple aspects of the game. The 6-foot-3 center has an uncanny ability to score at all three levels, and can also shut down opponents on defense better than most bigs in the country.

Parchment has the ability to change the game at a moment's notice. The Canadian Icon will be making her first start under the bright lights of March Madness, but don't expect her to back down from a challenge, especially after how efficient she's been all season long.

Get ready for a very exciting run by this very young Illinois squad. This team has scorers at every point of the floor, especially in the frontcourt. Keep an eye on Parchment, and see how she flourishes.

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