Head coach Shauna Green is building something special in Champaign, and has a chance to bring the Illinois basketball program to heights it's never seen before.
Last season, the Illini had one of their most impressive seasons in recent memory, as they reached the second round of the NCAA tournament with the youngest roster in the country.
The women's program is stacked from top to bottom, but these players will not be here for very long. Illinois needs to prepare for the future, and recently, they did just that when they had an unofficial visit from top 2029 prospect Eyani Mills.
Four-star recruit Eyani Mills (ranked #9 in the Class of 2029) on her [unofficial] visit to Illinois 🔶🔷 pic.twitter.com/G5i2gQLtsx
— Luke Lowry (@LukeJLowry) June 26, 2026
Mills, a product of Kansas City, Missouri, is the No. 9-ranked player in the country for the class of 2029. The 6-foot-2 Mills is a versatile wing who has received offers from some of the biggest programs in the country, including Illinois, Ohio State, Missouri, and Kansas State.
Eyani Mills can become a key component in Illinois' future after the current era departs
As players like Destiny Jackson, Divine Bourrage, and Berry Wallace begin to depart, the Illini will need more perimeter stars for the future. Mills would be the perfect addition to the program, as her size and athleticism can give Illinois plenty of options on the floor.
Offensively, there are not a lot of public stats to help paint a picture of Mills' game. But with size like hers and the ability to play multiple positions on the floor, the Liberty North product has the tools to score from all three levels with the right development.
🚨 COLLEGE COACHES RECRUIT 🚨
— Grind House Basketball (@GrindHouseBB) July 30, 2025
6’2 | EYANI MILLS @EMills53319 | ATHLETIC
1️⃣ OF THE BEST 2029 IN THE 🇺🇸
CONTACT @GrindHouseBB FOR INFO #GrindHouseBasketball #iTrainWithMarcusWalker pic.twitter.com/auoweTK1TE
Defensively, Mills can really provide a lot of help in the paint with her size, as well as along the perimeter with her athleticism. According to her scouting report by OWU Insight's Derrick Beechum.
"Multiple sources point toward rebounding and shot-blocking value, and her size at 6'1/6'2 gives her a useful foundation for guarding bigger wings, hybrid forwards, and some small-ball frontcourt matchups."
If Mills can continue to use these next few years to develop her game, especially from the perimeter, then she can certainly raise her stock before 2029. Keep an eye on one of Missouri's top talents, especially at the EYBL level with All Iowa Attack.
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