In a season filled with adversity, Illinois (21-7, 11-6) has not once backed down. It has taken every blow and gotten right back up. A multitude of injuries and rotation changes have hardly slowed the Illini down. They even went on a program-record eight-game Big Ten win streak after losing fifth-year guard Makira Cook and sophomore guard Gretchen Dolan.
The secret to Illinois’ success this season is not closely guarded and expressed by the players and coaches. The Illini’s togetherness has helped them keep their season on track despite hardships.
“This is probably, in all my years as a head coach, probably my most connected and together team with such high energy every day,” said head coach Shauna Green.
Tough times breed strong teams
A rarity in college sports, all of Illinois’ seniors have been together for at least three seasons. Most transferred to the program when Green joined the team. Senior guard Adalia McKenzie has been around for her entire collegiate career.
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That kind of locker-room consistency creates strong relationships, and those relationships were tested this season. Just days after losing two games in a row, Illinois was hit with a bombshell when Cook and Dolan were lost for the season.
Illinois lost two high-quality scorers, one starting and one off the bench, in one fell swoop. It was 1-3 in conference play and was staring down a matchup against a then-ranked Iowa (19-9, 9-8). It seemed likely that Illinois was heading for the basement of the Big Ten, missing out on a postseason bid.
However, the exact opposite happened. The Illini went 10-3 after the bad news broke, beating two ranked teams. They jumped from the middle of the pack to fighting for a double-bye in the Big Ten standings, all while playing just six or seven players every game.
As strange as it might sound, those midseason injuries might be the very reason that Illinois has done so well. It has built the mindset of the next person up and playing for each other mentality.
“When you can get out of your own mind, and now you’re doing it for the guy next to you and the player next to you,” Green said. “That’s when you have a special thing going, and that’s what I think is the most unique and the best thing about these guys.”
That mentality has grown as the Illini have continued to win down the stretch. The players and head coach cite their togetherness as the most important part of their team. It’s what they think sets them apart from the rest.
“I always say our superpower is how connected we are,” said fifth-year guard Genesis Bryant.
One last dance
Sunday’s game is not just the last home game; it’s also Senior Day. Illinois features five seniors on its roster. Cook, Bryant, fifth-year forward Kendall Bostic, senior forward Brynn Shoup-Hill and McKenzie are all in their final college basketball season.
Their last year has given them that extra push to compete. The realization that this is it has begun to set in with the seniors, who want to ensure they aren’t going out quietly.
“Most of us, it’s our last year,” McKenzie said. “So we want to embrace every moment and give our all, and end the season how we want to: With a bang.”
Illinois is gunning to do just that. It’s on track for a double-bye in the Big Ten tournament and has all but secured an NCAA tournament bid. This season has arguably been the Illini’s best under Green, especially considering what they’ve gone through to get to this point.
Regardless of how the season ends, Illinois history books will always view the seniors favorably. When they came to Champaign, the program had not won 20 games in a season since the early 2000s. In Green’s first year, the squad won 22.
Since that season, Illinois’ program has undergone a total-180. The Illini have two 20-plus-win seasons, two postseason appearances and a postseason championship. They aren’t content with stopping there; they want to continue to win and see the program grow even once they’re gone.
“We’re just trying to set the foundation,” Bryant said.
Green and her seniors have helped usher in a new era of Illinois basketball, and the program is already reaping the benefits. Illinois has freshman forward and former five-star prospect Berry Wallace. The Illini have also signed a five-star recruit and multiple four-stars for next season.
Illinois has become a desirable location to play once again with the help of Green and the current seniors. While it may be bittersweet to see them play their last game at State Farm Center, their impact on the program, the fans and the coaches will remain for years.
“I love these guys to death, and I’m going to miss them like freaking crazy next year,” Green said to her seniors. “So I’m trying to soak it all in, too because they’re just different.”
Controlling their destiny
Illinois will tip off against Michigan (19-9, 10-7) early Sunday afternoon. The last game of the season will be one of the most important games. A win could earn the Illini the No. 4 seed in the conference and a double-bye in the Big Ten tournament.
The Wolverines have four players who average double-figure points. One to keep an eye on is freshman guard Syla Swords. She averages 15.9 points per game and is one of the best three-point shooters in the Big Ten.
Michigan is a good shooting team from inside and outside the arc. The Illinois defense, fresh off a stretch against two of the best offenses in the country, won’t be able to let its guard down in one final regular season matchup.
@ben_some16
