A new coach patrols the sideline for the Illinois women’s basketball team this season. He talks of his love for the game and for his players. He came to Illinois with a 148-19 record at Green Bay, a unique Buzz defense and an up-tempo offense. He had never lost more than eight games in a season.

But head coach Matt Bollant and his styles are the only changes. The Illinois women’s basketball team that he inherited returned largely the same cast of characters, with four starters and the team’s sixth player, who averaged starter minutes.

The new coach has found success early on. Illinois (13-8, 6-3 Big Ten) finds itself with more wins overall (13) and in the Big Ten (six) than the 2011-12 team (11-19, 5-11).

And each member has had significant increases in productivity this season.

“I told them the first day on the job that we’re 10 points better than they were last year because the system fits them,” Bollant said. “They were really athletic, but, in the past, they didn’t really run a style that fit that and now we’re running a style that fits that.”

Illinois is nearing Bollant’s goal. The Illini average 72.1 points per game this season, compared with 63.4 points last season.

Each of Illinois’ starters has increased her scoring average by at least four points, and players have become better shooters overall.

“We’ve got a really complete package offensively, and that makes us really hard to guard,” Bollant said.

Bollant has also brought in a new defensive system. The Illini now tout a unique Buzz defense — a 2-1-2 trap — and an aggressive man-to-man as well. The systems have helped Illinois lead the Big Ten in forced turnovers and steals.

Bollant brought more than a change in system; he also brought a change in practice routines from the previous coaching staff.

“Last year was really tough. The practices were mostly running, so we didn’t really have legs all the time,” senior Adrienne GodBold said. “Now, we shoot. We run plays. We play basketball. That’s what we do now.”

Bollant said he could see the players getting better while also raising their basketball IQs.

“I just think all of the fundamental stuff, all the footwork stuff that coach (Mike) Divilbiss has brought just makes us better and more sound,” Bollant said.

Illinois’ players have allowed the coaches to change the team’s culture.

“This year, it’s like night and day, to be quite honest,” GodBold said. “We’re playing as a team, the coaching staff came in and everything is going well, and everyone loves them. When they came in, everyone accepted them and we didn’t give them any problems.”

The team has recently installed a new motto: Enjoy the fight.

“One thing that they emphasize a lot that we’re not used to is enjoying the fight,” junior guard Amber Moore said. “We never heard that and you think about it when we’re in the games, we should enjoy the fight, it shouldn’t be stressful, and, now, I enjoy it.”

Johnathan can be reached at [email protected] and @jhett93.