Illinois women's basketball team returning bulk of roster for summer workouts

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - The Illinois women's basketball team aims to continue their upward trajectory into the 2026-27 season, as players return for summer workouts.

The Illini return their complete starting rotation from the following season, as well as a bulk of their bench support, with hopes of continuing to build on their recent success.

"It's gonna help us a lot I think just from the experience we had last year playing in the Big Ten," said Berry Wallace, a first-team All-Big Ten selection. "Just a lot of close games and playing a lot of high-level teams will just help us next year. I think we'll just use that."

In the 4th season under Shauna Green, Illinois reached its 4th consecutive postseason with a 22-win campaign, advancing to the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament. During their past year, the program set 3 team single-season records including free throw percentage (81.5%), fewest turnovers per game (12.38), and the longest win streak (11 games).

Last winter, Illinois held their own in the Big Ten despite having one of the youngest teams in the nation. As the team reunites a roster who's gaining experience, their hope is to continue developing a strong resume.

"With the leadership that we have around us, just constantly having people harp on certain things, I think it just allows us to be together, be connected, and then we can help each other off of that as well," said Peoria native Aaliyah Guyton.

With Shauna Green at the helm, Illinois has registered a 51-15 record at home over the last 4 seasons, including five upsets of AP Top-20 ranked teams.