Shauna Green has something special brewing in Champaign. Illinois women’s basketball is off to a red-hot start, winning 10 of its first 11 games and riding an eight-game win streak-the longest since their 11-game run last season.
It’s not just the wins piling up, though. It’s how they’re winning: with energy, depth, and a group of emerging stars who are rewriting expectations-and potentially, the record books.
Let’s break down two standout players who are powering this surge and could etch their names into Illini history before the season wraps.
Destiny Jackson: On Pace to Challenge Illinois’ Freshman Assist Record
Freshman point guard Destiny Jackson has stepped onto the college stage with the poise of a veteran and the motor of a floor general who knows exactly where she wants to go-and how to get her teammates there with her.
Through 11 games, Jackson is averaging 5.0 assists per outing, totaling 55 dimes so far. That puts her within striking distance of the Illinois freshman assist record-140, set by Jenny Johnson back in the 1984-85 season.
To hit that mark, Jackson would need to average just under five assists per game the rest of the way. Based on what we’ve seen, that’s well within reach.
What makes Jackson’s impact so impressive isn’t just the numbers-it’s the way she controls the tempo. She’s quick, decisive, and already has a natural feel for spacing and timing.
Whether she’s pushing in transition or slicing up a half-court defense, she’s consistently creating quality looks for her teammates. That’s rare air for a freshman.
And with Illinois likely headed to the postseason, Jackson will have a few extra games to chase down that record. But the road isn’t easy-matchups against Michigan, Maryland, and UCLA loom large.
Those are the kind of games where elite point guard play can make all the difference. If Jackson keeps her foot on the gas, she could make history.
Maddie Webber: Sharpshooter with a Shot at the Record Books
Maddie Webber has been a revelation off the bench. The Villanova transfer and former McDonald’s All-American nominee has quickly carved out a crucial role for the Illini, averaging 11.4 points per game-third-best on the team-despite playing just 22.6 minutes a night.
What’s really turning heads, though, is her efficiency from beyond the arc. Webber has attempted 41 three-pointers and is knocking them down at a blistering 43.9% clip, the best on the team. She’s not just spacing the floor-she’s stretching defenses to their breaking point.
There’s a real chance Webber could take aim at Illinois’ all-time single-season three-point percentage record, currently held by Jada Peebles at 45.2%. That’s elite territory, but Webber’s already in the neighborhood.
She’s thriving in a system that plays to her strengths. Illinois moves the ball well, and with multiple scoring threats on the floor, Webber often finds herself with just enough daylight to let it fly.
And when she does? Defenses pay.
Her buzzer-beating three earlier this season was more than just a highlight-it was a reminder that she can deliver in big moments. If she keeps this pace and stays consistent from deep, she could find herself atop the record books by season’s end.
The Bigger Picture
Records are fun to chase, but what’s more important is what they represent: a program on the rise. Shauna Green has built a roster that’s not only winning games, but doing it with style, balance, and a clear identity.
Destiny Jackson is the engine. Maddie Webber is the spark. And together with a deep, talented supporting cast, this Illini team is starting to look like one that could make serious noise in March.
Keep an eye on Champaign. Something special is happening.