Illinois basketball fans have every reason to be excited, but let's not overlook the remarkable performance by the women's team on Saturday night.
The Illini women entered the NCAA tournament as a No. 7 seed, their highest since 2000 when they were a No. 6 seed. This year, for the first time, there are real expectations for Illinois. Under the guidance of Shauna Green, the team has made it to the NCAA tournament three out of the last four years, but this season feels different.
Back in 2023, just making the tournament was a victory, even though they bowed out in the First Four. By 2025, the goal was to win a game, which they did against a No. 9 seed in the first round.
This year, Illinois didn't just want to show up-they wanted to win. And win they did, defeating No.
10 Colorado 66-57. Now, they're set to face No.
2 Vanderbilt on Monday. The Illini have the talent and the drive to make the Commodores work for it.
With past performances against top seeds, an upset isn't out of the question.
What's truly impressive is how unexpected this success was. With more than half the roster turned over due to graduation, the team leaned heavily on youth and new talent to even make the tournament, let alone win a game.
Saturday's victory over Colorado saw freshman Cearah Parchment leading the charge with 21 points, five rebounds, and one assist, shooting an impressive 8-of-10 from the floor. Destiny Jackson, another freshman, nearly notched a triple-double with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. At 5-foot-6, grabbing 11 boards is no small feat.
This Illinois team is ahead of schedule, defying the odds after losing four out of five starters from last season. Coach Green didn't just rebuild; she developed a team from the ground up.
Of the seven players who took on Colorado, only two were transfer portal additions. The starting lineup includes a junior, two sophomores, and two true freshmen-Parchment and Jackson.
At the season's start, just being in the NCAA tournament conversation would have been a success. But as the season progressed, expectations grew.
Now, the Illini are poised to challenge Vanderbilt and continue their incredible journey. With such a promising future, there's no telling what this team can achieve next season and beyond.
Exciting times are ahead for Illinois basketball.