Last week, I provided an overview and update of the 2023-24 University of Illinois men’s basketball team. This week, I’m profiling the 2023-24 women’s squad. Despite a slower than expected start for the Illini women (5-3), for the first time in recent memory, both the women’s and men’s teams are simultaneously generating excitement among Illini basketball fans.
The 2022-23 Illini women’s season was a successful one under first year Head Coach Shauna Green. Green joined the Illini following a six-year stint at Dayton, where she achieved a winning percentage of over 70%. Green’s decision to join the Illini ranks provided an immediate boost to the women’s program, which prior to her arrival had not won more than 20 games in a season since former coach Jolette Law’s first season (2007-08).
It’s no secret that TV viewership and attendance for collegiate women’s basketball has grown in popularity across the country in recent years. Unfortunately, the on-court struggles of the Illini women’s team had resulted in limited fan engagement over the past two decades. Notably, the Illini had not been selected to participate in the NCAA tournament since 2002-03.
Fortunately, Coach Green made an immediate impact on the Illini women’s program last year, leading them to a 22-10 record and qualifying for the NCAA tournament in her first season. This year’s team returns a host of veteran players, including forward Kendall Bostic and guards Makira Cook, Jada Peebles, and Genesis Bryant. This prompted the Illini to be ranked #23 in the nation in the Associated Press preseason poll.
On the heels of their early season accolades, the Illini faced two high-caliber season opponents in Marquette and Notre Dame, and while they were not able to walk away from either contest with a victory, they demonstrated resilience through veteran playmakers and newcomers alike. In the midst of these two key games, there were victories over Morehead State, Saint Peter’s, Canisius, Central Connecticut State, and Northern Kentucky.
The Illini kicked off Big Ten conference play last Sunday against Michigan, falling 84-48 to the surging Wolverines. Following a non-conference matchup with Missouri this weekend, the Illini will dive into Big Ten play for the next several months as they look to leverage their experienced roster and build upon last year’s success. Here are some key points to consider as you take in this year’s Illini women’s basketball team.
Cook Named to Naismith Women’s Player of the Year Pre-Season Watchlist
Makira Cook starred for the Illini last season, leading the team in points per game (18.3) and assists per game (4.2) en route to numerous postseason accolades on both a conference and national level. Ahead of the 2023-24 season, Cook was named to the Naismith Women’s Player of the Year Pre-Season Watchlist. The Naismith Award, which is named after the inventor of basketball (Dr. James Naismith) is awarded each year to the one male and one female collegiate basketball player based upon performance and a ballot process.
Cook is the first Illini women’s player to be named to the pre-season watchlist in over 20 years, and is expected to be a key contributor once again this year. Unfortunately, Cook sustained an injury in an exhibition game against Truman State, causing her to miss three games. Since her return to the court in mid-November, Cook has posted double digit scoring in all but one game and has demonstrated the value of her veteran leadership. It will be exciting to watch her progress throughout the season and build upon her strong junior campaign.
Community Impacts Through Personal Experiences
Last week, I wrote about the importance of positive athletic role models for local youth athletes. On a much greater scale, the existence of a successful women’s basketball program can have a major impact on the youth of Champaign-Urbana and beyond. The women’s team is active in the community through appearances at youth camps and sporting events around the area, providing a strong example for individuals who may be new to the sport of basketball. By seeing the success of the women’s team, kids in the area can strive to achieve similar levels of excellence in their own lives, both on and off the court. Additionally, the smaller (for now) fan presence at the State Farm Center during women’s games provides increased accessibility to players during and after the game — kids can get an up close and personal view of a successful basketball program with their own eyes.
Increasing Fan Presence in and Around the Women’s Team
It’s worth noting that the women’s basketball team has sold over 1,000 more season tickets for the 2023-24 season than they did in prior years. The Illini women’s attendance eclipsed 50,000 total tickets sold during the 2022-23 season (3,486 fans per game) and already had 26,580 fans through the gates during the 2023-24 campaign (4,430 per game). The Illini women played in front of the fourth largest home crowd in program history earlier this season, when 11,563 fans took in the Illini’s 70-point win over St. Peters. This high-water mark attendance point coincided with the seventh annual field trip day promotion where area grade schools brought students to an Illini game during the school day. To my earlier point, promotions like these are an important part of the building upon the increasing fan interest in Illini women’s basketball.