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Illinois WBB should be primed to win next season

By Jasmine Brown

EVANSTON, IL - FEBRUARY 19: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Brandi Beasley (1) controls the ball in the first half during a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Northwestern Wildcats on February 19, 2017, at the Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EVANSTON, IL - FEBRUARY 19: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Brandi Beasley (1) controls the ball in the first half during a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Northwestern Wildcats on February 19, 2017, at the Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Illinois women’s basketball is currently winless in the Big Ten conference and it’s probably understandable that it is frustrating and tiring to constantly see 12 L’s in the right column of their overall record. Head coach Nancy Fahey, who was considered Division II royalty, is getting a glimpse of how challenging the Big Ten conference really is. From Maryland to Ohio State, Illinois has gotten their fair share of semi-brutal beatings that for a young team, is really discouraging. However, I see a few reasons as to why Illinois is primed to win next season.

The team’s youth

The team is really young. The team only has four upperclassmen, two of which are leaving after this season. However, since this team is so young and have learned to play and mesh together, it will be an easier transition for next season if all goes well.

Two ESPN Top-100 recruits

Illinois signed two top-30 players, inking signatures from 4-star forward Mckenzie Blazek and 4-star guard Arieal Scott. This is a great step in the right direction for the Illini program and head coach Fahey. Two highly-touted freshmen with 80 percent of the roster moving up to the sophomore level is the best situation to be in if you’e Illinois. Therefore, please be happy Illini fans. Better is coming soon.

Rutgers bounce back can be motivation for Illini

Rutgers had a 6-20 record just a year ago, now they were one of the more surprising teams in the first half of the season, seeing as how they were not the best team for a number of years. Since last year, they won 12 more games and  . They went as high as being ranked 25th in the AP Poll.  They have suffered a couple of slips, but they still boast an impressive 18-win season. It is definite that they will have a record over .500 to bounce back from last season. Illinois can look at this team as motivation so they too can have an inspiring story next season.

Situations similar to the Illinois women’s basketball program has proved this line to be true: there’s no where to go but up.  With the incoming talent next year and the matriculation of the current class, Illinois just needs to continue riding the wave so their sadness now can turn to happiness later.

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