The Illini frontcourt receives a significant lift.
One of the offseason goals for Illinois women’s basketball was to strengthen the frontcourt. Mission completed.
Shauna Green revealed on Wednesday that 6-foot-7 sophomore center Letycia “Lety” Vasconcelos had committed to the Fighting Illini.
Vasconcelos (LET-ee VASS-con-SELL-os) averaged 1.1 points and 2.1 rebounds in 17 games for the Baylor Bears in 2023-24. The Brazilian large was the No. 36 overall recruit in ESPN Hoopgurlz’s 2023 rankings and won back-to-back national titles at Montverde Academy in Florida, where she played alongside current Illini wing Cori Allen.
Vasconcelos comes to Champaign with three seasons of eligibility remaining.
She joins Chicago native and former Mississippi State guard Jasmine Brown-Hagger as transfer portal newcomers. Tenin Magassa, a Rhode Island graduate transfer, had committed to Illinois last month before switching to Oklahoma State.
🔶 Welcome to the FamILLy, Lety! 🔷#Illini | #HTTO | #OneWay pic.twitter.com/3Gt90XtTeZ
— Illinois Women's Basketball (@IlliniWBB) May 29, 2024
The Illini have returned starter forward Kendall Bostic but lost center Camille Hobby. Vasconcelos and new freshman Hayven Smith will battle for key frontcourt minutes.
We may see even more roster additions in the coming weeks. Shauna Green still has three vacant scholarship spots for the 2024-25 season.
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