Illinois women’s basketball made strengthening its frontcourt a top priority during the offseason, and they’ve achieved their goal. Coach Shauna Green announced on Wednesday that 6-foot-7 sophomore center Letycia “Lety” Vasconcelos has committed to the Fighting Illini.
Vasconcelos, who hails from Brazil and goes by “LET-ee VASS-con-SELL-os,” posted averages of 1.1 points per game and 2.1 rebounds per game in 17 appearances for the Baylor Bears during the 2023-24 season.
She was ranked as the No. 36 overall recruit in ESPN Hoopgurlz’ 2023 rankings and boasts a background of winning back-to-back national championships at Montverde Academy in Florida, where she played alongside current Illini player Cori Allen.
Arriving in Champaign with three seasons of eligibility remaining, Vasconcelos joins Jasmine Brown-Hagger, a Chicago native and former guard for Mississippi State, as additions from the transfer portal. Although Rhode Island grad transfer Tenin Magassa had initially committed to Illinois last month, she later opted for Oklahoma State.
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While Illinois retains starting forward Kendall Bostic, they bid farewell to center Camille Hobby. Vasconcelos and incoming freshman Hayven Smith will vie for significant playing time in the frontcourt.
Further roster enhancements could be on the horizon, as Shauna Green still has three open scholarships available for the 2024-25 season.
