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Williams taking leave to try out for U19 national team
Thursday June 11, 2009
Don Campbell/For The News-Gazette
Destiny Williams, a member of Illinois' large class of incoming freshmen, might not be sticking around her new teammates long. The 6-3 dynamo is headed to Colorado to try out for the U19 World Championship team.
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CHAMPAIGN – Illinois freshman Destiny Williams might be in for a busy summer.
Williams, the program's first McDonald's All-American, is a finalist for the U.S. U19 World Championship team. Starting July 9, she'll be one of 14 players in Colorado Springs, Colo., seeking a spot on the 12-person team that will compete July 23-Aug. 2 in Thailand.
Williams and the other five incoming freshmen were on campus for orientation last week, and the sextet is expected to be enrolled in summer courses starting Monday.
Williams' status is a bit less clear, however.
"A lot of things are up in the air," UI coach Jolette Law said.
At this point, Law isn't certain if Williams will be in summer school. It's unclear how much class time she might miss if, or when, she makes the final roster.
In any event, Law was happy to see the entire group – ranked third nationally by one recruiting service – together for orientation.
"It was great to see them all together, all excited," Law said. "It was a good feeling, knowing I've got six kids who are excited about being here and trying to get this program to another level."
Though a few of the players were familiar with each other, last week was the first chance they "had an opportunity to sit down and meet each other all at once," Law said.
Vacant – for now. Law said she's in no hurry to fill her assistant coach vacancy prior to the start of the July recruiting period.
The opening was created when Karen Middleton accepted the head coaching job at Western Carolina last month.
"I want to get the right fit for my program," Law said. "I wanted to make sure my whole team had the opportunity to come here and whoever I bring in, I want them to meet my team and get their input, let them ask questions because we're a family. If I get someone before (July), great. If not, I'm not going to rush this decision because it's very important to me."
Law said she's looking for someone with proven recruiting ability.
"I want a national recruiter, someone who knows a lot of things," Law said. "Right now I need to be more of a closer. I'm going to recruit. But I need my assistants being able to know where the kids are and bring them to me so that I can 'seal the deal.' That's the main thing I'm looking for right now: someone who has very good recruiting ties, a proven recruiter."
Starting younger. On Saturday, the UI will host its second Middle School Shootout, part of the program's summer camp series. The addition of a middle school team showcase is partly a reflection of the nature of modern-day recruiting: get 'em while they're young.
"It gives these younger kids an opportunity to play more games and come on our campus and see campus early, so we can get a head start on getting familiar with them, and not waiting until their sophomore or junior or senior years to get to know them," Law said. "If we can get these middle schools on our campus and show them around, so they can be familiar with the University of Illinois, familiar with our staff, it's going to be to our benefit."
Scheduling stuff. The UI won't release its schedule until August or September, but the Illini's slate likely will be a little less challenging than the daunting task it faced in 2008-09. Last season's schedule was ranked the 16th toughest nationally by CollegeRPI.com.
The Illini figure to have home games against Bradley, Siena, Oakland and Marquette, with a United Center date against Arizona. Illinois will visit Illinois State, Temple, Wake Forest (part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge) and a Thanksgiving tournament where the potential opponents include San Diego State and UC Riverside.
None of the nonconference opponents figure to be ranked in the preseason Top 25.
On the menu
A look at some of the expected highlights of the Illinois women’s basketball schedule, which won’t be officially released until this fall:
OPPONENT SITE COMMENT
Siena Home Saints will bring former Champaign Central star Allie Lindemann, a rising senior, to Hall
Arizona United Center Wildcats are coached by former Tennessee standout Niya Butts
Illinois State Away Redbirds lose All-America guard Kristi Cirone, but Robin Pingeton’s crew has talent
San Diego St. Away Ex-Ohio State coach Beth Burns’ team is a possible opponent in Thanksgiving tourney
Temple Away The Owls spoiled Illinois’ 3-0 start last season with 19-point win at the Assembly Hall
Indiana Home Lindemann’s former Central teammate, Hope Elam, will be in first season with Hoosiers
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