Ashley Berggren coming to Champaign Ashley Berggren will return to the Assembly Hall playing floor for the first time as a member of the Reebok Lady Stars. Tip-off is 2 p.m. Sunday.

Illini visited by young fans The seventh and eighth grade girls basketball teams from Jefferson Middle School watched today's practice. After practice the young athletes led the group in some Illinois cheers they had made up. Before the end of the evening the Illini signed autographs for the future prospects, and they all took a time out to pose for a group photo.

A chat with Aminata Yanni Machesney Park Harlem graduate Aminata Yanni has brought speed and talent to an Illinois basketball program that is on the rise. Just a year ago she was making her commitment to play for Coach Grentz and the Fighting Illini.

"It's everything I expected and more," Yanni said. "We are learning to play together as a team. There is a team chemistry forming. Coach Grentz also teaches us to better ourselves."

So, what has Grentz taught her youngest team members? "Since I got here I've been taught not to cheat the game with my athleticism. I'm learning to use my athleticism to my advantage."

Yanni is not the only member of the Illinois quad with talent and athletic ability. This year coach Grentz has the most athletic squad since she has been in Champaign-Urbana. That gives the coach options such as changing up defenses and pressing throughout the game.

"I'm used to playing that way," Yanni said. "Since this is the first time that an Illinois team will be capable of doing it, some teams may not expect it."

Yanni is a freshman on a team with no seniors. Therefore, the same group of people will be around for her sophomore season. What does that mean for a young team like the Illini?

I think that we've got to get better and better," she said. "The chemistry of the team will come together this year and hopefully we can carry the momentum into next season. If we want to become a dynasty, now is the time to start."