October 21, 2003 | Women's Basketball
Oct. 21, 2003
Champaign, Ill. - Illinois basketball practice is running on a noticeably higher octane as evident in the early workouts. "We were running our shell offense during the first day of practice and I stood back and said 'Wow,'" said senior Aminata Yanni.
"We have definitely made the transition," Yanni continued. "Our first practice was really intense. We were running at full force, like we've never done before. It wasn't something anybody said or something that we made a conscience effort to do, it just happened."
Yanni is one of five seniors on the Illini this year and that has made a huge difference. "We're much more mature this year. There are several people who have stepped into a leadership role, and we have good camaraderie within the team."
President Bush recently initiated a "No Child Left Behind," when it comes to his education plan. Yanni says that this year's team has taken a similar approach. "We understand as seniors that our job is to take care of the younger ones and bring them around with us."
Freshman Missy Mitidiero is one of the younger ones that has been the beneficiary of the experienced group. She echoed Yanni's sentiments about the intensity of workouts, but also said that the togetherness started in the pre-season.
At a 24-hour program at the ETC near Homer, Ill., the team learned a lot about how they can work with each other. "That was a great experience," Mitidiero said. "We worked a lot on teamwork and working in a group. It certainly allowed us to get to know each other better."
"It is such a special experience playing for Illinois," Mitidiero said. "The older players have certainly made us feel great about being here and have helped bring us along."
For Yanni, this is only a preview of what it is to come. "We have set the tone early as if to say, 'This is how it's going to be.' Coach has always said 'Feed off my intensity.' We have definitely done that."
* The Illini continue to work heavily on defense and quickness to the ball, especially on rotation within the defenses. The team has also spent a considerable amount of time on boxing out and getting to rim. On offense, the Illini have worked on the high/low situation.
* The beginning of practice has coincided with many mid-term exams. With practice at night during Fall Semester, this has meant budgeting study time in the afternoon.
* The Illini will be off Wednesday and will next practice on Thursday evening.
