Dec. 2, 2003

by David Vehlow, UI Athletic Public Relations

Sophomore Janelle Hughes came to Illinois last year as a highly touted recruit that could make an immediate impact for the Illini. She definitely lived up to those expectations and now is looked to as a leader this year. Last year Janelle played in 25 games and started five games as a freshman. She ended the year by starting in Illinois' last four games of the season. Some highlights from her freshman year included a game winning shot against Northwestern and a career-high 17 points against Michigan State. This year Hughes is looking to take the confidence she gained in her freshman year and become more of a team leader.

"I know the plays a lot better," said Hughes. "I'm much more comfortable calling them this year. As a point guard, I like having that leadership position. The team is looking to me to be a leader. My comfort level has definitely risen since last year."

Hughes knows that in order to get playing time, she has to earn that right. Part of that is putting in work on her game all year round. Over the summer she worked on various aspects of her game, trying to improve.

"I worked on a lot of ball handling and shooting off the screen," said Hughes. "I also worked on seeing people on the court and trying to get everyone involved in the game. That is something that Coach wanted me to work on. People are making cuts everywhere on the court, and as a point guard, it?s my job to catch them when they're open. So, for all of this year and throughout my career here at Illinois, I?ll be working on seeing the court better."

Success on the court is something that Hughes has always experienced. She came to the University of Illinois after a very successful career at Hillcrest High School. Her success there earned her a ranking as the 52nd-top senior in high school basketball by the Blue Star Report. Her senior year in high school she averaged 21 points, 5.4 steals, 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game. She was awarded by the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune by being named to their all-state teams. She was also named to the All-SICA Conference three times.

Off the court, Hughes' favorite thing to do is relax at her home and have her friends over. "My all-time favorite hobby is just staying at home," said Hughes. "If I go anywhere, it's somewhere without a lot of action, maybe a show or something. I love just staying at home, though."

Right now Hughes is working towards a bachelor?s degree in rhetoric here at Illinois. Once her college career is over, Hughes would like to give the WNBA a try, and if that doesn't work out, sales is something that interests her.

Hughes has quickly shown her ability to be a talented point guard and leader during her short time at Illinois. However, that is not the only thing that makes her such a valuable member of this Illini basketball team. Her unselfish and team-first attitude, along with her skills are what makes her the leader she is for Illinois. With her continued dedication to getting better and improving herself as a leader for the team, the Illini can go nowhere but up with a player like Janelle Hughes.