Sept. 12, 2011

Champaign, Ill. - Illinois head coach Jolette Law has announced that 5-8 sophomore guard Centrese McGee will miss the 2011-12 season after suffering an ACL tear in her right knee just prior to the start of the school year. The Calumet City native will undergo surgery on Oct. 6.

McGee started all 32 games for the Fighting Illini during her freshman campaign, averaging 5.7 points per game and ranking second on the team in rebounding at 5.3 per contest. She led all Big Ten freshmen in rebounding while ranking second among those first-year players in steals (1.2 per game). McGee had a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds in a victory over Wisconsin in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament. Following the season, she received the Coaches' Award at the team's annual banquet and was Illinois' representative on the Big Ten Sportsmanship Team.

"While this is certainly disappointing, Centrese will still be an important part of our team," Law said. "Much as it was last year for Kersten Magrum, it will be a blessing having her on the sideline continuing to learn and impact our players in a positive way. Centrese is a winner and we look forward to her remaining three years of eligibility."