Ked's Recruiting Roundup: Illinois Freshman Women’s Basketball Player Manuela Alves-Fernandez Performs on the Big Stage
By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
May 6, 2025
(Cover photo courtesy Dennis Scheidt)
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois women’s basketball program has plenty to be excited about in its 2025 recruiting class. ESPN ranks the class eighth nationally and No. 1 in the Big Ten, with UCLA close behind. World Exposure Report has the Illini at No. 11.
Replacing scoring will be a priority next season. Illinois Nation was thrilled when Villanova transfer guard Maddie Webber committed to the Illini, bringing a scoring punch to the wing. Still, fans continue to ask if another piece will be added, particularly in the post. According to sources, there is a good chance, but the more important question may be whether Illinois truly needs more.
One reason that answer may be “no” is freshman Manuela Alves-Fernandez, a 6-foot-3 wing/post player from IMG Academy.