(From Illinois Sports Information Office)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Fighting Illini freshman Erica Finney will miss the upcoming 2025-26 season after undergoing bilateral knee procedures during the preseason.

"Unfortunately, I have had to undergo surgery, which will sideline me for the season," shared Finney. "I am extremely grateful for my teammates, coaches, and support staff who have helped me through this period, and I am excited for my journey to recovery. I can't wait for what is to come for the team and to see the results of our work this season."

Illini freshman Manuella Alves will miss the entire 2025-26 season following knee surgery on Monday. (Courtesy Illinois Athletics)

Finney, a 6'0" guard from Sydney, Australia, joined the Illini in December 2024 but did not compete. She helped New South Wales win the 2022 and 2024 Australian National Championships. Finney also played for the Norths Bears in Australia's NBL1 League and attended Cammeraygal High School. A four-star prospect, Finney ranked No. 47 in the Class of 2025 and No. 14 at her position by 247Sports.

Meanwhile. her freshman teammate Manuella Alves will also miss the upcoming 2025-26 season after sustaining a torn ACL during Illinois' preseason workouts. The Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, native underwent surgery on Monday (Oct. 27).

"After getting hurt recently, I found out that I've suffered a season-ending injury," Alves shared. "Hearing that was tough. This game means everything to me, and it hurts not being able to finish the season on the court with my team. Still, I'm staying positive, trusting God, and putting all my focus into recovery. This is just a setback, not the end of my story. Thank you to everyone who's reached out and shown love; your support truly means the world. I'll be cheering my team on every step of the way."

Alves, a 6'3" forward, joined the Illini at the end of summer 2025 after competing for the Brazilian National Team and U19 squad. Alves played her senior season of high school at IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) and was a starter on the Ascenders national championship team. She was a four-star recruit ranked No. 61 in espnW's HoopGurlz rankings and ranked No. 82 in the Class of 2025, No. 6 at her position, and No. 11 in her state by 247Sports.