CHAMPAIGN — Jasmine Brown-Hagger played high school basketball in Illinois and is from the state.
And after spending the past season at Mississippi State, Brown-Hagger is returning home.
The Illinois women’s basketball program announced the addition of Brown-Hagger to the 2024-25 roster on Friday night, with the 5-foot-9 guard and Shorewood native joining coach Shauna Green’s program as a transfer.
Brown-Hagger played in 33 games off the bench last season for Mississippi State, averaging 2.1 points and 1.5 rebounds as the Bulldogs finished 23-12, advancing to the WBIT quarterfinals.
Brown-Hagger started her high school career at Joliet Catholic and played two seasons with the Hilltoppers, averaging 16.5 points and 5.1 rebounds. Her final two high school seasons were spent at Example Academy in Frankfort, where she turned into a four-star recruit. She averaged 19.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists as a senior at Example.
Brown-Hagger recently visited the University of Illinois campus.
“It felt like home thanks to the incredibly warm and welcoming atmosphere,” Brown-Hagger said in a statement. “I’m completely aligned with Coach Green’s vision and approach, and the staff’s passion and dedication match my personal aspirations.”
Brown-Hagger will have three seasons of eligibility once next season arrives.
“I am so excited to have Jasmine join our family,” Green said in a statement. “Jasmine is someone we have known for a long time and who fits our system perfectly. She is an elite defender and someone who thrives in a fast-paced system. We are ecstatic that Jas is coming home.”
Brown-Hagger adds depth at the guard position for the Illini, who have their top-three guards all returning as Makira Cook and Genesis Bryant are taking advantage of their bonus COVID year to play a fifth college season while Adalia McKenzie is a senior next season.
Illinois had four players enter the transfer portal after the 2023-24 season, two of which were guards with Kam'ren Rhodes and Camille Jackson looking elsewhere. Jackson committed to Miami (Ohio) earlier this month.
