Illness sidelines Destiny Williams

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CHAMPAIGN – Illinois' "Super Six" on Sunday was more like a "Fabulous Five."

Freshman Destiny Williams, the most highly touted of the team's six freshmen, suited up but didn't play in Sunday's exhibition victory against Lewis University. Coach Jolette Law said Williams was ill.

Law said Williams' status was day-to-day. Asked if she expected Williams to play in Friday's season opener at Temple, Law said, "I hope so. If not, I feel good that we've got 13 people with us. But right now, I don't know."

Freshman Karisma Penn started at the forward spot alongside center Jenna Smith. Williams is expected to battle for playing time at that spot, though she's also capable of playing farther out on the perimeter.

The Illini backcourt also was shorthanded a bit. Sophomore Fabiola Josil was limited to a team-low four minutes because of a knee that she had injured in a recent workout. Law said Josil "tweaked" the knee and the coach wanted to take no chances in the exhibition game.

Big sister, little sister. Law has instituted a "little sister" program for the team. She has paired up a UI veteran (or two) with a freshman, the older player expected to show the younger player how things are done.

Jenna Smith said her "little sister" is Williams. Brianna Jones said she is paired with Whitney Toone and Eboni Mitchell.

"The upperclassman has to be responsible for their sister," Law said. "Make sure they know everything – just be there for them. Their little guardian angel."

Short shots. Law said the original goal defensively on Sunday was to hold Lewis to 50 points. At halftime, she adjusted it downward. "I said that if they get over 40, we'll address that at practice," Law said. Translated: Anything above 40 and the Illini would have run sprints until their feet fell off at practice. ... Lewis played at Bradley on Nov. 1, losing to the Braves 93-62. Illinois hosts Bradley on Nov. 22. ... Law on guard Amber Moore, who sank three of her first four shots from three-point range: "I remember that I told you guys I'd put Amber Moore up against any shooter in the country. She can stroke it. When she gets going, it's very hard to stop her. She played very poised, very calm."

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