Destiny Williams
6-foot-3, Forward, Benton Harbor, Mich.
Averaged 24.5 points, 13.9 rebounds, 4.2 blocks and 3.7 steals as a junior. Ranked eighth by HoopGurlz, 16th by Blue Star. Picked Illinois over Maryland, Georgia, Louisville and Ohio State.

Tony Bleill's comment: Williams probably fits best as a power forward, but she has the ball-handling skills to play on the perimeter as well. One of the most well-rounded high school seniors in the country.

Why did you pick Illinois?

Destiny Williams: The reason I picked Illinois is because I believed in Coach Law's vision. I looked at what she did at Rutgers and what she came here to do, and what she did in one year. She didn't even recruit the players, but she made it all the way to the Big Ten championship game and lost by two points. And her personality is unbelievable. She's energetic. She speaks highly of people, no matter who they are. And the players, of course. Those were the main reasons why.

What did you know about the University of Illinois and its women's basketball program before the recruiting process began?

DW: To be honest with you, my mom picked my five schools (Illinois, Georgia, Louisville, Ohio State and Maryland). I'm not even going to lie to you or make up something. I wasn't looking at schools. I was more focused on school than colleges. I needed to make sure my grades stayed up, and then I was focusing on basketball. Toward the summer of my junior year, I started narrowing down schools.

Who has had the biggest influence on your basketball career?

DW: My mom. She has directed me in the right way. She made sure all the schools fit me – she knows what I need, not what I want.

Which of your basketball accomplishments brings the most pride?

DW: I'm not a big fan of awards, but the only thing I want is to play in the McDonald's All-America Game. I'll trade all that in for that game.

Three words that describe your play on the court.

DW: Real, warrior, Kevin Garnett.