KEYWORDS: Illinois Women's Basketball, Manuella Alves, Top Recruit, Big Ten Athletics, FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup
Brazilian forward commits to Illinois, Illini land four-star Manuella Alves
Urbana - The Illinois Fighting Illini women's basketball program has secured the commitment of highly touted forward Manuella Alves. The 6'3" Brazilian native will join the team next season after signing a Big Ten Athletics Scholarship Agreement during the National Signing Period.
Alves, a native of Rio de Janeiro, is ranked No. 61 in ESPNW's HoopGurlz rankings and a four-star recruit by 247Sports. She spent her junior year at Central Pointe Christian Academy in Kissimmee, Florida, where she averaged 7.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game.
“I chose Illinois because I felt it was the right place for me," Alves said in a released statement. "I want to be great, and I know that Illinois is going to make me great.”
Alves has represented Brazil on the international stage, averaging 10.7 points and 8.2 rebounds at the 2024 FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup. She also contributed 9.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists at the 2023 South American U17 Women's Championship.
Known for her physical post presence and ability to score with her back to the basket, Alves is expected to make an immediate impact for the Illini.
"She’s someone that I have watched for the last couple years, and I’ve loved her since I first saw her," says Illinois Women’s Basketball Head Coach Shauna Green. "She brings that toughness to our game, and to our team. Manuella’s versatility is something that our whole staff really loves about her game. She can shoot from the outside, she can put it on the floor, she can defend multiple positions, and is another person that we could not be more excited about."
Alves' commitment adds depth to an Illinois roster that includes current Illini Lety Vasconcelos, who played alongside Alves on the Brazilian U18 team. The Fighting Illini will look to build on their success from last season, when they reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2003.
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