CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – University of Illinois women’s head basketball coach, Shauna Green, recently picked up two new transfers through the NCAA Transfer Portal, a digital tool that helps student-athletes transfer between NCAA member institutions.

Green has high hopes for the upcoming season with her new sophomore transfers Jasmine Brown-Hagger and Lety Vasconcelos. Brown-Hagger will be taking up the role of a guard and Vasconcelos as a center. Green boasts both of these recruits’ strengths. However, she also admits that it is extremely important to train for these recruits’ weaknesses and getting them more acclimated toward the team’s playstyle.

“Obviously they’re different, Jasmine and Lety, totally different players. So, they bring in different skill sets. It’s just the learning curve,” said Green.

Brown-Hagger emerged as a highly sought-after recruit starting at Mississippi State University in the same role averaging 2.1 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. She eventually transferred to Illinois through the portal and says what attracted her to Illinois were her prior relationships with the staff and team, and Illinois’ win at the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT).

Out of high school, Brown-Hagger received several offers from a number of universities including Illinois. Green says her aggressiveness on the court and her three-point shooting have seen significant improvement.

“I feel like I’m bringing just another versatile guard or someone that can guard a perimeter, someone who can play different positions, just all around,” said Brown-Hagger.

“I’ve challenged her the last couple days defensively I think she can be one of the best defenders on the team,” said Green.

Vasconcelos was also a highly sought-after recruit started at Baylor University and averaging 1.1 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. Standing at a staggering height of 6′ 7″, Vasconcelos asserts that she is able to contribute a good amount of size to the team as a center. Green claims Vasconcelos has a good offensive game and comfortability around the rim. However, as with all taller players – or bigs – on the team, conditioning has been one of the most important aspects of her training.

“The best shape we can be is the best we will play. So, it’s important that everybody is in shape,” said Vasconcelos.

“She just has such great hands for a big and she finishes really well around the rim,” said Green.