Positive thinker has high hopes for Illini

Former Rutgers associate coach Jolette Law will start from the beginning when it comes to building a talent pipeline to the Illinois women's basketball program.

"I want to keep the players in state, get everyone before they come out of their mother's womb thinking and breathing Illini basketball,'' Law said.

Law, 39, is a Florence, S.C., native who recruited Chicago hard during her 12 years as a Rutgers assistant.

Law agreed to a five-year contract that will pay her $300,000 before performance-based incentives similar to other Illini head coaches.

"This is truly, truly a dream come true,'' Law said. "I've worked so hard to do the right things and hope hard work pays off. Today, I knew it had paid off.''

Law replaced Theresa Grentz, a Women's Basketball Hall of Fame member who resigned in April after compiling a 210-156 record in 12 seasons.

Evidently, Law is a recruiter and promoter who believes in positive thinking.

"We will win the Big Ten championship,'' she said. "We will go to the NCAAs. We will win the national championship. That's what I believe. Quote me on this.''