Illini Freshman Erica Finney out for 2025-26 season after knee surgeries

News

A four-star recruit, Finney was ranked No. 47 nationally in the Class of 2025. Photo: Contributed/Elizabeth Hess

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Fighting Illini freshman guard Erica Finney will miss the entire 2025-26 season following bilateral knee surgeries during preseason.

A 6-foot guard from Sydney, Australia, Finney joined Illinois in December 2024. She has a decorated background, helping New South Wales win national championships in 2022 and 2024, and playing for the Norths Bears in Australia’s NBL1 League.

“Unfortunately, I have had to undergo surgery, which will sideline me for the season,” Finney said. “I am extremely grateful for my teammates, coaches, and support staff who have helped me through this period, and I am excited for my journey to recovery.”

Recent Headlines

7 hours ago in Entertainment, Music

Bruce Springsteen performs at New York Public Library gala

Bruce Springsteen was among six honorees Monday night at the New York Public Library's annual "Library Lions" gala, which pays tribute to "outstanding achievements" in arts, culture, letters and scholarship.

7 hours ago in Sports

College Football Playoff opens with 1 game Dec. 19 and 3 more on Dec. 20; TV and kickoff times set

The College Football Playoff will open with one first-round game on Dec. 19 and three more on Dec. 20, CFP administrators announced Tuesday.

7 hours ago in Sports

Jets trade star cornerback Sauce Gardner to Colts in stunning deadline deal

The New York Jets pulled off a stunner by saying so long to Sauce Gardner. The star cornerback, one of the team's most popular and accomplished players, was traded to the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday for a first-round draft pick in 2026 and another in 2027, along with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, pending physicals.

14 hours ago in Sports

Brissett fills in for Murray again as Cardinals end 5-game skid with 27-17 victory over Cowboys

Jacoby Brissett had a stock answer ready for the question of whether the Arizona quarterback has done enough to be the replacement, not just the fill-in, for Kyler Murray.

14 hours ago in National, Trending

Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in US history, dies at 84

Dick Cheney, the hard-charging conservative who became one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in U.S. history and a leading advocate for the invasion of Iraq, has died at age 84.