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U of I women’s basketball picks up key transfer in LSU’s Divine Bourrage

U of I women’s basketball picks up key transfer in LSU’s Divine Bourrage

Photo: Associated Press


CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — The University of Illinois women’s basketball program has added a high-profile transfer to its roster ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Head coach Shauna Green announced Tuesday the signing of Divine Bourrage, a sophomore transfer from LSU. Bourrage, a 5-foot-11 guard from Davenport, Iowa, has signed a Big Ten Athletics Aid Agreement with the university.

Bourrage arrives in Champaign with considerable pedigree. She was ranked among the top 12 players in the Class of 2025 by every major recruiting service, including No. 7 by both On3 and 247Sports. During her prep career at Davenport North High School in Davenport, Iowa, she became the first player in school history to earn a Gatorade Player of the Year award and was a three-time IGCA Class 5A All-State selection.

At LSU, Bourrage appeared in 24 games as a freshman, averaging 2.1 points and 1.7 rebounds in nearly 10 minutes per game. The Tigers finished 29-6 and advanced to the Sweet 16 for the fourth consecutive season.

Bourrage becomes the third five-star recruit on Illinois’ roster, joining Berry Wallace and Destiny Jackson. She is also the first Iowa native Green has coached as a head coach.

Green expressed enthusiasm about landing a player she had previously recruited out of high school.

“I am thrilled to have Divine join our family,” Green said. “Her length, ability to score at all three levels, and her ability to defend and play multiple positions will help us tremendously.”

Bourrage cited family proximity and resources as factors in her decision.

“I chose Illinois because I want to grow as a player and have the chance to compete in front of my family,” she said. “From a great relationship with the staff to mental health resources and an elite training facility, Illinois is the best place for me.”

Bourrage joins an Illini squad coming off a 22-12 season that included the program’s second consecutive NCAA Tournament victory.

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