The defining moment of the Illini women’s basketball season wasn’t a game or a single play. There was media hype leading up to the event, but it wasn’t even focused on head coach Jolette Law’s team.

Even so, as Law walked up to the podium on the Nov. 12 signing day, her shoulders back and her head held high, something special was in the air.

Sure, most of the 50 or so reporters in attendance at the press conference were simply waiting for men’s basketball coach Bruce Weber to announce his much-hyped 2009 signing class, but Law didn’t seem to care, as she named off her impressive class, which is rated by ESPN’s Hoopgurlz as third best in women’s college basketball.

It could be equally relevant to say that the defining moment was a recruiting trip to Benton Harbor, Mich., where Law picked up McDonald’s All-American Destiny Williams, rated the No. 8 senior and No. 1 forward on HoopGurlz. A trip to Shaker Heights, Ohio, where Law picked up No. 2-rated forward Karisma Penn, could be another defining moment.

But Law’s body of work was on display for all on Nov. 12, and Ron Guenther’s hiring of the young, brash former assistant coach from Rutgers was given credence. Without this recruiting class, Law’s resume wouldn’t be pretty.

A year after leading her team to 20 wins, Law lost a majority of her lineup, including second team All-Big Ten selection Lori Bjork, who left with a year of eligibility remaining. With six newcomers, including five freshmen, making up a roster of nine, the Illini compiled a 10-21 record, including losing streaks of six and 10.

But the recruiting class, combined with the fact that Chelsea Gordon is the only player not returning, gives the Illini hope for next season. And Law may finally be able to show, in her third year, that she has the potential to come through on her vow to play in a national championship.