4-star Canadian forward commits to Illinois Fighting Illini's 2025 recruiting class

The Illinois Fighting Illini have reached out across the northern border to get the commitment of Canadian recruit Cearah "Cece" Parchment. She is a 6-foot-3 power forward from Fort Erie International Academy and ranked as the No. 46 recruit for the class of 2025 by 247Sports. She is also the No. 1 ranked player in Ontario, Canada.

The Canadian chose the Illinois Fighting Illini over Maryland, Minnesota and Michigan. She spoke with 247Sports as to why she chose Illinois.

"I just feel like they're really building something special there," she said. "There's going to be a lot of seniors graduating, so there'll be a lot of room for me to make a big impact. They're building something really special and I'll be able to flow right into it."

She also noted that Illinois has been there for her since the recruiting process began and felt that coach Shauna Green and her staff are "building something really special there."

"They’re going to have a lot of seniors graduating this year, so there’s gonna be a lot of chances to build a winning program. I think I want to be able to be put in that environment where we just kind of have to build up. I think I can just have an immediate impact when I go," she added.

Cece Parchment talks about Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Shauna Green

Illinois Fighting Illini coach Shauna Green was active in recruiting Parchment and was consistent in trying to get her commitment. Green built a relationship with the Canadian forward and this impacted Parchment's final decision.

"Shauna Green is a really great coach," Parchment told 247Sports. "She's been there early in my recruitment process and showed that she believes in me and will put in the time and effort into me. I'm really excited to play under her."

Parchment noted that Green explained to her how she could best use her versatility and play well on the inside or outside. Green would also let her play other positions while on the floor, including the three, four and five.

The Canadian has been described as a "consistent threat" who could not just defend and rebound the ball but also shoot a corner 3 and play off the screen with a deadly jumper. She is most effective when working with good guards who can create clean shots for her.

Parchment will get that chance as she will be playing with fellow Illinois Fighting Illini recruit Destiny Jackson, a five-star guard who committed to Coach Green's program last September.