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Illinois basketball adds to the team, and it isn’t in the transfer portal

The Illinois basketball program had a spot to fill, and Brad Underwood went out and landed a great option.
ByRees Woodcock|
Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

While the last few offseason have been about Illinois basketball landing transfer portal talent, it is also about developing the right coaching staff.

Sure, making a big splash in the transfer portal is always fun. The Illini can then add to what should be an already talented team. But sometimes the additions to the team come in the form of coaches.

Back in October 2024, Illinois’ coaching staff went through an unexpected shakeup. Longtime coach Tim Anderson took an indefinite leave of absence, leaving the Illini with a big hole in the coaching staff. In the wake of that decision, Illinois had to find a replacement for Anderson.

After the season concluded, Brad Underwood went to work. In the transfer portal, Illinois was able to land some huge players who will help the team. On Thursday, Underwood announced that the coaching staff is now whole.

The men’s Illinois basketball social media account announced that the Illini had hired Camryn Crocker as an assistant coach.

Crocker came up as a player for Penn, where he averaged 1.5 points, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 rebounds per game. His playing days led him into coaching, where he spent the last three seasons of his long coaching resume with Colgate.

With the Raiders, Crocker made the NCAA tournament twice and helped his program to multiple 25+ win seasons. Now, he brings that experience to Champaign.

Illinois could always use more help with development of the guard position

Throughout the Underwood era, Illinois has had good assistant coaching. We had Chester Frazier for a few years, and he was able to help with some good guard development, especially on the defensive end of the court.

Illinois was in need of another coach who can bring guard talent along. Crocker fits that bill. He should be able to give a few pointers to veterans like Kylan Boswell, but then he can really develop the young guards who are coming into the program, like Brandon Lee and Keaton Wagler.

This is a good hire by Underwood. We needed more developmental coaches on the staff. It is also a good time for the hiring, as he can get his feet underneath him before the 2025-26 season heats up.

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