Former Illinois Basketball Assistant Back In The Big Ten

Former Illinois Basketball Assistant Back In The Big Ten

Former John Groce and Brad Underwood assistant Jamall Walker has made his way back to the Big Ten. According to a post (below) on the team’s “X” page, Ohio State has plucked the former Illinois Basketball assistant. Walker spent the past three seasons as an assistant at Grand Canyon University for Bryce Drew. Helping to lead the lopes’ to 3 consecutive WAC tournament championships.  Furthermore, assisting GCU to 3 appearances in the NCAA tournament. Jamall spent 8 seasons in Champaign as assistant to the head coach for Underwood and Groce, as well as Defensive coordinator. Dating back to his hire in April of 2012. Of course, helping develop the Illini program through some tough times, as Illinois only made one NCAA tournament (2013) in his Illinois tenure. Walker was a very well-liked and respected coach in Champaign and will be a great fit back in the Big Ten.

A press release from Ohio State to address the hiring discussed his time at Illinois. “Prior to GCU, Walker was a member of the staff at Illinois, where he spent eight seasons under head coaches John Groce and Brad Underwood. During the transition from Groce to Underwood, Walker served as the Illini interim head coach for the 2017 National Invitation Tournament, picking up a pair of wins on the home floor over Valparaiso and Boise State to advance to the quarterfinals.”

Welcome to Buckeye Nation @JamallWalker‼️@JakeDiebler has announced the addition of Jamall Walker to the coaching staff as Assistant Coach. Walker comes to Columbus after spending four seasons on Bryce Drew’s staff at Grand Canyon.

Read More: https://t.co/JsdCmn3Fn6 pic.twitter.com/jE0kBaUYXW

— Ohio State Hoops 🌰 (@OhioStateHoops) April 10, 2024

Quote From Jake Diebler

Former Buckeyes Interim, made new head coach Jake Diebler boasted about Jamall in his hiring press release.

“I could not be more happy to welcome Jamall and his family to the Ohio State basketball family. Jamall’s recruiting success, his experience in the Big Ten as well as working with a coach like Bryce Drew were all really important intangibles that I was looking for when filling out a staff. He’s got a great defensive mind and a tremendous ability to connect with players. He’s going to be a great asset for our program.

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