Illinois basketball news: Colgate assistant Camryn Crocker to join Underwood’s staff

Illinois basketball has reportedly added a new assistant coach to its staff. Per Derek Piper of Illini Inquirer, Colgate assistant, Camryn Crocker, is expected to replace former assistant Tim Anderson as an assistant coach.  Last year, Anderson took a leave of absence from the Illinois basketball program. Afterward, Kwa Jones, previously the Director of Recruiting and Scouting, was temporarily promoted to assistant coach for the 2024–25 season during Anderson’s absence.

Crocker is a former player at the University of Pennsylvania. He began his coaching career at the high school level before rising through the collegiate ranks. He most recently spent three seasons at Colgate, a Patriot League school that makes the NCAA tournament rather often.

While at Colgate, he was recognized as one of the top 100 rising stars among mid-major assistant coaches by Silver Waves Media in both 2023 and 2024.

Prior to his time in Champaign…

Before his time at Colgate, Crocker served as the Director of Player Development at Stanford for three seasons. While in Palo Alto, he contributed to a 20-win campaign and helped advance the program’s overall player development efforts. At Stanford, pro basketball players such as Ziaire Williams and Harrison Ingram have come through and worked with Crocker.

The former team captain at Penn has demonstrated consistent success in player development dating back to his time as a high school coach and on the EYBL circuit with “The Truth,” where he produced numerous Division I players.

Brad Underwood has made a significant addition to his staff with the hiring of Crocker. He brings proven success as an assistant coach and a strong developmental background to the Illini. With some continuity heading into the 2025 season, it will be interesting to see how Illinois basketball evolves from and x’s and O’s standpoint.

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