May 18--Dee Brown, the former Illinois basketball star who led the Illini to their last Final Four appearance in 2005, is returning to the program as the director of player development and alumni relations, the athletic department announced Wednesday.
Brown, 31, spent the last year as a special assistant to the athletic director. In his new role on coach John Groce's staff, Brown will coordinate student-athletes' community-service participation and provide off-the-court guidance to players during their college careers and beyond. He also will aid in on-campus recruiting activities, represent the program at public and alumni events and lead the program's alumni relations.
"I am so excited to begin this next chapter in my career," Brown said in a statement. "I thought my love for this university couldn't exceed what it was when I played here, but my experience over this last year has only strengthened it. I believe in the vision that Coach Groce has for our program, and my role will be to help our players become the best they can be, on the basketball court and in all facets of life."
Brown, a Maywood native who played Proviso East, led Illinois to the national championship game as a junior in 2005; it lost to North Carolina in the title game. He was named first-team All-American, Big Ten player of the year and defensive player of the year.
"He stands as one of the greatest to ever play here, but anyone who knows Dee knows that he does not rest upon past accomplishments," Groce said in a statement. "He has a tremendous future in the coaching profession and we are thrilled to welcome him to our staff as we work collectively in building a championship program."
