CHAMPAIGN -- Illini assistant Jamall Walker has reached an agreement to be retained by new head coach Brad Underwood following his role as interim head coach -- a source confirmed to IlliniInquirer.com on Thursday.

Walker played a crucial role in recruiting five-star big man signee Jeremiah Tilmon in the 2017 class. He has also been the lead recruiter for Mr. Basketball winner Mark Smith.



Why join?

Walker travelled with Underwood to Belleville on Thursday afternoon to visit three-star 2017 signee Javon Pickett. He will accompany Underwood to East St. Louis on Friday to meet with Tilmon and his mom.

According to sources, Walker was pursued by Missouri and a few other programs to be an assistant coach. But Illinois was able to keep him in Champaign, which is huge news for the program going forward.

Walker led the Illini to a 2-1 record in the NIT following the firing of John Groce.

Stay tuned to IlliniInquirer.com as this story develops.