Illinois Michigan Basketball

Illinois assistant coach Orlando Antigua talks with Trent Frazier (1) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., Tuesday, March 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

 Paul Sancya

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — Orlando Antigua is returning to Illinois Basketball after spending three seasons at Kentucky.

Illinois Athletics announced that Antigua would be taking the associate head coach job, pending approval by the University Board of Trustees.

Antigua has spent 21 years in coaching and is regarded as one of the nation's top recruiters. He was head coach Brad Underwood's first hire in Champaign in 2017.

"We are beyond thrilled to welcome Orlando back to our program," Underwood said. "The addition of him to our staff is the latest step in elevating Illinois Basketball as we continue to compete for championships. Orlando is held in the highest regard in our profession and someone I have tremendous trust in. Coaching, recruiting, player development, player relationships; he is the complete package. Orlando helped us win a lot of games and cut down nets the last time around, something he has done throughout his career. We aspire to do more of that together in Champaign in the years ahead."

Antigua played at Pittsburgh from 1991-95 and served as two-time team captain.

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