Former Colgate Assistant Cam Crocker Leads Illinois to Final Four

Underwood's unconventional hire of Crocker as defensive coordinator has paid off for the Illini.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:21pm

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Brad Underwood's decision to hire former Colgate assistant Cam Crocker as Illinois' defensive coordinator has been a key factor in the team's surprise run to the Final Four. Crocker, who had no prior connections to the Illinois staff, has designed game plans that have propelled the Illini's defense to new heights this season.

Why it matters

Underwood's willingness to look outside his typical coaching network and take a chance on an up-and-coming assistant like Crocker has paid dividends. Crocker's defensive expertise and ability to communicate with players have been instrumental in transforming Illinois' defense and fueling their tournament success.

The details

After Tim Anderson left the Illinois staff, Underwood took his time finding a replacement, eventually landing on Cam Crocker, then an assistant at Colgate. Crocker had no prior connections to the Illinois program, but Underwood was impressed by the glowing reviews he received from Colgate head coach Matt Langel and others who had worked with Crocker. In his first season as Illinois' defensive coordinator, Crocker has implemented a new defensive strategy focused on preventing threes from the opposition's best shooters, helping the Illini reach their first Final Four since 2005.

  • In May 2025, Underwood hired Crocker as Illinois' defensive coordinator.
  • After a home loss to Nebraska in December, Crocker and the Illinois staff made adjustments to the team's defense, leading to a 12-game winning streak.
  • Illinois finished the regular season 24-8 and earned a 3-seed in the NCAA Tournament, where they advanced to the Final Four.

The players

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois men's basketball team who hired Cam Crocker as the team's defensive coordinator.

Cam Crocker

The former Colgate assistant coach who was hired by Underwood to be Illinois' defensive coordinator, helping transform the team's defense and lead them to the Final Four.

Matt Langel

The head coach of the Colgate men's basketball team, who spoke highly of Crocker's abilities as an assistant coach.

Ben Humrichous

An Illinois stretch forward who praised Crocker's ability to gain the trust of the players and help them understand the team's defensive schemes.

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What they’re saying

“'He's so thorough. He's very good at delivering a message. A lot of times, coaches have an idea of what the other team is doing, but he's very good at whittling that down into a message. It's one thing to have a brilliant mind and a great concept, but players need to execute that, and he's got a great way of communicating with young people.'”

— Matt Langel, Colgate Head Coach

“'He was somebody I could really trust early on. Because of his desire to want to be in the gym with people, wanting to be able to work on games, and helping our minds understand why we do what we do. And he's been a great asset to me, and also as a complete unit, a collective defense.'”

— Ben Humrichous, Illinois Stretch Forward

What’s next

Illinois will face UConn in the Final Four on April 5, 2026, with the winner advancing to the national championship game.

The takeaway

Underwood's unconventional hire of Cam Crocker as Illinois' defensive coordinator has paid off in a big way, as Crocker's defensive expertise and ability to connect with players have been instrumental in the team's surprise run to the Final Four. This story highlights the value of looking beyond traditional coaching networks and taking a chance on up-and-coming assistants who can bring fresh ideas and energy to a program.