Jamall Walker leaving for assistant job at Grand Canyon

We’re a little late on this story, but Illini assistant Jamall Walker is heading west — to a place many Illinois fans are learning more about every year.

Walker, the longest-tenured coach on Illinois’ staff, will be an assistant at Grand Canyon.

In recent years both Finke brothers chose to play for the Antelopes, where former Illinois guard Jerry Colangelo’s name bears the business school, and a team the Illini played last November in the season’s second game.

But as new GCU head coach Bryce Drew announced Wednesday, Walker will be joining his staff.

Walker joined Illinois’ staff in 2012 with John Groce, and served as interim coach during the 2017 NIT after Groce was fired.

He moved into the role of assistant to the head coach and defensive coordinator this season after Underwood hired Stephen Gentry.

Here’s Underwood’s statement on Twitter Wednesday night.

Best of luck, Coach!