Dee Brown is returning to Illinois.

The University announced Wednesday that Brown would be named Special Assistant to the Director of Athletics.

“Dee will make our student-athletes and all of our teams and programs better on many fronts,” Mike Thomas said in a press release. “It’s a great day for Illinois Athletics.”

Brown was offered positions with the athletic department as early as last year, but declined to continue his playing career overseas.

He will start working for the athletic department on July 1 and stay until he has to travel overseas. Brown will assist in talking to local businesses and donors as well as representing Athletic Director Mike Thomas at events.

Brown was part of the 2004-05 Illini basketball team that were national runner-ups.

One of the most decorated Illinois basketball players of all time, he was named an All-American twice, Big Ten Player of the Year in 2005 and won the Bob Cousey award for the best point guard in college basketball in 2006.

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