Chambana Sun

Orlando Antigua is set to return to the University of Illinois as Associate Head Coach for the Fighting Illini Basketball team. This move is pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees at an upcoming meeting. Antigua, a veteran with 21 years in coaching, reunites with head coach Brad Underwood.

"We are beyond thrilled to welcome Orlando back to our program," Underwood stated. "The addition of him to our staff is the latest step in elevating Illinois Basketball as we continue to compete for championships."

Antigua returns after three successful seasons at Kentucky, where he contributed to a 71-30 record and three NCAA Tournament appearances. During his tenure, he managed the development of Oscar Tshiebwe, who was named National Player of the Year in 2022.

Before his time at Kentucky, Antigua spent four years at Illinois from 2017-2021. He played a key role in transforming Illinois Basketball into a national contender during this period. His efforts helped secure top recruits and develop frontcourt players who earned All-Big Ten honors.

Kofi Cockburn was one such player who excelled under Antigua's guidance, earning NCAA Consensus Second-Team All-America accolades and First-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2021.

Antigua's previous experience includes serving as head coach at South Florida and leading the Dominican Republic men's national team from 2013-15. He also worked alongside John Calipari at Memphis and Kentucky, helping assemble five consecutive No. 1-ranked recruiting classes.

A former player himself, Antigua captained Pittsburgh's basketball team and later became the first Latin American player for the Harlem Globetrotters.

Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City, Antigua is fluent in Spanish and has two children with his wife Dana.