Former Illini basketball player Dee Brown is now a full-time special assistant to University of Illinois Athletic Director Mike Thomas.

Thomas made the announcement on Tuesday evening. Earlier this year the school said Brown was taking the position for the summer before he planned to play basketball internationally for one final pro season.

Brown was a key player on the 2004-2005 team that lost the national title game. As a pro he has played in the NBA as well as Israel, Turkey and other countries.

Brown will help with recruiting, fundraising and outreach efforts and be a mentor for student-athletes.

Brown says he decided to stop playing basketball so that he could be closer to his family.