Top Illini assistant known for recruiting staying put

CHAMPAIGN -- An Illinois assistant basketball coach given credit for improving the school's Chicago recruiting is staying put in spite of reported interest from Kentucky.

Third-year coach Jerrance Howard said Thursday he's staying in Champaign, though the details of a new contract that will give him a raise have not yet been finalized.

University of Illinois Athletic Director Ron Guenther says a contract probably won't be finalized for five to 10 more days.

Howard signed a new deal about a year ago that pays him $180,000 a year.

Howard is a former Illinois player and Peoria native. He's widely credited for improving Illinois' recruiting in Chicago.

The University of Kentucky reportedly contacted Howard last week about hiring him.