Jerrance Howard tries to keep Illini basketball program together

"You're emotional and sensitive, then mad and angry," Howard said of how a player reacts to a coaching change. "The third emotion is realizing this is a business, then you start the process of trying to get over it. You do that by working on your game and going to class."

Howard went to Weber for advice over the last few days.

"He's been great," Howard said. "We talk three or four times a day, texts or talking at night. He cares about the kids. That's coach. He got into this business to help kids."

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