Chester Frazier looks to make impact on Illini even though he can't coach

Frazier felt some guilt after watching the Illini struggle last season and fail to reach the NCAA tournament. He often stayed up and watched Illinois games on TV from his German apartment, and Frazier talked once a week with Weber. Frazier already contributed this summer around the players, before he assumed the position. Freshman Jereme Richmond said Frazier drove him to morning class.

"I told coach that I wish I would have stayed," Frazier said. "I got to stay in their ear right now, talk to a few of them and see where their mindset is, alter some of their attitudes in the way they approach the game and the preparation for the game."

Supinie