Bruce Weber on Jereme Richmond

"I could just wish the best for him. I want him to be successful and I hope you do," Weber said. "He made a commitment to us and maybe had some ups and down but he was part of our program and he would've been nice to have him back but I just can't say enough for our wishes for him to have a great future for many years to come."

Weber said he has been in contact with Richmond's mother, Kimberlee, as recent as Friday to discuss Richmond's decision and help the family as they weigh options in hiring an agent.

"He had it in his mind that he needed to leave," Weber said. "That's his mindset. The big thing I've encouraged the parents now is get an agent, get in the gym. If you're going to make the move, you have to be ready for it."

Chris Hine