Weber's focus turns to getting program on track in '08-09

INDIANAPOLIS -- For better and worse, Bruce Weber is rewriting the record books in his five years as Illinois coach.

In 2005, Weber's Illini won 37 games to set a school record -- and tie the all-time NCAA mark.

At the time, Weber talked about using the magical season as a springboard to recruiting success, more Big Ten titles, long NCAA runs and, ultimately, the school's first national championship.

Instead, just three years later, Illinois put its name back in the record books for the wrong reasons -- the most losses in its 103-year history.

The Illini's 19th and record-setting loss came Sunday in the championship of the Big Ten tournament.

Illinois eased a little of the sting with 3 wins this weekend. Not enough, though, to change what's been a trying year for Weber.

"I've got lots of calls from former players and coaching friends," Weber said. "They've told me it will make you a better coach, a better person. You've got to learn from it."

Starting guards Trent Meacham and Chester Frazier scored 7 points Sunday on 3-of-10 shooting.

Transfer Alex Legion and redshirt Jamar Smith will try to supply more firepower next year before several promising 2009 and 2010 recruits arrive.

Weber certainly doesn't want to wait that long to get the ship righted and the program setting positive records, not the one they did this year.

"It's disappointing," Weber said. "We should be waiting to see where we're going to be (in the tournament). It's a shame. It is what it is, and we have to learn from it and correct it and be back battling for a Big Ten title next year and getting back in the postseason."

Pruitt honored: Senior Shaun Pruitt and freshman Demetri McCamey made the all-tournament team, along with tournament MVP Marcus Landry and Michael Flowers from Wisconsin and Michigan State's Drew Neitzel.

Pruitt finished his career with 66 rebounds in the tournament, the third-most. His 53 points this weekend give him 1,054 career points, 39th in Illinois history.

"It's been a great opportunity," the West Aurora product said. "It's a great opportunity to get an education and play a sport I love and have fun doing it. It's been a wonderful experience getting to go places I've never been before, do a lot of things a lot of people don't get the opportunity to do."

Tournament success: Despite Sunday's loss, Illinois added to its résumé this weekend as the best Big Ten tournament team.

Illinois has the top record at 21-9. Wisconsin is next at 14-9, followed by Iowa and Ohio State at 13-9.