A lot of people are affected when a high major basketball program fires a head coach as tenured as Bruce Weber, and Illinois will be no exception. ESPN Chicago's Scott Powers tracked down a few of Illinois' incoming recruits and asked them how they felt about Weber's dismissal and if they're still planning to attend Illinois.
Guard Jalen James said he was dismayed about Illinois' decision to can Weber, and that he'll wait to see who the Illini hire next before he makes any decisions about his future:
"I'm kind of disappointed," said James, who attends LaLumiere in Indiana. "I really had a good relationship with [Weber.] I didn't really see it coming. They said everything happens for a reason. I can't control it. I can only control what I can. He's gone. It's probably what's best for Illinois. They had to do what they do."
James also said he wasn't sure about his future at Illinois.
"I haven't really sat down and put any deep thoughts into the situation," James said. "The time will come. We'll just see how it plays out there. I'm just focusing on school and basketball right now.
Another incoming recruit, Michael Orris, Illinois' lone Class of 2012 signee, said he still plans on being a member of the Illini:
"I'm still going to the University of Illinois," said Orris, who attends Crete-Monee in Illinois. "I'm a coach's player. That's the bottom line. I fit well. I fit well with every coach there is. Maybe there's a coach who doesn't like my game. I don't know.
"Hopefully, the next coach will like my personality, like my game and move from there and create a relationship."
For more on this story, stay with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Illini check out Hail to the Orange. For more news and notes around the country, stick with SB Nation's college basketball news hub.