With Brock, future up to him

CHAMPAIGN — With a roster that endured a blow to the gut with Jamar Smith’s dismissal, Illinois figures to enter next season looking for all of its players to shoulder a heavier load.

And Bruce Weber said Calvin Brock could play an important role as the Illini retool their lineup. But after a shaky offseason, Brock will have to show a greater commitment to ensure a roster spot and playing time, the coach said.

“He’s got to decide if it’s important to him,” Weber said. “He graduated (with a bachelor’s degree in May). But somewhere along the line he’s got to figure it out.”

An often-bumpy relationship between Brock and the coaching staff hardly smoothed over in the offseason. At one point, Brock’s locker at the team’s practice facility was cleaned out. A verbal confrontation with a teammate during a team meeting added to the drama.

Weber confirmed that Brock is still on the team. Even so, the coach acknowledged there was “some doubt, definitely” whether Brock would be allowed to return for what would be a fifth season at Illinois, sending another message the staff expects more from the 6-foot-5 swingman.

Pressed on whether Brock’s return remains in question, Weber said Thursday, “I think it’s always in question. If Calvin doesn’t take care of business on a daily basis, it’s in question. I think that’s true with anyone. But with Calvin, it’s probably more true. It’s up to him.”

Fall semester classes at the UI start Monday, and all of the players had not returned to campus as of Thursday. Weber said one of the players told him Brock returned to campus Wednesday. Attempts by The News-Gazette to reach Brock by phone were unsuccessful.

“I talk to him all the time (about what is expected),” Weber said. “He’s been an up-and down kid the whole time. A lot of kids are like that until they figure it out. We’ll see what happens.”

Brock said earlier this month he planned on playing his final season, though he admitted there was some uncertainty.

He said there were academic issues that will prevent him from being admitted into graduate school. But Weber said the plan is for Brock to pursue a second major, in which case he still would be eligible to play basketball.

“It (a second degree) could help him down the road,” Weber said. “It could help him with networking, with getting a job. That’s what he’s got to decide, if that’s what he wants. This isn’t a bad deal when you think about it.”

Weber indicated it was the coaches’ decision — not Brock’s — to empty the player’s locker at one point in the offseason. He added that it is a motivational approach the staff has used with other players in the past.

Brock averaged 7.4 points and 3.7 rebounds last season. The Chicago Simeon product is a gifted athlete who can play up to three positions and has the ability to contend for a starting role as a senior, particularly since Smith’s dismissal three weeks ago left a void in the backcourt.

“He’s (Brock) a question mark. He teases you. He gives you some excitement,” Weber said. “And I’ve said since the beginning, since he’s been in school, (he needs to be) consistent in life, consistent in school, consistent in basketball. That’s what he has not been.”

Brock is one of three seniors on the Illinois roster, alongside Chester Frazier and Trent Meacham. Weber always has  placed a greater responsibility on his seniors, and he indicated that much will be emphasized with Brock.

“In our situation, you have some seniors (Brock, Frazier, Meacham) that have had decent careers and good moments, now can they go out on a high note?” Weber said. “We need our seniors to have their best years.”

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