CHAMPAIGN, ILL.-University of Illinois head coach Bruce Weber announced Tuesday that former Fighting Illini standout Chester Frazier has joined the UI staff. Frazier, an Illini point guard from 2006-09, will serve as graduate assistant/video coordinator. He is enrolled in the university's master's degree program in educational policy studies.

 

"We are excited to have Chester back on campus and part of our staff," Weber said. "Chester had success in Germany last season and had the opportunity to return to Europe to continue his professional career. But his goal is to one day become a college coach and he has decided to begin pursuing that dream now. While he cannot coach in this position, he will gain valuable experience in every other aspect of the business that will prepare him to become a coach down the road.

 

"Chester has a great basketball mind and tremendous passion for our program and university. He also is well respected by our current players and with his strong leadership skills, he will no doubt serve as a motivating and positive influence on them."

 

Frazier was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection and team MVP as a senior in 2009. He led the Big Ten with an average of 5.3 assists and owned a 2.4 assist-to-turnover ratio. Frazier averaged 5.7 points and was one of the best rebounding point guards nationally, averaging 4.8 per game. Known for his toughness and strength as a defender, Frazier played in 125 career games, starting 88. A two-time team captain, he ranks seventh all-time at Illinois with 484 assists and logged 3,566 minutes, the ninth-highest total in school history.

 

Frazier earned a bachelor's degree in recreation management in May 2009.

Champaign, Ill.-ESPN announced on Wednesday its 2011 Super Tuesday Presented by KFC lineup of doubleheaders featuring the Big Ten and SEC. The Fighting Illini have been chosen for three of the eight Tuesday night broadcasts this season. Illinois makes its first appearance on Jan. 18, hosting Michigan State at 6 pm. The Illini also are featured in a pair of road contests, at Ohio State on Feb. 22 at 6 pm and at Purdue on March 1 at 6 pm.

 

2011 ESPN Super Tuesday Schedule (all times listed are Central)

Jan. 11            Wisconsin at Michigan State, 6 pm            Florida at Tennessee, 8 pm

Jan. 18            Michigan State at Illinois, 6 pm            Kentucky at Alabama, 8 pm

Jan. 25            Florida at Georgia, 6 pm            Purdue at Ohio State, 8 pm

Feb. 1            Purdue at Wisconsin, 6 pm            Vanderbilt at Florida, 8 pm

Feb. 8            Indiana at Purdue, 6 pm            Tennessee at Kentucky, 8 pm

Feb. 15            Mississippi State at Kentucky, 6 pm            Michigan State at Ohio State, 8 pm

Feb. 22            Illinois at Ohio State, 6 pm            Tennessee at Vanderbilt, 8 pm

March 1            Illinois at Purdue, 6 pm            Vanderbilt at Kentucky, 8 pm

Champaign, Ill.--Illinois men's basketball season ticket renewals and new season ticket sales are underway. In addition, the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced Monday a new non-conference mini-pack ticket offering. Mini-packs also are currently on sale and cover all 10 events prior to Big Ten play, including the highly anticipated matchups with North Carolina and Southern Illinois.

 

"We are excited about the challenging home schedule we will play this season," Illinois head coach Bruce Weber said. "We've always had tremendous support from our fans and are carrying a sellout streak into the upcoming season. The offers we've created should make it a tough ticket again this year."