Former Illinois coach Bruce Weber took out a full-page ad in the Champaign News Gazette on Sunday to thank Illini Nation. The ad reads: “Thanks to everyone in the Illini Nation for a memorable nine years.” It goes on to say: “Go Illini! & Go Cats! Coach Bruce Weber.” The ad features the Illinois and Kansas State logos, separated by a basketball that houses Weber’s aforementioned message. Weber was fired March 9 (story), one day after the Illini were eliminated from the Big Ten tournament, and hired at Kansas State on March 31 (story).

What has been speculated for weeks became reality today when Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas announced the firing of Bruce Weber. Thomas wasted no time turning the page on the Weber era, letting him go a day after the Fighting Illini lost to Iowa in the first round of the Big Ten tourney. Illinois is 17-15 (6-12 Big Ten) still could receive an NIT bid. If that happens, an assistant figures to serve as interim coach.

Say what you want about Illinois coach Bruce Weber. Debate his in-game strategy, complain about his inability to land the mega recruit, lament his seemingly kid-glove treatment of players. All legit beefs. But no one can argue with Weber’s sincerity and honesty.

Prior to Tuesday night’s Big Ten opener at Assembly Hall, Illinois coach Bruce Weber allowed BTN cameras inside the Illini locker room for his pregame speech. The behind-the-scenes access resulted in some terrific footage. Watch Weber’s motivational words moments before Illinois took the court against Minnesota in the first Big Ten game of the season. As for the game, the Illini topped the Gophers in double overtime.