Illinois coach Bruce Weber said he expects freshman forward Jereme Richardson to return to school for his sophomore season.

Richmond has participated in team workouts this week after missing both of Illinois' NCAA tournament games due to an athletic department violation. His future with the team had been rumored to be in doubt.

"He's part of the program," Weber said. "If he makes the progress he's supposed to, he'll be there."

High expectations were placed on Richmond this season after having been committed to the program since his high school freshman year and being selected a McDonald's All-American last season. He showed flashes of his ability, scoring in double figures in 10 games, but also struggled at times this season.

The 6-foot-7 wing averaged 7.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 22 minutes this season.

Ohio State defeated sixth-seeded Penn State by a final of 72-60 to win the 2011 Big Ten Conference Tournament.

Jared Sullinger was named Tournament MOP.

• Click here to view RealGM’s 2011 NCAA Tournament Page.

Sam Maniscalco has asked Bradley for his release in order to transfer to Illinois, according to two sources.

If Maniscalco receives his release, graduates as planned from Bradley in May and receives NCAA approval, the point guard would immediately become eligible to play for the 11-12 season.

Maniscalco is a sports communication major at Bradley, which does not offer a graduate program in communications. Illinois has grad programs in communication and communications and media.

Illinois has just one scholarship remaining for next season and has promised it to Peoria Notre Dame’s Max Bielfeldt. Michigan remains in consideration for Bielfeldt.

Illinois will have a need at point guard upon the departure of Demetri McCamey.

“Those schools — including Illinois — will have to recruit him,” Champaign News-Gazette sportswriter Paul Klee said. “I don’t expect he or his family wants to deal with any baloney in the next program. They are probably looking for a locker room that is focused on winning, without attitudinal baggage and with a chance to play in the NCAA tournament.”

JaJuan Johnson of Purdue has won both the Coaches and Media Big Ten Player of the Year Award.

Jared Sullinger of Ohio State won both awards for Freshman of the Year.

Johnson, Sullinger, Jordan Taylor (Wisconsin) and E'Twaun Moore (Purdue) were All-Big Ten First Team selections on both lists. Jon Leuer (Wisconsin) was the fifth member by the Coaches and Talor Battle was the Media's fifth selection.

• Click here for more award information from the Big Ten.