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.