Bruce Weber has stressed to guard Alex Legion that the first shot he attempts in a game should be something inside the 3-point arc, a high-percentage shot that might boost his confidence and ignite something bigger.

Legion couldn’t have asked for anything better than the open layup that materialized in the first half against Michigan State. But when the ball rolled off the rim into the hands of a Michigan State rebounder, there was a sense that Legion’s day would be short.

“I just felt bad for him, and not only him but for us because we needed a basket,” Weber said. “But for him, he’s trying to find something to build with confidence-wise. … We still haven’t given up on him, and we’re hoping he’ll break out of it down the stretch and really help us.”

We’ve been hearing those same sentiments for awhile. Legion’s lack of effectiveness is part of a bigger problem the Illini are having with their bench. Weber said one of the major areas of emphasis for the rest of the season is finding a way to make the reserves more productive.

But, he added, Legion and others have to earn their chances in practice.

The transfer from Kentucky has played in 18 games since becoming eligible on Dec. 20. He was inconsistent but showed flashes of his much-discussed offensive ability in the first eight games. He was a major contributor with 12 points in the Big Ten-opening win at Purdue. He scored 10 at Michigan. And he helped keep the Illini close at Michigan State with 15 points and three 3-pointers.

Since that game at East Lansing on Jan. 17, Legion has made 7 of 34 shots (20.6 percent) and 2 of 19 3-pointers (10.5 percent). He has averaged 1.8 points.

In the two games previous to Michigan State, Legion did not play against Ohio State and saw one minute at the end of the win over Minnesota for his free-throw shooting ability. Weber gave him a chance early in the first half against the Spartans. The missed layup was followed by a missed short jumper, and after three minutes Legion never returned to the game.

“He’s gotten frustrated and lost a little confidence,” Weber said. “Just normal things when it doesn’t go as good as you want. We wish we could fast forward to next year and start over, but I tell him make the most of it now. He can help and get his confidence but has to do it in practice. I hope he comes back with a good attitude and keeps working. He went through a little period of feeling sorry for himself and he’s through that.”