The legend of Chester Frazier took on greater proportions Friday night, and that’s saying something considering that the Illinois guard did not play, as expected, in the win over Michigan.

Once everyone heard what they needed about Mike Davis’ 22-point, 10-rebound game and Calvin Brock’s defense on Manny Harris, Frazier’s name seemed to work its way into every question posed to coach Bruce Weber and the players.

An unknowing sports writer who walked into the scene would have thought these questions were about a conference MVP, a 20-point scorer, a 10-rebound guy. Some have placed that kind of value on Frazier in terms of what he brings the Illini.

Frazier had minor surgery Thursday and his hand was heavily wrapped Friday yet he wanted to play and surely would have put the hand at risk if Weber had given him the opportunity.

“He came out of the surgery fine and even asked to play tonight,” Weber said. “Obviously we weren’t going to let him. But we fully anticipate he’ll be back next week wherever we are. If anyone can play next week, it’s Chester.”

Said guard Jeff Jordan of Frazier’s request to play: “He’s serious. He’s always serious. As long as he’s on the floor he doesn’t care. He thinks he can always do something.”

Frazier’s injury woes through the last four years have been well documented, but Weber offered a couple of examples to demonstrate the types of injuries he has played through.

Two years ago in the Big Ten tournament, Frazier suffered a torn MCL in his knee and played with the injury even though, Weber said, a doctor said it would be physically impossible. Another time, Frazier played with a torn quadriceps that was so bad that you could actually put your hand into the groove in the muscle.

“If it were any other kid, I’d say we have no chance of him playing (next week),” Weber said. “But I’m telling you he asked if he could do warm-ups and try to play tonight. He’s a little out of the box sometimes. You have no idea what he’s played through. Those are just two examples because they’re the most extreme. He’s played when many others wouldn’t and practiced when many wouldn’t. If he can do it, he’ll be out there.”

Frazier pitched the idea of actually starting the game, playing briefly and then calling timeout for a substitution, just to mess with the Michigan coaching staff. But Weber didn’t want to take that risk.

Frazier did go through warmups, tossing left-handed 3-pointers and throwing passes to teammates. He went through stretching as if he planned to play. But he spent most of the game seated next to or near Weber, throwing out ideas as they came to mind.

Before the game, he talked to several players to offer advice. He visited Mike Davis in his room. He sent text messages to others.

“He’s such a leader,” guard Trent Meacham said. “But he’s still leading from the bench but being a little more vocal and bringing that intensity that he has, that passion.”

Weber said that Frazier made suggestions about substitutions or to get the ball inside to Mike Tisdale.

“He’s just another coach to listen to,” he said.

Weber seriously doubts that Frazier will play Saturday against Purdue unless the senior is able to talk his coach into it. Weber would prefer to wait until having the hand re-evaluated early next week. He said they will know more Monday or Tuesday about how Frazier is responding to the surgery.

But he seemed convinced that Frazier will contribute when the Illini open the NCAA Tournament.

“I’m not saying he’ll play 40 minutes, but I think he’ll be able to give us 10 or 15 minutes and be a factor,” Weber said. “If he can dribble and pass, he’ll play because he doesn’t shoot anyway. It doesn’t matter.”