Austin Weber ceased counting when he got to six family members who would be at Monday’s Quincy-Illinois basketball game.

He realized there were just too many to account for.

“Quite a few Webers to say the least,” Austin said while laughing.

The Weber clan will be out in full force Monday when Austin, a redshirt freshman who starts at guard for Division II Quincy, squares off against his uncle and Illinois coach Bruce Weber in an exhibition game at Assembly Hall in Champaign.

For Austin, it’s a dream and nightmare matchup.

On the one hand, it’s Illinois, a team he worshiped during its 2005 Final Four run and continues to be a huge fan of now. On the other, it’s Illinois, a team he must for one night try to defeat. Plus, there’s that Uncle Bruce factor.

“I don’t really think it’s sunk in at the moment,” Austin said. “It’s an awesome experience, but it’s also a tough experience. Growing up, I’ve been in those stands cheering for Illinois, hoping they’re going to do well. I can’t cheer. And, it’s my uncle.

“It’s just going to be a great family experience. I can’t wait. It’s something you live for in college basketball.”

David Weber, Austin’s father and Bruce’s brother, faced a dilemma because of Monday’s game. As Glenbrook North’s varsity basketball coach, David had to decide whether to coach his team on the first day of practice or witness some family history.

David put family first.

“This may never happen again,” David said. “It’s a real special situation for us. For Austin to be able to do that, playing Illinois is big, but then having his uncle be the coach ... He’s probably one of the biggest Illini fans. When I need information about Illinois, I go to him.”

After averaging 16 points, six rebounds and five assists at Glenbrook North as a senior, Austin proved to himself he had the talent to walk on at Illinois, but he and his father realized it wouldn’t be fair to him or his uncle.

“Of course in my mind, especially with the year I had, I thought I could walk on on there,” said Austin, a versatile 6-foot-6 guard. “I never really considered it or pursued it. I didn’t want that constant pressure all on your shoulders. I like the decision I made. I’m happy with it.”

Bruce and his Illinois staff have been joking with Austin since he committed to Quincy. At a Weber family wedding two summers ago, Illinois coach Jay Price told Austin that the Illini were planning their defense around stopping him. At a family reunion this past summer, Bruce gave Austin an Illinois t-shirt and told him to wear it during warmups.

“We’re box-and-1-ing him, and he’s not scoring,” Bruce joked during a recent press conference. “I promise you that.”

Austin’s expectations for Monday are simple.

“Just go out there and compete, hit a couple shots, just play hard and take it all in,” Austin said. “I have the opportunity to play at the place I love, and I grew up watching Illinois and now for me to play against them, my main goal is to compete.”