Michael Orris and Mike LaTulip hope to play for Groce

"I intend to be at Illinois next season," Orris said. "But you still got to talk to the coach, feel around and that sort of thing. I would like to talk to him and my parents. I would just like to get to know him and build a relationship like you do any coach with the recruiting process."

LaTulip is also optimistic, but he understands his situation can change having been offered a walk-on spot by former Illinois coach Bruce Weber.

"I obviously committed to Illinois and coach Weber's now gone," LaTulip said. "It's a lot different, but at the same time I want to see what coach Groce is all about. If I like what he has to say and their plan for me, I'll be there next year."

Scott Powers