John Groce hits road to answer skeptics

"I didn't read those newspapers, especially during that deal," Groce said of the coaching search that brought him from Ohio University to the Illini. "My whole focus was on getting to know the people involved in the process. Did I believe in them, the opportunity at the University of Illinois and what's best for my family?

"You'll hear me say all the time, 'Control the controllables.' If we get caught up in the officiating, our shots going in, expectations and newspaper articles, you're not going to be very successful."

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