John Groce Fired

#27      

gibb52

G
gibb52
frozenrope9190 said:
And there it is. I sincerely hope that people aren't rejoicing, even if it is agreed it was the right decision.
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I am rejoicing for the future of Illini basketball, and taking no pleasure in the demise of John Groce. How's that for balance?
 
#28      

Umit9

Umit9
Umit9
Thank you John Groce for you're efforts as the head of the program. Best of luck to you in the future.

Go Illini
 
#29      

frozenrope9190

frozenrope9190
Aurora, IL
frozenrope9190
Ubermensch said:
It's basketball.

Basketball.
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It's jobs, careers and futures. Jobs, careers and futures. Basketball is just the product. I'm not in mourning here. But I do acknowledge he was a class guy who worked his !!! off to make this program better, and he just didn't get the results. Rejoicing has the feeling of dancing on someone's grave. You are allowed to feel differently.
 
#30      

Trakis

Trakis
Chicago, IL
Trakis
Wow. Kind of shocked it happened today and not Monday.

Regardless, it just didn't pan out with Groce. Honestly with the guy the best.
 
#31      

cam

C
cam
frozenrope9190 said:
You can rejoice all you want, I was just hoping no one would. Not about the money. A class guy who loves the Illini just got canned, it should be a moment of reflection, disappointment that it didn't work out and hopefulness for the future. But I'm certainly not dictating what people should feel.
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I watch every game, bleed orange and blue. I am really torn im sad but hopeful for the new coach
 
#33      

OldGreg

O
OldGreg
Trakis said:
Wow. Kind of shocked it happened today and not Monday.

Regardless, it just didn't pan out with Groce. Honestly with the guy the best.
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Whitman already has shown he will take swift and measured action with Lovie and the hiring of a new volleyball coach. I would never doubt the man again in that regard
 
#34      

Roundball Shaman

R
Roundball Shaman
The Journey Begins

At the final horn of Michigan's victory over Minnesota this afternoon, Jim Nantz said, "Michigan continues this incredible journey!" And now in a different way, so do the lllini. Thank you Mr. Whitman for doing what needed to be done. Thank you Mr. Groce for your efforts over the years. It just wasn't meant to be for you with the Illini. Thank you Seniors and have a great life. Now, let's get a WOW hire for Illini head coach and take our place among the best in college basketball. The time is NOW and the place is the original home of MARCH MADNESS!
 
#36      

ShellbackMB

S
ShellbackMB
Can Walker coach our First Four NCAA tournament game? Thought he was suspended still from the Miami game. Obviously, this scenario won't unfold....but I suppose there is a remote chance
 
#37      

TownieMatt

T
CU Expat
Chicago
TownieMatt
All the best to Groce and his family. They have been great members of the Illini community. He and his staff worked tirelessly to make Illinois better. It didn't work out. That's life. We move on.
 
#39      

TMC999

TMC999
Not Iowa
TMC999
Nothing but the best for a great man of integrity. I'd send my kids to play for someone like that. Unfortunately it just didn't happen as we all hoped in Chambana. Best wishes & thanks for doing things the right way.
 
#41      

Chipatsj23h

Chipatsj23h
Chipatsj23h
Nothing but respect for Groce. Sure it didnt work out but he is a class act. He did things the right way and truly cared. Tough when it doesnt work out for good guys, wish him nothing but the best!!
 
#42      

mhuml32

mhuml32
Cincinnati, OH
mhuml32
Tom Crean just had a press release saying he's not interested in the job.
 
#43      

whovous

W
Washington, DC
whovous
I feel bad for Coach Groce. He is a class act.

I am also glad this is over. I haven't enjoyed seeing him twisting slowly in the wind for so long.
 
#44      

dweebs19

dweebs19
dweebs19
I hate that this had to happen to a nice guy, but he wasn't winning. I wish him the best in the future except when recruiting/playing against Illinois.
 
#46      

Ubermensch

Ubermensch
BOOM! Feed my ego.
Ubermensch
This is a great day for University of Illinois basketball. Get ready for exciting basketball again. I'm pumped up for the first time in a few years.
 
#47      

SalukiIllini

S
Evansville, IN
SalukiIllini
frozenrope9190 said:
You can rejoice all you want, I was just hoping no one would. Not about the money. A class guy who loves the Illini just got canned, it should be a moment of reflection, disappointment that it didn't work out and hopefulness for the future. But I'm certainly not dictating what people should feel.
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He was definitely a huge ambassador for the university.
 
#48      

illini8507

illini8507
illini8507
Talktalktalk said:
Now just wait on the Monty Williams news.
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Sources: Illinois willing to make Monty Williams one of NCAA’s top paid coaches, but he'll pass. He’s focused on prompt NBA coaching return.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) March 11, 2017