Thought the same thing about Groce not mentioning Whitman once. He essentially said he respected him and that's about it.
Meh, I thought they both handled it very well. Groce just got fired, he was respectful and complimentary of the players, program, and school. He said he respected the decision and Whitman. He just got fired, obviously a very tough time for him and his family, no whining whatsoever, took full responsibility. But it is hard for him to be happy and keep on thanking Whitman, it was emotional for him, a life changing decision. Not an easy decision for Whitman either, but much easier to keep on thanking Groce than vice versa.
On to a new era of Illini basketball!