John Groce named Illinois basketball coach

New Illinois basketball coach John Groce


Illinois AD Mike Thomas



University of Illinois Director of Athletics Mike Thomas announced Thursday that John Groce has been named the 17th Fighting Illini men's basketball coach.

"I am extremely pleased to introduce John Groce as our men's basketball coach," Thomas said. "It became very clear during the process that John is a terrific fit at the University of Illinois. He has won at a high level wherever he has coached and he has some great mentors. His Ohio team made a great run to the Sweet 16 during the current NCAA Tournament, taking a No. 1 seed into overtime in their final game last Friday. John has recruited and coached at the highest level, and I have no doubt he will be an outstanding leader for the young men in our basketball program."

Groce (pronounced Gross) comes to Illinois after four seasons as head coach at Ohio University, where he led the Bobcats to an 85-56 overall record as well as Mid-American Conference Tournament titles and NCAA Tournament appearances in 2010 and 2012.

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