IlliniOX08
- Bucktown, Chicago
It surprises me that we are arguing the merits of a 9-8 team. I haven't looked, but when was the last time Illinois was 9-8? I don't remember any year where we were that bad - because normally we don't lose more than 2 or 3 in the noncon season.
We're in year 4 of the JG regime, we're 9-8 17 games into the season, and are likely headed for a "no tourney" year this year. After going to the NIT the last two years. I love his passion and energy, but this is just not where any of us expected to be this far down the JG road.
As for the Purdue game, which was fun and lifted our spirits, I think all it shows is what happens when a jump shooting team is hitting its jumpers. Maybe it was the influence of Lou Henson bobble head day?
Part of me agrees with you completely - I really thought JG would have the program on the rise. The results don't look good but lets not forget that after Dee, Deron and Augie left Weber had a couple of overachieving teams and a couple of real bombs (2007-2008 and 2011-2012) come to mind.
The difference with this team compared Weber's bombs is that this one was supposed to make some noise. Now, this team has only added to JG's run of incredible bad luck. Injuries, an Athletic Department in shambles, the hat-trick and Quentin Snider day, Aaron Cosby not living up to any expectations at all, all of the other near PG recruiting misses - those aren't easy things to recover from. All of them added to the perception that the program just isn't what it used to be.
I guess the real issue is - I just don't know what to make of Groce as a coach. I'd like to see him nail a full recruiting class, as he came so close to doing with the Sophs this year, but I don't know how much more of a leash he is going to get. The other issue is, if Groce is let go, who is brought in to replace him? Is there going to be a full push from the administration to bring in a heavy hitter (and will any heavy hitters be interested?)? Or will the program have to start from scratch.. again?
My biggest worry overall isn't necessarily with the coach. It's that besides the 2017 class, talent in our normally strong areas of recruiting (Peoria, Springfield, StL Metro) continues to be drier than it used to be. And I don't know if Illinois will ever win Chicago enough to make up for that without bringing a slimeball in.