No matter what the decision is, Whitman knows when he plans to make that announcement. It will not be a spur of the moment planning where things just happen.
2017 Coaching Carousel
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No matter what the decision is, Whitman knows when he plans to make that announcement. It will not be a spur of the moment planning where things just happen.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
This is the issue that plagued Groce's entire tenure here. Even in his first season -- which was fairly successful -- we had that losing skid in the middle of the season. It just seems like Groce's teams are mentally fragile. When things were going well, we looked like a competent team, but then folded for long periods once we ran into any adversity.
If Groce can't make the tourney this year when will he? The B1G was down, the conference schedule was favorable, he had a veteran team with no serious injuries, and the weakest tourney bubble we've ever seen. His play-in games were against Rutgers and a Michigan team facing a travel debacle. Everything went his way to make the tourney, and he embarrassed our basketball program and the University once again.
We need to bite the bullet and fire him regardless of what happens to the recruits, or we will be right back here next year when he has another NIT bubble team (which next year's team almost certainly is).
If Cuonzo Martin is my worst case scenario I'll take it, but hopefully Whitman has an even better idea.
We need to bite the bullet and fire him regardless of what happens to the recruits, or we will be right back here next year when he has another NIT bubble team (which next year's team almost certainly is).
If Cuonzo Martin is my worst case scenario I'll take it, but hopefully Whitman has an even better idea.
It's not all about the money. If that was actually true, schools like Oregon, UCLA, OK. State, etc. (e.g., schools with strong boosters, resources, network) would always get who they want and be at the top of college basketball.
Right. Agreed. The 24-96hour timeframe is in regards to the waiting game for the fans.
Interested to see where Groce ends up. I guess there's a chance he ends up as a P5 assistant, but I suspect he'll go the mid-major route. Cleveland State seems like an obvious possibility. Where else?
I think Groce would probably do really well in the Horizon or Summit. Maybe Youngstown State or Oral Roberts? Maybe he lands in the MAC at Miami (OH) or Bowling Green?
I think Groce would probably do really well in the Horizon or Summit. Maybe Youngstown State or Oral Roberts? Maybe he lands in the MAC at Miami (OH) or Bowling Green?
skyIdub
"I can't tell you. Secret."
Ok, not all, but a lot.
I just think if you throw a truck of money at Archie Miller or Monty Williams, heck maybe even Bennett jumps at something like $3M/yr, you send a message that this program means business.
Money talks.
Groce walks.
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That seems to be the buzz here at the Verizon Center. An awful lot of long faces on the staff and players.
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
I just wonder if Cuonzo lost his team because they know he's leaving? I'm probably stretching here.
To be fair, there are reasons to have a long face other than the impending coaching change. But I'm picking up what you're laying down. There's no way the staff and student-athletes don't know.
I've often wondered what this does to the team's psyche. If I were in a similar position, I would have a crazy guilt complex over the very idea that my performance may have cost a man his job, even though that's twisted logic and unfair.
Bennet and Miller are in my opinion the first two phone calls in some order. Bennet is making over 2 million at this point whereas Archie I think is at around 1 million. Tripling his salary would be enticing. There was some talk that NC State is a more logical destination, but not everyone wants to go home.
For some odd reason, I get the feeling that Bennet is in play. There is no data, just a hunch on my part. I just wonder if he sees a better opportunity for high end success at Illinois. He's obviously done great at Virginia, but this year is a marked drop from the previous seasons.
After them, I have no idea who I want. It's either Monty or Keatts, but I'm not sure who. Monty has no track record leading a program, but his reputation is top notch. Keatts has had a lot of success, but at a low level and for only a few years.
As others have said, it is going to be interesting.
Even if that's the reason, Cuonzo cannot be hired at this point. There is no way you can sell that guy after we've watched a similar story for the past 5 years.
I don't think Whitman will or should wait until after selection Sunday. Even if the committee lost its mind and let Illinois in, does that change anything? Program is still stagnant after 5 years and it needs a change.
Whitman is smart enough to see that Groce is not the guy for the job regardless if we snuck in to a play in game or not.
Whitman is smart enough to see that Groce is not the guy for the job regardless if we snuck in to a play in game or not.
mattcoldagelli
- Script Illinois Enthusiast
Yeah. I mean, I think Martin's a better coach and would probably do pretty well here, but that's a near-impossible sell to make.
IlliniForTheWin
- Georgia
Offer the likes of archie, monty, bennett, and marshall. If we strike out on all four, offer keatts. If we strike out on keatts, well, then were bad off
I think most of the field not named Archie Miller is a tough sell. I don't think this board is necessarily representative of the larger Illini fanbase.
Keatts? They will likely see another mid-major guy and think Groce
Monty Williams? Most will go who?
Cuonzo-Aforementioned problems
Muller, Jank, Forbes- Well I'd groan at them too
We know Keatts is an exciting young coach but is that widespread?
Whitman is going to have to trust his instincts and not worry about selling it imo because there aren't many no brainers to the broader base.
skyIdub
"I can't tell you. Secret."
Honestly, I'm not totally sold on Cuonzo Martin either, but after this if any of those top three guys on my list (Miller, Williams, Bennett) balk at the offer...and we can keep the incoming recruits with Martin...i'm absolutely ready to watch his style of ball for a few years instead of this. Come what may.
Been a fan a long time too, this is probably the least prepared team I've seen at Illinois.
Completely agree. Shows the decision was based on actual in-game performance, not the Committee's opinion or bubble weakness.
kcib8130
- Parts Unknown
I'm concerned that Martin goes to Mizzou and cleans up recruiting in the area and makes us regret not hiring him.
But, if we get someone who gets all the Chicago guys, then it may be a wash anyway.
Glad I'm not making the decision.
skyIdub
"I can't tell you. Secret."
I get the feeling that maybe these incoming recruits like Groce for the same reasons we all do. He's too nice. I think the product we've seen on the floor shows the same kinds of signs you see with leaders that are soft and nice. Cuddly. F that. Watch Coach K, Izzo, Self, Williams....they aren't even remotely trying to be recruits friends or family.
So for me, even this incoming class is a little concerning for me. Why do they want to play for Groce? What has he shown them, other than being a super nice family guy (which again, I like too but...) that makes them want to play for him? Certainly it's not success.
I sincerely hope they will buy into Illinois basketball and the program. Get a coach that they know will help them succeed here, and maybe they stick.
I don't like Groce's style of play, and I can't imagine a recruit watching games this year being sold on that part of his sales pitch. Actions vs. words start to mean something eventually.
So for me, even this incoming class is a little concerning for me. Why do they want to play for Groce? What has he shown them, other than being a super nice family guy (which again, I like too but...) that makes them want to play for him? Certainly it's not success.
I sincerely hope they will buy into Illinois basketball and the program. Get a coach that they know will help them succeed here, and maybe they stick.
I don't like Groce's style of play, and I can't imagine a recruit watching games this year being sold on that part of his sales pitch. Actions vs. words start to mean something eventually.
Serious Late
- Peoria via Denver via Ann Arbor via Albuquerque vi
Are you concerned he cleans up recruiting or are you concerned he wins big there? I understand concern around his recruiting, but I don't understand any concerns about him being a big winner.
You don't hire someone to keep them from recruiting your territory, you hire someone because you think he is going to win games for you.
IlliniForTheWin
- Georgia
we have not had a winning record in regular season conference play in 7 years. Weber took us to the final four (with selfs recruits) and was fired for not making the ncaa tourney in two of three years... Groce has not made the tournament four straight years. how is anyone okay with this?
If Mizzou gets Smith and Liddell, that hurts. Of course, if we get comparable guys, then nbd.
Sounds like Smith and Liddell could be relatively easier 'gets' for Illinois, though, if the right coach is at Illinois
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