Every team's place is exactly where they are.
2017 Coaching Carousel
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Every team's place is exactly where they are.
homesickalien
- Springfield
So Groce is going to be back right...
I still can't believe people were clamoring for this staff to stay around. Big question now is whether he is gone after this game or after the NIT.
I still can't believe people were clamoring for this staff to stay around. Big question now is whether he is gone after this game or after the NIT.
MainelyIllini
- uh, Maine
This is where I'm at. I'd like to see a strong run at Keatts by JW.
Groce is a great guy and a good coach but I think at this point unfortunately we have to move on, gosh I hope the new coach can keep this class together and get Mark Smith. I am surprised at times how it looks like guys aren't laying it all on the line coach or no coach most of the seemed pretty unconcerned with missing the tournament. Abrams what an effort!!
Chris Yates
Recruiting Correspondent
- Michigan
The Illini get to D.C. in plenty of time to rest and prepare. Michigan has to throw things together on the fly . . . literally. And Michigan just blows us out of the building. This can't be where Illinois basketball wants to be. Time to figure out a new path forward with a new leader.
89illinigrad
- Chicago
JW would probably have to announce something soon, probably no later than Monday (after its "official" that we haven't made the dance) and its most likely that Groce is gone.
I have to say that, to the end, Groce has carried himself well and has not stooped to the level of Weber by throwing everyone under the bus. He has had some bad luck during his time here, but its probably best for everyone to move on.
With that said, give me Keatts or Williams and hope that they can keep the 2017 class together (keeping Walker may help), as I don't want to go through a complete rebuild again.
Groce and Staff
I've never seen a group of coaches more in over their heads during the game or just overall preparation. It seems as if any success we've had over the past 4 yrs was due to our guys waking up on the right side of the bed and other guys waking up on the wrong side of the bed. My biggest concern is our inability to show up when it counts most.
I'd really like to see a breakdown of who is responsible for what on the staff because this staff seems to only excel in likeability. I'll be damn if I let a team in practice jerseys beat my squad. The overall basketball IQ of players is atrocious and what's most ironic is most of the players lack toughness and togetherness.
I've never seen a group of coaches more in over their heads during the game or just overall preparation. It seems as if any success we've had over the past 4 yrs was due to our guys waking up on the right side of the bed and other guys waking up on the wrong side of the bed. My biggest concern is our inability to show up when it counts most.
I'd really like to see a breakdown of who is responsible for what on the staff because this staff seems to only excel in likeability. I'll be damn if I let a team in practice jerseys beat my squad. The overall basketball IQ of players is atrocious and what's most ironic is most of the players lack toughness and togetherness.
Deleted member 8213
D
Guest
My opinion's been waffling for the past couple weeks not that anyone cares, but...
I think pretty clearly its time to start over.
I think pretty clearly its time to start over.
Super classy guy, really did have some bad breaks, probably should have made staff adjustments but was too loyal, if that's such a thing, I believe in loyalty. Groce if he's back I will support fully but I think this is it
DReq
Always Illini
- Central Illinois
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
I certainly hope that this will lead to a change, also, that Whitman already knows who the next coach will be. He has had 3 months to realize that a change needs to be made, other than that 2 week run. I trust that he already has the money lined up and is willing to pay what is necessary for the right candidate. Josh, make your pitch!
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
Welp, I know what I would do: Fire Groce on Monday and let one of the assistants coach the team in the NIT (assuming the players want to play in it). Let's get a jump on hiring the next guy.
Fingers crossed for Monty Williams.
Fingers crossed for Monty Williams.
89illinigrad
- Chicago
I find it hard to argue with the team's effort, especially Hill, who, according to the radio announcers, was pretty banged up (possible groin injury).
If anything, I commend the guys for their fight the last 8 games. They could've folded the tents and given up on the season and gone into a death spiral like the 2012 team, but they didn't and that says something.
Whoever we get to replace Groce next year will have a good nucleus to build around, especially if we can keep Frazier, Tilmon and the rest of the 2017 class together, while possibly landing Smith.
Well, now hopefully anyone can agree that we don't need a "home run" hire to improve this program.
chrisRunner7
- Spokane, WA
I would be fine with firing Groce now but allowing him to coach the team in the NIT.
I would also be fine with firing him post-NIT, assuming this doesn't not keep Whitman from working on a new hire. You have to figure he did some prep already in January. Almost all of our coaching targets are (hopefully) coaching in the NCAA tournament and are not going to be wanting to talk to Whitman over the next week anyway.
I would also be fine with firing him post-NIT, assuming this doesn't not keep Whitman from working on a new hire. You have to figure he did some prep already in January. Almost all of our coaching targets are (hopefully) coaching in the NCAA tournament and are not going to be wanting to talk to Whitman over the next week anyway.
Which assistant do you think he puts in charge of coaching during the NIT?
I didn't get to watch the game, but looking at the box score Abrams looks like the only bright spot.
I've been pretty hard on Groce for playing him so much this season, but congratulate his effort today.
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