I know he got a 7 year deal but I was surprised to see Dambrot jump from Akron to Duquesne. Seems to me that Akron is a better gig. I guess Dambrot is 58. On a 7 year deal, if it doesn't work out, that probably still gets him to at least semi-retire possibly. But I thought he signed a 10 year contract about 5 years ago at Akron. I can't imagine Akron wouldn't have a stepped up and at least extended him a similar 7 years.
Coaching Carousel
I know he got a 7 year deal but I was surprised to see Dambrot jump from Akron to Duquesne. Seems to me that Akron is a better gig. I guess Dambrot is 58. On a 7 year deal, if it doesn't work out, that probably still gets him to at least semi-retire possibly. But I thought he signed a 10 year contract about 5 years ago at Akron. I can't imagine Akron wouldn't have a stepped up and at least extended him a similar 7 years.
A girl in my PT program is family friends with him. Apparently it's his alma mater, and he likes the challenge of rebuilding programs.
Peoria Illini
- Peoria, IL
The good part about that article is that he seemed to speak more about what the five of them (the recruits) could do at Illinois. Hopefully that lure of playing together will help bring him into the fold.
Deleted member 10676
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[FONT="]Georgetown put out strong feelers to Xavier's Chris Mack at $4 million per year, source told ESPN. Mack staying at Xavier.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Jeff Goodman, ESPN Insider[/FONT]
[FONT="]Jeff Goodman, ESPN Insider[/FONT]
Is Mike Thomas running their coaching search? I feel like that's the 4th or 5th name that's said no to them....
Not a good look, as we all know.
What did he do to burn bridges?
Groce did not burn any bridges and it is very rare that his best class was at the end of his tenure, especially at a place like Illinois (non blue-blood). He is a good recruiter, but IMO got over-confident with his early success. His biggest asset (i.e., recruiting) was the main factor in his demise, unable to recruit a a quality B1G PG in 5 years, and also a BIG C/post, other than developing Mav late in his career.
Groce's success his first year, getting in late and securing a commitment from Nunn, securing Hill, almost getting DJax despite other programs having been involved for much longer times, getting a commitment from Snider out of nowhere, etc. got him over-confident swinging for top stars with no backup plan.
The Groce hate has blinded some people. Groce's credibility as an assistant would most certainly not be tarnished by his tenure at Illinois. Groce was regarded as a top notch assistant ten years ago at tOSU and considered an elite recruiter. Going back to the assistant coach ranks at this juncture, he would be one of the highest profile, most influential assistants in the country. He's not well regarded by our fan base, but he's very well regarded in the basketball world. He would be a monster recruiter- especially at an historically prestigious program like IU. Guaranteed.
Foggy Notion
- San Francisco
He accidentally burned Miles Bridges with a cigarette.
Illini_1979
- Oregon
Ubermensch
BOOM! Feed my ego.
Georgetown is in no way a destination job. They're setting the sights way too high. You have to pick up and up-and-comer. They should have acted more quickly and gone after a guy like Keatts.
sdfidaho
- Boise, Idaho
Clearly Groce is an incredibly genuine, sincere and VERY likable guy. Thats much of what makes him such a good recruiter. That's also why so many wanted to see him succeed here and kept hoping he would turn things around, right up to the very end.
If he does go to IU and has great success recruiting against us, it will give those that never really cared for him more ammo to disparage him.
Those that were rooting for him to succeed here will be that more saddened that he was never able to turn that charisma into wins on the court.
illynifan34
That's a winner!!
- OH
Robert Smith's recent comments seemed like he wasn't a fan of Groce, but it could he doesn't like Groce the Illinois head coach. He might like Groce the Indiana Assistant Coach.
mattcoldagelli
- The Transfer Portal with Do Not Contact Tag
I fear for the wellbeing of all Shuvs and Zuuls when Groce takes a new form: that of a giant Slor!
afpharmdawg
- Colorado Springs
If IU hires Groce as an assistant, we can always use the "He didn't win" mantra against him. That said, C'mon Akron.
Illini fans have been so desperate for a return to the top that some are unfairly targeting Groce as the source of all the problems. We know he is not solely responsible for the Illini Slide from Relevance. He seems to be like that family member you have who is such a nice guy that you wish could succeed but who leaves both of you frustrated. As some have pointed out, there seem to be some aspects of coaching or strategizing that are lacking. Only those inside know for sure.
He needs to find the niche that best fits his skill set and he will be successful. It was just never going to happen in Champaign.
Be careful because some of the posts on this board misrepresent what people have actually said. One post in particular claimed that Robert Smith mentioned Groce in his interview, by name. Truth is that Robert Smith did not mention Groce by name.
Also some other things are left out, e.g., Robert Smith mentioning that Paris Parham did a "great job" in Chicago.
Finally, some things said are often questionable with respect to reality. Robert Smith mentioned by name that Self and Kruger did a great job in Chicago, and obviously they now "like" Kruger, water under the bridge, Lon is a proven coach, he did a good job with Illinois and has gone to have success. So there is a benefit to mentioning Kruger. But back then, Chicago, and especially CPL coaches, did boycott Kruger and the program. Bobby Simmons in particular, from Simeon, a much needed recruit, ended up at DePaul.
illynifan34
That's a winner!!
- OH
I heard Smith's comments. He said the Illinois head coach wasn't there enough. If you think he wasn't referring to Groce, I've got a burned bridge to sell you.
He did not mention Groce by name. He was asked about Underwood and said he did not know him. Then was asked how important the assistants are (with respect to Underwood) and he said they are very important. He said that Paris Parham did a great job but the head has to be visible. You can imply the quote two ways: a) That it would be important for the UI head coach (i.e., Underwood) to be visible and tied to them beyond just the assistants, and/or b) that Groce was not visible.
In either case, Groce WAS NOT mentioned by name as the post on IL claimed. But furthermore: a) the point about Lon was definitely not sincere, and b) Robert Smith is the same person who went gaga over Groce and even took on twitter congratulating Groce and going rah, rah, rah and actually sent players to Groce (compared to Kruger).
Not sure if he was hurt subsequently about what happened with Nunn, but that is not on Groce.
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illynifan34
That's a winner!!
- OH
Do you know what implies means?
Deleted member 11241
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I would guess if there is any bitterness from Smith towards Gross now could have to do with his utilization of DJW
Could very well be. DJW was not discussed, but he was specifically asked about Nunn and said that he is doing very well at Oakland. He did sound a little bitter but that was my interpretation.
DJW was very inconsistent even at Simeon under Robert Smith and was benched (i.e., less PT) on multiple occasions.
To be honest, DJW is a mystery. He has a lot of skill IMO but consistency is something he has struggled with his whole career, including Simeon under Smith. Not sure what is happening. It would be great if he gets a chance under Underwood and he really performs, because the kid does have skills. But he is a big question mark going forward.
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Many Shuvs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Slor that day