Groce/Whitman Press Conference

Obelix · Mar 24, 2016

My guess: Will not talk about specifics but will address turmoil in the program, current state of the program, determination to change the culture, repair image, determination to build character and program with "illini guys" on and off the court, commitment to winning, strive for B1G championships and NC, probably zero tolerance policy, commitment to the families, etc.

A vote of confidence for Groce and commitment to the program making a new start. Necessary? Well, it is a necessary marketing move given the hits the image of the program has taken, and necessary to show families and recruits that we are committed to making the program a success and pass along a feeling of "change of culture." Necessary for recruiting. Just a guess but we will hear about "win", "illini", "commitment", "family" many times during this.

midastouch11 · Mar 24, 2016

Ulysses Everett McGill said:
Doubt it's about a change in staff, but probably to discuss police blotter concerns, standards of conduct, etc., and maybe to announce some kind of new "keep them all in line" initiative within the program. Probably couched as general announcement but my guess this is mostly intended for a target audience of parents of recruits like Tilmon, Goodwin as well as parents of current team members like JCL and Finke.

Nailed it. Whitman just issued the "I Support Coach Bollant" yesterday. I imagine this is a more complicated and more publicized version today.

IlliniCaboose · Mar 24, 2016

Obelix said:
My guess: Will not talk about specifics but will address turmoil in the program, current state of the program, determination to change the culture, repair image, determination to build character and program with "illini guys" on and off the court, commitment to winning, strive for B1G championships and NC, probably zero tolerance policy, commitment to the families, etc.

A vote of confidence for Groce and commitment to the program making a new start. Necessary? Well, it is a necessary marketing move given the hits the image of the program has taken, and necessary to show families and recruits that we are committed to making the program a success and pass along a feeling of "change of culture." Necessary for recruiting. Just a guess but we will hear about "win", "illini", "commitment", "family" many times during this.

How fast can we get the Press Conference Bingo cards put together and distributed to all IL members?

EfremWinters84 · Mar 24, 2016

Just speculating, but I'm thinking they have to have some type of substantive news for us. I'm hoping for a change of sorts.

I'm tired of being viewed as "The Settlers". If Whitman doesn't address the fan base and alums, and instead stays quiet until next Christmas, he's in essence admitting that we're willing to settle for more of the same. Unfortunately, the basketball program is trending downward. We need a pick-me-up.

BlindLoyalty · Mar 24, 2016

Josh Whitman is hitching his wagon to John Groce.
John Groce is no longer Mike Thomas' guy, he is now Josh Whitman's guy.
If John Groce continues to fail, that failure is now Josh Whitman's failure.

Keisersose · Mar 24, 2016

BlindLoyalty said:
Josh Whitman is hitching his wagon to John Groce.
John Groce is no longer Mike Thomas' guy, he is now Josh Whitman's guy.
If John Groce continues to fail, that failure is now Josh Whitman's failure.

Disagree.

That's the attitude Thomas came in here with and is part of the reason we ended up where we were when he left.

Whitman has a plan that goes beyond "Thomas guy vrs Whitman guy"

Sybok · Mar 24, 2016

I can't imagine why one needs to hold a joint press conference unless for 1) it's to show everyone that Groce is now Whitman's guy, as BlindLoyalty suggests, and/or 2) needed changes to the coaching staff.

Obelix · Mar 24, 2016

BlindLoyalty said:
Josh Whitman is hitching his wagon to John Groce.
John Groce is no longer Mike Thomas' guy, he is now Josh Whitman's guy.
If John Groce continues to fail, that failure is now Josh Whitman's failure.

I doubt that is the purpose of the PC. If Groce fails, Whitman will make a change. But as expected, Whitman is determined to give Groce a chance and given the multiple hits the program has taken and the recent deterioration in its image, this press conference is an absolutely necessary move to salvage any recruiting hopes.

mhuml32 · Mar 24, 2016

Second and Chalmers said:
Ask me the same question at 4PM. He's walking into a hornet's nest here.

That's what your AD does, takes on difficult situations and isn't afraid to address them publicly.

Cubby Blue · Mar 24, 2016

BlindLoyalty said:
Josh Whitman is hitching his wagon to John Groce.
John Groce is no longer Mike Thomas' guy, he is now Josh Whitman's guy.
If John Groce continues to fail, that failure is now Josh Whitman's failure.

It's called being in charge. You support those under you up to the point you get rid of them or they leave on their own accord. It is also called Leadership. And, you supply them with the best resources available.

Adnarel · Mar 24, 2016

mhuml32 said:
That's what your AD does, takes on difficult situations and isn't afraid to address them publicly.

+1

Don't forget that he turned a bonafide tire fire into something that's getting positive national press.

kaptain80 · Mar 24, 2016

Any truth to the rumor that Whitman hired R. Lee Ermey to follow the basketball players around campus?

illinoisfan11 · Mar 24, 2016

kaptain80 said:
Any truth to the rumor that Whitman hired R. Lee Ermey to follow the basketball players around campus?

In all seriousness, it's mind boggling to me that there isn't a group of people assigned to chaperone and keep these kids out of trouble. I think another poster mentioned that when Wayne McClain was on the staff he was often seen at the same bars the players were at across the room just to make sure nothing went down.

Obelix · Mar 24, 2016

mhuml32 said:
That's what your AD does, takes on difficult situations and isn't afraid to address them publicly.

It's not that he is not afraid, ability to tackle difficult situations, etc. Given the multiple incidents and negative publicity of our program, Whitman has absolutely no choice right now but to choose one of the two:

1) Make a change in direction of the basketball program, OR
2) Keep the coach, but emphasize "change of culture" and commitment.

It is obvious that Whitman has decided on 2) above, but he can't just not say anything. If 2) does not work, he will make a change.

sigint · Mar 24, 2016

mhuml32 said:
That's what your AD does, takes on difficult situations and isn't afraid to address them publicly.

Sounds good unless they end up throwing gasoline on the fire. Just ask White Sox president Kenny Williams.

That said, I don't foresee this press conference being a bad thing.

Johnny Lawrence · Mar 24, 2016

Obelix said:
My guess: Will not talk about specifics but will address turmoil in the program, current state of the program, determination to change the culture, repair image, determination to build character and program with "illini guys" on and off the court, commitment to winning, strive for B1G championships and NC, probably zero tolerance policy, commitment to the families, etc.

I agree with all of this although I hate when people actually use the words "zero tolerance policy" even if it's the case. Has anyone ever legitimately succeeded under a zero tolerance policy?

Obelix · Mar 24, 2016

Johnny Lawrence said:
I agree with all of this although I hate when people actually use the words "zero tolerance policy" even if it's the case. Has anyone ever legitimately succeeded under a zero tolerance policy?

Not sure if they will use the exact words, but it is all marketing as far as wording. Bottom line is that the national perception right now is "loose" rules, not much enforcement, multiple incidents... so they have to address that in making a culture change.

Johnny Lawrence · Mar 24, 2016

BlindLoyalty said:
Josh Whitman is hitching his wagon to John Groce.
John Groce is no longer Mike Thomas' guy, he is now Josh Whitman's guy.
If John Groce continues to fail, that failure is now Josh Whitman's failure.

So a new boss needs to sink or swim right out of the gate with existing employees? Either he fires them as soon as he is allowed or he has forever hitched his wagon to their performance? Seems reasonable. And stable. :thumb:

ilphotog · Mar 24, 2016

It might be about the new Scoreboard and new locker rooms. :noidea:

IlliniBrave75 · Mar 24, 2016

BlindLoyalty said:
Josh Whitman is hitching his wagon to John Groce.
John Groce is no longer Mike Thomas' guy, he is now Josh Whitman's guy.
If John Groce continues to fail, that failure is now Josh Whitman's failure.

I disagree with your statements.

I think that Josh Whitman is giving HCJG a vote a confidence for multiple reasons.
1. rash of injuries this year had major affect on win/loss record
2. relationship with the 2017 recruiting class (real or assumed)
3. Josh Whitman doesn't have the connections in Basketball that he has in Football. So he needs time to complile a short list of coaches should he need to replace Groce after the 2016 season or any time in the future.

If Groce doesn't have a good year in 2016 (NCAA Tourny and Solid 2017 recruiting class) he will be gone at the end of the year!

Just my opinion.

mattcoldagelli · Mar 24, 2016

Ulysses Everett McGill said:
maybe to announce some kind of new "keep them all in line" initiative within the program.

I smell a new wristband!

CAHALL15 · Mar 24, 2016

illinoisfan11 said:
In all seriousness, it's mind boggling to me that there isn't a group of people assigned to chaperone and keep these kids out of trouble. I think another poster mentioned that when Wayne McClain was on the staff he was often seen at the same bars the players were at across the room just to make sure nothing went down.

This is the issue. They aren't kids anymore. They are now 18+ years old and are now young adults. They need to learn responsibility and that their actions have consequences. More hand holding and special treatment is not the solution. I don't know about you, but I didn't have a chaperone when I was in college and went to the bar. It's not hard to not pull weapons on people, allegedly assault/batter another person, or go out while drunk and vandalize other people's property.

illini80 · Mar 24, 2016

Second and Chalmers said:
I think people looking for definitive action at this thing are going to be sorely disappointed.

This. And I think Obelix has the presser down pat.

Foggy Notion · Mar 24, 2016

illinoisfan11 said:
In all seriousness, it's mind boggling to me that there isn't a group of people assigned to chaperone and keep these kids out of trouble. I think another poster mentioned that when Wayne McClain was on the staff he was often seen at the same bars the players were at across the room just to make sure nothing went down.

Assistant coaches should also sit on the other side of the bedroom when players are having conjugal visits with their girlfriends.

Cubby Blue · Mar 24, 2016

CAHALL15 said:
This is the issue. They aren't kids anymore. They are now 18+ years old and are now young adults. They need to learn responsibility and that their actions have consequences. More hand holding and special treatment is not the solution. I don't know about you, but I didn't have a chaperone when I was in college and went to the bar. It's not hard to not pull weapons on people, allegedly assault/batter another person, or go out while drunk and vandalize other people's property.

I agree and they have to grow up sometime. But, having a son that is a grad assistant and has the duty of picking up players at bars for safe (and smart I might add) transportation at the end of the night does seem legit.

Groce/Whitman Press Conference

The camera never lies