IMO as the decision to keep Groce had been made, there's not really a need for the "vote of confidence", that's already been done. But since then, new doubts have been raised due to the rash of arrests. So this press conference is to address those. They can't/won't comment on the specifics, other than to reiterate what's already been said, i.e. let the process play out, violence against women is wrong, players will be dealt with as necessary. Beyond that, I expect some specifics about a plan to address the "culture" and try to avoid future incidents. That's needed to allow the recruiting to continue forward and hopefully lock up Goodwin/Tilmon.
Groce/Whitman Press Conference
illini80
- Forgottonia
Something I criticized the previous staff for failing to do.
If you are so sure that all of this is the case Chief, then why isn't he making a change?
Joel Goodson
- ties will be resolved
Spot on. Shortly followed by a joint Tilmon/Goodwin commitment, I hope.
I am not in the least bit sure of this. With Chicago, history shows it takes time to build grass roots recruiting.
Don't you mean gra$$ root$?
#2 is ironic, though, in that JG and staff haven't positively changed the culture in 4 years at the helm based on the spate of arrests/issues the last 8 months.
That's fair. Just a pet peeve of mine. Plus I don't think you can give someone a vote of confidence while also publicly putting them on a short leash. It runs contradictory to each other.
I will disagree. He might have identified replacements but IMO JW hasn't pursued a new head coach yet. 6 months ago Lovie wasn't on anyone's radar. If a potential coach becomes available IMO JW will begin testing the water. Sometimes you are lucky regarding a coaching change and other time you see a great hire available and you do what it takes to make the change. I highly doubt Lovie will be available in 2 years once Cubit contract ends.
RE: #2: Not saying you specifically, but this fan base consistently overvalues the state/desirability of this program. Is this a coveted destination by "big name coaches"? IT kills me, but no it's not. See our last b ball coaching search.
It's a common PR strategy to hope bad news goes away as fast as possible. But since the court cases will continue popping up in the news, the next thing is to control the message as best you can. And also, I think Whitman believes in transparency, and putting a face/voice to the DIA leadership.
But ultimately, I agree with other posters that this is as much for recruits and their parents who have to be wondering wtf is going on with Illini bb.
But ultimately, I agree with other posters that this is as much for recruits and their parents who have to be wondering wtf is going on with Illini bb.
Why in the world would anyone think this is a about a staff change? Whitman already gave Groce a vote of confidence a couple weeks ago. Groce would be in charge of hiring/firing his assistant coaches and do you really think in his do or die season he would want to bring in a new assistant coach in which he has no trust or chemistry with?
Deleted member 526137
D
Guest
Maybe they are going to address hiring a Curfew Officer/Team. 
If the chemistry and trust had not landed me in the tournament for the last three years and it is my do or die year, I might be MORE inclined to make a change. Not saying that is going to happen, but certainly would not be out of the realm of possibility.
Ok, I'll take a guess.
I'm guessing they will announce some sort of program or policy to address student-athlete code of conduct.
Probably something along the lines of..."we're announcing the appointment of a new student-athlete Czar to help guide our fine young men and women in reaching their full potential off the field."
I'm guessing they will announce some sort of program or policy to address student-athlete code of conduct.
Probably something along the lines of..."we're announcing the appointment of a new student-athlete Czar to help guide our fine young men and women in reaching their full potential off the field."
Abrams is a slam dunk, he's back if he wants to be. Thorne I doubt they know yet.
Joel Goodson
- ties will be resolved
They're both coming out with a full head of hair and endorsing whichever outfit made it happen.
Position on staff in a non-coaching role for DB!
IIRC you can't even submit the request until after the end of the season, so at best they might be able to tell us they've done that part. No way the NCAA would have responded already.
soupy17
- MI
Guest appearance by Brian Urlacher