If you have a winning record in the Big Ten, you're generally in the Big Dance. There is no reason, with this healthy roster (knock on wood), we should not advance to the tournament and if we don't then we do need think about kicking him to the curb despite the good recruiting class coming in.
Illini Basketball 2016-2017
If you have a winning record in the Big Ten, you're generally in the Big Dance. There is no reason, with this healthy roster (knock on wood), we should not advance to the tournament and if we don't then we do need think about kicking him to the curb despite the good recruiting class coming in.
For me, just getting to the dance is not enough. With this roster, I'd expect a top half B1G finish and a top 9 seed. Now, my guess is that my standards are higher than Whitman's, but to me, that is the minimum I want to see to stay on the Groce bandwagon.
The difference between making the dance, and a top half B1G and 9 seed are pretty small.
I completely agree.
You guys really underestimate how hot the seat gets turned up during the season vs compared to making ultimatums out of the thick of it. I can't stress this enough.
Groce has a solid class coming in and he is a great representative of our basketball team and university. He has a solid team (baring any significant injuries) this year more so than any other year. I believe there is no way he doesn't last this year and next. The university will show him loyalty because he deserves it. Groce is a hard worker I believe the results will be in near future.
I like JG and I'm not alone in that. I want him to succeed here. But define "near future". After 5 yrs the near future is the now future.
We had an AD once that hung on to coaches well past the sell date. I don't want to see that happen any more. It's now or never AFAIC.
I couldn't agree more. I'm excited that we have a good recruiting class coming in. I've also not forgotten that we've missed the dance 3 years in a row.
The future is set for the next two years. Groce has had some very unfortunate circumstances over his time here. We all know about them. The table for a good year is finally set. If I'm JW I'm not worried. I've got a program that has a lot of positives and I'm confident the worst is behind us. I just can't see us continuing the bad luck we've had. And Groce is no past coach aka Weber. Groce is a much better representative. I want to win too but I don't allow it to cloud my judgement to prematurely put a quality coach on the hot seat when the outlook is good.
Truth. I have a feeling that this board will be unbearable after losses this season.
WOW, TJL is a plus passer. He gets the ball up court fast with great transition passes. TJL needs strength, a shot that isn't so mechanical even though he gets great rotation, plus there are two senior pg's on the roster who know the system with one being of the sixth year variety.
I keep hoping the play slows down for AJ, and DJW. Those two are foundation four star guys who unfortunately wouldnt play a ton as freshmen because we actually have experienced talent at those positions.
I keep hoping the play slows down for AJ, and DJW. Those two are foundation four star guys who unfortunately wouldnt play a ton as freshmen because we actually have experienced talent at those positions.
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Don't forget that Lucas could not play from February 5 until practice started the first of October. 8 months without scrimmaging and heavy workouts. He is behind in conditioning and working with teammates during the summer and fall. I think he will get better every day and push for time down the road.
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IMO it would be a mistake not to play TJL significant minutes this year. If you don't, you are going into next season with no experience at point guard. It may not be fair to Tate but unless there is a particular reason (matchup) that requires Tate, you need to give TJL as much experience as possible. If he is the right guy it will not be forced.
He's going to play the point guards that give us the best opportunity to win now. That'll be Tracy but it might be Tate mostly backing him up. I want TJL to get as many minutes as possible too but if Groce feels like Tate can provide better back-up minutes, then I support that decision to play him as long as TJL gets some minutes every now and then.
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No. TJL will get the experience he needs by practicing with this team, learning the offense and defense, being mentored by the upper classman and getting accustom to the speed of college ball. If he is the best point guard of the three, he will play. If not, he will learn.
Illiniwek06
- N of I-80
ESPN released its preseason BPI today:
7 Purdue
12 Ohio State
16 Michigan
19 Indiana
20 Michigan State
30 Wisconsin
42 Illinois
65 Maryland
69 Northwestern
74 Minnesota
81 Iowa
100 Penn State
119 Nebraska
182 Rutgers
http://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/126064/preseason-bpi-from-no-1-to-no-351
7 Purdue
12 Ohio State
16 Michigan
19 Indiana
20 Michigan State
30 Wisconsin
42 Illinois
65 Maryland
69 Northwestern
74 Minnesota
81 Iowa
100 Penn State
119 Nebraska
182 Rutgers
http://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/126064/preseason-bpi-from-no-1-to-no-351
Not that I totally back the methodology of BPI (nor do I totally understand it), but this is by far the most favorable projection we've seen, right?
Illinifanatic4ever
- Orange & Blue Blood in my Veins
I would say by far. That's NCAA Tournament Territory there.
According to this we would finish 7th in conference. I feel that's a fair mark and anything above is gravy, anything below and we're sweating heavy at the end of the year.
Wow FPI hates UW. It was right about MSU in football (well maybe not right but expected them to be down), maybe they'll nail this one too.
Illiniwek06
- N of I-80
Yup, by far. Pomeroy, for example, has us 70th.
[youtube]4n2M4av7_BU[/youtube]
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4n2M4av7_BU/
Good footage of Groce doing a practice.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4n2M4av7_BU/
Good footage of Groce doing a practice.
Chef Illini
- Palatine, IL
"My Grandmother in her 70's cut harder than some of you guys."
Wow, Groce. That's some harsh truths to those 5th grade kids.
Wow, Groce. That's some harsh truths to those 5th grade kids.