Not sure if anyone made this observation, but our game had the smallest margin of victory in DC yesterday[emoji33]
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Michigan 75, Illinois 55 POSTGAME
Having players like you doesn't win games. For a team that really loved their coach, their were a number of games that they came out and played with zero energy.
Being liked by other coaches doesn't win games.
Being passionate about basketball doesn't win games.
I think most people agree that Groce is a likeable guy and that he tries hard at his job. The important thing is that his approach has not translated into success. He has had more than enough time to get his guys in and play his systems. They have not worked and he has not shown the ability to alter those systems. Expecting a dramatic shift in his approach now, after 5 years, is not reasonable. He is who he is. He hasn't won games despite being a nice guy who the kids all love.
McColley's point in the article is that Groce won't learn from his mistakes because he doesn't see any mistakes. He's told us what he does and he's going to keep doing the same things.
I was on the "fire weber" bus, and I see where we've went since. So I've been scared to board the "fire groce" train, but I seen a move yesterday that confirmed to me it can only get better from here..... Abrams is in the middle of a 10-0 run, and you bench him? Folks, that is shear stupidity. Abrams ended the game with two fouls...Abrams don't get in foul trouble! That move was the worst move I will ever remember from John Groce.
He did this countless times with a number of different players. It's beyond comprehension.
Totally agree! Was at the game and my whole family was in disbelief he was being taken out. The kids were like, "Is he tired?" Why would they give him a rest? A ton of other decisions have me confused as well. I honestly feel after watching the two teams in three games and in warmups, etc... that Illinois certainly has as good of players. The difference has to be coaching. It stinks because I wanted John Groce to succeed sooooo badly.
danielb927
Orange Krush Class of 2013
- Rochester, MN
TA had two fouls at that point, I think. Regardless, he was on a serious tear, totally worth staying in with 2.
But he was replaced by Lucas who also had 2 fouls at that point.
IlliniInOK
- no longer in OK! Centralia, IL
Yeah, but TA finished with those same 2 fouls. Count on a 6th year guy to not foul and ride that hot hand.
danielb927
Orange Krush Class of 2013
- Rochester, MN
Totally agree.
BananaShampoo
Captain 'Paign
- Phoenix, AZ
Groce has always been his own worst enemy. It's a shame he couldn't get out of his own way. The pure definition of "paralysis by analysis".
I was at the Michigan game yesterday. I also went to the BYU game in Chicago. I have been a fan of Illini basketball since the national championship game against UNC and have watched a ton of games over the last 10 years.
Illini Nation should be proud of Tracy Abrams and the effort he brought to the court not just yesterday, but during his entire career at U of I...he poured his heart and soul into U of I basketball and recovering from his injuries. He may not be the third or fourth leading scorer in Illini basketball history, but his effort that he brought to the court every game will be missed moving forward.
Illini Nation should be proud of Tracy Abrams and the effort he brought to the court not just yesterday, but during his entire career at U of I...he poured his heart and soul into U of I basketball and recovering from his injuries. He may not be the third or fourth leading scorer in Illini basketball history, but his effort that he brought to the court every game will be missed moving forward.
