Maybe he left a couple boxes of mac and cheese and but when JC left Ohio was very lean. I'm sorry but that's a rebuild to me. Just look at the Ohio record during Saul's first year. That screams rebuild.

The record is a direct factor of the players on the roster not fitting Saul's system. Saul's first year we had an NBA player and a player that would win the MAC POTY the next season. We had one of my favorite Bobcats ever, Treg Setty. We also had a point guard who refused to share the ball until it was certain he wouldn't be able to get a shot off. Some of the blame for that season has to fall on Saul's shoulders for allowing that kind of play to continue all season long. JC benched Bean for that type of play and he came out of it doing what the coach wanted. That's not what Saul does though. He brings in players you don't have to worry about not playing the game his way. Saul came in as a Vegan and found a freezer full of steak.

Congratulations goes out to John Groce. He made the 2010 tournament by taking a huge gamble on a kid who had no desire to go to school, and got into some trouble off the court as well. Basically the definition of a rental, who would have made our school look great if we made it to the Sweet 16 and it came out that he was ineligible.

In 2012, we came dangerously close to coughing up a sizable late lead in the MAC final to Akron. Cooper threw in a few crazy shots, and we were very close to Akron have their "Leon Williams tip" moment. Without green and white glasses on, that game was a coin flip. The semifinal against Buffalo was sort of the same way.

Unfortunately for Groce, his luck is not exactly transferring over to Illinois. His gambles on questionable kids have mostly fallen flat, and they aren't having any conference tournament magic. Maybe the Michigan plane delay is the break he needs to keep his job for one more year.

Is Groce a good coach or an opportunistic coach? Hmm, wonder what Illinois fans think of that question after being the only team Rutgers' feels confident playing in the Big Ten the last two years. Tournament wins are without question what we are looking for as a program, but stop acting like Groce was some legend.

That might just slam the door on Groce's career at Illinois.

Illinois fans seem to be in meltdown mode. I was hoping Coach Groce could make a miracle run, but this is the worst possible result. You get smoked by a team that just survived a near fatal abortive take off in high winds. They come clad in practice jerseys and a hodge podge of shoes.

I suppose you could make the argument that Michigan feels they literally have a new lease on life and are glad to live another day. Therefore, they can play loose and stress free. I suppose the speculation now turns to wear Coach Groce goes from here. As I have stated in a previous thread, perhaps he should consider openings in the Missouri Valley Conference, rather than the MAC or places like Cleveland State or Youngstown State. Someone more well versed than I might be able to weave through the MVC possibilities.

I think the only real possible opening in the MVC might be a perfect fit for him, Indiana State. I don't know a thing about his contract status but after a promising start under Greg Lansing they have been on a slow decline to an 11-20 record this year.

They say nice guys finish last. At least he doesn't act like the coach who finished next to last in the ACC this year. If you catch my drift...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLPQX32fhtM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwRhPBLJ23Q

I was with my family my Senior year in Athens and stopped Coach Christian if he would get a picture with me and my nephew who was wearing an OU football jersey.

He said no, that he was too busy and proceeded down Court Street. He had nowhere to be.

I was so taken aback after dealing with Groce.

Glad he is gone and hope he loses every game at every school he coaches at. Just a jerk.

Not surprised....not surprised at all. #6-48

+1

I'm happy we're onto the the semi's of the MAC.

Doesn't take a rocket scientist to analyze those who apparently hate JC.

Where do they normally post the daily schedule of Ohio basketball coaches?

I watched him down the street as he took his time.

Glad he's gone.

Love how the article describes Brad Bates leaving to become a consultant. Is he going to consult on how to be an effective fundraiser while running athletic programs into the ground?