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Ohio Basketball Topic
Topic: More OHIO press courtesy of Illinois/Groce
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bornacatfan
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Posted: 2/19/2013 10:31 AM
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espn.go.com/chicago/story/_/id/8959388/john-groce-illinois-fighting-illini-rolling-right-time

There seems to be some credence to playing your best ball in March. Frustrating as it is for fans Groce seems to have found a formula. This paragraph should resound heartily with members of this board.

This kind of late-season improvement gives credence to Groce's reputation from his days at Ohio University, where his teams got better and jelled late in the season. That's why critics who brought up his conference record at Ohio, 34-30 in four seasons, didn't get why he was so successful in March, when college basketball actually matters. It wasn't luck and long 3-pointers.

Well, luck and long 3s certainly helped his teams win three tournament games in two trips. But there was truly a method to Ohio's March Madness.

That's why Illinois (19-8, 6-7 in the Big Ten) might be able to make some noise in the Big Ten tournament in Chicago on March 14-17, and more importantly, in the ensuing NCAA tournament. This team doesn't have size, and it will need some hot shooting, but a pressure defense and good guard play can make a coach rich. Just ask Groce.

Jeff McKinney
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Posted: 2/19/2013 10:34 AM
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I think there must be something to the fact that Coach Groce has particular ability to lead teams to gel late in seasons.  We've seen it at least three seasons now.
OUVan
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Posted: 2/19/2013 10:53 AM
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Jeff McKinney wrote:expand_more
I think there must be something to the fact that Coach Groce has particular ability to lead teams to gel late in seasons.  We've seen it at least three seasons now.


I would say four seasons. 

2010 - Sat at 14-13 (5-8).  Won 8 of the next 9, including NCAA win against Georgetown, before bowing out against Tennessee.
2011 - Sat at 12-13 (5-6). Won 7 of the next 9, including CIT win at Marshall, before bowing out against East Tenn St.
2012 - Sat at 19-6 (7-4). Won 10 of the next 11, including NCAA wins against Michigan & USF, before bowing out against UNC.
2013 - Sat at 15-8 (2-7). Have won 4 in a row, including beating #1 Indiana and road wins at Minnesota and Northwestern.
perimeterpost
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Posted: 2/19/2013 11:57 AM
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I think part of it is the type of player he recruits too. Groce looked for guys that had won state tournaments in high school, guys who played big in big games. That's why a road trip to EMU and Toledo to play in front of 800 disinterested people was more dangerous than playing Akron with a Tourney birth on the line.
cc-cat
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Posted: 2/19/2013 1:00 PM
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OUVan wrote:expand_more
I think there must be something to the fact that Coach Groce has particular ability to lead teams to gel late in seasons.  We've seen it at least three seasons now.


I would say four seasons. 

2010 - Sat at 14-13 (5-8).  Won 8 of the next 9, including NCAA win against Georgetown, before bowing out against Tennessee.
2011 - Sat at 12-13 (5-6). Won 7 of the next 9, including CIT win at Marshall, before bowing out against East Tenn St.
2012 - Sat at 19-6 (7-4). Won 10 of the next 11, including NCAA wins against Michigan & USF, before bowing out against UNC.
2013 - Sat at 15-8 (2-7). Have won 4 in a row, including beating #1 Indiana and road wins at Minnesota and Northwestern.


May be seeing is for a 4th season here: 11-1 since January 1.  This team may be following the same pattern.  Certainly playing our best ball all season.
JerseyArnie
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Posted: 2/19/2013 2:48 PM
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The defense is still not up to snuff. I don't understand why the team, can't emulate last years defensive concepts.

 Offense looks good, Belmont and Akron, are big test. I think they have to prove to themselves, that they can beat a good team on the road,  or a tough Akron squad at home.  For the most part the MAC is pretty awful this year, so these two games are an interesting barometer as to the teams current level.

I will enjoy (I hope) watching the games on the TV,

JC please prove that you can win one at the Big Dance!
Ohio69
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Posted: 2/19/2013 6:29 PM
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perimeterpost wrote:expand_more
I think part of it is the type of player he recruits too. Groce looked for guys that had won state tournaments in high school, guys who played big in big games. That's why a road trip to EMU and Toledo to play in front of 800 disinterested people was more dangerous than playing Akron with a Tourney birth on the line.


Interesting idea.  I believe in clutch and big game players.




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