Haha, well that's classic.

But anyway it demonstrates why Groce should stay. He's loved there, and Illinois wants him fired before he is even hired. 

He's got a good thing going, why leave it for a place where you wont be respected? He's got a better team as of now at Ohio anyway. 

Agreed!

I've been following the main head coach thread at their message board since it was on page 327. It's on 524 right now. If the posts there any representation, the Illinois dude posting above is not really on target. Right after the 2 "big names" turned Illinois down and word leaked that Groce was being targeted, their message board became fascinating to read. At that point, the majority of posters still were in a bubble, thinking they were a top 10 program. They could not fathom why they couldn't get any coach they wanted, simply by backing the Brink's truck up. Nobody was discussing the actual merits of a Groce hire in a rational way. They'd just been nationally embarrassed.

As the pagecount went up and emotions cooled down, a few posters began to lay out why they thought Groce would be a good hire. Some of the earlier people railing against Groce apoligized.

More recently, for the last 50 pages at least, most of their members have been very positive of a Groce hire. Excited even. There's been some great breakdown and insight of how he would be a good fit for Illinois. I think for the most part, the rational and intelligent people think Groce is the best fit. (And I don't consider those recommending a High School coach to be intelligent).

My concern at this point, is that if Groce turns down, or if his hire is blocked, how would he be able to effectively recruit?

First off, I took what one of your posters said earlier today the wrong way. I thought I was be asked to leave.

Now, what a mess this coach search has become. It's a disgrace...embarrassment...joke, whatever. I can't believe it has gone down like this. It's shameful to see what a mess the BOT, and AD have made this.

I, like MANY Illinois fans want coach Groce to coach here (despite what other Illinois posters may say). I'll be honest with you, I wouldn't blame coach Groce if he to Mike Thomas to take his coaching job and shove it where the sun don't shine.

And Kendall Gill!?!? Are you kidding me? Why don't we go back and see if Kenny Battle or Steven Bardo are interested.

After 2 days of this poorly produced soap-opera, I hope for the sake of Ohio Universities and Illinois' fan bases...this thing ends tomorrow.

By the way, the Fo Sho' post was fabulous.

Well this just goes to show you there are two sides to every story.

Some think Groce would be an okay grab, others like me think otherwise. 

Ohio fans are united in that they want Groce obviously, hahaha.

So you're telling me I can get a beer in the Rohr Room next year at halftime?  Sweet! 

Just out of curiosity, say Groce is gone, who would Ohio hire?

Sorry it's a bit off topic, i'm just wondering.

http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/boal...

Jeff Boals is this board's first choice. He's an OSU assistant who played and was an assistant here.

Neither did we. But that became a top option. It won't happen though, i highly doubt.

Jeff Boals or Dustin Ford

actually he may be doing Ohio a favor by leaving now. In the bigger scheme of things, Groce is not just thinking about paying his bills. This new job would set him up-moneywise- forlife. If it doesn't work out, I'm sure he'll land on his feet. Don't you?

This is clownish. The Illinois Board of Trustees are idiots, their AD is a moron, and their fans are beyond ridiculous. You want someone who will "bleed orange and blue"? That's stupid. You want someone who will win. Who cares what they "bleed"?

By the way, if you would only let him, Groce would turn Illinois into a national power. But you won't let him, and you'll get what you deserve.