I think he'll be able to win at Illinois when given the chance. Remember, Groce started out with back-to-back ninth-place finishes in the MAC. You think Illinois would accept that?
Right now the Ohio basketball program is in a better position than Illinois.
Different starting points though and also resources. Illinois has the ability to #1 Get the players that can turn the program around very quickly. #2 Illinois is not void of talent, they do have some good young players as long as he can keep them
Illinois was a team that beat Gonzaga, Ohio State and Michigan State this year. But just totally fell apart and once the coaching rumors kicked in the team went down the toilet. So Groce can think to himself that my style is what they need and I can turn them around quickly.
I don't disagree. But with six B1G teams in the dance this year (including four in the Sweet 16) and Northwestern on the bubble and improving, that's a very tough set of conference obstacles -- especially for a new coach.
Not saying he's not up to the challenge. Not saying he can't do it. I'm saying it is going to be tough to make an immediate impact and I'm not sure that Illinois fans will be patient -- especially with what's already gone down so far...
True.
Illinois fans expect very little out of Groce, and with the horrible state of the program lately, he' d be on a very short leash. He would be better off to stay at Ohio, and establish a good thing there, then maybe look at some other offers, but he is simply not ready at this point in my opinion.
Simply, like I have said before, it is better for him to stay at Ohio. He's obviously loved there!
Last Edited: 3/28/2012 3:31:27 PM by Illinoisfan