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Topic: A quick thought on Groce/Illinois...
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cincybobcat99
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Posted: 3/29/2012 10:06 AM
Ozcat wrote:expand_more
Better start tracking DJ's connecting flight from Chicago this AM....

RT @Djcoop5 Just landed in chicago.. One more flight to go

I'm ill.

Pure coincedence methinks.  He tweeted a few days ago he was heading home for the weekend.  Why sit out a year to play one more?


Isn't his home in Chicago?
mf279801
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Posted: 3/29/2012 10:07 AM
Ozcat wrote:expand_more
Better start tracking DJ's connecting flight from Chicago this AM....

RT @Djcoop5 Just landed in chicago.. One more flight to go

I'm ill.

Pure coincedence methinks.  He tweeted a few days ago he was heading home for the weekend.  Why sit out a year to play one more?


And specifically tweeted that he's staying
athena
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Posted: 3/29/2012 10:08 AM
DJ isn't going anywhere, except home for a visit.

He's down with the Green & White, don't you remember him telling us that on All In?
cathead
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Posted: 3/29/2012 10:09 AM
Thank you.... I don't expect to lose any current players.
bigtillyoopsupsideurhead
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Chuck_IV
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Posted: 3/29/2012 10:37 AM
Man after all the hostility over there about his hiring, between the fans and some of the boosters, There's a reason 5 others turned it down. I guess it is all about the money for him. Very disappointing.

He could have done so much better.
UpSan Bobcat
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Posted: 3/29/2012 11:23 AM
Chuck_IV wrote:expand_more
Man after all the hostility over there about his hiring, between the fans and some of the boosters, There's a reason 5 others turned it down. I guess it is all about the money for him. Very disappointing.

He could have done so much better.


Jobs don't come open at places that are "much better" than Illinois.

Things aren't in great shape right now at Illinois, but that's why a job is available. Perfect jobs don't open unless a legend retires and even then, that's usually not the best of spots to step into.

Of course I wish Groce would have stayed but in no way can I fault him. I certainly wish him well.
bornacatfan
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Posted: 3/29/2012 12:00 PM
at least the question mark gets changed

Jeff McKinney
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Posted: 3/29/2012 2:25 PM
UpSan Bobcat wrote:expand_more
Man after all the hostility over there about his hiring, between the fans and some of the boosters, There's a reason 5 others turned it down. I guess it is all about the money for him. Very disappointing.

He could have done so much better.


Jobs don't come open at places that are "much better" than Illinois.

Things aren't in great shape right now at Illinois, but that's why a job is available. Perfect jobs don't open unless a legend retires and even then, that's usually not the best of spots to step into.

Of course I wish Groce would have stayed but in no way can I fault him. I certainly wish him well.



I agree 100% with UpSan.  Some of you are not being very realistic. 
intrpdtrvlr
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Posted: 3/29/2012 3:25 PM
I'd like to weigh in with one more vote for "those attacking Groce are nuts."

He had an opportunity to increase his income x5 and advance his professional career by accepting a job at a Big Ten school which, despite its troubles, is in Groce's comfort zone of the Midwest and adjacent to a recruiting hotbed.  It's a position with national championship potential.  That is an incredible opportunity.  He accepted the job promptly within a week of being contacted in a timely manner without leaving Ohio hanging or in flux.  He was gracious and extended himself out to Ohio University even as he accepted his new position. 

Ridiculous to be mad at Groce or fault him as simply chasing dollars. 
OUVan
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Posted: 3/29/2012 3:41 PM
intrpdtrvlr wrote:expand_more
Ridiculous to be mad at Groce or fault him as simply chasing dollars. 


And it's not about simply chasing dollars. What if Athens, Ohio isn't his ideal spot to live?   What if he wants the challenge of butting heads wtih the best of the best in coaching?  I love Athens but I don't live there either.  The fact that so many of you are taking this so personally is ridiculous.  He is doing what 99% of the coaches in the world would do.  And he's not being disingenuous.  When he was here he gave us his all. He gave his players his all.  Now he's going to give Illinois and their fathful his all.  If this kind of jilting is bothersome to you I suggest you find something else to do with your time because this is us being successful.  It sucks but it is what it is. Unless we find a way to greatly boost our basketball budget this is always going to be us.  Don't blame John Groce because he wants something better.  And this rationalization that the Illinois job isn't better is just silly.   And don't forget that he is leaving the program in great shape which makes it much easier for us to find a quality replacement.  I'm not happy John Groce is gone but I'm certainly happy he gave us four years of his life. This program is the better for it.

Okay, my staying away lasted all of about 2 hours.   
mf279801
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Posted: 3/29/2012 3:47 PM
OUVan wrote:expand_more
Ridiculous to be mad at Groce or fault him as simply chasing dollars. 


And it's not about simply chasing dollars. What if Athens, Ohio isn't his ideal spot to live?   What if he wants the challenge of butting heads wtih the best of the best in coaching?  I love Athens but I don't live there either.  The fact that so many of you are taking this so personally is ridiculous.  He is doing what 99% of the coaches in the world would do.  And he's not being disingenuous.  When he was here he gave us his all. He gave his players his all.  Now he's going to give Illinois and their fathful his all.  If this kind of jilting is bothersome to you I suggest you find something else to do with your time because this is us being successful.  It sucks but it is what it is. Unless we find a way to greatly boost our basketball budget this is always going to be us.  Don't blame John Groce because he wants something better.  And this rationalization that the Illinois job isn't better is just silly.   And don't forget that he is leaving the program in great shape which makes it much easier for us to find a quality replacement.  I'm not happy John Groce is gone but I'm certainly happy he gave us four years of his life. This program is the better for it.

Okay, my staying away lasted all of about 2 hours.   


Much as it hurts (and really i'm starting to get excited about the possibility of Boals on the bench, so the pain is temporary), I've got to agree with what Van and intrp said.
Brian Smith (No, not that one)
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Posted: 3/29/2012 3:49 PM
OUVan wrote:expand_more
Ridiculous to be mad at Groce or fault him as simply chasing dollars. 


And it's not about simply chasing dollars. What if Athens, Ohio isn't his ideal spot to live?   What if he wants the challenge of butting heads wtih the best of the best in coaching?  I love Athens but I don't live there either.  The fact that so many of you are taking this so personally is ridiculous.  He is doing what 99% of the coaches in the world would do.  And he's not being disingenuous.  When he was here he gave us his all. He gave his players his all.  Now he's going to give Illinois and their fathful his all.  If this kind of jilting is bothersome to you I suggest you find something else to do with your time because this is us being successful.  It sucks but it is what it is. Unless we find a way to greatly boost our basketball budget this is always going to be us.  Don't blame John Groce because he wants something better.  And this rationalization that the Illinois job isn't better is just silly.   And don't forget that he is leaving the program in great shape which makes it much easier for us to find a quality replacement.  I'm not happy John Groce is gone but I'm certainly happy he gave us four years of his life. This program is the better for it.

Okay, my staying away lasted all of about 2 hours.   


Awesome.

 I bet being a Big Ten coach has been Groce's dream since the day he decided not to play his final year at Taylor and began coaching. I'm glad he chose Ohio on the way to that dream.
Last Edited: 3/29/2012 3:50:44 PM by Brian Smith (No, not that one)
LoganElm_grad09
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Posted: 3/29/2012 4:30 PM
I want to say this; Thank you, Coach Groce, for your time here.  You've brought us to a level of competition where our school is being recognized all over the country.  The exposure and money from the big dance will do much more than just a one-and-done season.  This program is in better shape than it was when you got here and you deserve to be commended for that.

I really wish he would have stayed next year, but if this move was what was right for he and his family, I can't fault him for the move.

All that said, it's time to move on to the next chapter of Ohio Basketball.  First thing's first:  the new coach.  Getting a good one shouldn't be too hard.  We have our ENTIRE roster intact, some good new pieces coming in with them.  The exposure we've garnered this season (coupled with the aforementioned points) will give us some attention outside of the MAC next year.  We have a pretty big gym to play in with an excellent environment.  The only thing we lack is resources for a long term stay (see money.)

Personally, I'm still excited where this program is heading.  Next year will be a banner year (moreso than this one) and after that we're capable of continuing the success we have had so far.
anorris
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Posted: 3/29/2012 4:34 PM
LoganElm_grad09 wrote:expand_more
I want to say this; Thank you, Coach Groce, for your time here.  You've brought us to a level of competition where our school is being recognized all over the country.  The exposure and money from the big dance will do much more than just a one-and-done season.  This program is in better shape than it was when you got here and you deserve to be commended for that.

I really wish he would have stayed next year, but if this move was what was right for he and his family, I can't fault him for the move.

All that said, it's time to move on to the next chapter of Ohio Basketball.  First thing's first:  the new coach.  Getting a good one shouldn't be too hard.  We have our ENTIRE roster intact, some good new pieces coming in with them.  The exposure we've garnered this season (coupled with the aforementioned points) will give us some attention outside of the MAC next year.  We have a pretty big gym to play in with an excellent environment.  The only thing we lack is resources for a long term stay (see money.)

Personally, I'm still excited where this program is heading.  Next year will be a banner year (moreso than this one) and after that we're capable of continuing the success we have had so far.
Hear, hear.
born2bleedgreen
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Posted: 3/29/2012 4:41 PM
LoganElm_grad09 wrote:expand_more
I want to say this; Thank you, Coach Groce, for your time here.  You've brought us to a level of competition where our school is being recognized all over the country.  The exposure and money from the big dance will do much more than just a one-and-done season.  This program is in better shape than it was when you got here and you deserve to be commended for that.

I really wish he would have stayed next year, but if this move was what was right for he and his family, I can't fault him for the move.

All that said, it's time to move on to the next chapter of Ohio Basketball.  First thing's first:  the new coach.  Getting a good one shouldn't be too hard.  We have our ENTIRE roster intact, some good new pieces coming in with them.  The exposure we've garnered this season (coupled with the aforementioned points) will give us some attention outside of the MAC next year.  We have a pretty big gym to play in with an excellent environment.  The only thing we lack is resources for a long term stay (see money.)

Personally, I'm still excited where this program is heading.  Next year will be a banner year (moreso than this one) and after that we're capable of continuing the success we have had so far.


agree!
Jeff McKinney
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Posted: 3/29/2012 5:47 PM
I agree with intrpdvtlr and OUVan.  Absolutely. 
Bobcat Grad 86
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Posted: 3/29/2012 6:02 PM
Good Luck to Coach Gross!
Last Edited: 3/29/2012 8:04:00 PM by Bobcat Grad 86
brucecuth
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Posted: 3/29/2012 7:07 PM
i agree with the positive statements made here about coach groce and wish him and his family the best.  He left this program in FAR better shape than he found it.

I didn't read this entire thread, but let's remember how successful Kent was for almost a decade in finding and developing coaches, coaches that kept the Kent program at the top of the MAC.  When u cannot pay million dollar salaries, this is what you have to do. 
Good cat Good cat
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Posted: 3/29/2012 10:56 PM
Happy for Coach Groce, however, he now has to coach against his mentor in Columbus....I remember hearing coach say several times that he wOUld never want to go up against Matta and would never schedule O$U....
Speaking of - would be great if we took it to those Buckeyes again in next year's Preseason NIT.
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Posted: 3/29/2012 11:59 PM
Hello OU faithful,

After reading your board for the past few days I had to sign in a comment on what a great bunch post here.  I only wish our boards were as pleasant and thoughtful.  I hate to poach a coach (as Illini fans know how it feels) but I know we got a good one in Coach Groce.  Your team was a true joy to watch in the Big Dance.  I want to wish you the best on a successful campaign next season with a very talented bunch returning.
intrpdtrvlr
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Posted: 3/30/2012 8:07 AM
Good cat Good cat wrote:expand_more
Happy for Coach Groce, however, he now has to coach against his mentor in Columbus....I remember hearing coach say several times that he wOUld never want to go up against Matta and would never schedule O$U....
Speaking of - would be great if we took it to those Buckeyes again in next year's Preseason NIT.


Like I said before, I think Izzo and Crean felt the same way when Crean was at Marquette.  However, that wasn't even close to enough to make Crean pass on an opportunity like the Indiana job.  Same situation here.  
roar-room
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Posted: 3/30/2012 8:49 AM
No to be pessimistic (we've had enough of that the past few days), but I keep seeing people refer to this job as a "lottery ticket" and an amazing opportunity for a new hire.

I agree, it is a great opportunity for an up and coming coach - but expectations are higher than they have been in a long time (read: ever?) for this program, and not that I believe that will deter anybody, but that is something to keep in mind. As good as our team is - it isn't just going to be a "show up and win the MAC" situation - it never is.
JSF
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Posted: 3/30/2012 1:01 PM
Bobcat Love
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Posted: 3/30/2012 1:15 PM
Slight dig at Arkley at the end....not really necessary.
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