Kendall Marshall – The Reason Groce will leave.

In this sometimes circular world we live in, there is one reason that impacts John Groce’s decision on both the front and back end:  Kendall Marshall.  We have just come off arguably the best two weeks of Bobcats basketball.  The victory over Michigan validated the win over Georgetown.  South Florida added to the party and taking UNC to the brink in the Sweet Sixteen changes the conversation. 

But how different would it have been if Marshall had played?  We will never know, and it is part of the game, but what if he plays and we get blown out/don't compete as well?  Is Groce in the conversation at Illinois.  Arguably, the Kendall Marshall injury impacts the situation.

What the injury also highlights is just how fleeting an opportunity can be.  Let’s say that excited by next year’s prospects, Groce stays.  But what if we suffer a “Kendall Marshall injury.”   Coop breaks his wrist or Offutt blows out a knee.  What started out as a breakout year ends up with us fighting with Akron and Kent – and perhaps finishing third – with no bid.  Groce retreats from being the “hot” guy to a just over .500 coach in the MAC with no regular season titles.

Kendall Marshall helped Groce get to this position.  It also sends a warning to a coach in a one-bid league.

I hope he stays.  I sent him an email yesterday thanking he and the team for the season and telling him I’d respect his decision.  I mentioned that being a business owner, I love being in control of my own destiny: professionally and personally (something I think he loses if he heads to Illinois).  But the Kendall Marshall injury is also a reminder at what we do not control.