3/8/2023 0 Comments Illini basketballThat being said, even with Whitman's vote of confidence Saturday, Groce's margin for error can't be too big. That addition coupled with Belleville guard Javon Pickett has things looking real good for the future. And just last weekend, the Class of 2017 got a serious injection of talent with Peoria guard Da'Monte Williams, a four-star recruit and the son of former Illinois star Frank Williams. He finally landed a point guard in Milwaukee's Te'Jon Lucas, currently the lone member of the Illini's Class of 2016. But also there's been good news on the recruiting trail for Groce of late. The results the past two seasons can be excused to a degree considering the large amount of time missed by key players. Certainly this run of horrible injury luck has to end at some point. The Illini finished 19-12 overall and 9-9 during the regular season before getting blown out of the Big Ten Tournament by Michigan and blown out of the NIT by Alabama.īut there are multiple reasons why it makes sense that Whitman sticks with Groce. Abrams missed the entirety of last season, too, and star scorer Rayvonte Rice missed a nine-game chunk of conference play with an injury and a suspension. It follows what was a disappointing season a year ago, when injuries were the story, as well. A slew of injuries - including season-enders to Tracy Abrams, Mike Thorne and Leron Black, all three projected starters - has made for a rocky road during what is at the moment a 13-17 overall record and a 5-12 mark in Big Ten play. This season has not gone well for the Illini, who finish their regular-season schedule Sunday against Penn State. He's a student of basketball and leadership, and I feel really comfortable with the leadership he's given our guys." "He's a first-class individual and an excellent leader. "I think it's important today that folks understand that John Groce is going to continue to be our basketball coach," Whitman said in the interview, his quote published by the Champaign News-Gazette. on Saturday SportsTalk minutes ago: " will continue to be our basketball coach." #Illini New Illinois athletics director Josh Whitman gave Groce his vote of confidence Saturday during a radio interview on WDWS. Despite a season that, pending a miracle run in the Big Ten Tournament, will end as Illinois' third straight campaign without an NCAA tournament appearance, John Groce will continue to be the Fighting Illini's head coach.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |