New Illini men's basketball head coach John Groce

Though the recruits for 2013 have said they’re on board with joining the basketball team under John Groce’s leadership, the team’s one and only 2012 recruit, Michael Orris, has decided to jump ship and reopen the recruitment process.

According to Shannon Ryan of The Chicago Tribune the 3-star point guard did not think that Groce’s style would fit with the way he plays. Seeing as how Groce is a big fan of guard-heavy play and has been known to play three point guards at a time, it’s sort of a confusing statement.

Now Groce has two spots to fill, as Meyers Leonard has hired an agent and will not be returning this year. Perhaps one of those spots will be filled by DJ Cooper, the star at Ohio who was considering transferring after the news of Groce’s hiring at Illinois. Even so, there is still another opening remaining for Groce, who should be on the lookout for a big guy to fill Leonard’s shoes.

It’s always disappointing when a player decommits, but it is expected to happen when a new coach joins the program. Tracy Abrams was very successful at the point last year, and will most likely continue that role in the future as well. With Mike Shaw and Myke Henry already on the roster, another Michael would’ve been confusing, anyway.

No word of any current players transferring, but there is a lot of time left before the 2012-2013 season begins.