Brandon Paul seems to be the only Illini that wants to win; Photo by Cary Frye

This season is starting to feel eerily familiar. Last year, the Illini started conference play 13-2, and this year they upped the ante slightly and started off 14-1. Last year, the Illini won just 4 conference games, and this year is shaping up to look almost exactly the same. After an ugly home loss to Northwestern on Thursday, the Illini are now 10th in the conference with just 1 win and 4 losses.

The loss on the road to Purdue shouldn’t have happened, but we’ll let it slide. Minnesota at home also isn’t great, but they’re shaping up to be a pretty good team. Wisconsin on the road is another OK one to let slip away, but we didn’t need to be made to look like fools. Add in there a home loss to Northwestern, and now we’ve got a huge problem.

Northwestern has a record of 11-7, and they let Iowa embarrass them at home with a 20-point loss. There is absolutely no reason for them to come into the Assembly Hall and beat the Illini 68-54. The Illini were down 15 points at halftime, scoring just 21 points in the first. They never could get back in there, and they went ahead and lost their third game in a row. I’m just confused as to how on Earth we managed to steal a win from Ohio State.

It’s not like Illinois hasn’t faced difficult opponents this year. We beat Butler to win the Maui Invitational a few months ago, and Butler is now the 13th team in the country. Illinois also beat current #7 Gonzaga in Spokane. Have they not gotten the memo that teams are supposed to get better as the season progresses, not worse? I’m sure the Big Ten is a tough conference, but we should not be losing to the likes of Purdue and Northwestern. We’re digging a hole that may be inescapable, and in March we may find ourselves sitting at home with a quart of ice cream while watching other teams play in the NCAA Tournament.

Tyler Griffey hasn’t made a 3-pointer since he had 2 at Purdue, even though he managed 4 against Missouri. Joseph Bertrand has also disappeared during conference play, and these are two guys that we really need to perform. Brandon Paul is still carrying the team, with the help of Tracy Abrams. Nnanna Egwu and D.J. Richardson are putting in minimal contributions, but it’s just not enough. When we were winning, all of those guys were pouring in 3′s and making things happen.

On Thursday, Paul had a team-high 21 points, and Abrams was the only other player in double digits with 10. Griffey lost his starting role for the first time this season to Sam McLaurin, who had 5 rebounds and 6 points. The Illini shot 38%, which is pretty much standard in the four conference losses. They were also 3-20 from downtown, a far cry from their streak in the early season. The 3′s aren’t falling, and the Illini aren’t winning. Also, 18 turnovers for the night certainly didn’t help matters.

Mike Shaw showed a small spark against Wisconsin with 19 minutes, 2 points and 3 rebounds, but that’s not enough to make up for the slump overshadowing the rest of the team. Also, if this is what we’re calling “impressive” in a game where the Illini lost by 23 points, then we are certainly lowering our standards.On Thursday, he played for 5 minutes and earned 4 fouls, 0 points and 0 rebounds.

I am still satisfied with the Coach John Groce decision, and I’m not going to give up on him by any means. But, if we continue this spiral then I’m going to wonder if we would’ve been just as well off keeping Bruce Weber, whose Kansas State Wildcats are 14-2 and ranked #16/18. Without Meyers Leonard the team is missing a big talent, and I don’t know that Weber could’ve this team to a win against Butler or Gonzaga earlier in the season, so I will give that praise to Coach Groce. However, he needs to turn this team around, and fast.

Illinois will have the weekend off, before heading to Nebraska on Tuesday. Last  year’s trip to Lincoln ended in a horrific loss and Leonard in tears on the bench. It was also the moment that I realized the season was over. Nebraska currently has 0 Big Ten wins, and I will be damned if we give them that first conference W of the season. Yes, the Illini are struggling, but this is a game that they should win, and a game that they must win. If they can’t beat the bottom of the conference, then February and March are going to be tough months.

The Illini will play Nebraska on Tuesday at 7:30.

Meyers Leonard blocking Robert Sacre of Gonzaga in last year’s win; Photo by Cary Frye

It seems funny to call Saturday’s basketball game at Gonzaga the first true test for the Illini, especially since they’ve already had a number of close calls this year (see Western Carolina, Hawaii and Gardner Webb). Regardless, this is the first ranked opponent, and the second true road test (again, see Hawaii).

Gonzaga is currently No. 10 in the country, and they are one of the few teams in the league that can boast the same 9-0 record as Illinois. Gonzaga started out with a lot more hype than the Illini (preseason 21), so everyone is just assuming they are the better team.

However, when you take a look at the schedules of both teams, Gonzaga really doesn’t have anything on Illinois. Both teams won their early-season tournament, Maui Invitational for Illinois and Old Spice Classic for Gonzaga. It’s fair to say that the overall tournament field was tougher for Illinois with teams like UNC and Marquette on the schedule, but – that’s not who Illinois actually played.

Gonzaga got through Clemson, Oklahoma and Davidson to win their tournament, while Illinois fought USC, Chaminade and Butler. For some reason, the Old Spice Classic gave teams an extra day before the championship game in Orlando, FL, while Illinois had to power through three days of straight basketball in Hawaii to win.

So far, I’d say even ground.

Our won true road game was at Hawaii, which isn’t that different than Gonzaga heading to Washington State. Also, you have to consider the fact that at just a little over an hour away, there had to be some Gonzaga fans in those stands.

Other opponents for Gonzaga: Southern Utah, West Virginia, South Dakota, Lewis-Clark St and Pacific. So really not that impressive, and none of those teams are ranked.

Before I get too excited, Gonzaga does have a leg up in that they’ve annihilated almost every opponent, winning by nearly 30 points every time, save for that one road trip just yesterday at Washington State. That game they scraped by 71-69. Gonzaga has also hit 100 twice this year, and also 96. Considering Illinois has had 3 close games so far this year, and that Georgia Tech game was a little too close for comfort at 75-62.

Illinoi hasn’t faced any ranked opponent either this year, and the one road trip to Hawaii was a bit of a mess. While no opponents were ranked, Butler did beat a ranked UNC, so that’s something. Right? Right?! And, unlike Gonzaga, we have tons of experience coming from behind to win before the buzzer sounds.

Even though it feels like he’s been on the team for about 15 years, it appears that Elias Harris is STILL on Gonzanga. He’s a senior, so that means he’ll finally be out of my hair. He is averaging 16.8 points and 8.1 rebounds a game, and last year we had Meyers Leonard to shut him down in that 82-75 win at Assembly Hall.

This year, the job of guarding Harris will go to Nnanna Egwu I’m guessing, or perhaps D.J. Richardson will take on the duties. Richardson maybe be smaller, but he’s proven he is a defensive force to be reckoned with.

Another positive is that Robert Sacre has finally graduated, because that guy scared the crap out of me. A quick look at their roster introduced me to a fellow named Przemek Karnowski, who is 7’1. It looks like that guy is averaging 9 points a game, but sometimes he hits 20 and other times he hits 6.

My prediction is, this game will be a loss. Last year, Illinois managed to beat a ranked No. 19 Gonzaga, giving them an 8-0 start. Well, at 9-0 they’ve already surpassed that, but we all know what happened in the end of last year.

Naysayers are insisting that Illinois is overrated (I will admit No. 13 seems a tad high), so it’d be great if they could go in and prove everyone wrong with a win. My guess is if this game were to be played at Assembly Hall, I’d have a different prediction. But, a road game makes the playing field a lot less even.

On the bright side, a loss would not be the end of the world. Losing to a top 10 team won’t hurt the ranking or RPI that much, and it could show Coach John Groce where we might need to improve before heading to Missouri, and then into the Big Ten season.

That being said, I would still suggest leaving me alone for a few hours if the game does indeed result in the first loss for the Illini this year.

The game will be Saturday at 9pm on ESPN2.

Classic Leonard dunk; Photo by Cary Frye

Nothing makes me happier than to see an Illini get drafted in the NBA, especially in the top 12. With the 11th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Portland Trailblazers picked Meyers Leonard.

He looked nervous and was sporting a blue gingham shirt (that seemed to be the trend) and brought former Illini coach Bruce Weber with him, along with his family members. He also had an awkward hug with a gal that may or may not be his significant other. I do have wonder why he wasn’t wearing any orange, but I’ll let it go. He looked nervous, but didn’t shed any tears. Kept his interview short, sweet and simple.

The last Illini taken in the NBA draft was 2006, when James Augustine (41) and Dee Brown (46) went late in the second round; neither are in the league anymore. The best draft year in recent memory was 2005, when both Deron Williams (4) and Luther Head (24) were picked in the first round. It’s about time another guy from the Orange and Blue made it back on the big list.

The whole season, there was a lot of “will he or won’t he” talk when it came to Leonard. Many (including me) believed that he could’ve benefited from another year of school. However, once the Illini let go of Bruce Weber, it was pretty obvious Leonard wasn’t going to stick around – and who can blame him?

Leonard would’ve been a junior this year, and who knows how things would’ve gone for him under new head coach John Groce. He made tremendous strides between his freshman and sophomore years, and that could’ve just been the beginning. His first year, he averaged 8 minutes, 1.2 rebounds and 2.1 points per game. Then last year, he averaged 31.8 minutes, 8.2 rebounds and 13.6 points; a huge improvement.

We at Illini Nation are sad to see him go, and he’s going to be nearly impossible to replace. However, we are all extremely proud of our Big Guy from Robinson, Illinois. Nothing would make me happier than to see another Illini not only get drafted, but actually succeed in the NBA.

Best of luck Leonard, knock ‘em dead.

Malcolm Hill is no longer the sole Illini recruit for 2013, as Maverick Morgan announced to the world via Twitter (natch) that he has committed to joining the Fighting Illini in 2013.

Illini fans have been nervous about John Groce’s recruiting prowess, as recruits such as Michael Orris (2012) and Jalen James (2013) have been heading for the hills. Morgan is the first major player to commit to Groce out of high school, as Mike LaTulip will have walk on status and Rayvonte Rice and Sam McLaurin are transfers. This is also Groce’s first commit for 2013, and he has room for two more guys.

The 6-foot-10, 240-pound center is from Springboro, Ohio, and is ranked in the top 15 at his position for 2013. And, that’s pretty much all I know about him as of right now, aside from the fact that he has an awesome name. His final list was said to include Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, Dayton, Xavier and Minnesota, but it was the staff at Illinois that sealed the deal for him.

Though the Illini need a center to fill the big shoes of Meyers Leonard, here’s hoping by the time Morgan arrives Ibby Djimde or Nnanna Egwu will be dominating in that position and can teach him a thing or two.

Next on the list, let’s get some point guards!

Meyers Leonard gets his dunk on; Photo by Cary Frye

The Illini basketball season has been over for about three months, and apparently in that time Meyers Leonard has matured.

The thing to do for Illini players is fix any issues they may have had while in college in the short time between school and the NBA draft. Demetri McCamey lost about 10 pounds after he finished school, and though it didn’t help him get drafted, losing that weight maybe could’ve helped him while in school. Don’t these guys realize that what they do while at Illinois demonstrates to the NBA scouts what they will be able to do after making the leap?

Soon after Bruce Weber was fired, Leonard announced that he would forgo his junior and senior years at Illinois and submit his name to the draft. The decision was in the air throughout the whole season, and many – including me – thought that he could use at least one more year in college.

Leonard made a dramatic improvement between his freshman and sophomore years for sure, but he could’ve taken things just a tad bit further. When he was on he was unstoppable. Against Coppin State he had 18 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks, and then in the next game against UNLV he had just 7 points, 6 rebounds and 0 blocks. After that, he headed to St. Louis and managed 19 points, a season-high 16 rebounds and 3 blocks against a very talented Missouri. In the end, the main issue was always that he needed to grow up. Case in point: Nebraska.

The Breathe Carolina song “I Won’t Black Out” will be lodged in my brain for a good few hours if I hear just a snippet. I used to like that song, but now I can’t hear it without thinking of Illinois being squashed by Nebraska in Lincoln. The Cornhuskers were at the bottom of the barrel on Feb. 18 and Illinois needed a road win to convince themselves – and everyone else – that they weren’t down for the count. Well that didn’t happen.

Down by more than 30 points in the 80-57 loss, it was a massacre. As we cut to commercial, the Breathe Carolina song played over images of mainly the Cornhuskers making impressive shots and dunks while Illinois looked defeated. It was the sporty version adaption, with the lyrics saying “I won’t back down,” and I hoped that the Illini would follow the words. But nope.

So now every time I hear that song I think of Leonard sitting on the bench crying. There was still plenty of time left on the clock, but when he came out of the game it was pretty much over, and he knew it. He collapsed into tears on the bench as Myke Henry awkwardly patted him on the back utterly confused as to what he should be doing.

Leonard was basically the face of the program last year, in addition to Brandon Paul, and that face was covered in tears. What’s even more frustrating, aside from the fact that the game wasn’t over and it was on live TV, was that things were far from over for Leonard. He had to know that he would be going to the NBA at some point, so in the grand scheme of things this game didn’t really matter to him.

I was tempted to post a video of Leonard’s tears, but this post isn’t about making fun of him. I was a swimmer in college and I can’t say that I never shed a tear after a crappy race, but I wasn’t on live TV, and I was at the bottom of the list at a Division III school. I didn’t have the same responsibility as Leonard. I love the passion he showed, just not the way he expressed it in that moment.

Photo by Cary Frye

Okay, so the NBA Draft is just a few weeks away on June 28. Right now, Leonard is projected to be picked between 15-20th. I want nothing more than for him to find success and have a great career, because let’s face it that is great for Illinois. Kids are going to fall in love with Leonard and want to be an Illini; everyone wins. But, I can’t help but wonder what could’ve been had he stayed just one more year and grown and matured a little more. I can understand wanting to jump ship with the coaching change, but who knows how high his stock could’ve risen, and how much more he could’ve really grown. And of course where he could’ve taken the Illini.

He says he’s more mature now, but I just don’t get what would’ve happen in the last few months to actually make that happen. I suppose only time will tell, and I’ve got my fingers crossed for the guy.

A few weeks ago we mourned the loss of 2012 recruit Michael Orris (who it turns out is following Bruce Weber to KState). However, two new guys have confirmed they will be heading to campus to play for John Groce and the Illini next year. Mike LaTulip will join the team as a preferred walk-on, while Sam McLaurin will transfer from Coastal Carolina. The news of both new guys is exciting, though one caused a bit more of a stir with his announcement than the other.

On Monday, John Groce announced that LaTulip would be joining the program. The thing is, LaTulip actually already committed to walking on the team in September of last year, so really Groce was just sort of confirming that LaTulip isn’t jumping ship.

LaTulip attends Prospect High School, and is a member of the Full Package AAU team. The 6-0, 165-pound guard averaged 22.0 points, 4.0 assists and 2.7 rebounds during his senior season, leading Prospect to a record of 17-9 and 7-3 in the Mid-Suburban League’s East Division. He made 75 three-pointers on the year while shooting 38.5 percent from behind the arc.

“We are pleased that Mike will attend the University of Illinois and join our basketball team,” Groce said. “He is a prolific scorer and without question one of the best shooters in the state of Illinois. He turned down many scholarship opportunities to walk-on here, so we feel fortunate to add a player of Mike’s caliber to our program.”

What Illinois needs right now is a scorer, so this is great news that LaTulip isn’t flying the coop. Though one might turn their nose up at a guy that is a “preferred walk-on,” you have to remember that Trent Meacham and Jeff Jordan, who happened to be the son of some guy named Michael, both started out as walk-ons. Both earned a scholarship in their second year and one of them – hint, not the son of Michael – turned out to be a pretty integral part of the team.

LaTulip’s announcement flew under the radar, while everyone is talking about McLaurin, who took to Twitter and said “F*** it, I’m going to Illinois. #Illinination.” He later apologized for his language and tweeted: “Hey everyone sorry about my language last night. I was just extremely excited to be part of #illinination.”

While profanity is never really necessary, I gotta love that he was so excited to be part of the gang that he lost himself for a moment. However, I did hear that his team didn’t even know about the transfer until the tweet, which is a bit more concerning. His actions have also gotten a lot of attention, and I don’t really think it’s bad attention. After no one wanted to coach us for a while, it’s nice that someone is ecstatic to wear the orange and blue.

McLaurin follows the footsteps of Sam Maniscalco and will enroll as a graduate student at Illinois. This means he can compete immediately during the 2012-13 season under the NCAA one-time transfer exception. The 6-8, 230-pound forward started all 31 games for the Chanticleers last season, averaging 10.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks while shooting 65.2 percent from the field.

McLaurin scored in double figures in 18 games on the year and recorded five double-doubles, and totaled 674 points and shot nearly 62 percent during his four-year career and owns the Coastal Carolina record for career blocked shots with 155 while ranking seventh on the school’s all-time rebounding list with 647 boards.

A native of Havana, Fla., McLaurin is a two-time Big South All-Academic selection and earned first-team CoSIDA Academic All-District honors in 2012 as well.

Though he will only be on the team one year, McLaurin could be really helpful in filling the hole left by Meyers Leonard. Though the Maniscalco experiment didn’t quite work, perhaps McLaurin will be different. Either way, we’re f****ing excited to have both new guys on the team.

John Groce has nabbed his first Illini recruit! Drake shooting guard, and Champaign native, Rayvonte Rice announced today that he will transfer to Illinois. He had the option to transfer to Xavier as well, but he attended Champaign Centennial High School and decided to return to his roots.

There are actually three open scholarships for next season: Michael Orris bowed out of his scholly before setting foot on campus, Meyers Leonard is heading to the NBA, and Crandall Head transferred abruptly in the middle of the season. Groce filled one spot, and now has two to play with.

Rice, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound guard, will sit out next season, and then will have two years of eligibility with Illinois. He averaged 16.5 points and 5.7 rebounds last season for Drake.

Since Rice has some collegiate experience, he could be able to jump in immediately and take over the guard duties for Brandon Paul and DJ Richardson after they graduate at the end of next year. While he doesn’t necessarily have B1G experience, he will have a year of practice to get with the program. Seems like a good nab, and I live it when the local kids get to come home and play for the fans (ala another Centennial transfer – from Dayton – Trent Meacham).

Groce now has two more spots to fill before the season begins, and will most likely focus on another point guard position and center to fill the more immediate holes left by Leonard and Maniscalco.

Photo by Cary Frye

It’s time to exhale Illini fans, because the final question of the season we’d like to forget has been answered: Meyers Leonard will not return next season. He will forgo his junior and senior years at the University of Illinois, and has declare eligibility for the 2012 NBA Draft.

As soon as the season began and Leonard blew his old career-high numbers out of the water, everyone was wondering if he’d head to the draft or wait another year. For a short while, the “will he or won’t he” discussions were overshadowed by the horrible season and the firing of HC Bruce Weber. However, now that Weber is gone and John Groce has taken his place, Leonard has officially decided he doesn’t want to stick around.

There is no doubt about it, Leonard could be really great in the NBA. However, he could also be a bust. Many experts (and regular Janes like me) believe that he could benefit from one more year of school, but how can you blame a kid who is listed as No. 21 right now on the 2012 Mock NBA Draft? Although, there were moments throughout the season when his number was much higher.

Leonard comes from a small town in Illinois and didn’t have a lot growing up. His dad died while he was young, his mother has medical issues that keep her in pain and his brother is serving overseas. An NBA contract would help his family out – a lot. The Illini had a season so ugly that Leonard was in tears before the end of the road game at Nebraska, where the team was down by over 30 points at one time.

His coach is gone, and it’s unclear exactly what will happen next season. While perhaps he could gain more experience and grow, it’s also possible that he doesn’t fit into what Groce has in mind. Illinois needs time to adjust, so I can’t imagine he’ll be missing out on a miraculous Final Four run, and there is always the risk of an injury. Can you really blame the kid for following his dream?

Some think Leonard was going to leave all along, but I believe he wasn’t quite sure until Weber was let go. At that point, I bet he figured why the heck not? The only thing that concerns me is that he is projected to go a lot lower than he had been in the middle of the season. Leonard has had some really great games, but he also had a few stinkers. He needs to work hard to impress the teams before the Draft actually occurs and see if he can get that stock to rise. He has the perfect body for basketball, and when he’s on point he is unstoppable. I just wish he had a little more time to develop.

Photo by Cary Frye

Listen, this is by no means a crazy decision. Jereme Richmond declaring for the draft last year? That was stupid. Leonard is taking a risk, but I believe there is a great chance he could make a team and be extremely successful. I am sad that he won’t be playing for the Illini next year, but I absolutely wish him nothing but the best in all of his future endeavors.

Nanna Egwu, you’ve got a lot of work to do in the offseason.

What He Had to Say:

“This was a very difficult decision because I love the University of Illinois. But I feel the timing is right for me to follow my dream of playing in the NBA and having the opportunity to provide for my mom and family. I want to thank everyone in the Illini program for their support these past two years. It starts with Coach Weber, who has always believed in me. He taught me so much about the game of basketball and helped me mature as both a player and a person. I will miss all my teammates; we’ve been through so much together and I consider them my brothers. The future is bright here and under the direction of Coach Groce, I know they’ll be successful. Finally, I want to thank the fans for their incredible support. It was a dream come true to represent my state school and play at the Assembly Hall. I will always be an Illini. “

The Stats

Leonard scored in double figures 21 times as a sophomore, led by a pair of career-high 22 point outings vs. Richmond (Nov. 22) and Iowa (Feb. 26). He had six 20-point games on the year and was the Illini’s leading scorer in 10 games. Leonard ranked third in the Big Ten with eight double-doubles and was the Illini’s top rebounder in 21 games, led by a career-high 16 boards vs. Cornell (Dec. 19). His 60 blocked shots were the second-highest single-season total in school history. He tallied a career-high six blocks in the season opener vs. Loyola-Chicago (Nov. 11).

The draft will take place on June 28. Brandon Paul sniffed around without hiring an agent, and though he hasn’t officially said he is coming back to Illinois, I would be SHOCKED (and angered) if he didn’t return. You’ll get your chance next year, Brandon, so get your degree and come on back. We need you.

New Illini men's basketball head coach John Groce

The press conference actually happened, and as of 1pm today the drama is over and the Fighting Illini have a brand-new head coach for the men’s basketball team: John Groce.

You could tell that AD Mike Thomas was also relieved at the press conference, and he had a much more jovial vibe than yesterday during the introduction of women’s coach Matt Bollant. Thomas cracked a nice little joke that he will only hire coaches with less hair than he has (40-year-old Groce has no hair, Bollant’s is going quickly).

The Assembly Hall had the band playing and was set up more like a concert or political rally than a presser when Groce arrived with his lovely wife Allison and sons Camden and Connor. Allison was sporting the cutest orange dress on the planet, and I wonder if she had that in her wardrobe or did some quick shopping at Marketplace Mall. Groce had a nice orange and blue striped tie, and soon after taking the stage Thomas handed him an Illini baseball cap.

I can’t say Groce has the same energy level as someone like Tim Beckman, but he was clearly excited and said all the right things. He referenced the 1989 Flying Illini and the half-court shot by Nick Anderson to beat the Hoosiers. To quote @jjhparker, “He had me at Flying Illini.” Groce grew up between Danville and Indianapolis, and admitted growing up a Hoosier. He also said he’s a Big Ten guy, and that this was the first and only job he considered taking. That’s the perfect thing to say to us wounded fans who fear our program isn’t as attractive as we thought.

Also during the presser, Groce got a little teary as he introduced his parents. That kind of true emotion is a beautiful thing. I’m not afraid of a man who might cry, as long as it is for the right reasons. Then, as the questions came his way, Groce stayed poised and said all the right things. He isn’t afraid to recruit in Chicago, and mentioned he worked with Evan Turner. Someone “went there” and asked how he felt about people who are skeptical due to his conference record. He said he’s a glass half full kind of guy and optimistic about what’s up next. As for whether he’s going to talk to Meyers Leonard about staying, he said he’s going to talk to ALL the guys and looks forward to getting to know them.

My one fear? Jerrance Howard didn’t seem to be a priority. I know Groce can’t comment on the details of anything, but I would’ve liked some reassurance that they’re going to do all they can to get Howard to stay. Thomas did comment at the start of the presser that Howard has done a great job so far, so maybe that was the effort to give him a shoutout? Sounds like Groce wants to bring in his guys, which is fine, but we NEED Howard to continue to get those Chicago guys. Also, though he said the right things, Groce did look just a wee bit uncomfortable at times. But then again, who wouldn’t?

The whole Groce fam. Check out Allison's dress!

Aside from that small blip, Groce did a great job. I’m excited to have a coach and can’t wait until the season starts in November. Thomas and Groce stressed that there were no snafus in the process, and there was never a presser scheduled for Tuesday, so perhaps we’ll never know the whole truth. Final deal: $1.4 million over 5 years.

What Groce had to say: “I am thrilled to be the basketball coach here and feel like this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our family. The Midwest background and values we share makes the University of Illinois a perfect for us and we’re looking forward to making an impact on the basketball court as well as in the Champaign-Urbana community.”

The Scoop on Groce from the official release:

• Four seasons as HC of Ohio University with overall record of 85-56
• Mid-American Conference Tournament titles and NCAA Tournament appearances in 2010 and 2012.
• Ohio went to the Sweet 16 this year after beating No. 4 Michigan and No. 12 South Florida, and then lost in overtime to No. 1 UNC.
• This year was the second time in Ohio’s school history and first since 1964 that the Bobcats won multiple games in the NCAA Tournament.
• Ohio was ranked second nationally in turnover percentage and third in steals percentage.
• With wins in 2010 and 2012 Tourneys, Ohio became just the sixth school ever to win Tournament games as both a 13 and 14 seed.
• 19 years experience coaching, and his teams have made 16 postseason appearances.
• His overall coaching record is 434-212.
• Spent four seasons with Thad Matta at OSU from 2005-2008.
• Groce played a key role in recruiting many of the top players at Ohio State and was named Rivals.com’s 2006 National Recruiter of the Year.
• From 2002-2004 was on Matta’s staff at Xavier.
• Assisted at Butler from 2000-2001.
• First D1 Coaching job under Herb Sendek at North Carolina State from 1997-2000.
• Started coaching career as an assistant at Taylor University in Upland, Ind.
• Earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Taylor in 1994.

That’s it folks, aside from a possible invite to the NIT, the Illini basketballs season is officially over after today’s 64-61 loss to Iowa in the very first game of the very first round of the Big Ten Conference Tournament in Indianapolis.

The loss today truly represents the season as a whole, because Illinois started out strong (18-3 to start the season), fizzled out (losses at PSU and Minny, home against Wiscy), had a few shining moments (OSU and MSU wins) and then in the end couldn’t pull off the win.

Up at halftime 31-27, Iowa had the fight in the second half and got the win. Down by 4 points with 3 minutes to go, neither team scored until Matt Gatens made a free throw with 37 seconds left in the game. Illinois had about 3 minutes to do something, but instead missed shots and turned the ball over. A rare 3-pointer from Joseph Bertrand put the Illini down by just 1 point with 20 seconds to go, but it was too little too late.  Gatens made two more free throws, DJ Richardson missed a 3, and poof the game – and any hopes of getting a Tourney bid – vanished.

Meyers Leonard led the Illini with 18 points, and added 6 rebounds. Richardson had a nice game with 11 points and 6 rebounds, but Brandon Paul scored a measly 4 points and had a whopping 7 turnovers. Illinois only had 12 total, which means more than half came from Paul. It is by no means his fault, but when we really needed that Brandon boost, he didn’t show up.

Gatens, who has been strong for Iowa all year, had a game-high 20 points, while Aaron White had 13 points and 9 rebounds. Iowa had just 6 turnovers (less than Paul alone) and outrebounded the Illini 34-32. Also notable, Iowa had 19 free throw attempts, while Illinois had 0. Since I had to watch the game updates online while pretending to work, I didn’t get to see why on earth they weren’t able to force at least one foul that would lead to a free throw.

I know that had Illinois won this game they would have simply gotten squashed by Michigan State in the next round, but it still stings. There is zero chance at the Tournament, and now they are teetering on perhaps not even getting and invite to the NIT. Also, this most surely means that Bruce Weber’s career at Illinois is officially over. I have already heard rumblings that AD Mike Thomas could meet with Weber as early as tonight.

While this time of year when the season ends for Illinois is always depressing, in a way I am kind of happy that this disappointing season is finally over. After losing 12 of the last 14 games, a gal can only take so much pain. From my recent love letter to Coach Weber you’ll see I’m very sad to see him go, but at this point I fear it is the right decision to make. I wish him the best, but I want my team to WIN.

Now it’s time for me to just sit back and relax while others get to watch their team take the season to the next level.