Illinois is set to hire Ohio’s John Groce as their new men’s basketball coach, according to a report. Herb Gould of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that Groce will almost certainly get the job once both parties finalize terms of a deal:
Illinois Basketball Set To Hire Ohio’s John Groce, According To Report
Barring a shocking change, Ohio U. coach John Groce will be hired as Illinois’ new basketball coach, multiple sources said Tuesday, indicating it’s more a case of when, not if, the announcement will come.
Shannon Ryan of the Chicago Tribune reported that Illinois will not be holding a press conference on Tuesday, but that Groce was “the guy.”
Groce will be returning to a conference he’s very familiar with, having coached under Thad Matta at Ohio State. He was a crucial part of Matta’s early success on the recruiting trail, helping put together the “Thad Five” class that went to the 2007 title game. At Ohio, Groce had considerable postseason success, advancing past the first round with shocking upsets in two of the past three NCAA Tournaments. This year’s run to the Sweet 16 made him a hot name in the coaching carousel.
For more on the Illinois coaching search, visit Hail to the Orange.
See More:
