Illinois just got a commitment from Jeff Thomas' teammate James Knight. Thomas tweeted out last night he's going to decide soon.
Yep. Also noteworthy that this was the first commitment that Illinois coaches did not celebrate on twitter. Makes you think..
Per the 247 composite rankings, ended up 43rd nationally. Think they could pull in a really good class next year with even an average season.
10 point lead with 14 or so to go and you still knew they'd blow it. A lot of fans who like Whitman will hate him if he doesn't fire Groce.
Apparently this pic is from after the Nebraska game. Seems like JW and JG have a very initimate relationship. I doubt Groce gets fired, unfortunately
Yea... they're bros. Whitman has been incredibly supportive of Groce, thus far. Definitely taking a different route than his predecessor.
Martin was the hot name, but he just fucked himself with some shitty performances of late. Hottest name is probably Monty Williams
Crean is the hottest name right now. Almost seems like a foregone conclusion the way every is talking about it. Keats, and Cuonzo to a lesser extent. Super dark horse is Scott Drew. Will probably be none of the above.
Martin is not on the wish list. Marshall Drew Miller That's the wish list. Reality probably something much worse
Supposedly Groce and Whitman are meeting today and no announcement of any kind expected. That leads me to believe he's getting the ax. If he was staying, wouldn't they announce that immediately?
I don't know with Whitman. He came out of nowhere with the Lovie hire. I've heard Martin and Monty Williams both rumored and I hate both of those ideas.
I REALLY don't want Cuonzo @ Mizzou. I feel like he'd recruit really well at UofI. Although he can't coach worth a shit.
I mean, yeah. You call him, but there's basically no chance we land him. i think we'll end up hiring Martin, Wade, or Keatts.
Here's what the insiders are saying, take it for what its worth Marshall is intrigued by the Illinois job whatever that means. Not happy getting a 10 seed with a 30 win season. Reaching out to Archie Miller. With IU and Ohio State not opening up this year, will he choose to stay put one more season? Scott Drew interested but is he the right fit at Illinois? Interested in Bryce Drew but would he move after 1 season? Doubt it.
I have been provided a name that is receiving interest. He has never coached a game of basketball at any level. I doubt it's serious, but it's very weird to say the least.
Also apparently Smith is/was very close to verballing but now is in wait and see mode with the new coach.
I've always liked Keatts as a candidate, but I would probably be a bit disappointed to miss on bigger names. Bryce Drew seems much more realistic than Archie or Marshall though. I'm sure the recruiting class would stick together if we chose C Martin and Smith would probably join, but man... i have little confidence in him
I think the recruiting class will stay together regardless, but if the new coach retains Walker then there's nothing to worry about and Smith will also commit.
That's what I've read, too. Really want Smith. Feel like we could be landing 3 really good players in Smith, Frazier, and Tilmon.
No thank you, please. All yours. Not getting my hopes up but man if Whitman gets Marshall that would be yuge. Keatts is really growing on me.
Keatts took over a program that was legitimately horrible and won his conference 3/3 years. 18, 25, and then 29 wins. Not as impressive as Brad Underwood's 3 year run at SFU, but I think Keatts might be a better recruiter.
For what its worth, Brad on Rivals thinks Whitman will have his guy lined up by the end of the week and that the hire will be made next week for whatever that's worth.
Other inside guys feel like it will happen within a week when the job posting closes, but nobody seems to know much.
That makes me sort of worried Martin is the guy since his team isn't playing and all of the other candidates are.
I stupidly forgot Martin is coaching in the NIT. My wish list in order would be Marshall Miller Bryce Drew Scott Drew There's a huge drop off after Marshall and I'm not as high on Scott Drew as some others but all 4 of those are huge upgrades over Groce. Keatts is intriguing as well but a much bigger question mark than those 4 in my mind.
It sounds like some coach reached out to Whitman during the season and said he'd take the job. Could've been Martin.
I think Martin is the guy Whitman knows he has in his back pocket. Will chase the big names and if all of them fall through we end up with Martin.