Thought some might want to read this.......slow day this afternoon, so I was able to listen.
Only started a new thread since this turned in to such a long recap. Didn't want it getting lost for those who wanted to read it......
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Opening Statement:
Wish nothing but the best for coach Groce. Knew opportunity would come for Groce at some point in time. Will remain friends and have a good relationship.
On Ohio Basketball:
- Start national search for new coach.
- As we have success and generate revenue, we will reinvest in the program.
- Have opportunity to have a high level of success, much like many of the schools you always read about.
- Sweet 16 was first step, vision is higher. Not here to just bask in sweet 16 glory.
- Met with team, they understand coaching changes are part of the business. Discussed characteristics players wanted in new coach.
-Excited about the transition and very confident that Ohio will hire a high quality coach.
- Players extremely important in process.
- Ohio job is a great job. Better job now than it was 4 years ago. 3 NCAA wins is an amazing feat.
- Growth in attendance has been great. Excitement around the program is unprecedented. Student interest continues to improve.
- It is a goal for budgets to increase.
- Reaching out to candidates now. Search will go quickly and be expedient. Won't be rushed but it will not be drawn out.
- Geographic ties not a consideration. Looking for best fit / coach.
- Search will be confidential. Won't name names.
- To have success it takes a lot of people. It's about a team, from president, to staff, to students / fans, to players. Everyone has to come together toward a common goal.
On getting John to stay:
- Lengthy convo on what Schaus saw for the future. This is a great year but this is just the beginning. Things important to John and any coach are that we want to get better, every day. That includes everyone.
- Salaries, operating budgets and facilities are the lifeblood of a program. Locker rooms will be finished but additional fund raising is ongoing to make added enhancements (above and beyond).
- End of the day it wasn't just about money. It was about the opportunity of a top job, near his hometown. Great coaching opportunity. Wasn't really anything more Ohio could have done. Felt if Illinois job was offered, Groce was going to take it.
- Never finalized a firm offer (someone asked about a specific number). Discussed salary models. Incentives, etc. Was an upgrade from where he was now.
- Goal is to find ways to increase salary and support for coaches / staff.
- The issue was not money with John. Ohio could better his situation here but he understood that Illinois had resources that other schools do not (i.e. facilities, budgets, etc.).
- Talked once a day through the process. John kept Schaus updated. Wasn't an easy decision for John. Groce knew Ohio was committed and yet Illinois was a unique opportunity. It fit the criteria for a "dream job". Schaus held out hope he would stay but knew it was likely a longshot once the official offer was extended.
- Knew last night John accepted the position (late).
- John met with team at 9am this morning. Was first class in how he handled it.
On Recruits:
- Schaus is reaching out to recruits / players. Specifically referenced Kadeem Green.
- Message is "we'll be fine". Hired good coaches before and we'll do it again. We expect to continue to excel.
On who's in charge till a new coach is hired:
- Schaus says "I am". Said he didn't know who would make the call on potentially releasing players on scholarship. ****That was an answer to a specific question asked by the media, not in reference to anyone leaving.
- Will move quickly as to not miss out on a candidate they want.
- Search completion in 7-10 days would not be unusual. Philosophy is that it needs to move along. Could be less, could be more but it's important to make a decision sooner rather than later.
- Didn't have insight on assistants. Typical that new head coach is able to hire own staff.
- No strong feeling about one candidate or another. Players expressed opinions but those will be kept behind closed doors. No names mentioned. Process will be open to the players but they won't be giving the thumbs up or thumbs down.
- Fully expect to get excellent coach. Players will get updates on a timeline. Team will likely meet the coach before it is announced officially.
- Was important to John for him to meet with team before the Illinois press conference.
On Illinois leaks:
- When you have message boards, etc. speculation will always run rampant. Wasn't making statement until Illinois officially announced or acknowledged Groce was being hired. Unofficial sources (outside the school) have to be taken accordingly.
Players:
- Players were great and mature. Naturally speculation makes it easier. Players kind of were prepared for the worst. Tremendous student athletes. Great attitudes and they're ready to move ahead. Really impressed, although not surprised.
- Team knows they have a great opportunity in front of them.
Coaching candidates:
- Candidates involved in program will be considered (i.e. assistants). Open to discuss internal and external candidates. Looking for fit and experience. Someone to build program and press forward.
Last Edited: 3/29/2012 11:20:38 PM by CATman
My high school basketball coach had an old saying.....There are two things that don't last: Dogs that chase cars and teams that don't make free-throws.
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