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Topic: Stevens turns down Illinois

Topic: Stevens turns down Illinois

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Bobcat Swag
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Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 8:31:52 PM

Groce is up next.

http://tracking.si.com/2012/03/25/report-ohio-coach-john-.../

"Good leaders being scarce, following yourself is allowed."

Brian Smith (No, not that one)
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 8:39:00 PM

He essentially was a reference interview for Groce, I'm assuming, right?

There's no way Brad Stevens was leaving Butler for Illinois.

Bobcat Swag
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 8:48:22 PM

Who knows. I read somewhere that they were going to offer Stevens 8 years at 20 mil

"Good leaders being scarce, following yourself is allowed."

Pataskala
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 9:08:20 PM

But the Chi Trib says there's a lot of turmoil at Illinois that makes it not attractive:

'After Smart declined, Thomas targeted other minority candidates before regrouping and focusing on Stevens, sources said Illinois made runs at Alabama's Anthony Grant and Florida State's Leonard Hamilton, according to a source, but struck out on both who had reservations about the uncertainty of administrative leadership after President Michael Hogan recently resigned amid scandal."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-sources-...

The backing of the hierarchy of the administration seems very important to Groce, so why would he jump into the hornets nest at Illinois.

Last Edited: 3/25/2012 9:11:45 PM by Pataskala

We will get by.
We will get by.
We will get by.
We will survive.

JSF
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 9:22:42 PM

Getting nervous.

"Loyalty to a hometown or city is fleeting and interchangeable, but college is a stamp of identity."- Kyle Whelliston, One Beautiful Season.

My blog about depression and mental illness: https://bit.ly/3buGXH8

Ozcat
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 9:24:51 PM

Pataskala wrote:

The backing of the hierarchy of the administration seems very important to Groce, so why would he jump into the hornets nest at Illinois.

I love your optimism. I wish I shared it.

ohio9704
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 9:37:45 PM

Ozcat wrote:

Pataskala wrote:

The backing of the hierarchy of the administration seems very important to Groce, so why would he jump into the hornets nest at Illinois.

I love your optimism. I wish I shared it.

If Groce is Illinois next target, then it is tough to see any reason for himself and his family not to take a major offer at a solid Big Ten school. I also wish I shared others optimism. Good to be John Groce right about now.

Danny's Knee
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 9:39:18 PM

groce won't leave walter, d.j. and jon smith !!

he's a good person .... and loyal to these men !! .... maybe after next season .. ?

check out my avatar, it's "REALLY DO ORIGINAL" !!!!

colobobcat66
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 9:45:48 PM

Say your goodbyes.

Andrew Ruck
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 9:47:33 PM

JSF wrote:

Getting nervous.

Andrew Ruck
B.B.A. 2003

OhioStunter
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 9:49:02 PM

Money usually talks, but there's a reason Shaka and Stevens turned down Illinois. It is completely unstable. The president just resigned amid controversy. The new athletic director has been on a firing spree. Izzo even called out the AD at Illinois for his handling of the Weber firing. Anyway, I don't see Groce making a move until after next season. He has committed to these guys, they are are going to be great next year and Groce will be in even more demand after next year, so he will be financially set as well as have a chance to go somewhere to continue his winning style. Of course, we'd all love him to stay at Ohio, but if the money is not there, I don't blame him one bit for providing for his family.

Last Edited: 3/25/2012 9:59:13 PM by OhioStunter

oucirclecat
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 9:57:15 PM

Ozcat wrote:

Pataskala wrote:

The backing of the hierarchy of the administration seems very important to Groce, so why would he jump into the hornets nest at Illinois.

I love your optimism. I wish I shared it.

Same here. Adding a 0 at the end of one's salary plus getting the opportunity to coach at a B1G school would be tough to turn down.

cc-cat
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 10:01:38 PM

The Pros: More money than we could ever throw at him.

The Cons: No President, unpopular AD, according to Chic. Tribune he is their sixth choice - "Groce would be the sixth candidate on Thomas' list, following Smart, Alabama's Anthony Grant, Florida State's Leonard Hamilton, Washington's Lorenzo Romar and Stevens."

It can go either way.

Last Edited: 3/25/2012 10:02:20 PM by cc-cat

CATman
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 10:07:46 PM

OhioStunter wrote:

I don't disagree that there's some turmoil but this isn't an apples to apples comparison.

Stevens and Smart make over 1 million right now at their current schools. They're in rather comfortable positions to say no.

Groce is at what? 250-300K? Even with the NCAA / MAC bonuses. Illinois can and likely will pay him 4 times that (if they really want him). I just don't know how someone would turn that kind of money down.

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.

OhioStunter
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 10:14:49 PM

I read that Groce is at $300K and you make a good point CATman (awesome avatar btw) about Stevens and Shaka turning Illinois down. The Sun-Times has just reported that Groce is a top candidate, but boosters would likely prefer Stanford coach Johnny Dawkins or former New Mexico State coach Reggie Theus. That would also fit the minority hiring profile they've been concentrating on.

Groce will have a chance to make his money. Let's hope that if he decides to cash in, it is after next season's Final Four appearance with Ohio.

Last Edited: 3/25/2012 10:15:27 PM by OhioStunter

Steve
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 10:15:13 PM

Certainly couldn't blame him for taking the job if that's what his decision turns out to be. The difference in money would be too big, even if it's not an ideal situation.

Andrew Ruck
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 10:18:16 PM

Here is the Sun Times Article - http://www.suntimes.com/sports/colleges/11524685-419/illinois-looking-at-butlers-brad-stevens-ohios-john-groce-to-fill-coaching-vacancy.html

Here is an 8,800 post, 352 page thread on the Illinois coaching vacancy...Linked is the page where discussions seemed to shift to Groce - http://www.illinoisloyalty.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=17757&page=324

Andrew Ruck
B.B.A. 2003

perimeterpost
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 10:29:09 PM

the $20million over 8 years question is- if Groce stays next year and we flame out will he be able to get an offer as good as, or better than, this one?

MY STATE. MY TEAM.

Ozcat
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 11:13:18 PM

Man. The Illinois fans do not seem excited about Groce. I hope this convinces him to stay here, where we'll love him forever if he doesn't bolt. I found this comment the most interesting:

I really believe Groce can suceed if he accpets the job, but he will be under criticism from the very first press conference. Groce will be a sitting duck from day one and every slip up will be magnified, which is sad. I just hope Groce realizes what he is getting himself into if he accpets this job. He will have my full support, time to get this train rolling in the right direction.

bigtillyoopsupsideurhead
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/25/2012 11:31:00 PM

I don't think Illinois is a great job right now either. If you're in it for the money, sure go for it, if not I wouldn't take the job.

As long as Izzo, Crean, and Matta are around Illinois will be competing with Wisconsin, Michigan, and Purdue for 4th banana in the Big Ten. That's a tough conference right now.

Bobcat Swag
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/26/2012 12:13:53 AM

I think what it comes down to is what's more important to him? Trying to win a championship (man, it sounds so weird saying that) with this sweet-16 team thats not graduating any seniors while leaving money on the table or take the money now and possibly never be in this successful of a situation again?

I hope he stays and works just as hard as the players will this offseason and see what can happen next year. His prospects for getting a good job will still be there for sure.

"Good leaders being scarce, following yourself is allowed."

bornacatfan
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/26/2012 12:50:44 AM

I dunnno

Shaka is still getting run a year later. Most schools know that he can coach and his name will still come up in a year. Groce is in a similar situation by beating Georgetown and following it with a Sweet 16 run.

THere are those here who maintained through out this season that he rode a single player on a hot streak but had done nothing to prove he could coach. I think we have answered those questions and the rest of the world is proving that those assertions were not well founded. He can coach and his system works. Will work even better in a situation where when he swings for the fences he has a pretty good chance of hitting that home run with a prize recruit.....

If he stays and finishes out what he has started he will be inthe same boat Shaka is.....even if this team underperforms the lustre will not come off as I am sure his feiry ways will not change much.... he is gonna keep his system in place and his players.....and now his reptuation. He needs to ride it out and get the pay day and the dream job....in a place like OHIO that he can sell recruits and their families..and enjoy raising his own family.

never argue with idiots, they bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.

Winter comes and asks how you spent your summer.....

The game loves and rewards those who love and reward the game

BuddyLee
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/26/2012 1:31:41 AM

I find it hard to believe he could turn down this type of offer if it is a reported. Besides the enormous payday, the Illinois job just seems to fit the criteria we all assume would be on his list since it is a midwest school in a Chicago recruiting hotbed for talent and in a conference he is very familiar with already. The ultimate "dream job" for Groce might not open up for many years to come. Unless you can realistically predict what opportunities might be available next offseason then this might just be the best opportunity that will come along for a while.

I hope he stays because next year seems like we'll be primed for another run. But after that our recruiting is going to be screwed either way, because if he leave we're starting over, and even if he stays then how many kids will want to commit to a lame duck coach who is on the verge of leaving at anytime.

Last Edited: 3/26/2012 1:33:59 AM by BuddyLee

CATman
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/26/2012 11:42:17 AM

bornacatfan wrote:

If he stays and finishes out what he has started he will be inthe same boat Shaka is.....even if this team underperforms the lustre will not come off as I am sure his feiry ways will not change much.... he is gonna keep his system in place and his players.....and now his reptuation. He needs to ride it out and get the pay day and the dream job....in a place like OHIO that he can sell recruits and their families..and enjoy raising his own family.

The biggest difference between Groce and guys like Stevens / Smart is that they reside at schools who seem to have much larger basketball budgets. Not only much larger budgets but a much higher level of overall athletics support from the university as a whole.

Money could probably keep Groce here but Ohio lacks the funds (today) and the overall support to generate them (tomorrow). At least in the capacity that's needed. That just seems to be the unfortunate reality.

You can argue that this sweet 16 run should help but we're not talking about $5,000-$10,000 here. To retain a coach that is as hot as Groce, if Illinois wants him, it would take doubling his salary to even enter the discussion (and in the end, that might not even be enough).

It's not just the additional 300K this year to get him to come back, it's 300-400K a year for 4-5 years as well. The AD is looking at 2 million plus incentives, over the course of 4-5 years, just to keep him around. Not sure how it is economically feasible without a private party providing a rather large sum of money via a donation.

I know Ohio stands to receive a nice financial return from NCAA win shares but I don't know how realistic it is to expect the school to funnel ALL of that money in to only the Men's Basketball program. I personally would be all for it but the athletic department has other bills to pay. They may not be able to justify spending all the NCAA win shares on a single athletic team. The BBall team certainly earned it but at a smaller school, the overall economics play a much larger role in allocating money.

With all that said, hopefully someone on the board can win Mega Millions tonight. That would solve the problem.

Last Edited: 3/26/2012 11:44:55 AM 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.

bobcatinmichigan
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RE: Stevens turns down Illinois

Posted: 3/26/2012 1:29:23 PM

Haven't seen this posted yet. Claims that Ohio is willing to up the salary (base?) By 200k.

http://www.recordpub.com/news/sports_article/5170323?page=0

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