The only reason he's around doesn't have anything to do with 2017 imo. Can't let uncommitted players hold your program hostage.

 

It's no coincidence he was given his vote of confidence the same day Lovie Smith was hired. If football wasn't going to be fixed, it would be basketball getting fixed. Doubt there's enough money to go around now, thanks to general apathy towards the bball program.

Edited March 12, 201610 yr by Buehrle>Wood

There's no way he should be around now.

 

Absolutely embarrassing he still has a job. The fact Black is likely not getting kicked off the team tells me all I need to know about how desperate Groce is.

Only at Illinois

Best team in Illinois might be Benedictine University. They reach the DIII Final Four

The only reason he's around doesn't have anything to do with 2017 imo. Can't let uncommitted players hold your program hostage.

 

It's no coincidence he was given his vote of confidence the same day Lovie Smith was hired. If football wasn't going to be fixed, it would be basketball getting fixed. Doubt there's enough money to go around now, thanks to general apathy towards the bball program.

 

Yep, I think this really comes down to a few things. First is that Whitman was able to hit a home run for the football hire which is where he has stronger connections and trying to make two big hires in your first two weeks on the job would be a huge pain in the ass especially when they just invested huge on the football side. Add in the fact that if Groce does land a good 2017 class you aren't setting the program back any further by keeping him another year even if the team isn't good next year (and with Groce coaching I'm guessing they won't be) and I think that is why Whitman is punting on this for now.

Edited March 13, 201610 yr by whitesoxfan99

So Wichita St. is the team I'm most curious to see whether they get in the tourney. Their resume is garbage but that is a legitimately really good basketball team which would be a terrifying 11 or 12 seed.

So Wichita St. is the team I'm most curious to see whether they get in the tourney. Their resume is garbage but that is a legitimately really good basketball team which would be a terrifying 11 or 12 seed.

Got the Utah win and that's about it. Kenpom loves them too and supposedly the committee does look at that stuff now. I'm with you, I'm intrigued to see what happens with them.

So Wichita St. is the team I'm most curious to see whether they get in the tourney. Their resume is garbage but that is a legitimately really good basketball team which would be a terrifying 11 or 12 seed.

 

Their losses without VanVleet will get excused

Their losses without VanVleet will get excused

It wasn't just Van Vleet for the early season losses but they lost some games in conference they shouldn't have either. Like I said earlier, Kenpom loves them, rpi doesn't and as was mentioned before no one is going to want to play them. They're a super interesting case.

Their losses without VanVleet will get excused

 

Their resume with VanVleet is still crap. They are a really good team that has a s*** resume even with VanVleet missing some games.

Their resume with VanVleet is still crap. They are a really good team that has a s*** resume even with VanVleet missing some games.

Off the top of my head they're basically 1-1 against sure fire at large teams with him, beat Utah and lost to SH. They lost to Tulsa with him playing most of the game and those other early season losses came with out him, Frankamp and Grady for one or two of them. Then they won the valley but also have the Ill State and two UNI losses with him.

Off the top of my head they're basically 1-1 against sure fire at large teams with him, beat Utah and lost to SH. They lost to Tulsa with him playing most of the game and those other early season losses came with out him, Frankamp and Grady for one or two of them. Then they won the valley but also have the Ill State and two UNI losses with him.

 

I hope they get in because they are definitely better than every other bubble team I just don't think the committee will put them in unfortunately because their resume is so weak.

Really hope Monmouth is in the tournament.

Really hope Monmouth is in the tournament.

They should be.

I hope they get in because they are definitely better than every other bubble team I just don't think the committee will put them in unfortunately because their resume is so weak.

I'm obviously 100 percent biased towards the Valley so I want them in too but I'm not going to lose it if they don't get in. I do think it's interesting to see how serious the committee is about using Kenpom and the Sagarin ratings considering they grade out super well in both of those.

Edited March 13, 201610 yr by Rowand44

Lunardi's final bracket has Michigan and Saint Mary's in, Monmouth and South Carolina out.

Nothing like expanding this show to get more money. Jesus

Wow this committee has no f***ing clue? Both Virginia and Oregon over MSU?

Wow this committee has no f***ing clue? Both Virginia and Oregon over MSU?

 

Dumb but as long as MSU isn't in Kansas' region, I'll pick the to get to Final Four

Wow that South bracket is really tough.

I am confused how Cal is a 4 seed while Maryland is a 5 and Arizona is a 6?

Dumb but as long as MSU isn't in Kansas' region, I'll pick the to get to Final Four

 

Eh, not a lot separating the top teams this year. No great teams and those resumes are all comparable.

Vanderbilt? Really?

This format by CBS is pathetic

This show sucks. I don't want to see Barkley fumble with the touch screen and pick no upsets. f*** off CBS