Illini Zip

Hey Zip Watcher, I take it you are the keeper of the Scholarship Chart. I thought I would just share with you what the guys at the Illinois chat site have going. It's the same info, just a different approach for you to consider. And finally a question, shouldn't LePear Toles be on there? Thanks. http://www.illinoisloyalty.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=23849&page=5

I agree with Zippy5 that attrition is likely. Groce usually will commit to 2 years initially and after a player proves himself he will be rewarded the full 4 year ride. I doubt that is an official policy, but it's what I have observed. Obviously, off the court issues could factor into this and something I am not used to seeing is guys being poached by bigger programs. That has to be frustrating to coaches and fans alike. After watching only 2 games the guy on this list who has me concerned is Virshon Cotton. And that's only because I know what Groce needs out of a point guard. He might want to tie that hair up for starters. Time will tell for all of these guys.

I don't follow them at all, but I do know NIU has a really good football program. I think the University of Illinois avoids playing them because they are afraid to lose to "little brother".

Nice!! I love it. Thanks B&G. I live less than hour from Northern Illinois University. Is there any history with them that I should know about?

I think there is a lot of truth in this post. Groce never struck me as a person who is a climber for fame and fortune sake. I really believe he would have been happy at Illinois for a long time because he had all the resources necessarily to achieve his life goals, personally and professionally. Maybe an opening at Indiana or Ohio State would have tempted him at some point, but he primarily wants to win the NCAA Tourney like everybody else. He learned some valuable lessons at Illinois, no doubt. Some due to poor judgement, but I would argue he learned far more about building a program and competing for elite talent in an unethical and impatient business. I'm sure Coach Groce has even said at his meet-and-greets that he feels blessed to be able to continue doing the job he loves and that he found a great home at the University of Akron. But I don't believe for a moment that he has lost sight of that NCAA Championship dream. Groce is wired to compete on the biggest stage. And this might surprise you, but that actually bodes well for Akron basketball. If the support from fans and the administration matches what will hopefully be great success on the court, you just might become the next Gonzaga.

This is exactly how I would have felt if Groce ended up as an Indiana assistant which was reported as a possibility. There is no way I would be on a Hoosier forum right now I can promise you that.

Hey gang, I'm doing my home work. I have been studying the last 6 months of comments. It sure has been a wild ride. Lot's of change almost over-night. Say can somebody please tell me the back story of this road kill bird photo?

Groce Stalker? Ha, that's funny. The guys you have to watch out for do not come to you in full transparency. : ) Thank you ClarkWGriswold!! I appreciate it.

Thank you Skip-Zip! I will try to help in any way I can. I don't live in Champaign myself so I would imagine you will find better resources when that time comes.

Hello Zips Nation, I am first and foremost an Illinois Fighting Illini basketball fan. However, I am still a believer in John Groce, the man and the coach. In all of my time following sports I have never seen anyone or any team experience such lousy breaks as he had here. And through it all he fought with grit and grace. You have a decent man running your program. You will never have to worry about NCAA violations and his family is an asset to any community. You also have a fighter who will have your teams playing their best basketball at the end of the year when it matters. I am personally frustrated because I didn't get to see his vision come together so I have decided to adopt Akron if you will allow me. I know absolutely nothing of the MAC Conference and even less about Akron basketball, but I intend to learn. I can share my experience watching the Groce system for 5 seasons for those with questions, but remember I am just a fan like yourselves. Go Zips!!