Zippy87

This would be pretty out of nowhere. I've seen over a dozen names connected to Charleston by reputable reporters and none of them Groce.

This account is pretty reliable IMO. Much better than the ones I posted regarding Butler.

It can be a warning sign or it can be a kid trying to find the right place. The context of the moves is just so important.

We were Evan's 3rd school in 4 years and he was one of the best "culture" players I can remember. With more coach turnover and roster instability in today's college basketball, I wouldn't dismiss a possible addition based on the number of stops he's had.

32 points that game..I think most were in the 2nd half, too.

Has anyone received their FTRC gear?

There was also pretty clear family tie to Duquesne for Dambrot. His leading his dad's former team to a tournament win was awesome to watch. That move made total sense to me. Groce going to Butler or Indiana or somewhere else close to home would make sense to me for the same reasons. I don't think he's making a lateral move unless there's a reason outside of basketball.

I mean in terms of competitiveness. Lateral move at best.

I can't fathom that one. Definitely a step down from Akron.

Doyel: Butler AD Grant Leiendecker found his basketball coach. But he didn't look very hard The other finalist was one of Matta's Butler assistants in 2001, John Groce, a mid-major coach with solid results and a large NIL fund, which means he’s competing with more resources than most of the MAC.

The Indianapolis Star said he was a finalist for the job. I don't think you get to that level of a process without at least some mutual interest.

It is magnified, but I think there's genuine discussions going on behind the scenes. I think his Butler candidacy was very real. Whether that means he will be a candidate anywhere else, who knows? But I do think there was mutual interest for that job. For me, I worry because I remember the pre-KD days of Akron basketball and don't want to go back. We were incredibly fortunate Groce was available the same time KD left, and we went from one legend to another. I don't think it's fair to expect that same fortune again if he were to leave. Additionally, I just love this program so much under Groce. He's such a likeable coach, his staff brings in players who are great young men and easy to root for...I'd just hate to see that go, as I'm sure everyone else would.

HUGE!

I agree, but I do think it is the perception in other fan bases outside of the MAC.

Leiendecker was determined to hire someone he knew, someone from Butler. And he hired his former teammate. Look at the search. The other finalist was one of Matta's Butler assistants in 2001, John Groce, a mid-major coach with solid results and a large NIL fund, which means he’s competing with more resources than most of the MAC.

I wonder how Bud Wentz factors into all of this. From afar, it seems he and Groce have become very close over the years.

https://x.com/i/status/2036797960311193772 Maybe backtracking...

I'd happily take him back. He's turned into a really good player IMO.