bukie

Also, Groce has apparently already talked to a few potential recruits in Kendrick Nunn and Jabari Parker, introducing himself and selling his system and development. Both recruits have also been in contact with DJ Cooper, who played for Groce at Ohio. Both are apparently huge fans of the up-tempo system Groce uses.

Oh, one more thing I like about Groce: Early proponent of advanced statistical analysis in basketball, and a huge KenPom fan.

Sorry it took so long to put together. Large part of it was scribbles while sitting at lunch, had to track down for sure who said what. :)

I'm under the assumption that Clint wants at least three more players...

As far as a running transcript of the PC: - Jerrance Howard wasn't there. Thomas thanked him for his work as interim HC, but wasn't sure if he was in the crowd. - Thomas praised Groce as a "midwest guy" and a guy with a "lot of energy". Also mentioned that's the third coach he's hired that he's said that about. - MT: Groce has tremendous record of success, good pedigree of head coaches he learned under, tremendous recruiter, spent entire BBall life in the Midwest. - JG: Illinois is "once in a lifetime" opportunity. This was the only job he was willing to interview for, and grateful to Ohio U for giving him the chance. - JG: Grew up in Danville, IN, watching B1G BBall. Most vivid college BB memory was the 1989 Flyin Illini, and Nick Anderson's halfcourt shot in Bloomington. - JG: Also a huge fan of Dee Brown and the '05 national runner up (at least the guy did his homework). - JG: Reason Illinois is a once in a lifetime opportunity is that it has a great recuiting base, great history, and tons of potential to be a national contender every year. - JG: Orange Krush made it really difficult to communicate during TO during his time at OSU. Huge fan of that atmosphere. - JG: Wouldn't have come if he didn't think they could compete nationally year in year out. - JG: Has more Chicago connections than people may think. Mentioned Evan Turner. Understands importance of Chicago, and how huge an advantage it is to have it in his "backyard". - JG: Hasn't spoken to Jerrance Howard yet, and will bring staff from Ohio depending on who becomes HC there. Thad Matta part of his "advisory board", and a close friend. - JG: Hardest thing was talking to Ohio players about the move. Told them this morning. - JG: One word to describe his style: "Attack". Regarding player personnel, mentioned adaptability is important. Mold system around current players, not other way around. - JG, when asked about skepticism regarding his middling MAC record at Ohio: "There's always skeptics in every thing in life. If you don't have thick skin in this business, you're in trouble." - JG: Always recruit within the rules, but something you have to be constantly thinking about. - JG: IU fan growing up. No choice, really, growing up in Hoosier state. - JG: Interviewed Monday, negotiated Tuesday, offer Wednesday, accepted Wednesday - JG: Will target very best players who are Illinois guys in recruiting. - JG: Plans to talk to Meyers Leonard about his intentions very soon. - JG: Ohio did everything to keep him, only reason he came to Illinois was because of once-in-a-lifetime opportunity there. - MT: Hiring process was very thorough, and he's very happy with the end result. Contract is $1.4 M per year for 5 years. - MT: Upgrading facilities was part of negotiations. Project will happen "in near future" - MT: No presser Tuesday because deal wasn't done on Tuesday, obviously. - MT: Groce free to hire whoever he wants as assistants. Groce promised he'd have "Chicago ties" in hirings.

everyone else had class I hope so. That's what Griffey said when they asked him why only he and DJ were there.

So, if I'm right...your 2012 Chicago Cubs: C: Geovany Soto 1B: Bryan LaHair 2B: Darwin Barney 3B: Ian Stewart SS: Starlin Castro LF: Alfonso Soriano CF: Marlon Byrd RF: David DeJesus SP: Matt Garza SP: Ryan Dempster SP: Paul Maholm SP: Jeff Samardzija SP: Chris Volstad RP: Carlos Marmol RP: Kerry Wood RP: James Russell RP: Rafael Dolis RP: Lendy Castillo RP: Rodrigo Lopez Bench: C: Steve Clevenger IF: Jeff Baker IF: Blake DeWitt OF: Reed Johnson OF: Tony Campana IF/OF: Joe Mather Unless the Cubs decided to keep Coleman as the long man and dumped one of the IF/OF bench guys. EDIT: Forgot Mateo was hurt.

I admit, when I first saw a tweet that said "Red Sox send Bogaerts to Cubs to complete Epstein compensation", my heart skipped a few beats.

Press conference at 1pm CT. I'll bring the kool-aid. Over-under until someone makes a "Groce negligence" or "Groce incompetence" crack: 2 years.

Things I like about Groce: - Plays at an offensive tempo faster than all but three B1G teams this year (Iowa/OSU/IU), and miles faster than Weber. - On the younger side of coaching - Recruited well at OSU - Ohio was the best team in the MAC despite not having the best record. Things that make me skeptical about Groce: - Some bad losses at his Ohio tenure (which is why they never actually won the MAC) - MAC hasn't been an especially strong league of late - If he is successful, nothing keeping him from using Illinois as a stepping stone to something else in 5 years.

Forget the Tokyo game, did people realize the Marlins open with a 1-game series at home against STL? If Miami doesn't hit a HR in that game we'll have to wait almost 2 weeks for their next home game. It should be Zambrano that triggers it first.

I'll PM MOJ.

I prefer the term yotroll.

Hey, I didn't say that. I've been drinking the kool-aid all morning.

Done.

Back on topic, Karen has had 12 hours since being PM'd about her pick, so she's skipped for now and can pick when she gets a chance, but Navin can pick now if he wants.

At least Illinois isn't losing anyone of importance aside from likely Leonard. Did he declare yet?

Ok, that's it, I'm dipping into the koolaid... http://i.imgur.com/FhEgf.png

I sent her a PM.

That Illinois will suck, Groce is coach, or Groce fell apart?

I could have picked 8 hours ago, but didn't see the 1 post saying Chuck was presumed passed and it was my turn because of all the complaining about how long it was taking and what do do about the Japan game(s). Would have thought a thread called "2012 Prospect Selections" would be about the selections in the prospect draft. Sorry, should have made a note of it in the draft order.

Then it's Karen's turn, unless she's passing. It doesn't have to be dramatic, I just want to get this done ASAP so it's done. Everyone who wants a player just draft one quickly, and then this crap can be over and done with.

Shouldn't this be in the Chris Carpenter threa....ohhh, that Chris Carpenter.

I think Ohio is making a push to keep him, and I think Illinois is letting the women's hire get a day of relevance.

Say what you will about the irrelevancy of women's college basketball, but Thomas made a fantastic hire there yesterday.