The team has undeniably underachieved, failing to show progress after grievous on- and off-court failures of the previous year. Under normal circumstances, with Illini basketball literally falling off a cliff, and fan discontent at record levels, replacement would be logical and necessary. He has inside information of what committed recruits are thinking, and he is surely developing an opinion on the availability of a suitable coaching replacement.įurthermore, if he favors status quo, he has the backbone to withstand the headwinds of fan discontent that would accompany Groce’s retention. The important news is this: Whitman is the sharpest guy in the room, and displays the deepest feelings for his alma mater. Unlike North Carolina State, which seemingly has let it slip that inquiries are underway to replace still-coaching Mark Gottfried, Whitman has maintained a tight lip. Up to now, Whitman has given no hints, other than to express his support for the team and acknowledge an awareness that the ‘80s didn’t “belong to the Illini” without Lou Henson encountering bumps in the late ‘70s. Perhaps John Groce will know his fate in advance. And the outcome will be clear in little more than three weeks as, barring a dramatic turnaround, Illinois will be eliminated from the Big Ten men’s basketball tournament in Washington, D.C., ahead of March 12’s Selection Sunday. More recently, with the UI volleyball clan expecting Whitman would attract a seated head coach, and perhaps a woman, he instead tabbed a Nebraska assistant, Chris Tamas.įool me once … fool me twice … maybe it’s best not to try to predict his next move.īut the most popular game in Illini country these days is projecting how Whitman will handle the bubbling men’s basketball situation. Whitman’s first strike brought down the roof, enticing long-time NFLer You’re likely to be wrong if you try to outguess him.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |