The Illinois Fighting Illini officially hired former Ohio Bobcats coach John Groce last night, ending a very drawn out and at times publicly embarrassing coaching search. Groce may not have been Illinois' first choice, but he certainly seems like a good fit, given his pedigree. Word just came out that Groce will be introduced in Champaign this afternoon at 1:00 p.m.
It's official - we will have a press conference at 1 pm CT at @Assembly_Hall to introduce our new #Illini men's basketball coach.
— Illinois Basketball (@IlliniHoops) March 29, 2012
With no seniors leaving from a team that nearly went to the Elite Eight, it's very possible Groce is leaving a superior team in the Bobcats for an inferior one in the Illini. Ohio should be ranked pre-season, Illinois won't be. But given the wealth of local talent at his disposal, and the hefty raise he received, Groce's decision to accept the Illini job is a no-brainer. If he wins in Champaign, no one will remember the long, strange process it took to get him here.
For more on this story, stay with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Illini check out Hail to the Orange. For more news and notes around the country, stick with SB Nation's college basketball news hub.