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- about 1 year ago
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Bruce Weber Will Become Next Head Coach At Kansas State, According To Report
Former Illinios Fighting Illini men's basketball head coach Bruce Weber didn't take long to find a new job in a major conference. Jeff Goodman of CBS Sports is reporting that ex-Illinois head coach Bruce Weber will replace Frank Martin at Kansas State. Martin recently left K-State to become the new head coach at South Carolina, and the move was rumored to have been motivated by Wildcats athletic director John Currie's intrusive style and aggressive micromanagement of the program. Weber had been previously linked to the coaching job at Southern Illinois University -- where he made his name prior to joining the Illini -- but Kansas State is a bigger program in a major conference that makes a lot more sense. Here is the tweet from Goodman:
Bruce Weber will replace Frank Martin at Kansas State, source told CBSSports.com. Story coming.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanCBS) March 31, 2012
Former Kansas State player Jacob Pullen spoke his mind about the move, and he certainly didn't have anything nice to say about Weber:
Bruce Webber didn't think I was good enough to play at Illinois and I don't think he is good enough to coach at Kansas State
— Jacob Pullen (@Jpullz0) March 31, 2012
Weber guided Illinois to the NCAA National Championship game in 2005 before falling to North Carolina and left Illinois with a 210-101 overall record and a 89-66 mark in the Big Ten after being fired for a disappointing end to the 2011-12 season.
For more on this story, be sure to stay with SB Nation Chicago and also be sure to visit Kansas State blog, Bring on the Cats. For more news and notes around the country, stick with SB Nation's college basketball news hub.
- about 1 year ago
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Illinois Coaching Search: Derrick Rose Supports Robert Smith For Assistant Job
The Illinois Fighting Illini have finally secured their new head coach in John Groce, but now Groce has the task of assembling the rest of the staff. The reigning NBA Most Valuable Player would apparently like to help Groce in that process. Speaking with Scott Powers of ESPN Chicago, Bulls PG Derrick Rose offered an endorsement of his former high school coach, Robert Smith:
"I think he would be great as an assistant," said Rose, who won two state championships at Simeon under Smith. "I think on the high school level he did everything possible -- win championships, state championships. It would be great for him to go onto the college level and see what he can do then."
According to Powers, Smith has coached for Simeon High School for eight years and accrued an immaculate 230-37 record with the school, including five state titles. He also coached one of the nation's top high school prospects, Jabari Parker, who has stated the Illini chances of landing him would increase if they hired Robert Smith.
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.
- about 1 year ago
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Illinois Coaching Search: Simeon Coach Interested In Joining John Groce's Staff
Simeon boys basketball coach Robert Smith says that he's prepared to listen to possible offers to join the Fighting Illini coaching staff if new Illinois head coach John Groce reaches out to him, according to Mike Helfgot of the Chicago Tribune.
Smith, the winner of five state championships with Simeon, also mentioned that Groce might simply contact him to discuss potential recruits from his elite high school program. Jabari Parker, a forward at Simeon and the player that's generally considered to be the top recruit in the nation's 2013 class, has said that he continues to consider Illinois despite the coaching turnover.
At this point, both Groce and Smith seem to be open to the possibility of working together at Illinois in the future. The Simeon coach's ties to the city of Chicago could lead to major recruiting benefits down the road for the Fighting Illini, but it remains to be seen whether there's a good fit there.
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.
- about 1 year ago
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Illini Coaching Search: Illinois Has 'Tremendous Potential' Says Groce
Speaking with the media for the first time as the head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team, John Groce quickly dispelled questions about whether or not the team could be a consistent, national powerhouse:
"This place has tremendous potential. There have been a lot of great players and great coaches here. ... It's a really special place, there's no doubt about that."
Groce, who had coached the Ohio Bobcats for four seasons before coming to Illinois, said Illinois' return to the national scene was a prerequisite for leaving his job in Ohio:
"If I didn't believe that could happen, I wouldn't be standing up here. I think the 'consistency over greatness' line that (Miami Heat president) Pat Riley uses all the time is what we're all looking for. That's what we want to be about. That's why I mentioned that vision of being a standard of excellence in our conference. And when you do that on a consistent basis, then you get the opportunity to be a player on the national stage regularly. And there's no question that that's the vision."
In the 2011-12 season, Groce led the Ohio Bobcats to a 29-8 record and an appearance in the Midwest Regional Semifinals. The team went 85-56 under coach Groce, winning the highest percentage of games (.784) since 1969-70 (.800) in his final season.
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.
- about 1 year ago
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John Groce Will Be Introduced As Next Illinois Coach At 1:00 PM
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.
- about 1 year ago
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Illinois Coaching Search: John Groce Will Be The Next Illini Coach, According To A Report
Finally -- again! -- it appears as if Illinois' seemingly never ending coaching search has reached its logical conclusion. John Groce will be the next head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini, according to Jeff Goodman of CBS Sports.
John Groce to Illinois is a done deal, source told CBSSports. News Conference likely tomorrow.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanCBS) March 29, 2012
This would end a tiring and embarrassing ordeal for Illinois, though none of that will matter if Groce can return the Illini to glory. It certainly seems like a quality hire. Groce just guided his Ohio Bobcats to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament as a No. 13 seed, and nearly made it to the Eight Eight before falling to top-seeded North Carolina in overtime.
Groce also has a reputation as a strong recruiter. Under Thad Motta as an assistant at Ohio State, Groce recruited first NBA first round draft picks Mike Conley and Greg Oden.
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.
- about 1 year ago
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Illinois Coaching Search: John Groce And Illinois Are Negotiating A Contract
The hiring of John Groce as the next head basketball coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini is imminent, according to the Chicago Tribune. The Illini have decided Groce is their man -- now, both sides just need to iron out a contract. That's currently where we're stuck.
Groce, who makes $300,000 annually as coach of the Ohio Bobcats, is asking for an eight-year, $11 million contract ($1,375,000 per season). The Illini are offering a five or six year deal worth about $1.2 million per season.
Assistant coaches are also a sticking point. Jerrance Howard, an assistant under Bruce Weber who's currently acting as Illinois' interim coach, will make $180,000 next season. That's what Groce is asking for for his top assistants.
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.
- about 1 year ago
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Illinois Coaching Search: Ohio Officials Say John Groce Hasn't Received Offer Yet
Officials from the Ohio Bobcats say that current head coach John Groce hasn't actually been offered a contract to take over the same role with the Illinois Fighting Illini, according to Wesley Lowery, the editor of Ohio's student newspaper. Rumors have run rampant over the past couple days tying Illinois to Groce, including word that the two sides had a deal, but everyone is still awaiting official word on the situation.
At this point, it almost seems like a certainty that Groce will eventually be hired by Illinois to replace Bruce Weber, but negotiations still could fall apart at this point. Considering that previous reports had the two sides agreeing to a deal while now it appears that an offer hasn't even been made officially, there probably will be more twists in this story before everything is over.
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 collegebasketball news hub.
- about 1 year ago
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Illinois Coaching Search: Reggie Theus 'Waits In The Wings' If John Groce Negotiations Fall Through
Just when it appeared the long, drawn out process of finding a new head coach for the Illinois Fighting Illini had reached a conclusion, another wrench was thrown in the proceedings. It looked like Ohio coach John Groce would be the next head man at Illinois, with reports stating a press conference was already scheduled for Monday afternoon. Then it never happened. Reports Monday night state the process has been stalled, though we have conflicting reports on why. One says it's simple contract negotiations. Another says it could be because some board of trustees members would prefer an African-American coach.
Enter Reggie Theus. According to the Chicago Tribune, Theus is 'waiting in the wings' should the Groce negotiations fall apart.
Unlike Groce, Theus is an African-American, which should appease board members who badly wanted VCU's Shaka Smart in Champaign Say the Trib:
If negotiations fall apart with Groce, a source said Theus is confident he will be next in line. Theus, who played for the Bulls and coached at New Mexico State and for the NBA's Kings, has backing from board members and from former Illinois coach Lou Henson.
Theus is a former Chicago Bulls guard who last coached the NBA's Sacramento Kings from 2007-2008.
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.
- about 1 year ago
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Illinois Coaching Search: Illini Players Tweet Their Support For Jerrance Howard
It's unclear what's going on with Illinois' head coaching search at the moment. It was reported earlier today that Groce was Illinois' man and there was a press conference to be held Tuesday afternoon. As the day went, Illinois said there would be no press conference. While it still certainly appears that John Groce will be the head head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini, the whole situation is sort of stuck in limbo right night.
With the situation becoming more and more drawn out, several Illinois players voiced their support for Jerrance Howard. Howard is known as an ace recruiter and was an assistant under Bruce Weber. Howard was reportedly told at the beginning of the process he would not be considered for the head gig. Still, that hasn't stopped a group of Illini players from lobbying for Howard.
Here's what incoming sophomores Mike Shaw and Tracy Abrams had to say:
Might as well!!! RT @1Abrams3: Let J. Howard run the show
— Mike Shaw (@MikeShaw15) March 27, 2012
Fellow sophomore Myke Henry added:
I think they might as well just let jerrence become the head coach it's taking to long to figure out!!
— Myke Henry (@MykeHenry20) March 27, 2012
Big man Nnanna Egwu said:
Last two workouts have been great with coach Howard. He would make a great head coach. They might as well make him our new head coach
— Nnanna Egwu (@egwu_32) March 27, 2012
Again: all signs point to Groce being the next head coach at Illinois. But this entire process has been weird, so it's fitting it will (apparently) come to an end under less-than-ideal conditions.
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.
- about 1 year ago
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Illinois Coaching Search: Kendall Gill Would Take Head Coaching Job To Help Program Avoid Further Embarassment
Illinois has had some trouble finding a new head men's basketball coach, as they've been rebuffed by both Brad Stevens and Shaka Smart. There have been reports that the school has agreed to a deal with Ohio coach John Groce, and that that particular move has been delayed; no official announcement has been made.
In a radio interview on Tuesday, former Illinois basketball player Kendall Gill said he'd be willing to take the job to help the program avoid taking any more hits to its reputation.
"I actually in the last 48 hours with the things they’ve said about the Illinois program, of course I’m going to be biased being from there, I have reconsidered my position on that," Gill said on "The Carmen, Jurko & Harry Show" on ESPN 1000. "Before I said, you know what I don’t have any interest in coaching. Now in the last 48 hours, coaching, maybe I might want to do that to put the program back on the map.
"I know I have the ability. I played professional basketball for 15 years, also college for four years and an analyst for six. I know the game. I would consider if it if I got the call."
Related: Illinois Coaching Search: No Press Conference Scheduled For Tuesday
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.
- about 1 year ago
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Illinois Coaching Search: No Press Conference Scheduled For Tuesday
According the Illinois Fighting Illini's official Twitter account, the previously anticipated press conference is not happening:
Contrary to reports/sources, there will not be an #Illini press conference today.
— Illinois Basketball (@IlliniHoops) March 27, 2012
Early Tuesday afternoon, speculation began to build that the Fighting Illini have agreed to terms with Ohio Bobcats head coach John Groce and that the team would be introducing Groce at a 3:00 p.m. press conference.
Even though the team has denied the existence of the press conference, sources at Ohio's school newspaper have confirmed that Groce's departure for the Illini job is still a "done deal."
With the signing, the Illini will will likely bring to close an embarrassing chapter in the school's history, in which the school appeared incapable of luring candidates to their once prestigious basketball program.
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.
- about 1 year ago
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John Groce At Illinois: Plane Currently Bringing Groce To Champaign
Illinois finally has its man, even if it was far from their first choice. After being rebuffed by VCU coach Shaka Smart and Butler's Brad Stevens, the Illini appear set to hire Ohio Bobcats coach John Groce, who just guided his team to the Sweet 16.
Related: Illinois Coaching Search: John Groce Agrees To Terms With Illinois, According To Report
According to Flight Aware, there's currently an airplane going from Champaign to Athens, presumably to pick up Groce and his family.
Still nothing confirmed. Flight from Illinois campus to OU (possibly Groce's) lands in Athens at 3pm ow.ly/9Uv7i (Via @thodson)
— Wesley Lowery (@WesleyLowery) March 27, 2012
Lowery also confirms that Groce-to-Illinois is a "done deal".
Having the ordeal complete will surely be relieving to Illini fans and alums. The school didn't look good during the process to replace longtime coach Bruce Weber, but it certainly appears like they hired a worthy candidate. Groce is known as a savvy recruiter and solid X's and O's man, who knows the Big Ten from his time as an assist at Ohio State.
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.
- about 1 year ago
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Illinois Coaching Search: John Groce Agrees To Terms With Illinois, According To Report
The Illinois Fighting Illini appear to have finally closed the book on the trifling head coaching search. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Illini have reached a deal with Ohio Bobcats head coach John Groce to be the team's next head coach.
The team has a press conference scheduled for 3 p.m. CDT and is expected to announce the hiring then. Groce has spent the last four seasons with the Ohio Bobcats, leading them to an 85-56 record in that span. In the 2011-12 season, the Bobcats earned their second NCAA Tournament bid under Groce wiht a 29-8 record, losing the Midwest Regional Semifinals.
The reported hiring brings a close to a hiring saga that included several embarrassing rebuffs from mid-major coaches, such as Shaka Smart, who elected to remain with their current teams.
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.
- about 1 year ago
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Illinois Coaching Search: John Groce Rumors Not Impressing Anyone
After striking out on Shaka Smart and Brad Stevens, Illinois Athletic Director Mike Thomas has reportedly turned to Ohio Bobcats head coach John Groce as a leading man to replace Bruce Weber as the head coach of Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball. The rumors haven't exactly impressed the Illini fanbase, and although Groce knows the Big Ten from his time as an assistant with the Ohio St. Buckeyes from 2004-2008, he only managed a 34-30 conference record at Ohio and has never finished higher than third place in the MAC.
How are people taking the news of Groce potentially becoming the next head coach? Kavid Kaplan of CSN-Chicago send out a tweet that it might not be a hit with Chicago-area high school coaches:
Wow. I have spoken with some of the most influential HS basketball people in Chgo. today. Major backlash if Groce gets the job. Uh oh.
— David Kaplan (@thekapman) March 27, 2012
Joe Kutsunis of SB Nation's Illini blog, Hail to the Orange, carefully breaks down exactly why the potential hiring of Groce has Illini fans disappointed:
John Groce isn't what is getting people upset, it is the fact that seven years removed from a Final Four, we are hiring an unproven commodity. After hiring well known coaches with successful track records we are hiring a MAC coach that has not finished higher than third in his league...
No Illinois fan should be happy with the knowledge that their program has deteriorated to such a degree in less than a decade, nor should they be satisfied that we ended up firing Bruce Weber for someone who is an even greater unknown.
...Illinois fans aren't upset because they think Groce is a bad coach or because they couldn't get their first choice or the anything like that. They are upset because taking a chance like this, without any clear strategy, is a sign of program taking a step back, and in doing so, it would seem that all of the progress that was made since the mid 1990's will have evaporated. And why should Illinois fans be thankful for that?
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.
- about 1 year ago
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Illinois Coaching Search: 'Mutual Interest' Between John Groce And Illini, According To Report
After being rebuffed by VCU coach Shaka Smart, it appears as if the Illinois Fighting Illini are turning their attention to John Groce, the head coach of the Ohio Bobcats who just steered his team to an unlikely appearance in the Sweet 16. The Bobcats were an end-of-regulation free throw away from upsetting top-seeded North Carolina and advancing to the Elite Eight.
The Sporting News is reporting the Illini have approached Groce about the program's coaching vacancy and that there is 'mutual interest'.
Groce knows the Big Ten well after serving as an assistant at Ohio State from 2004-2008. Groce helped recruit future NBA first round draft picks Greg Oden, Mike Conley, and B.J. Mullens during his time in Columbus.
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.
- about 1 year ago
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Illinois Coaching Search: Illini Will Have To Pay VCU Or Play VCU If Shaka Smart Goes To Champaign
The Illinois Fighting Illini are busy at work courting VCU's Shaka Smart to be the program's next head coach, and today we learn more details of what will happen if Smart is to accept. It is written into Smart's VCU contract that should he take another coaching position, his new team must pay VCU $250,000 or schedule a home-and-home series with the Rams for two seasons.
From the Chicago Tribune:
In hopes of luring Smart, Illinois has guaranteed facility renovations, a long-term contract and a salary near the top of the Big Ten. His annual compensation would be comparable to that of Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, who makes more than $3 million per year according to USA Today salary reports.
Smart, who reportedly was on the road Tuesday recruiting in North Carolina for VCU, earned $1.285 million last season. His contract stipulates an $800,000 buyout if he leaves for another job before April 30.
The school that hires Smart must schedule a two-year home-and-home series with the Rams or pay them $250,000.
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.
- about 1 year ago
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Illinois Coaching Search: Cuonzo Martin Is Interested In Illinois, According To Report
Well, here's a twist to the Illinois Fighting Illini coaching search we didn't expect: Cuonzo Martin, who accepted a job at Tennessee last season, might be interested in bolting the Volunteers already to head to Champaign. This according to Gail Fisher of Comcast SportsNet.
Martin was head coach at Missouri State for the last three years and just accepted the head coaching job at Tennessee. Seems unlikely that he would do a turnabout, repack the car and head north to Champaign, Illinois.
However, sources close to both Illinois and Martin found out that Martin would be VERY interested in coaching at Illinois. Interested enough to pull a Lane Kiffin and leave Tennessee high and dry.
Martin was a brilliant high school basketball player out of East St. Louis in the 1980s
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.
- about 1 year ago
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Illinois Coaching Search: Shaka Smart Is Weighing 'Lucrative Offer' From Illini
A report surfaced earlier in the day that VCU coach Shaka Smart had rebuffed an offer from the Illinois Fighting Illini to become Bruce Weber's successor. According to the latest report from the Chicago Tribune, that isn't true. The Trib's Shannon Ryan says Smart is still weighing his options. She also writes that Illinois is targeting an African-American coach.
As Smart considers a lucrative offer that sources said Illinois made, Thomas is under pressure to hit a home run with the hiring of a basketball coach to replace Bruce Weber, who was fired March 9 after nine seasons.
Thomas clearly is targeting African-American coaches after two board of trustee members voted against the contract of new football coach Tim Beckman, who is white. His choices after Smart include Alabama's Anthony Grant and Washington's Lorenzo Romar, according to a source.
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.
- about 1 year ago
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Illinois Coaching Search: Illini Contact Simeon Coach Robert Smith, According To Report
According to a report from ESPN Chicago's Scott Powers, the Illini have contacted Chicago's Simeon Career Academy head coach Robert Smith about the school's head coaching vacancy. Smith coaches one of the best prep teams in Chicago, and also happens to have the nation's top-ranked junior prospect on his team.
Smith won a state-record fifth state championship on Saturday with the top-ranked junior in the country in Jabari Parker, who lists Illinois as one of the schools he's considering. Kendrick Nunn, who was previously committed to Texas A&M, and Marquette recruit Steve Taylor also were key contributors.
Related: Illinois Coaching Search: Shaka Smart Likely To Stay At VCU, According To Report
Smith apparently has no interest in being just an assistant coach with the Illini, according to this report.
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.
- about 1 year ago
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Illinois Coaching Search: Shaka Smart Likely To Stay At VCU, According To Report
The Fighting Illini reportedly have made VCU's Shaka Smart one of their coaching targets, but according to CBS' Jon Rothstein, Smart is expected to stay at VCU "unless something drastic changes in the next 24 hours."
Sources confirm that unless something drastic changes in the next 24 hours, Shaka Smart will stay at VCU.....
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 20, 2012
Related: Illini Basketball Coaching Search: Illinois Targeting Shaka Smart, According To Report
That's not a definite "no," and given the nature of coaching searches, things can change in a hurry. But for now it appears that the Illini will have to move down their list of potential coaching candidates. Smart also spurned a number of high-major offers last offseason.
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.
- about 1 year ago
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Southern Illinois Coaching Search: Bruce Weber Offered SIU Job, According To Report
The Southern Illinois Salukis appear to have settled on their new head coach: their old head coach. According to ESPN Chicago, SIU has offered their former head coach, Bruce Weber, his previous job.
Weber coached for the Salukis from 1998 to 2003 and led the team to a winning record in each of his seasons with the school. In his final two years with SIU, Weber led the team to NCAA Tournament appearances.
If he accepts the offer, Weber will replace head coach Chris Lowery, who conducted three NCAA Tournament appearances at the beginning of his career with SIU, but more recently has not had a winning season since the 2007-08 campaign.
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.
- over 1 year ago
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Southern Illinois Coaching Search: Bruce Weber Expected To Interview, According To Report
Recently fired Illinois head coach Bruce Weber could be returning to the school that gave him his first head coaching job. According to a report, Weber is expected to interview for the vacant job at Southern Illinois.
Weber left Southern Illinois in 2003 to become Illinois' coach. Weber was 201-101 overall and coached the Illini to six NCAA tournaments, including the national championship game in 2005. He was fired on March 9.
Related: Bruce Weber At Illinois: Illini Fire Coach Bruce Weber
Weber was the head coach at SIU from 1998-2003, and he led the Salukis to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the Sweet Sixteen in 2002.
He spent the last nine seasons at Illinois, but after some initial success there, his program started to struggle to make the NCAA Tournament, which eventually cost him his job.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more from around the world of college hoops, visit SB Nation's NCAA basketball news hub.
