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.
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