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Illinois Basketball: Top 5 Head Coach Candidates If Groce Is Gone

By Rees Woodcock

Jan 28, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jaylon Tate (1), guard Malcolm Hill (21), guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (5), guard Kendrick Nunn (25), and center Maverick Morgan (22) look on from the court against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half at State Farm Center. The Buckeyes won in overtime 68 to 63. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jaylon Tate (1), guard Malcolm Hill (21), guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (5), guard Kendrick Nunn (25), and center Maverick Morgan (22) look on from the court against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half at State Farm Center. The Buckeyes won in overtime 68 to 63. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 20, 2016; Dayton, OH, USA; Dayton Flyers head coach Archie Miller talks during a timeout during the second half against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies at University of Dayton Arena. St. Bonaventure won 79-72. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Dayton, OH, USA; Dayton Flyers head coach Archie Miller talks during a timeout during the second half against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies at University of Dayton Arena. St. Bonaventure won 79-72. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

Next: Coach #1

A coach that I have heard a lot of people mention is Dayton Flyers head coach Archie Miller.

Miller took the position back in 2011 and was an immediate success for the Flyers.  He started his first 2 seasons off with 20 wins and 17 wins, respectively.

Following his 2nd season, Miller finally broke through the NCAA Tournament barrier.  Dayton was selected as an 11-seed and proved they belonged.

Dayton defeated No. 6 Ohio State in the 1st round and then beat No. 3 Syracuse in the 2nd round.  The Flyers advanced on to the Sweet 16 to play No. 10 Stanford.

Miller led Dayton to another win in the Sweet 16 but then fell short to No. 1 Florida in the Elite 8.  This was a great run for the Flyers and started a special run that continues today.

Last season Miller and the Flyers had another successful run.  After a 23-7 regular season record the Flyers entered the NCAA Tournament as an 11-seed again.

This time Dayton played in the First 4.  They beat No. 11 Boise State and advanced on to play No. 6 Providence.  The Flyers beat the Friars but then were beat in the Round of 32 by No. 3 Oklahoma.

Miller is leading Dayton to another great season this year.  They currently sit at 21-5 and have been ranked as high as 15th in the nation.

Miller also has a great deal of big wins under his belt.  His record really proves he is ready for the big stage of the Big Ten.

In the 5 years Miller has been the head coach of Dayton he has beat 7 Top 25 teams.  These teams include road wins at No. 21 Vanderbilt, No. 22 VCU, and No. 17 St. Louis.  The other victories against Top 25 teams came against No. 22 Ohio State, No. 16 Alabama, No. 14 Syracuse, and No. 11 Gonzaga.

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Millers resume also includes 4 NCAA Tournament wins that includes an Elite 8.

As far as winning credentials go Miller hits the mark.  The only downfall I see is that in his time with Dayton he has only had 1 4-star recruit and the rest have been 3-stars or lower.

You need better players to be able to compete in the Big Ten night-in and night-out.  You can also say it is even more impressive what Miller has done with the little talent he has brought in.

The reason Miller isn’t No. 1 on my list is because of his recruiting ability.  That is a main issue for the near future for the Illini.

Miller is an outstanding coach and if he becomes the next Illinois leader I wouldn’t have any complaints.

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