Illinois Basketball: John Groce era of Illini recruiting a success or failure?
The John Groce era of Illinois basketball started off with a bang.
But, sadly, it all ended when he missed four straight NCAA tournaments. That is unacceptable at the University of Illinois and with performance below expectations, Groce was let go and replaced by Oklahoma State head coach, Brad Underwood.
While Groce was the leader of the Orange and Blue, he did bring in some decent talent. Let’s go over each class and determine if the class was a success or failure.
Class of 2013 – Success
Kendrick Nunn: With every class there are failures and let’s start with those first. The first failure and major issue coming from this class is Kendrick Nunn. He was supposed to help lead this team to the promise land but failed to do so, and his issues were self-inflicted.
Nunn ended up pleading guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge and was kicked off the Illinois basketball team. He had such a bright future with the Illini but he is now trying to repair his image with another program.
Austin Colbert: The one transfer from this class was Austin Colbert. He didn’t mesh with Groce and decided to take his talents elsewhere.
Jaylon Tate: There was a lot of hope that Jaylon Tate would be a nice backup to Tracy Abrams and then eventually take over the starting job down the road. He came from prestigious basketball power Simeon, but things didn’t work out that way.
Tate couldn’t get acclimated to the college game but was thrust into the starting role for two years due to Abrams’ injuries. This was likely what led to the demise of Groce as a head coach.
Maverick Morgan: One of the few players that really developed under Groce was Maverick Morgan. He was just a backup for much of his career but then took over the starting job when injuries happened. It was fun watching him develop into a serviceable center.
Malcolm Hill: The main reason this class was a success was that Malcolm Hill was a part of it. He goes down as one of the Illinois basketball all-time greats and will always be remembered by fans.
It was a shame Hill couldn’t get to the postseason but the reason wasn’t because of him. He just had a bad situation around him.
Class of 2014 – Failure
Leron Black: There is still plenty of time to change this “failure” into a “success” but the main reason this class hasn’t lived up to the standards I set is that Leron Black hasn’t lived up to his expectations.
Black is an extremely talented player and everyone can see it. But, this kid needs to stay on the basketball court and use that talent. He has two years left at Illinois and he can go from relative “bust” to an extreme success by starting to be a leader on the team this season.
Michael Finke: I believe Michael Finke has been exactly what people thought he would be. He is a great scorer and is trying to develop an inside game. He has the tools to be an extremely effective player in Brad Underwood’s system as well.
Class of 2015 – Failure
Jalen Coleman-Lands: The player with the most talent from this class was Jalen Coleman-Lands. He was supposed to be a great player under Underwood but he has since transferred to DePaul. He contributes to this class being a failure.
DJ Williams: Another player I was excited about seeing in Underwood’s system was DJ Williams. He has now transferred to George Washington University to finish up his college career. Before that, though, he was relegated to the bench by Groce.
Aaron Jordan: Groce left Aaron Jordan on the bench for much of last season and this was a head scratcher. He is a player who stuck with the program and will hopefully blossom under Underwood.
Kipper Nichols: Last season we got to see what Kipper Nichols could do on the basketball court. There is still plenty of time for him to grow as a player and he should be used a lot this season. Nichols transferred in from Tulane and he should be a great Illini player for the next three seasons.
Darius Paul: Another transfer who was supposed to be special was Darius Paul. But, Paul didn’t get to play in the Orange and Blue because of some dumb decisions.
Next: Illini class of 2018 confidence meter
Class of 2016 – Success
Te’Jon Lucas: The only member of the class of 2016 was Te’Jon Lucas. He is a superstar point guard who will help this Illini program get back to the NCAA tournament.
Lucas should be the starting point guard this season. He had a chance to show off his talents about mid-way through last year.