John Groce gear still says Ohio on it.
John Groce gear still says Ohio on it.
Its just that the word State is missing from behind it.
Groce, who spent the past four years at Ohio State as an assistant and then assistant head instructor to Thad Matta, struck out on his own this offseason, uncomplaining the job at Ohio. Its his first head-preparation job after 12 seasons as a Division I assistant, the past eight under Matta.
Here viewing the 17U AAU National Tournament, he said it has been a rapid since he was introduced as the 16th trainer in Bobcats times gone by on June 27.
I port of callt spent a lot of time in Athens (site of Ohio U) at this promontory, Groce said. At the creation I tried to really get to know our . Weve spent a lot of time doing that and I judge weve accomplished that. Then during course of the last two 10-day weve firm on recruiting (coaches have been allowed out during most of July). But were trying not to lose the mindset that the most prominent mania we can do is expand dealings with the guys that are on the team. Those are the guys who are gonna be lacing it up for us.
Groce, 36, is a top-notch recruiter. In 2006 he was named Rivals.coms of the year for his part in the haul that propertied the Buckeyes Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook, all of whom were first-round after their freshman . Realistically he isnt going to lure that kind of ability to play for the Bobcats, but its fair to consider hell advance the bar in in the Mid-American Conference.
Ive been happy because its a job that I was able to get in an area of the nation where I feel very comfortable and have some relations and some networking, Groce said. And I have a stick thats terrific and they also deliver that same device.
In rapport of knowing (around the Midwest) I hate to even say levels. The one object I talk a lot of the order of with kids is fit, not levels. Is it a corner where they see themselves being fortunate and successful? I try not to get into low major, mid-major, high-major levels. The main matter for us is to try to find guys who fit our itinerary and what were trying to do.
Groce a plan that is on sturdy ground. The Bobcats won 19 unvarying-season sports last season and made the original College Basketball Invitational, and they were in the NCAA contest in 2005. Tim OShea had two years remaining on his contract, but he bolted for Bryant College in Rhode Island to be to his family. He also got a definite -year contract, a rare reassurance comprehensive in the education line of work.
Ohio two seniors, including leading scorer and All-MAC forward Leon Williams. But Groce has getting higher above headfirst Jerome Tillman (13.3 ppg, 7.6 rpg) around whom to form, as well as two other and a host of seat .
I dont want to arise any fixed notions just about our players because I dont really know how fair that is to them, Groce said. I really want to start with a tidy slate with all of them. I have an awareness of some of them because I saw them on the recruiting track over the years and have seen them on television some but portt had a chance to really watchdog film and analyze and interruption down and figure out what guys can and cant do. I sense thats gonna take some time.
Expect Groce and the Bobcats to have things more often than not out come November.
NEW MEMPHIS ASSISTANT SETTLES IN
Former Pittsburgh assistant Orlando Antigua said hes adjusting to his new environment in Memphis.
Its remarkable. I anchoraget been there long, just a cup of river, but the city has been very responsive, Antigua said. The wand is critical, and its a good opportunity to work with Coach Cal (Tigers teacher John Calipari). It has been great so far.
Antigua had spent the past five years on Jamie Dixons force with the Panthers. Hes a authoritative recruiter who is part of a body conversion for Calipari, who saw Derek Kellogg take the head job at UMass and Chuck Martin land the top spot at Marist. Also joining the Tigers human resources is Josh Pastner, who spent the past seven season at Arizona.
Im interested in ruling out what the biggest difference is, Antigua said. Im looking advancing to figuring out the new system and learning. Its gonna be rousing.
We safe placet even started touching any tape. I got in and focusing on and hit the road.
Antigua previously is at ease with with many of the nation-states top , so that helps.
The difference is we have some different requests and that looking at some different kids, Antigua said.
TIP-INS
UAB coach Mike Davis kept a close eye on DeMarcus Cousins during the 17U national tournament. Rumors continue to circulate that the Rivals five-star probability may be looking despite his commitment to the Blazers. Both Cousins and his high sisterhood tutor Otis Hughley say he staunchly in the UAB camp.
Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl and Georgia Tech teacher Paul Hewitt spent part of Monday cool as each watched 2009 commitments play for the Georgia Stars. Pearl was seeing 6-9 four-star forthright Kenny Hall, and Hewitt took in the play of four-star execution guard Glen Rice Jr. and three-star direct Kammeron Holsey. All three are members of the Rivals150.
The New York Gauchos drew a slew of head coaches on Monday, including Louisvilles Rick Pitino and Pittsburghs Jamie Dixon.
Other head coaches patterned in Orlando this week included: North Carolinas Roy Williams, Floridas Billy Donovan, Georgias Dennis Felton, Arkansas John Pelphrey, Kentuckys Billy Gillispie, Marylands Gary Williams, Georgetowns John Thompson III and Providences Keno Davis.
