John Groce, former University of Illinois and Ohio University coach, is close to assuming the reins of the University of Akron men’s basketball program, according to an ESPN report.
UA did not confirm the hiring but reportedly has scheduled a news conference for Thursday.
Illinois fired Groce at the end of this season. His tenure there began promising enough in 2012 when his team made the NCAA Tournament in his first season. The Illini missed the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive year this season, and he was let go after a 20-point loss to Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament.
Groce, 45, whose Ohio teams twice won the Mid-American Conference Tournament, could represent the perfect fit for UA’s program, given he’s very much familiar with the MAC.
His hiring would certainly reignite the UA-Ohio rivalry that has taken a back seat the past couple of seasons. Groce coached the Bobcats from 2008 to 2012 when those games were at their most intense.
In 2012, the Bobcats beat the Zips in the MAC Tournament championship game and went on to the NCAA Tournament. They won two games before losing to North Carolina in the Sweet 16, which is further than the Zips have ever been. That run helped him land the job at Illinois.
He would replace Keith Dambrot, who left for Duquesne University after 13 years at the helm of the UA basketball program. Groce has a 180-131 coaching record — 95-75 at Illinois and 85-56 at Ohio. Groce began his career as an assistant for his alma mater, Taylor University, an NAIA school, and eventually worked his way to the Division I ranks as an assistant at North Carolina State, Butler, Xavier and Ohio State before landing the top job at Ohio.
Departing
One University of Akron starter is unlikely to be around to meet Groce. Guard Antino Jackson requested and received his release, according to a source. Zips freshman guard Tavian Dunn-Martin will apparently transfer, also.
George M. Thomas can be reached at gmthomas@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Zips blog at www.ohio.com/zips. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GeorgeThomasABJ.