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 junior head instructor to Thad Matta, out on his own this offseason, accepting the job at Ohio. Its his first head-tutoring job after 12 as a Division I assistant, the past under Matta.
Here viewing the 17U AAU National Tournament, he said it has been a rapid since he was as the 16th trainer in Bobcats saga on June 27.
I port of callt spent a lot of time in Athens (site of Ohio U) at this cape, Groce said. At the introduction I to really get to know our players. Weve spent a lot of time that and I ponder weve accomplished that. Then during course of the last two 10-day weve strong-minded on (coaches have been allowed out during most of July). But were trying not to lose the mindset that the most imperative object we can do is build affairs with the guys that are on the team. Those are the guys who are gonna be it up for us.
Groce, 36, is a top-nick recruiter. In 2006 he was named Rivals.coms of the year for his part in the haul that powerful the Buckeyes Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook, all of whom were first-round after their seasons. Realistically he isnt going to lure that kind of endowment to play for the Bobcats, but its fair to have faith in hell increase the bar in recruiting in the Mid-American Conference.
Ive been providential because its a job that I was able to get in an area of the population where I feel very comfortable and have some dealings and some networking, Groce said. And I have a stick thats terrific and they also look after that same obsession.
In provisions of knowing (around the Midwest) I hate to even say levels. The one craze I talk a lot on the order of with kids is fit, not levels. Is it a whereabouts where they see being favorable and successful? I try not to get into low major, mid-major, high-major levels. The main phenomenon for us is to try to find guys who fit our schedule and what were trying to do.
Groce a setup that is on blocked ground. The Bobcats won 19 fixed-season knockout last season and made the germinal College Basketball Invitational, and they were in the NCAA game in 2005. Tim OShea had two years remaining on his contract, but he bolted for Bryant College in Rhode Island to be closer to his family. He also got a assured eight-year contract, a rare well-being absolute in the preparation work.
Ohio two , including leading scorer and All-MAC bold Leon Williams. But Groce has intensifying major uninhibited Jerome Tillman (13.3 ppg, 7.6 rpg) around whom to size, as well as two other returning and a host of workbench contributors.
I dont want to develop any defined notions nearby our players because I dont really know how fair that is to them, Groce said. I really want to start with a spick-and-span slate with all of them. I have an awareness of some of them because I saw them on the recruiting hoof marks over the years and have seen them on television some but sheltert had a chance to really guard film and analyze and start down and figure out what guys can and cant do. I think thats gonna take some time.
Expect Groce and the Bobcats to have things commonly figured out come November.
NEW MEMPHIS ASSISTANT SETTLES IN
Former Pittsburgh assistant Orlando Antigua said hes to his new setting in Memphis.
Its large. I safe placet been there long, just a cup of aquatic, but the city has been very interested, Antigua said. The workers is important, and its a big opportunity to work with Coach Cal (Tigers tutor John Calipari). It has been huge so far.
Antigua had spent the past five years on Jamie Dixons personnel with the Panthers. Hes a valued recruiter who is part of a cane alteration 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 workforce is Josh Pastner, who spent the past season at Arizona.
Im interested in judgment out what the biggest difference is, Antigua said. Im looking advancing to figuring out the new system and learning. Its gonna be sensational.
We anchoraget even touching any tape. I got in and started focusing on and hit the road.
Antigua before now is acquainted with many of the peoples top , so that helps.
The difference is we have some different desires and that looking at some different kids, Antigua said.
TIP-INS
UAB teacher Mike Davis kept a close eye on DeMarcus Cousins during the 17U national playoffs. Rumors continue to circulate that the Rivals five-star overlook may be looking despite his commitment to the Blazers. Both Cousins and his high faculty tutor Otis Hughley say he rest staunchly in the UAB camp.
Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl and Georgia Tech instructor Paul Hewitt spent part of Monday chatting collected as each 2009 commitments play for the Georgia Stars. Pearl was looking 6-9 four-star headlong Kenny Hall, and Hewitt took in the play of four-star bombardment picket Glen Rice Jr. and three-star forthright 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 dotted 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.
