CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — An official at the University of Illinois is confirming that the school has hired Ohio coach John Groce (GROHS) as its next men’s basketball coach.
The official said Groce will be introduced at a news conference Thursday afternoon in Champaign. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because Groce’s hire hadn’t been official announced.
Groce replaces Bruce Weber, who was fired earlier this month.
Groce has been at Ohio, a Mid-American Conference school, since 2008. He led the Bobcats to the NCAA tournament twice, including a run to the Sweet 16 this year that ended with an overtime loss to North Carolina.
The Illini finished this season 17-15 after a 2-12 collapse at the end of the season.
