Media reports indicate Illinois is negotiating with Ohio's John Groce to become the new Illiini head basketball coach. Groce, 34, is a former assistant at Ohio State. If Illinois hires Groce it will owe Ohio $200,000 as part of a buyout. Groce made approximately $350,000 for leading the Bobcats to a 29-8 record this season and two wins in the NCAA tournament before an overtime loss to North Carolina. Shaka Smart and Brad Stevens have nixed overtures from Illinois since Bruce Weber was fired at the end of the past season.
