John Groce addressed the media on Monday morning to preview his team's upcoming matchup against Rutgers. In the first meeting of the season between these two teams, Illinois narrowly defeated the Scarlet Knights 110-101 in triple overtime on the road. Fast forward a few weeks and Eddie Jordan's squad is still searching for their first conference victory.
In addition to previewing Tuesday night's game, Groce also commented on university's ongoing search for a new athletic director. The school has reportedly narrowed the field to two finalists, and a final decision could be made soon.
Here are some of the highlights from the media session, which you can watch in its entirety above.
#illini Groce: Anxious to move on with new AD. Leadership is important. Look forward to bringing that to culmination and moving forward.— Jeremy Werner (@JWernerScout) February 15, 2016
#Illini Groce: Watched the film from Saturday. Thought we played really hard, good on the glass, defense was good enough to win.— Derek Piper (@DPiperScout) February 15, 2016
#Illini Groce: The first game against Rutgers was a classic. Watched it on film many times. Didn't play great but guys made plays.— Derek Piper (@DPiperScout) February 15, 2016
Asked #illini Groce abt Finke's decline in production and if it's injury-based or B1G-based. He said probably both. Most frosh go through it— Jeremy Werner (@JWernerScout) February 15, 2016
#illini Groce: DJW going to play what he earns. Right now, he's earned (big minutes). Working hard. Getting better.— Jeremy Werner (@JWernerScout) February 15, 2016