CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- New Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman issued a vote of confidence for men's basketball coach John Groce on Saturday, praising his leadership and making clear he will continue in the position.
Groce has been under pressure from fans who are unhappy the team will miss the NCAA tournament for a third straight season -- Illinois' biggest NCAA drought since 1978-80. Illinois (13-17, 5-12 Big Ten) is also facing its first losing season since the 2007-08 team went 16-19.