Despite the hand-wringing over the process in Champaign, I think Illinois made a slam dunk hire in John Groce. They swung for the fences in trying to get Shaka Smart or Brad Stevens but the guy they hired is just as good. Groce was the lead recruiter at Ohio State so he knows that game and his style is player-friendly. I'm laughing at the power the Chicago Public League tries to wield in this process. If they don't want their kids playing for this guy, then they're idiots.
South Carolina gets and "A" as well bringing in Frank Martin. Don't undersell the job he did at Kansas State. That is not an easy place to win. Neither has South Carolina been. They're going on nearly 20 years since they last won a tournament game but he has roots in the south, largely south Florida, so he should get kids to Columbia. His replacement in Manhattan is Bruce Weber, late of Illinois. Weber replaces a guy who did more than any other coach had in decades but I think he fits the school well and is a midwestern guy. Expectations will be a bit more realistic.
Finally, Mississippi State remains open but it sounds like Kenny Payne of Kentucky may get that job. From what I've read on him, I think this is a great potential hire for them. A guy with a great work ethic, the ability to recruit and hungry. Also, I'm going to be curious how Danny Manning does at Tulsa. That's been a breeding ground for coaches. Lots of people think he will be a very good coach.
As for the games, no breakdowns. Simple pick time.
Kentucky 70 Louisville 57
Ohio State 68 Kansas 62
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