Shaka Smart (VCU) turn them down. They just got rejected by Brad Stevens (Butler). Now they are going after John Groce at Ohio. How do you think Stevens felt about being the 2nd choice behind Shaka (no offense to Shaka-we know he's good). Butler has been a program in the news for several years (back to back NCAA Title games will do that). He has been mentioned as a candidate after several big named schools. If Maryland couldn''t get Stevens, I don't think Illinois had a chance-proximity might have helped. I know most of us believe Turge was the right coach for the job here. Now Illinois is going after the next "buzz" team Ohio. After thier OT Loss to NC in the 16...they became this years' VCU.