Illinois News: John Groce staying positive despite battling injury bug once again

"Only four to six weeks? That’s nothing compared to injuries like Tracy (Abrams’). If it was up to Leron he’d be playing tomorrow."

-John Groce on Leron Black's meniscus injury, Daily Illini

Fighting Illini head coach John Groce knows the injury bug far too well. Entering his fourth season as head coach of the program, his players have faced more than the average challenge with staying healthy. Last season Illinois lost Tracy Abrams for the year (torn ACL), Rayvonte Rice for nine games (wrist, suspension) and Aaron Cosby (eye, dismissal). This year, Abrams is again done for the season, Jalen Coleman-Lands is out likely until the season opener (stress fracture), Jaylon Tate is recovering from a concussion and Leron Black will be out 4-6 weeks with a torn meniscus.

So maybe Groce hasn't had the best of luck with his players' health. But the quote above goes to show there's no dropping the public optimism when he's got a team to lead. Deep down, its got to hurt. We fell the pain.

Charlie Danielson named Big Ten golfer of the week

-Illinois Athletics

Illini senior Charlie Danielson was named co-Big Ten golfer of the week after shooting -4 to win the Crooked Stick Intercollegiate this past week. It was his first individual title of the year. A top 20 player nationally, this is his fourth player of the week award, and first this season. Danielson and the Illini will play in the Tavistock Invitational in Florida this weekend.

*****

Follow The Champaign Room on Twitter at @Champaign_Room and Like us on Facebook. Follow Graham @TheGroceReport or @GrahamHooten