This invention describes novel pyrazole compounds of formula IIc: ##STR1## wherein R¹ is T-Ring D, wherein Ring D is a 5-7 membered monocyclic ring or 8-10 membered bicyclic ring selected from aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl or carbocyclyl; R^x and R^y are taken together with their intervening atoms to form a fused, unsaturated or partially unsaturated, 5-7 membered ring having 0-3 heteroatoms; and R² and R² are as described in the specification. The compounds are useful as protein kinase inhibitors, especially as inhibitors of Aurora-2 and GSK-3, for treating diseases such as cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.