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It is magnified, but I think there's genuine discussions going on behind the scenes. I think his Butler candidacy was very real. Whether that means he will be a candidate anywhere else, who knows? But I do think there was mutual interest for that job. For me, I worry because I remember the pre-KD days of Akron basketball and don't want to go back. We were incredibly fortunate Groce was available the same time KD left, and we went from one legend to another. I don't think it's fair to expect that same fortune again if he were to leave. Additionally, I just love this program so much under Groce. He's such a likeable coach, his staff brings in players who are great young men and easy to root for...I'd just hate to see that go, as I'm sure everyone else would.

They won!!

I think Groce and his agent are wise to pursue every legitimate opportunity for advancement. This way he can keep tabs on his market value which then can be used to negotiate future contracts at Akron or elsewhere. Also, it’s good for Akron to have a coach that is in demand and to have the media float his name around. It’s great for recruiting. I think what he says to his team is what is most important. As a Zips fan the process is obviously nerve wrecking, but it sure keeps us from taking him for granted.

I agree. I am on the academic side, but even there, when there is interest, you have to pursue the opportunity diligently, maybe even make some over-the-top demands, just to see what is even possible in other places. Then, even if you do not wish to take the job offer, you go back with the offer to your boss and use that to better your position at home. This is simply how it works, maybe in other walks of life as well (executive level in firms, headhunter-dominated fields). Hopefully, this is all that is currently going on. Wasn't there some wisecrack on X that implied "bald man got too greedy" or some similar sentiment? That could be what is going on. Obviously, I am speculating.

I just voted and they are now at 51%. Hopefully that'll stay. Also I feel like you should change your name to X/Tavari got robbed of POY.

Despite their lack of athleticism, they ranked 114th in 3P defense. I totally get there will be trade-offs, hence my season-long take that Akron's focus should be forcing teams to keep up with them in a high-octane offense because they weren't built for legitimate defense. I think many would be ok with increasing the overall average height, sacrificing a bit of the post-play still, and finding more of a happy medium across all styles.

I thought the same thing about Duquesne. Lateral move at best. But the A10 is significantly better than the CAA or whatever.

Thanks for the thread rename BTW 👍

Totally agree in that sense. Nothing Groce could achieve there that he couldn't at Akron.

anyone checking private jets from CAK to Charleston?

Doyel: Butler AD Grant Leiendecker found his basketball coach. But he didn't look very hard The other finalist was one of Matta's Butler assistants in 2001, John Groce, a mid-major coach with solid results and a large NIL fund, which means he’s competing with more resources than most of the MAC.

I believe the Indy Star reported he was expected to be involved. Perhaps I am misremembering but I don't remember any official outlet going as far as "finalist" Tbh, knowing how well JG seems to like it here, I am wondering if this is some posturing for some more commitment to the program.

Bingo! Always looking over our shoulder. Hopefully Coach is here for a long time. Go Zips!

Agree, while it sucks on many levels I hear so many people mention how they love watching the “MACtion” mid week games in November. It really does give MAC teams a certain level of national exposure. Has it really changed anything for those institutions? Probably not, so the impact is definitely debatable.

NE Ohio sports fans have been through so much heartbreak, we just can't enjoy anything without expecting the worst outcome. It's magnified online, especially on forums and Reddit.

My vote just now got it to 50%/50%

Maybe he will find more consistent playing time and better production at a low major, like NIU.

What's most interesting is that EMU and Sac State will be playing week 0. I imagine that was the only way the schedule makers could probably make things work given their late add.