Let'sGoZips94

He's been recruiting for Groce's system, though. Who knows what kind of connections he has maintained with the thought of his own system someday.

I'm telling you, lifestyle matters. Charleston is beautiful. Dambrot left for DUQ for family legacy. Neither move should be shameful. Absolute dominance in the MAC, especially over Kent State. We don't know Ford's style and how it differs from Groce. A lot of people of putting the cart before the horse with this situation.

Our new fearless leader.

The Dustin Ford era is about to begin. Bobcat Attack has to be in shambles to hear that lol.

And what you just pointed out is the other HUGE problem that plagues the MAC is nobody cares about the Directional Michigans, NIUs, and Balls. Not to mention there is a residual effect from rarely allowing your local HS boys basketball demographic to attend games. How are we to expect kids/families to root for Zips basketball when they can't attend the games in their own backyard because of scheduling conflicts? I'm not saying these two pieces are the entire pie, but they're the two largest chunks. The networks control the flexing schedule. Not sure why the MAC wouldn't be able to get similar revenue deals, though, with a Monday/Thursday schedule (flex Thursday games to Fridays still, but at least you're not playing games on Tuesdays) or Wednesday/Sunday.

Not to derail the convo even further, but a huge part of the problem is the MAC schedules their conference games on Tuesdays with the top Saturday games typically flexed to Friday nights. HS boys basketball players would likely be the demographic most likely to attend a quality DI hoops game right? Ohio HS boys basketball is played on Tuesdays and Fridays. A conference schedule change would be the most cost effective first logical step in attempting to boost attendance. Wouldn't cost the University a dime. The MAC and Steinbrecher are that stupid, though.

Dallas isn't on the ocean; I'm sure Charleston summers are much more pleasant. Agreed on "to each their own" but it's far from unfathomable that CofC would be desirable for a multitude of reasons - weather and lifestyle included.

Regardless of Groce being better positioned or not, it's absolutely not a step backwards program wise, and a huge step forwards lifestyle wise. Winning 20+ games every year without Akron, OH, winters is going to be so much more enjoyable regardless of the ceiling. It's not like he's potentially taking the Kent job or a similar program north of the Mason Dixon line; this isn't rocket science. Again, really happy for Groce and his family should this come to fruition. Equally excited for Zips basketball under Dustin Ford.

Or Dustin Ford gets a financially friendlier contract and the extra money goes towards NIL/assistants/etc.

Should this turn out to be true, I'm actually excited for all parties. For Groce, Charleston is beautiful and I think that would be a big draw as he gets up there in age. CofC is similar to Akron/MAC and he should be able to continue down a dominant path in a different conference. There's no football to detract from his available resources. For Akron, I love the idea of Ford as our HC. Keep in mind the first ever assistant Groce hired was Chris Holtmann. Ford joined the staff the following year and has been with Groce ever since. If Ford is anywhere near Holtmann as a HC, we'll be just fine. LCJ's support for Ford is everything I need to know, in addition to Bud Wentz being a big Ford believer. To boot, this is really going to tick off the Ohio fans who have wanted Ford for years. When Buffalo lost Hurley, they got Oats who ended up being even better. Here's to hoping we're on the same trajectory. GO ZIPS!

There were 2 viral quotes from that press conference - Kowalchoke's "luck" comment and Blyden's commitment. Both are evident that Toledo is an unprofessional program. He knew the desired quote from the Toledo fan base would be his commitment to next year so he said it. That makes it a big deal. Hopefully he learns his lesson on how to handle the media going forward. Saying things you don't mean to please people is not wise.

LOL. This guy made a big deal in the post game presser about being back. Can't spell Kowalchoke without a L.

With the redshirt symbol to boot!

That's awesome to hear.

I don't know how many times Akron was linked to guys last year in tweets like this and I never heard about them again.

I received my GV Artwork shirt. It's nice. Very cool, retro style. My kids also love their Yes Way Jose shirts for the Guardians that arrived in the same package. Here's to hoping they make more Akron gear so I can justify more Guardians gear, too.

NC State fans are pissed. That's why you never fall in love with a stripper.

Groce was rumored as a speculative candidate early on for Boston College. Another door closed.

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 think that's too broad of a take. You and a few others have been clambering for better defense, which more length would most likely lead to. Miami OH was long so it's possible to get longer. I'm simply saying this should be a focus.

According to a guy on Reddit, Steinbrecher met with Toledo's Deputy AD who made those comments and scolded him over them. I hope Whelan (the Deputy AD) told Jon he can kiss his butt if he takes issue with the comments. Steinbrecher is a spineless rat that has been horrendous for the MAC. I'm surprised he had enough time to meet with Whelan while he gets dog walked everywhere by his Power Conference owners.

This is an area Akron needs to focus on.

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

CoC was paying Chris Mack more than Groce annually.