1981 grad

Every year it is always going to be a new picture with different players. I already miss the bygone years when players entered as frosh and we observed players improve each year. And some players did not improve and transferred out. Players coming to Akron for one year was the exception and not the rule.

Thanks, I thought that was a done deal. His failure to sign now makes sense. It is weird in that before the college money, players could not wait to make money and left college early. Now they want to stay in college to make more money than they ever could as a pro.

Did Hardman sign with another team?

I am really disappointed that we lost both of these guys. It reminds me when KD left the program we lost another West Virginia guard Tavian Dunn Martin and a center, Michael Hughs and Groce had almost a rebuild in year one and we had a losing season. (Jimond Ivey stayed and had a fantastic career at Akron) Sharron did not have a great 2nd season but he came on at the end with a fantastic game at Kent and played well in Cleveland. Eric has a lot of potential but I think for his development it would have been better for him to stay one year as a starter and put up the great stats and have payoff in year 3. I will be curious if he gets to be a starter in Cinn or just a role player. I also wonder if therse guys would have stayed but for the coaching change.

I know many on this board blame the Timberwolves. I do not. I watched several of his games and he is a good g League player but did not stand out. He plays the wing and was just not the impact player like he was at Akron. He needs to improve his 3 point shot, develop moves to the basket, and also get stronger to compete at the NBA level. His last few games where he was averaging a double double show that he was improving. It will be interesting if he gets another 2 way.

Minnesota is locked into the 6th playoff position so I would think that they would rest some of the started and maybe Freeman would get some court time.

Watching Freeman play on prime and he is really playing well. Last 4 games averaging over 20 points and already has 19 points tonight in 3rd quarter with double double.

Thanks, I am sure we will learn more as this plays out. I was on a flight wearing a Zips hat right after Cleveland and I spoke to a guy who saw my hat and he indicated that he was friends with Groce and helped with the recruiting of Oggie. I now wish I had gotten that guys number. He was very nice and we talked Zips basketball and he had the highest admiration for Groce.

I know there are a few people on this board with some inside information. I would like to know why Groce made the decision to leave Akron which is at best is a lateral move. Was it for more money, more money for players, a realization that he could not win a tourney game coaching Akron? Or was it to give Ford an opportunity to coach and move into the limelight. Just curious to see why Groce made the move since he always seemed to like the area and program.

This is a lateral move and it just tells me that Groce wanted out of Akron. I am sure he had his reasons. Mayber he is getting more money or more money for players. Lets hope that Dustin Ford or whoever turns out to be the next Akron coach continues our succes. My only concern is that Groce will take some players with him or that our recruits now decide to head for another program. KD took several players and it took Groce several years to recover from late recruiting.

I brought up the attendance issue because this board is wondering why Groce is making a lateral move. The only time I have heard him express his frustration is with the attendance so I checked the attendance for the college of Charleston. I understand Groce's frustration is that the Zips had their highest win total, the longest home winning streak, and three out of four years we went to the NCAA tourney and he is playing in a half empty jar. I would also be frustrated. Every person likes to know that there hard work is appreciated and Akron fans just do not show up to support this team. I really hope that Groce stays but I could also understand why he would want to leave and play in front of 4900 fans instead of 2200 fans.

And the attendance. We average 2200 fans while Charleston averages 4900 fans.

When Tavari decided last year at this time to enter the transfer portal, Coach Groce spoke to him and told him "to think about what he already had." Tavari then decided to take his name out of the portal and had a great season. I hope that Coach Groce decides to follow his own advice.

Watching March madness and crying over our stupid picks.

My take on Groce is that the only time I feel his disappointment with the Akron program is that no matter how good the team, we play to an arena that is only half full except for the Kent game. He always encourages fans to show up to the games and considering our home winning streak, we should draw better. The people on the board know that Akron does little to nothing to promote Akron basketball and the half time show of 3 or 3 frat basketball was dismal considering that was our biggest crowd of the season. I hope the pressure that he felt at Illinois is fresh on his mind because with a new program comes the pressure to win. Hoping Groce stays in Akron. Go Zips.