LoyalZIP

Sure, this is making everything boil over. But the department bleeding money isn't a new thing, shitty attendance despite basketball being as good as it has ever been isn't a new thing. It's just pathetic, there's no visible effort to change things. The senior leadership has been the same for a long time, and we get the same results. Arrogance and entitlement are far too prevalent at Akron considering the circumstances of the last 5+ years.

I think this whole situation says a lot about the leadership of the athletics department, specifically in terms of external things. Marketing is a disaster as we all can see, and it has been since the current "rock star" of a director was hired. And fundraising is a joke too. How do I know? Matt Kaulig is a BILLIONAIRE, yes, with a B, and the only time I ever see him is in commercials during the local news. Name the damn athletic department after the guy, do whatever you have to do to get a piece of his fortune. Hell, he's a former athlete!!!! He seems passionate about UA athletics and the University as a whole, take advantage of it! Sorry to all the athletes and people that will be affected by these cuts. At the end of the day, someone had to make a very hard decision and deliver some difficult news, nobody wins in these situations. Go Zips everybody! Hope your MAC Champs shirts show up in the mail soon!

Greetings, all. Nice to look back through this thread and see someone talk crap about Groce being a bad hire still because the man cares about his career more than UA. Do everyone here a favor and stay the hell away from this program. Go cheer for Kent like you want to, if you're dying to cheer for complacency. Jackass.

That can't be real...

Justin Turner of BG has put his name in the transfer portal.

Recruit 2 shooters that can play now, IMO. They'll need to spread the floor once again to make room for LCJ, who's going to be in the other 11 coaches' crosshairs starting right now. I worry his overall production will be reduced because of this, if he weren't 5'8, I wouldn't worry about it. But who knows, he could average 25 per game next year and make me eat my words. I'm looking forward to what Currie brings to the table. From what I've seen, he looks like a really good post player and without X, Cheese, and Channel, they're not going to have the three-point threats that they did so a dependable guy to throw it into could be a big help. I'm not sure if he is a shooter, if anyone has anymore info on that, I'd appreciate it! I'm kind of guessing on Currie, and I know next to nothing about Clarke, so I'm not going to pretend to know what I'm talking about. If I had to guess, I would say next season will be defined by the offseason development of the guys who were here this year. Dailey, Sayles, Trimble, LCJ, Ali, Reece, Dawson, Tribble. Specifically, the three freshmen Dawson, Tribble, and Ali. Tribble obviously showed the most flashes and Dawson didn't have much of a chance to, but I think Ali has potential to be one of those huge "NBA All-Star in your role" guys that Groce always talks about. Everyone on the team is supposed to fill their role like that, but I think Ali could be special. He's got good handles for a long guy, he's big but needs to bulk up, he has a decent jumper that needs work, and he's a damn good defender. If he develops in the offseason like we just saw that senior class, look out. If he, Tribble, and Dawson all develop like that, we'll be pretty damn good again, especially on Defense.

Yup. I also think that because many teams' seasons were already over before anything drastic happened (4 MAC teams' seasons ended Monday, when it was still full-steam ahead on fans, tournaments, etc.), the NCAA will not grant these seniors another year. But, I've been surprised by enough things this past week to know not to be surprised anymore. Stay safe, y'all. Cheers to the undisputed CHAMPS!

That video confirms it, this is my favorite Akron basketball team from my time as a fan. Just such a fun season.

At this point, NCAA tournament games may follow suit. We may have seen Deng Riak, Marquelle McIntyre, Tyler Cheese, Channel Banks, and Xeyrius Williams play in-person for the last time. THAT is heartbreaking. Those guys are special to be around.

WBB tournament tips up there in 20 hours. Tick tick tick...

Imagine being as miserable as this loser

This could be considered a hot take, but whatever. I think moving forward, as everyone has played everyone at least once, the most important player on the roster is X. Of course, March is about guards, but teams are starting to crack down on LCJ a little bit more (I know he had 35 a week ago) and at 5'8 that's even harder to overcome. X is the most gifted guy on the team and probably has the most versatile game. When he's playing well and making his jumper, Akron becomes nearly impossible to beat, at least when playing MAC teams.

What a win, what a team. Can't say it enough. And the Romeo tribute was awesome. Another unforgettable one at the JAR!

Attendance issues stem from lazy-ass marketing too. While the local media is bad at showing them appreciation, I see nothing being done by Akron to help with attendance. Just myopic.

BRING YOUR FRIEND, BRING YOUR MOM, BRING YOUR NEIGHBOR, BRING EVERYONE!!!!