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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.

Yeah if that conversation happened, hopefully the Toledo guy told Steinbrecher "I can schedule my other four games however I want, thank you very much."

Yes, and I would say Miami sacrificed athleticism for perimeter height. They were also very undersized in the post, as can be seen by how they were bullied by UMass and Tennessee, so not sure if that's a terrific example. I don't disagree that height is important. Just that other schools with deeper pockets are going to pay a premium for it. IMO if Tavari was 6'3" he probably gets similar offers to Nate in the portal when he put his name in. Maybe it's still worth sacrificing athleticism if it means we get taller. I'm more pointing out there will be trade-offs.

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.

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

I feel a big part of the problem is we're not going to be able to afford a 6'4" Tavari or a 7' Lyles. We would have to sacrifice skill for height.

This is an area Akron needs to focus on.

Thanks for the thread rename BTW 👍

If he leaves for "College of Charleston", we have bigger problems than we thought.

Yes, salary is also likely comparable once you adjust for cost of living as well. Groce I believe got a combined $100K bonus for winning the MAC Tournament and making the tournament. That would have brought his total compensation to like $950K.

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

I mean in terms of competitiveness. Lateral move at best.

CoC was paying Chris Mack more than Groce annually.

I can't fathom that one. Definitely a step down from Akron.

I think you may have overlooked @NWAkron sarcasm.

Wait are we really going to lose our coach to the College of Charleston? Is this how it ends? That would be a new low.

Ianello killed any momentum Akron might have had with a new stadium. Building a consistent winner at Akron is going to be challenging when programs like Miami (OH) are reportedly going to be spending $6-$8 million in NIL moving forward. Even if we have success it doesn't mean people will show. Akron basketball averaged 2,147 this past season (8th in the MAC) despite winning the MAC tournament 4 out of last 5 years and having the winningest season in program history. I get football is more popular. I just don't see how it can consistently attract 15k+ when the basketball program can't even get 3k.

anyone checking private jets from CAK to Charleston?

Trey Simmons just sound like someone destined to do damage in the MAC.

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 think this might be the first MAC addition this offseason. https://x.com/i/status/2037017462286541090

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.

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.