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I wouldn't put too much stock in yesterday's game. The Zips have had much worse defensive games this season. Much, not all of yesterday's success yesterday was the result of guys making tough shots over well- positioned defenders. Sometimes teams just get hot. Some of Dambrot's teams were sketchy on defense. However, during the 4 years with Zeke it all got cleaned up on the back end. Groce's first team here was 8th in the MAC in average points surrendered and 9th in opponent field goal percentage. They were regularly just "out-athleted." This year's squad is 7th in average points surrendered and 2nd in opponent FG%. The current team is not the worst. The fast pace of the offense gives both teams more possessions. They've had lapses which have hurt and can be cleaned up but they're never going to be at the top of the MAC on defense. Barre can help a little if he returns but he'll at best play 12-15 minutes a game and the biggest problem has been on perimeter switches and recovering on help defense when the ball swings, and that's not him on the perimeter.

I've got to chalk it up to not having the rim protector because our guards and wings are quick and athletic. The Mahaffey brothers are two of the more athletic players we've ever had at Akron, and I said last year that Shammah Scott's lateral quickness up top is one of the quickest I've ever seen. Tavari is pretty tenacious. I really can't figure it out so I'm chalking it up to not being able to make the opposition hesitate at the rim. But ?????

Has Melvin Spriggs signed anywhere?

Just saw that. Good for him, but seems a bit crazy. Also, he just entered a few days ago and somehow ends up at Texas? Feel tampering-ish to me.

Markus Boswell committed to University of Texas. Dad graduated from there is an olympic high jumper. wish him luck. Didn't see that one coming ...

There were some objectively terrible Akron teams prior to Dambrot coming to Akron. That was before my time though. I would imagine the defense was worse on some of those single digit win teams. I do think it's lazy to just look at points allowed as the sole measure of a defense. Like your mentioned pace can inflate the numbers. I still think outside of Groce's 1st season this is probably his worst defensive team. Like you, I don't necessarily think it's all effort. They just often try to trap and then are slow in rotating. Not having a rim protector certainly plays a part, but I feel that would be something we could overcome if we boxed out better and defended the 3-point line better.

I really think this could be Barre if he can stay on the floor. He was really playing well and making a difference before he got hurt.

I guess the MAC doesn't blow.

After watching yesterdays game and see another team shooting over 50%, I wondered whether this is the worst Akron team on defense that I can remember. I was almost afraid to look at the stats, but we are now ranked 241st in defense giving up 76 points per game. (Kent is worst at at 336 and giving up 82 points). I know that we play a fast tempo and therefore giving the other teams more shots and we are not a great rebounding team giving up more 2nd and 3rd oppotunities to score. But the fact remains that statistically we are probably giving up more points this season than in any other season. It seems to me the players are working hard on defense. However, we do not have a rim protector and it just seems like we cannot keep the opposing team from attacking the basket or shooting an open three. Also, it does seem like there is more talent in the MAC this year. But we have seen all year, both in conference and out of conference it seems like we have trouble getting stops. Which leads me to the question: Do you think this team ranks last in defense or are there other Akron teams that were worse?

Excellent! Thank you

elijah alexander is committed and on campus

Great way to keep the ball on that pass, and nice cross to a nice header. Malik will always be one of my favorite zips

But college football can’t have midseason transfers from a professional league. So it evens out.

Here's the deal ... considering Akron and Miami are the top 2 seeds and in opposite brackets, on a neutral court, I think Bowling Green, Buffalo and Kent are the most dangerous opponents regardless of where they are seeded. The good thing is those three teams - using Buffalo as an example - would likely have to play BG then Kent/Miami, then Akron in three straight days to get to the MAC Tournament title game, much less win it. That's brutal. While I doubt it will be an issue, that 1-2 seed will be imperative to avoid a potential first-round upset knockout, considering how deep/strong the MAC is this season.

Correct

I believe the portal deadline has passed now. Players can no longer enter the portal but those who did enter can still commit to a new school if they haven't yet. Is that right?

Lebron paid homage to UA and the city with his new shoes which included the UA logo- https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/nba/2026/01/18/lebron-james-nike-23-shoes-pay-tribute-to-akron-zips/88243766007/

IDK but if he leads us to a MACC in football I might have to consider changing my ZNO handle to HRPRulz..

The number one area girls player in today's mid-season top players in Greater Akron, Evelyn McKnight from Copley, is a.............Youngstown State recruit.

Is Elijah Alexander still committed to The University of Akron? He was our one tight end transfer and is 6-4 235 lbs. I believe Vann Kavals is moving from DL to TE this spring.

Sweet cross by Malik Henry!

https://open.substack.com/pub/akronzippedup/p/akron-zips-mens-basketball-weekly-7a3?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email Excellent write up from ZippedUp. "Pesky MAC West squads". 😀

This needs a deep ZNO investigation. Could H.R.Pufnstuf be positioning himself to replace Zippy? Could this signing be the avenue in which H.R. weasels into UA? I smell conspiracy.

Canada edges Guatemala in men's soccer B international in L.A.

Any relation?