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I would think he is debating whether to follow JG but if that was the case he’d likley include a DNC tag correct?

As we lose one of the Akron greats I see there are plenty chiming in re: the parallels to when we lost KD. Let’s also make sure we don’t have selective memory when it comes to the start of this unbelievable run in 2022. According to Groce himself, repeatedly, during the: Joe Gingo, Gary Miller, Chuck Guthrie, Groce run there was incredible alignment. Groce would use the same language he used in the CoC press conference in public and private on replay after the ‘22 championship and up to the unveiling of the Wentz practice facility. Remember there was so much alignment that they had ALL signed multi-year extensions approved by BOT under Adkins who followed Gingo as chair that would have had that group in place through 2027 (Miller) and beyond (Guthrie, Groce). The outlier was the provost Wiencek (along with the ‘brilliant’ Mr. Saxon - my eye is on the state of UA in 2031 after his 9 yr term ends I’ll then revisit the validity of this characterization) who after having a publicly documented (see Signal Akron expose) primary role in the upheaval of all that alignment was quickly shown the door by the person he had handpicked as his new boss. Funny enough he ‘stepped down’ in Jan 25 right after they donned the front cover of Walsh Jesuit’s alumni magazine Winter 25 issue together. Credible sources say Nemer doesn’t like to share the spotlight beyond a few exceptions e.g. photos with shirtless Ak rowdies so that magazine cover could have been the nail in the coffin for Wiencek who knows. I jest. https://issuu.com/drakem-walshjesuit/docs/warrior_paths_-_winter_2025 Whatever happened, happened, that full BOT to admin to head coach group is now completely gone with Groce’s departure - Nemer cleaned house and has his people in place. You mention current alignment, but what I hear is Nemer loves only those who do his bidding, and even uses the nickname puppet boldly in his cabinet meetings for some of his closest followers on campus. Bottom line, I’m just not sure unilateral say is the same as alignment? Regardless, appears Groce didn’t think or feel so. Thankfully, we have Ford in place and most importantly, keep Bud in a primary role, BUT those are some rose colored glasses you’re wearing @72Roo and/or you’re drinking the proverbial cool aid that Nemer loves to pour. You’ve been around a long time so I’m not totally discounting. I’ve consistently heard similar rumblings to what @Let'sGoZips94 mentioned from some of the coaches and coaches staffs non-basketball. Not all is what it seems, but at UA it never is so I just shrug, support our programs and hope we can keep the momentum. I’ve renewed my season tickets and will continue buying into whatevr Bud has to offer, literal and figurative. I just wonder what this could look like if it was Bud on the BOT someday.

Not a great start to the Ford era!

The admin needs to make sure they stay out of Wentz's way. Embrace what he wants to do because it obviously yields results.

Hard to win as an underdog when you're almost always favored.

So we should most likely be hearing from the rest of the fellas today or tomorrow?

I think Eric has P5 potential, I don't think his college resume is sufficient to get him any P5 offers. He'd benefit greatly from another year at UA, then we'd unfortunately need to kiss him goodbye. I just shake my head when I see what college basketball has become. The arena is the same. The uniforms are the same. The fight song is the same. But the players are professional mercenaries, not student athletes. That's sucked the romance out of it for me.

I wouldn't mind him, but I doubt we could afford him.

Eric has entered the portal.

Eric in the portal. He doesn't foreclose returning.

Wouldn't mind him.

I wonder if this will open the flood gates of others publicly stating whether they plan to leave or stay. They don't have many more days left before the portal opens to decide.

I would be surprised if Groce let Eric follow him. That wasn’t the way he used to roll, but I guess a coach is following him. Maybe things have changed in the Wild West.

I like that he left the door open to return to Akron. The system is broken with the Wild West, lawless Portal environment right now, but I don't fault the players for capitalizing on the $$$ out there right now. What Eric is doing is the prudent thing to do. Here's to hoping he decides Akron is his best option, although I would not be surprised if he follows Groce.

I'm honestly not surprised. Out of all our players with remaining eligibility he probably has the highest market value due to his size, athleticism, and well rounded game.

Posted in the portal tracker too, but Eric has entered. https://x.com/i/status/2039777040358907924

Mahaffey enters the portal, but does not rule out a return to Akron. https://x.com/i/status/2039777040358907924

Not a bad bang for your buck imo

Pretty crazy that all of the FTRC gear is as affordable if not more affordable than most Akron gear and is typically better quality. Plus, the Fear the Roo logo has always been a favorite of mine.

$12K plus being a human billboard to raise awareness for both the team and collective

They were $30 + shipping. Didn't someone say they had over 1000 orders? That's $12k+ based on your cost-per-hat number. Not too shabby.

our embroidered hat cost is 17.70/ea - not sure what Bud is selling them for but there you go

There is nothing on the back. Here is a side picture.

I'm looking at their website and they sell a lot of branded school merchandise that retails for $35-$40. I'm sure Bud is getting a discount for ordering in bulk, but I wonder what the margins the collective is earning on this stuff. I would be surprised if the collective is making more than $10-$15 margin per hat.