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Groce emotional on post game show talking about Dawson and his passion for Akron basketball. Before leaving the JAR yesterday, Mike was getting a bit emotional at the thought of putting the uniform back on. Means a lot to these guys.

The number of guys that have come through Groce's program at Akron that have had similar emotional attachments grow is a testament to Groce and what he brings to this University. He's a special coach.

One of the most impressive wins in program history. That is a damn hard trip and a tough place to play. So proud of these guys, welcome back!!!

The offensive rebound by Freeman where he tipped the ball 3 times and then scored was amazing. The refs have been good letting them play and I like these announcers. They have been both informative and funny.

Really solid basketball game for the first game of the year yet again. Shoutout to SDSU. Big fan of theirs when we aren't playing them. I like the way they play and shoot the ball. Thank you to them for scheduling Akron for a home & home. This has been a fun way to open the season these past 2 years.

Fair point, but Scott is a Junior and Thornton is a Senior.

I missed Mike Dawson

Tavari is playing way too fast. Gotta get the nerves in check

At the beginning of every basketball season I see a few names of obscure colleges scrolling across the ESPN ticker that I've never heard of. I've created this thread so everyone can add their list of oddball NAIA and D-3 "finds". Never heard of William Carey University (Southern Miss's first opponent). Drew's brother? Brescia plays at Jax State tonight.

I'm surprised Joel Sangwa didn't receive any Big East postseason recognition.

Thank you, Zips for a very entertaining game and a very nice evening. Best $10 I spent in my life.

I just wanted to point out that at 1 for 2 Greg Tribble now leads the Zips in 3-point field goal percentage!

If only mens soccer had won their game it would have been a perfect week for Zips sports.

Hey - Zips basketball is back baby!

Tribble and Dawson played their best games as Zips, IMO.

Zips clearly wanted it more.

Freeman's spin move is the best I've ever seen from a big man. WOW!

TRIBBLE FOR THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!

Would like to comment that the radio commentary has been great today. I love these guys 🤣

Mikal Dawson with the offensive rebound on the free throw! He is officially back!

A tremendous amount of work!!!!! Thanks.

Hours before the season opener I'm guessing the best-case scenario for the Zips and Ali Ali is he will be cleared by the NCAA to play starting the second semester. Rumored transfer issues re: academics seems to hold some water at this point as he would have been cleared to play long before now if he was a grad student, either at the time of his transfer or at the end of the summer sessions. What's not known is if there were any extenuating circumstances that played to Akron/Ali's benefit with the NCAA to grant immediate eligibility with a second transfer. Traditionally this would be transferring back to his home state to be closer to family for any number of reasons. BUT, Ali is transferring away from his home state to be back at Akron. Which is against the norm. Also what's not known is how much or how little Butler is helping this process, although Groce and Butler coach Matta have a long-standing relationship. Whatever the outcome, overall, typical NCAA foot-dragging that does not seem to happen much further up the D1 totem pole. Then again, Ali could be cleared to play by game time tonight!!!

https://www.bigeast.com/news/2023/11/7/big-east-announces-2023-mens-soccer-regular-season-awards.aspx

At least something positive came out of a very middling first season in the Big East.

Riley is going to have to pick up some of that slack as the season progresses.

They really came to play. They brought their A game.

Last night, the Zips wanted it more

Jeff may have taken a step up last week but I don't see how MU doesn't score a bunch of points on us unless they get really sloppy. I just doubt we can keep up with them.

It certainly helps atone for the bad YSU loss.

And another (yawn) double double for Freeman. 😉

Go effin Zips. I admit I had my doubts tonight. Just wait until we get Ali…sheesh. Going to be a fun season boys!

What poise by the Zips in a hostile environment down the stretch. I love this team.

Really good game. Why can't the Zips find more opponents like this?

Good timeout. Like how the Zips are being patient and working the clock. Too often that feels like "playing not to lose," but this seems more unruffled than anything.

I think the only miracle we can hope for is the committee isn’t comfortable putting a 6 loss Pitt, a 6 loss Kentucky, and a 5 loss Cal in the field. Fingers crossed.

I'll take a 2 point halftime lead on the road against a quality opponent.

Dawson's looking good

Inside, outside, it don't matter for Hunter!

This is a good, entertaining game! I'm really liking what #15 Morgan Haney(?) is bringing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CzUsXDLtgHg/?igshid=MTU3emNicnMyc3RzaQ== last slide, Ali sighting

Muscle memory can be an awful thing. One need look no further than Tribble's jump shot and my golf swing for proof.

Considering expectations this season, its important not to overreact if some games in this more challenging OOC schedule don't go our way. I don't know anything, but am not expecting Ali until after this semester is over based off of information that has been shared on here. Obviously team is going to be a lot better with him on the floor. Unfortunately, this is going to likely mean our season comes down to 3 days in March, but....always has. Still hoping we can pick up some good wins in the meantime.

I see we've started the game thread much earlier this week 😂