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Assuming "upset" is referring to simply the seeds, then this isn't stating Cinderellas are dead - this is stating the gap between the elite programs and the field is growing. Kentucky just got beat by 19 today and Iowa State's best player (arguably) didn't even play. It's not a NIL problem - it's a Transfer Portal problem. That is the #1 issue that needs resolved in college athletics. Not only does there need to be some sort of limitation on movement, but commitments need to be minimum 2 years contractually. Also, teams need compensated for losing talent, especially mid majors.

Bennett leaving I imagine is probably a combination of Gonzaga leaving, making the WCC most likely a 1 bid conference moving forward, and the growing necessity of NIL. Most coaches say their least favorite part of the job is recruiting. It can't be fun having to recruit an entire new team regularly because you find and develop them, but don't have the money to retain.

https://youtu.be/zg057sOb7tE?si=Ztiy4t43Kn22w_PR

The basketballs obviously weren't why we lost. With that said, it is crazy to me that the NCAA doesn't have a standard basketball brand/inflation level across the board.

I'm glad you're not in charge of our team.

I watched a little bit of the Austin FC II match last night to check out Stefan. After coming on as as sub in the first match of the season, he's now started the last three matches and has one assist so far. I hope to see him get some first team minutes by the end of the season!

exit/retention interviews likely begin today for the remaining players

It's not really a P4. It's a Big 2 with SEC and BIG. Big 12 has still managed to remain competitive. It doesn't seem like the ACC schools have the money to compete in both football and basketball. Probably on even footing with Big East.

Providence just hired Hodgson from USF, who turned down Cuse due to a lack of funding. Providence is rumored to be in the $10M range next year for their roster. P4 doesn't mean the resources are better; Iowa is exhibit A. McCollum is just that good of a coach. Florida has ample resources but Golden sucks both as a coach and as a human being. It's possible to compete outside the P4, but it requires the right coach/staff.

both teams play with the same ball, this is nothing imo

It looks like Utah State's run is over. It might provide some more clarity to the coaches search as Calhoun was linked to Cincy job. Interesting enough I saw an interview from Calhoun who said last year Utah State had $800k in NIL. This season they increased it to $2.3M. He said he was the 2nd largest contributor as apparently he put up $150K. His phrasing was if he's asking others for money it only felt right for him to lead by example.

Worthwhile to track all Akron and MAC related off-season news. Conference Changes Departures: NIU to the Horizon League. SEE YA Coaching Changes EMU hired Billy Donlon (Clemson asst) WMU hired Kahil Fennell (UTRGV HC) Balls hired Chris Capko (SMU asst) Transfer Portal Balls Arrivals: Balls Departures: Preston Copeland, Kayden Fish, Armoni Ziegler, Davion Hill BUGS Arrivals: Trey Simmons (Guard, D2) BUGS Departures: Johnea Donahue, Mayar Wol Ohio Arrivals Ohio Departures: Elijah Elliott, Ayden Evans, Jordan Fisher Toledo Arrivals Toledo Departures: London Praytor, Phoenix Glassnor WMU Arrivals WMU Departures: Brady Swartz

So we get the luxury of hosting a program like South Alabama or UIC? Yeah, I think I'll pass. We can schedule those teams in November or December if we really want to play them.

Calhoun to Cincy and Randy Bennett to Arizona State

always liked Jeremy Roscoe.

Maybe Taylor Currie or Mark Kostelac have some eligibility remaining.

That works for me. Also Akron's (or any MAC team's) approach going into next year's NCAA tournament is to enjoy the three wins in Cleveland they just got and then get focused on the offseason, because the dance is dead to the little guy.

Admittedly, the tough part of the branding here is determining if it's really a P4, or if it's more of a P2.5, because the ACC is so far behind the SEC/B1G/even B12.

Creighton should be one of the premier jobs in the country. Outside of UCONN, the entire Big East should be. Without football, the revenue share can all go towards basketball; don't need to rely on donors as much.

Then we didn't adjust like they did. This is loser talk

I questioned this early in the game thread. Tavari had one layup bounce HARD off the backboard and he seemed to shy away from using the backboard the rest of the game. His floaters and reverse layups went straight for the cylinder which requires more precision, especially with over-inflated balls. Our bounce passes seemed to catch the recipient off guard as well. One team made their 3s - the other didn't and tried doing their damage in the paint. To completely dismiss this is silly.

Yep, and it cements my opinion that the Zips definitely had a chance at an upset.

Gerry McNamara to Syracuse. Not that Groce was really a candidate for the position, but it's a positive that this hiring doesn't open up another vacancy that might have been.

I have a whole new appreciation for this guy.