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If we lose him on a lateral move like this everyone in the university above Groce should be fired. This can't happen

It doesn't look great, obviously, but I don't consider Groce gone until someone credible confirms it. Right now, we know: - He was a finalist at Butler, per the IndyStar - He was rumored to have been offered the USF job, but they moved on when he wouldn't commit - He is the top target at Charleston, but both sources - Jeff Goodman and Jeff Borzello - qualified their reports by saying a deal wasn't done, with Borzello adding "steps remain for both sides in the next 24 hours" Now, I'm not saying this is what is happening here, but just last year Rob Senderoff (a close friend of Groce's) was reportedly close to leaving Kent for Fordham, only to stay put with a new contract and increased commitment to the basketball program. Why would Groce not take the USF job if it was truly about the best chance to win? Why would these reports come out today that it was close but not done, right as speculation was increasing that it was done? I'm just saying...let's let this play out.

Not as bullish on Ford as most of you. I have a guy in mind - if it comes to it, haha

You think you all are going to get rid of me that easily. Ha!! I’m not enjoying this situation one bit, but will address my fandom if or when something comes of it. Go Zips!!

These are real sources this time

All you had to do is watch his obnoxious mother in the stands to know that Blyden was out for himself on the court. He was never going to stay a second year. The Zips current coaching staff interviews the recruit's family as well. You don't see Zips' parents acting like fools and seeking attention.

LOL. This guy made a big deal in the post game presser about being back. Can't spell Kowalchoke without a L.

Verbal Commits has Bowen Hardman listed as a Junior.

I am happy with this news. Coach Embick and Coach Groce are both outstanding coaches and Akron is very fortunate to have both leaders. Coach Embick and his staff have done a great job in adding players for next fall. The future is bright for Akron soccer. The Beacon has a long article about the contract extension. One item in the article…..that I did not know….is the first game for next fall. From Beacon article: The Zips are scheduled to begin the 2026 season against Dayton on Aug. 20 at FirstEnergy Stadium.

This is an absolutely stupid political position solely because of the fact that the UA, Kent, and CSU alumni bases are large enough to swing the election on the basis of this issue alone. It proves that VR is not a savy or suitable political candidate. But yes, as GP1 indicates, every last one of you who is currently registered to vote in Ohio should vote against this garbage. Aligning programs on one campus (such as STEM at UA) is one thing, but recklessly destroying programs and entire institutions is unaccepted, especially when done unilaterally.

I took the time to read it. He basically lumps in Akron with Kent and Central State. Then he talks about getting programs to make schools central to one field of study. Think we aren't at or near the top of his list? This guy will gut Akron down to a shell of itself and what will follow will be the elimination of sports at Akron and Kent. If you care about UofA, you will vote for his opponent and let things play out for four years.

I dunno man. This doesn't feel lateral to me, but a slight step down. The Coastal is just as much a one-bid league as the MAC is, and he'd be moving from an elite mid-major to a pretty good mid-major. Yes, it does seem like CofC can pay him more, but I dunno...is this really the first time in his tenure someone has offered him more money to go elsewhere? With Dambrot, it was "I want to coach in a league that can get more than one bid," but assuming a) Groce doesn't feel that way and b) he isn't a lot more bullish on the CAA than I am, I really don't understand why he would do this. I've always sort of thought that I'm not going to hold it against an Akron coach if he leaves for a high major, but for the second time in a row (if it happens), this is not that, and just like I rooted against Dambrot and Duquesne I'm gonna root against Groce and CofC if this comes to pass.

Top tier mid major job to another top tier major job, still holding out that he stays. But even if he does, how many times can we keep doing this?

John's Next Endeavor. Full stop.

Feels like the most lateral of laterals. Yeah they don't have FBS ball but I was just in "low country," Citadel has more of a presence in the city than CoC. MAC > CAA

😂😂😂

Thanks for the tip and the typo. Missed it above

What's overlooked is we're about to lose @Illini Zip

I started a separate thread on the VR stuff under University news

I certainly think Akron's budget/finances are a possible reason, but even if Vivek wins, a lot would have to happen for his idea to become a reality. He can't just unilaterally close a university like UA.

Went to private high school in Cincinnati and has 2 ivy league degrees. He also seems to be a fan of ohio state football. Don't think people connected to UA will like this stance very much

lucky guess sarcasm

If this is even true that would be eye opening. With Butler that's a team that he has prior connections to, plays in a major conference, and reportedly plans to spend $9 million on next years roster. The CAA is a lateral conference relative to the MAC and CoC has been something between Akron and Kent when it comes to on the court success. It would be a signal that he just wanted out of Akron if he took this job.

This account is pretty reliable IMO. Much better than the ones I posted regarding Butler.

Not something that I disagree with. I was more just pointing out any 19 would have probably said something similar if put on the spot infront of the local media, his coach, and fellow players. Not like he took to social media and left a heartfelt post saying he was going to run it back or something.

I don't know if he made a big deal. He was just asked after losing to Akron if he would be back and he just responded absolutely. Really what else was he to say? "Hell no, I'm ditching this pathetic sh**hole." Toledo fans seemed convinced he would return because apparently one of Toledo's assistants is a family friend. You would think they would have learned after Simmons ditched their program last year.

With the redshirt symbol to boot!

I'm disappointed with the lack of neutral site games held in Florida.

3/6

Jashawn Ladd was named to the Indiana "Supreme 15" Team, which is the top 15 players in the state regardless of division.

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.

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.

No Ball State either. I will let you put the rest of the joke together from there. 😄

There is no reason a conference needs to be that big other than to consolidate power. And logistically it doesn’t even make sense for USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington be in the Big Ten. Not a fan.