Leaderboard

My inclination is to root against Miami but at the same time Miami's success would be good for the MAC, and what's good for the MAC would have some benefit to Akron. The MAC teams doing well on the "Big Stage" would help the conference in being taken seriously on a national level.

I'm as disappointed as anyone that the Zips season has come to an end. That disappointment is enhanced by the current state of college basketball and its impact on programs like the Zips. That being said, I couldn't be more proud of the Zips program for reasons beyond their on court success. Every player that's exhausted their eligibility in Groce's nine year tenure has left with at least one degree. Every scholarship player except one who finished his career with the Zips has become a professional basketball player for at least one year. Arizona, Duke, Michigan or another major conference team is likely to continue winning and add a National Championship trophy to its trophy case but I'd challenge any of them to match the above accomplishments.

Know all the attention today, and appropriately so, is on our incredible men's basketball team and the opportunity they have on Friday, but today was another great day to be a Zip. Our 2025 Mac champion women's lacrosse team moved to a 2026 season record of 7-2 by taking down PCCC 10-6 at their field! Another Wagon Wheel point and a dominant performance by the Zips! Cant Read, Cant Write, Cant State couldn't hang with our Zips who literally played on another level. Look forward to the same on Friday. Go Zips!

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.

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.

Unlike the Cincinnati job, this one makes a lot of sense for a younger version of John Groce. Today, I just don’t think so. I’m picturing the bear-hug embrace between Groce and Wentz after the MAC Tourney win. Add to that Travis is in the conference and the MAC has shown growth. I think he stays put. Maybe it’s my Zippy colored glasses.

Congrats to Miami. Good for the MAC. And hopefully that bodes well for Akron.

I have no insight. I am just an alum and a fan who enjoys basketball. I will say that until a MAC team wins consistently 1 or 2 games in the tournament, I don’t believe the conference will be taken seriously. I have friends who point to the one and done MAC tournament teams and the often-lopsided losses as prove the conference is second rate. Having said that, my wife and I are season ticket holders for many years and love attending games and following the team. Coach Groce and his staff are outstanding! I hope he stays for many more years.

I have a whole new appreciation for this guy.

This was a solid team that blew out most of its competition all year. Another team that has already won an NCAAT game can't even say that. We just struggled to bring our A game down the stretch. We can win and not play our best in the MACT, but not in the NCAAT. Except for a few players, we've looked burned out the past four games.

Please let today be our day. We are so due.

Shammah Scott's game-winner vs Toledo (2026) Watched it at least 10 times this week. Gets better each time.

It will be deemed a forfeit therefore the Zips awarded the 3 points. Information second hand from an athlete on the team.

I'm glad Miami won last night and Suder looked like s#*t. In my opinion he is the fifth best player for Miami behind Skaljac, Byers, Elmer and Woolfolk. Considering that the coaches voted Suder Player of the Year tells me there is jealousy or bitterness towards Groce and/or Akron when they deliberately snubbed the true POY Tavari Johnson.

Miami is very hateable. 🙂 That said, I was pulling for them last night, and was impressed at their execution and poise. Every time SMU made a little run and pulled within a couple points, Miami pushed it back to 8 or 10.

Stick to walk on big men

Elmer is their best player and I don't think it is especially close.

Surprisingly, my hatred of a team and coach can overcome what is "good for the MAC."

Butler is filled.

If he's truly interested in USF, to me that's disappointing because it signals he just truly wants out. I thought it would be a "perfect job" kind of scenario to pry JG away. That said, it's not like Jon Rothstein or Schefter are reporting this. We're looking at Samurai Hoops and "Higgins Halal" twitter accounts.

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 BUGS Departures: Johnea Donahue Ohio Arrivals Ohio Departures: Elijah Elliott, Ayden Evans, Jordan Fisher Toledo Arrivals Toledo Departures: London Praytor, Phoenix Glassnor WMU Arrivals WMU Departures: Brady Swartz

If Groce had won an NCAAT game or two, I'd be concerned. At this point though, I am sure he appreciates what he has going and the stability it brings his family. He's done the P4 thing already and knows what that's like. I don't think it's worth his leaving at this point to get another high mid-major position either. The days of mid-majors going to the Sweet 16 are pretty much over, and the last two NCAATs provide data to this point. So, why would he leave? He can do all of that here.

Conference realignment was the eye-opener for me.

If you want to use that argument we should probably be spending more time reviewing our failing policies in Ohio and spend less time worrying about other states. By 2050 most counties in Ohio outside of Columbus or Cincinnati areas are projected to lose population. Some areas as much as 30% of the population. https://development.ohio.gov/wps/wcm/connect/gov/a9ee6aa5-cb22-4c35-8154-cf633daa6daf/State-of-Ohio-Population-Projections-Overview-2020-to-2050.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CONVERT_TO=url&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE.Z18_M1HGGIK0N0JO00QO9DDDDM3000-a9ee6aa5-cb22-4c35-8154-cf633daa6daf-oTi9Hac

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.

One thing to consider is John continues to have the chance to coach his son at UA - now what, only two years away from celebrating senior night with him at UA which you have to think would be incredibly meaningful. Another son in high school here. A lot of factors behind decision like this. Not to mention, his name could be floated around, certainly he’s established his reputation as one of the best mid-major coaches in the country, but competition for all of these jobs is fierce out there, no guarantee he gets any opportunity to leave.

I had a chance to talk to the Mahaffeys' mom before the PCCC tournament game. She and the whole family were there in UA/Mahaffey gear. I told her how much we enjoyed having her kids and what a fine job they did in raising them. I spoke to both of them at the Tip-off Reception and could not have been more impressed. She indicated they couldn't be happier. Here's hoping that carries over to transfer "silly season."

You say that as though you can't run a shooter off the 3-point line. There are two sides of a basketball game. You can impact a game defensively despite what you may think. Edit: Go look at the boxscore. Tavari attempted 0 3PA. They ran him off the line and then forced him to drive where they had defensive help. Great defensive teams can take away what you do best.

I don’t think Akron is going to sneak up on anyone in the NCAAT. We are a respected mid-major and the pundits amplify it. We are going to have to show up, play great and take it.

Yup. And I don't want to hear squat about Akron's 3P defense not being good enough. None of these power conference teams are playing super tight on the 3P line - teams either make their shots or they don't. Unfortunately against Akron this year, a lot of our opponents OOC made their shots.

We're witnessing why Ohio State won't play Akron, Miami OH, etc.

Tavari's story isn't even finished. Friday could truly cement his legacy.

It is absurd that people don't think Elmer is Miami OH's best player.

It's a really cool space. I have been there for some university functions, awards and such. I have no idea how they will set it up for the Watch Party, but I imagine they have thought this through.

Tonight's a win/win. Either Miami wins and the MAC gets $2.1 million or Miami loses and they're forced to eat humble pie.

I saw JD Brookhart and a couple other FB coaches in Cleveland supporting the basketball team last weekend. Talking to one, he was impressed with Goodrich thus far. Having the Zips FB program on the same page as the AD will be refreshing.

With UMBC’s loss tonight, they now have a better record against 1 seeds (1-0) than 16 seeds (0-1).

Hammer Dahn (Pat McAfee's betting show) just had a full show pick of Akron +7.5. Complimented Akron and said even if Akron goes down big early, don't worry; they have fight in them like the MAC title game.

It's happening!

Groce said on the radio yesterday that "tomorrow morning we will be heading down"

I think the spread is all but guaranteed money. SMU is just a horrendous matchup for Miami OH. I love it. PROTECT THE DJ EQUIPMENT!

Doubtful I'm going to this, but I thought I'd share if others were interested. I've never been here before so no idea how the TV setup or atmosphere is.

Anyway, great coach, great dude. We're blessed. #NotLuck

Nice to see a little info: https://x.com/zipsfb/status/2034027028073066961?s=46&t=pkxH-CxvRVOLJ6Q8hd7_3A This article says that they play at UNLV - thought that was a home game?

Maybe your mailman is wearing it.

💯