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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.

I emailed today regarding the hats…I believe it was Bud who responded. Says shipping today or tomorrow…overwhelming response.

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.

It is magnified, but I think there's genuine discussions going on behind the scenes. I think his Butler candidacy was very real. Whether that means he will be a candidate anywhere else, who knows? But I do think there was mutual interest for that job. For me, I worry because I remember the pre-KD days of Akron basketball and don't want to go back. We were incredibly fortunate Groce was available the same time KD left, and we went from one legend to another. I don't think it's fair to expect that same fortune again if he were to leave. Additionally, I just love this program so much under Groce. He's such a likeable coach, his staff brings in players who are great young men and easy to root for...I'd just hate to see that go, as I'm sure everyone else would.

Butler is filled.

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.

I think Groce and his agent are wise to pursue every legitimate opportunity for advancement. This way he can keep tabs on his market value which then can be used to negotiate future contracts at Akron or elsewhere. Also, it’s good for Akron to have a coach that is in demand and to have the media float his name around. It’s great for recruiting. I think what he says to his team is what is most important. As a Zips fan the process is obviously nerve wrecking, but it sure keeps us from taking him for granted.

They won!!

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.

Verbal Commits has Bowen Hardman listed as a Junior.

Well deserved

I hear there's an ultralight flying of a remote clearing of grass in Hudson tonight headed for Chapel Hill, North Carolina, under the radar. I will continue to monitor and keep everyone advised.

If it keeps Groce in Akron I won't fight the narrative.

That last bit doesn't seem to do Groce justice IMO. Akron finished #54 in NET and currently sits at #69 in Kenpom. There are 85 schools in the P4 + Big East. I imagine it's fair to say all of them had more NIL than Akron. Probably 3x-10x as much. Add in many teams from the A10, MWC, MVC, AAC, WCC, and some one offs like High Point/Liberty that outspent Akron and Akron might have had ~130-150 highest payroll in college basketball. Fielding a top 75 team while spending around the median amount in college hoops is still excellent. Very few programs likely got a better bang for their buck.

My take on Groce is that the only time I feel his disappointment with the Akron program is that no matter how good the team, we play to an arena that is only half full except for the Kent game. He always encourages fans to show up to the games and considering our home winning streak, we should draw better. The people on the board know that Akron does little to nothing to promote Akron basketball and the half time show of 3 or 3 frat basketball was dismal considering that was our biggest crowd of the season. I hope the pressure that he felt at Illinois is fresh on his mind because with a new program comes the pressure to win. Hoping Groce stays in Akron. Go Zips.

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.

Steele's personality might have something to do with it, too.

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.

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

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."

exit/retention interviews likely begin today for the remaining players

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.

Richie’s cross/assist…

Richie Laryea had another assist last night for Toronto in 2-1 win over Columbus great paragraph about Richie. In this article: https://torontoreds.com/match-report-toronto-fc-2-1-columbus-crew-01km95cfm0b1 The Richie Laryea Factor - At this point, it’s not even a debate: Richie Laryea is the heartbeat of this roster. Whether he’s marauding down the wing or tucking inside to create overloads, his work rate and tenacity set the tone for the entire squad. His assist on the Cifuentes goal was a perfect example of his ability to turn a standard transition into a goal-scoring opportunity. When the game gets chaotic, Laryea is the one player who consistently demands the ball and forces the opposition into mistakes, making him arguably the most indispensable piece of Fraser’s lineup.

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.

P4s just wont play us. 😉

I do think getting two teams in helps, even if just a little.

I can't consider a Big 10 team a Cinderella.

We should have also learned that a 20 year old's social media commitment means very little.

Tavari had 4 points on 2-10 shooting. I don't think we should judge the value of any of these players based on yesterday alone.

I think Cody Head will help at guard and I have it on good authority that he will be back.

We have addressed the need to figure out the center position one way or another with another portal acquisition likely. But I would also like to bring in another lead guard for a single season to give veteran leadership like Evan did for us. But in this case to help out Young and redshirt freshman Tai Perkins in the backcourt. Also, I think Oggie witnessed enough winning this year to be hooked and is hungry to take on the off-season.

We need to remember that the pace at which the Zips play on offense detracts from their defense. You can't play at 100% on both ends of the floor. The highest scoring teams generally also give up the highest number of points. The Zips also make some choices in the defense they play. If you pay attention, you see them sag off on the side away from the ball to play help defense if necessary. That's great for helping in the post and on penetration but can be exploited at times on the perimeter. The team also has some players that just don't have the physical skills or size to be great defenders. Despite all of that they were 4th in average points surrendered in the MAC so it wasn't all bad.

You beat me to it @Zippy87! I think the big school vultures may come for Evan and Sharron. I have to hope that the way the Zips have treated the Mahaffeys this season will get him to stay. Sharron will be a junior and has been shown a lot of love and you have to hope that sways him. They're certainly the top returners (with Bowen if he gets another year). As for exits, I don't see a role going forward for Briscoe. I could also see Oggie being disenchanted with his role and moving on. Cody Head and the red-shirt freshman should contribute next year. Groce had a negative big school experience and I have to hope his very positive experience here and being the king of his kingdom is enough for him to resist approaches from other schools. They'll contend. They have the best staff and the best financial support in the MAC. Those alone will keep them in the mix.

Assuming Groce stays and we don't have core players leave, we have a lot of work to do in the portal to contend next season. We have two openings right now, but three questions marks that could increase the number of spots available. Barre - he lost trust to the point where he played behind MMK most of the season. Did his injuries prevent him from ever getting comfortable here, or is he simply not a fit? He seems like a great young man, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him move on. Stankovic - Part of the rotation for the first part of the season, he fell behind Halligan and barely played down the stretch. I doubt that was his expectation when he came here - I wouldn't be shocked to see him leave. Brisco - Seems like a high character young man and you never like to give up on bigs, but he just doesn't look like someone you can count on to play next year, even 10-12 minutes per night. I can definitely see him moving to a lower division team.

Tough day for sure. But the memories of last Saturday night will never disappear. Can’t take that away.