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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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Verbal Commits has Bowen Hardman listed as a Junior.

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

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.

According to Butler's fan forum, Holtmann interviewed yesterday, Shrews interviews today and it sounds like those are the 2 favorites for the job.

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.

I think the overall population being the largest in the country and the annual GDP being larger than most countries says that they're doing okay. I would think the population decline is likely due simply to falling birth rates and people wanting to get away from wildfires.

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.

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.

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.