Blackburn

Amen...

I was not one of those people... Zeke was much better for winning in the MAC. Changed the game when he was here. Im not saying Big Dogg made 0 contribution. But just because he has the MAC POY title doesn't mean he is the best player in the league or even the team. He is easily replaceable, especially for someone who has a much different style of coaching philosophy.

No... I have been in the seats... especially over the past 2 decades where DEFENSE has always won the MAC Tournament.

Must have gotten nachos while we were on defense...

Best offensive numbers on best record team... or at least top in divisions. NOT a secret MAC does it that way.

FYI... 1. Dials is not my boy 2. I am for Akron guys being here, especially for the ones that got this program going. They deserve it and, quite frankly, they were the toughness that the Zips have not had since. And the best team the Zips have ever had. I have pulled for Joyce, Dials and Travis to be on staff... And how is Pittis an "Akron Boy"? It is a Ford boy if anything...

High IQ player? He had offensive numbers based off Dambrot. That is why POY. Huge loss? Nah. Only if we are subtracting from overall team weight. You must have missed his D v. Kent in the championship game... Liability in transition and ball screen D.

I don't agree with the first part of your statement... If you take this team last season and allow Groce to coach, Im not so sure we don't have another POY candidate. Don't underestimate the STYLE difference between Dambrot and Groce... or any other coach. Big Dog hit the jackpot to play for Dambrot's post-first offense.

And those thoughts ARE from my experience having worked with them... And ANYONE who has been to a practice knows its the case. I go to more practices across the nearby region and KD did more, and HAD to, than ANY OTHER HC. Not even close! You are missing the point!

So you are willing to go on a faceless forum and bash a guy without having any interaction with him whatsoever? Seems like you have been called and backed in a corner and now trying to scratch yourself out... I get tired of people doing that on here and anywhere else. Needs to be stopped. Go from that to..... Qualify as SILLY?

Sounds like baseless, personal bad blood... He run around with your girlfriend back in the day or something? Having experience working with all Zips staff (not to mention other schools across the country) over the past 15 years or so, he by far was the best one to work with and most positive and down to earth... I will always push my kids to have him (a few other coaches as well) at the top of their lists.

I have heard that about Christian... not only players, but staff. What was the fallout with Stewart?

I do know why Dials was let go by UT, and it is of no fault of his own. Quite shady it is I might add. There is a reason that kids de-committed after. For that comment to be made is just pure bashing. Knowing what I know, you need to explain yourself rather than come on here and throw dirt at something you obviously have no clue about.

I mean, from what I hear, he may have pissed off Akron staff... Goes undefeated for 2 years against them and takes 4 players out of their backyard.

Was he on the former staff?

Dambrot leaves UA for Duquesne 'safe space', now feeling threatened... http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/04/13/chick-fil-duquesne-threatens-safe-place-lgbt-students-army-ranger-fox-friends

I do support a Dials who has been one of the better recruiters in my area. I do know he had Graves (#1 rated G in the State) and Jackson (#1 rated PG in the State) going to Toledo. I think there are 2 more but can't say definitely. And from what I know, he isn't part of the "inbred" staff. Out of all the former players, he is by far the most seasoned. And is one of the brainiest ballers I have ever seen. Maybe there are other former players out there that I don't know of, but from the ones I do, he is qualified, ready, and good. I agree with you about that staff. I have dealt with a couple of them, and they are honestly, awful. They will run into problems at Duquesne I think. They are going to have to recruit a higher level of talent and Im not sure they know what that is or how to get it. With the coaching staff now in place, it would be nice to have a familiar face at the DBO spot. That is the spot that most supporters communicate with anyways.

With that being said, Groce should keep a guy related to the program in some way... In NE Ohio, what he "claims" to know so well and used the LeBron quote like it was in his own belief system, we do take care of our own. Would love to see an UA guy...

Many in the "KNOW" know it wasn't as simple as that...

Also hearing people have pulled their $$$ contributions...

Not how it is AT ALL... Yes, you can go over there like a Blake Justice and play for meals, or go over to play for money. A big difference. HM guys play for money just for having that HM on their resume. Not the case for MM guys. Not going to get in a "height war" here but Im 6' and I am a half a head taller. Point is, people forget that the only reason to take a smaller guy over here is because he is a High Level talent. When people from overseas look at guys, they have film and paper resume. LSU goes a long way, more than Akron. Hell, it does here in the USA. Guys from overseas don't have the benefit of seeing these guys live. So they trust the "playing against better talent" argument. You can argue it, but it is what it is. So we are judging level of players based on pregame layup lines?

Europe will see LSU on his resume and see him make a few plays and they will sign him. He is 5'8" on a good day and that will be more of a factor than his Akron years v. LSU years. Going would give him an opportunity to prove that his height does not matter. If you play at a Power 5, you will get a contract overseas at some level. I saw his statement and I don't understand what the "next chapter" in his career means? He will still be in college. And from what I understand, he will not be a grad transfer. Interesting if what I hear is true.

I am VERY disappointed that we aren't hearing anything about bringing back a player or 2 for positions. Hoping that it is just because it hasn't been in the press yet!

I am too, but LePear is NOT a MM basketball talent. All things equal, go with local talent. But if we can get better, and we should, go where you have to go!

I agree... This doesn't bode well for Dambrot and staff. Been beating a dead horse with the staff and its rep, coming to forwishen.