Illini Zip

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.

Don’t forget about the streamlined use of the portal, transfer rule change and increased roster size.

I understand your point. But even if you have lost all empathy for the young professional athlete, you probably still want to protect your financial investment.

I think it was @clarkwgriswold that once called the winner of the NIT, the best of the losers. That stuck with me, because it’s so true. I don’t think the NIT could ever draw significant attention during the NCAAT. Personal and institutional pride gets in the way of everyone trying their hardest. But if I were to try, I would avoid bragging rights or pride altogether. Hold the event at a unique or special location and give financial reward for every game you advance. The money could go to the players or in the team’s collective. I remember Michigan State once played North Carolina on an aircraft carrier. That was must see TV. And I always liked the Maui Invitational. Something like that with only 16 teams could draw some interest for fans, players and the general public.

Yep, MLB should have figured out they really messed up their schedule when pitchers started to use pine tar on their fingers. Not for competitive advantage, but just so they could get any kind of action on the ball.

You could take 3 weeks off the front and back ends of the MLB season and I wouldn’t miss a second of it. Greed has them starting and ending the season in miserable cold weather.

I think we have to remember that these guys are still developing physically throughout their college careers. The adjustment from high school to college is already challenging enough for most. Add too much to their plate and I fear you will see a lot more injuries.

I agree that the landscape has changed a great deal and winning in the NCAA has become far more difficult for the have-nots. But I’m grateful Groce & Company with the support of Bud Wentz doesn’t share your opinion on there being a ceiling for Akron. Keep swinging guys!!

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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.

I know money talks, but I would be very surprised if the Mahaffey family as a whole isn’t bought in and invested in the Akron project.

I’m opposed to increasing the field. I don’t want teams under .500 getting in and that’s exactly what the large conferences would be pushing for. I do have a problem with other things like the NET and every once in a while the committee goes insane, but the tournament is still the best event in all of sports, IMO. Now my friends have been using the term “March Sadness” due to the increasing lack of Cinderella stories. As for changing the calendar, I think every hour of every day have been fought for and negotiated between sports executives and media so much so that it would be nearly impossible. Spring for one has been owned by the Masters for decades.

Not only is it hard to exert maximum effort on both ends of the court, by playing fast you are increasing the number of possessions for both you and your opponent.

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.

Go Zips!! You got this!!