Illini Zip

I can’t think of anyone else worthy of a jersey ceremony, but there are 2 Zips teams that I remember fondly for different reasons and that history won’t be kind to. That very first Groce team was like the land of misfit toys. This forum struggled dealing with losing to teams you hadn’t in quite some time. But the likes of Ivey, Utomi, Duvivier, Sayles, Olojakpoke and Lucas Smith played with a ton of heart. The rebuild had to start somewhere and kudos to those guys for sticking around and giving max effort. And then the Covid team. We will never know for sure, but that could have been the team destined to win a NCAAT game. It was a complete team before the NIL/portal era really took hold. The fact that their resume is forever incomplete is such an injustice.

I’m just glad I’m not the first person to make that mistake.

Come on, how can you not love a guy who dives on the floor for the opening tip? I believe it was our home game against Can’t State.

Is there a backstory for “Win for Akron”?

Tahj had 28 points in 26 minutes. 4 for 8 from the arch. Pretty efficient night for him.

Is YSU comparable to any MAC team? And are they a good barometer for our current abilities?

That’s a new development.

Isn’t Perkins around 6’?

Does the offense and defense schemes look similar or different?

I would think Evan is the natural leader on the court. Anybody else? How does Ford look in his new role?

Nope. Our ZN play by play guys are reporting live from the JAR.

Keep it coming guys. There is not a radio program tonight.

There are so many new parts and wrinkles it’s hard to pick just one thing that intrigues me most about this new season. But with Barre being hurt so much of last season I am curious what his level of involvement will be this year.

parking Nazi 🤣🤣🤣

So this exhibition game is not on ESPN+ ???

Zips add Kamrin Oriel. Evan Mahaffey returns and Akron gets a roster exemption. Zips add Trevick Bertke for the 2027 Class.

I guess I will hold off for now. Everyone seems to be quite aware of the legal battle. Once that decision is final, I will add an additional color for the fifth year of eligibility.

Just in case you’re wondering…I still hate Todelo!! Love the trolling!! Awesome shirts.

I agree, it’s not worth putting too much stock into this, but I have to think this assessment is more analytical and objective than the MAC coaches poll. I think the coaches in the MAC were voting what they wish to happen more than anything else. They have to be getting Akron fatigue at this point. Come on Coach Ford, let’s keep this train rolling!!

I have a hard time believing having sons that old is even possible.

It's interesting that the Zips are getting respect in the MAC, but we are slated to play projected mid-level SunBelt competition. We'll see who is correct.

I expect no less from @Let'sGoZips94. Too funny. 🤣🤣🤣 I am going to get caught up on all of the news shortly, but if someone wants to shoot me the obvious chart updates I will get to it this week.

That is a legit argument, but my counter argument would be that a coach might find it wise to rest all valuable players dealing with a nagging injury once they secure a trip to Cleveland. What are the team’s priorities? It might cost the player some stats and accolades, but it will put the team in a better position to win in Cleveland. Players play through a lot of pain at times to win the conference title and get the best seeding. The problem is the MAC sends only one team to the NCAAT and the seeding has proven to not be much of an advantage. Recently Kent State and UMass have both been dangerous as the 8 seed. So the whole season is about playing your best and being healthy come March. And if it means dropping a few spots so be it. Better to go into MAC Tournament at full strength than a top seed currently. Can you imagine showing up at a Kent State v. Akron rivalry game with top players on both sides sitting out? I could Todelo doing this. Winning the conference has only gained them mockery.

I think the MAC Tournament is one of the best run events in all of college basketball. I do like having the whole league participate with the lower seeds having play-in games on college campuses. Too often an 8th seed with a .500 record gets hot and healthy at the very end of the year. The current format gives them the same road as the teams carrying the weight of being the target all season long. Not fair. And because the MAC is usually a 1 bid league, I do favor giving the top seeds a bye. I agree that sometimes a bye will backfire because the opponent has the advantage of getting acclimated to the large arena. But more importantly, having to win 3 games in 3 days is just not ideal for anyone. You end up with the most resilient team, but not necessarily the best team. It would be nice if the MAC was given an at-large bid more often, when warranted.

Somebody might want to have a long talk with the equipment manager when he returns from his trip to Ibiza.