Illini Zip

💯😓👍

Remember you asked for this… Nine years ago I came onto this forum and expressed to you all just how good of a coach you were getting in John Groce. And an even better person in my opinion. At that time you were dealing with the departure of KD and I couldn’t say goodbye to a guy I grew fond of as the coach of the Fighting Illini. I really thought he would get Akron that first NCAAT win. I know the landscape of the game completely changed during his tenure, but I sure wish he could have achieved that ultimate goal. UCLA was the game, damn we were so close. As a guy who grew up in Illinois within a couple of hours of Chicago I support my local pro teams. I support U of Illinois. My alma mater is Illinois State and they stick their head up every once in a great while. Pretty basic regional loyalty stuff. Here is the great twist as I have gotten older. I have adopted teams into my fandom that are based on affinity. I don’t know Groce personally. I just connected with him on some level and that led me to Akron. And I will probably check in on him at Charleston too. It might be harder because I can’t find a legitimate fan forum for the College of Charleston cougars. It’s still so hard for me to believe he’s gone. Anyway, I have also adopted Ole Miss due to a road trip from Illinois to Florida. They are now my SEC team. The sleepy little town of Oxford fits my personality so well and I enjoyed talking to the people during my short visit. I need to get back down there. All of this is to say people and relationships is what matters most to me. Zips Nation, you all matter to me. I have spent so much time on this forum and have never met any of you in person. Is that silly, pathetic? Perhaps. But you are still my friends. We have experienced so many highs and lows together. So I’m not looking to go anywhere. Now my positive feelings towards the new head coach are a plus. I met both Groce and Ford years ago when the Zips played at NIU. Ford was very personable and gave generously of his time. I think his hire while not a sure thing is a wise decision and I will be pulling for his success just the same. I will still be putting together the scholarship chart and if I win it big one day I will still build Joe and Jane Akron a new basketball arena with the best concessions. Thanks for the good times. And here’s to many more to come!! Go Zips!!

I do like using my likes. 👍

We could be barking up the wrong tree. Groce’s wife might have said enough. I‘m picking the next destination.

This might be Akron’s best shot if they do go with Ford. I imagine Ford’s salary will be less than Groce’s as a first time head coach. Which means more resources for other things, mainly players. Ford would have a learning curve, but he is knowledgeable, experienced and has a culture already in place. Plus he knows the MAC and the Midwest like the back of his hand.

I had a nightmare last night where I was watching Groce at Charleston wearing a maroon vest. 😒

I will be making a statement shortly. My agent is finalizing the small details of my contract extension as we speak.

I think @NWAkron is going to whack Groce!!

I think when she sees Akron, she thinks acorn.

You can’t even write off NIL donations, correct?

I imagine Groce is more interested in Akron’s overall commitment to advancing the program. Not necessarily his personal salary. He’s not a martyr by any stretch, but I bet he’s more frustrated with getting to the NCAAT and being out classed by so much every year. The NCAAT really matters to Groce, the staff and Wentz.

Good news. Bad news. Good news, I haven’t heard anything more about over-inflated basketball balls. Bad news, the horn was stuck for a long time during the Illinois vs Iowa game. 🙄

You think you all are going to get rid of me that easily. Ha!! I’m not enjoying this situation one bit, but will address my fandom if or when something comes of it. Go Zips!!

As much as I don’t like Todelo they should still be compensated for their efforts developing him when he lands a bigger deal elsewhere.

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.

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.

You’re right about Young and Eric Mahaffey. Eric needs to limit the stupid fouls, but he’s so long and athletic. And Young gets right in their grill. I just don’t see us making a push up the defensive ranks until we can land another effective 7 foot shot blocker. And I’m not confident with what Barre would bring next year.

We played UCLA in the 2021-2022 season. All of the changes in college basketball were just getting started. There was still some parity throughout the ranks. Not to say a defensive-minded approach isn’t the answer.

Why is that?

I’m not saying the ball was the reason we lost, but it’s apparently an issue. And something that fundamental to the sport shouldn’t be.

But it could have affected Tavari especially with his layups. I can’t believe this is another thing we have to think about. Good grief!!

It’s a really good question.

NIL should be capped, but good luck enforcing it.

Does anyone happen to have the link to Groce’s post-game interview?

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.