Illini Zip

I think this might be the biggest issue. Sure, the JAR looks like it could use some modernizing (inside and out) but Akron has a quality product. The team (winning program with likable guys), nice jerseys, nice court, the best mascot in D1, but from what I hear on this forum the game experience could be better. The last time it was a traffic jam leaving the game. The basics like comfortable and convenient seating, plentiful and clean bathrooms, quality and fairly priced concessions that are well run, a fan gear shop that is open, it’s cold in NE Ohio so parking should be built into the stadium complex if you are ever able to build new. Do you have a coat check at least? There have been mentions about the sound system and music choices/volume. Team introductions. These are some of the things you guys have mentioned in the past. I could make plenty of Marketing suggestions if I dove into it, but that usually costs money. This seems more like an event management challenge to me.

And it started out so good. Ugh!!

Or water finds it’s level?

Here’s something I haven’t heard discussed. I see that Akron has a zoo. It’s not the largest zoo, but looks to be a very nice zoo. Please, please, please tell me they have a few kangaroos bouncing around over there!! That would be a great cross-promotion opportunity for the University and the community zoo. To promote the Akron Zoo they could bring in one of Zippy’s friends for a game each year for show and tell. And at the Akron Zoo the enclosure should call them Zips. Every kid growing up in Akron should see a kangaroo and refer to them as Zips.

A game that was tied at 64 at the regulation took 3 overtimes to get the final score to respectability.

Modelo vs Corona? I like them both and not sure which I like better. The Corona palm tree Christmas ad is Classic that much I know.

I see Toledo...but I read Todelo. And I really hate Todelo.

I keep mentioning this idea because it makes too much sense to me and it would give you some of what you’re looking for. And that is to require every team to play a game against an opponent from each quad home and away. Some could be scheduled early based on pre-season expectations and then some games late during conference play based on live results. I realize it won’t happen because of money and the fact that the NCAA is just a tool of the big conferences. I still think it would make the NET more fair.

I hate Toledo!! Tod might be one of those coaches (Dabos, Clemson football coach) that excelled before the NIL era because their program could fill the roster with talent at the price of a new car. Now new cars are peanuts and they are struggling to adapt.

Ugly, ugly, out of body experience. Even with the terrible effort, execution and decision making you could still see them dig deep to muster one last run starting about 7-9 minutes out. It’s all they had in them. Kent State almost got their win a game late. And this was a true road game. We were getting hacked and bumped plenty which also makes running your offense more difficult. They survived thank goodness and hopefully they find their legs, minds and shot before Troy on Saturday.

It was actually a let down road kill, which is even easier to accept.

Akron, Miami and Kent all escape close ones tonight. Wild!!

Looks like they have a hangover also. Will they be able to pull it out in the end?

What’s the over/under Groce uses the word “putrid” in the post-game? Edit: Nope.

Is the top of the backboard in play?

I think that’s all it was.

Sorry, all kidding aside I agree with @clarkwgriswold Go Zips!!

Okay, with 9 regular season games left I believe Chabi baring another injury setback will work his way into the rotation. What is everyone’s take on seeing more or less of Oggie heading down the stretch?

I would expect someone like you to say such a thing. 😆

The money was obviously a huge factor, but maybe Nate will come back around the Akron program and echo Ali’s message that the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere. And not every program or locker room has a great culture like Akron does. Cherish what you have.

@Let'sGoZips94 wins the longest post of the year award. Very impressive!!

Are they that clever?

I just watched some of the Oklahoma State at Utah game and I am so not missing Okonkwo at all. He’s earning his money running up and down the court. He’s active on defense and sets screens on offense, but other than being a big body who can lean on an opponent he’s a non-factor. He’s not a consideration on offense (4 pts in 28 minutes) and not overly effective on defense. He had 6 rebounds which is something I guess. I know the Big 12 is a better conference, but Ok. State is not exactly Arizona.

Miami ended up winning big. Just tuned into the Troy game. They are losing by 12 at home to App State. 10:36 left. Final: App State 66, Troy 44 (season ave 86) 🤔

I agree that Young will continue to improve, but as a Sophomore he wasn’t ready to carry the load of starting point guard. That’s my only point. Defensively he’s way ahead of Tavari.