Illini Zip

I am now leaning towards Wynn being back next year. He does have a limited role and that's not likely to change, but he seems to be out of the dog house with the staff. He does hustle on defense, rebound and looks to be a glue guy in the locker room. Which has it's value. And maybe he plays a bunch early on knowing he is going to get passed up. If Groce is able to land a great 2-4 year eligible player in the transfer portal then maybe not. But seeing him pour water over Groce after the win makes me wonder why he might be feeling so comfortable. Also, the staff will have their work cut out for themselves next year bringing a full freshman class up to game speed. Having another person around who already knows how things are done and can help instill the culture into the newbies might be a benefit.

I did update the chart last night to the best of my understanding. I will copy it here at the end of the thread.

I agree with @NWAkron sentiment. I'm not going to make any excuses for Kent State's overall culture. You all know better than me and I have heard some of the stories and even watched some past video. So I get it. But it is important to stay just a bit humble on this matter. As much as Groce runs a tight ship with high standards these things flare up on occasion. These are young men who live most of their lives away from the coaching staff. Groce tries to find guys that are warriors inside the lines and gentlemen outside the lines. Players who love to compete and at the same time he would feel comfortable having around his family. That is a hard balance to strike at times. We had comments on this forum earlier in the year that Akron doesn't have any "dogs" on this team. No killer instinct. Groce will often have one or two guys on his roster that are the enforcer types. But understand, that those are the very guys that often create bad headlines and black eyes for the program. What Groce does stress over all else is mental toughness and boy does this Zips team have mental toughness!! Go Zips!!

Take care of yourself @Z.I.P. I wish you a speedy recovery. If Groce keeps to the current projectory you might actually see the Zips in the Maui Invitational in a few years. And you surely wouldn't want to miss that one. Go Zips!!

I'm going to add to your good point. Due to Covid shortening and tightening our schedule, the staff had fewer windows than usual in which to make adjustments along the way.

This.

Anybody else really excited when Tribble hit his 3 pointer and then a little concerned when he took two more? Ha!! I believe he will continue to get better as time goes on.

I agree, but I wouldn't leave KJ Walton out of this observation. Different circumstances I imagine, but they both had opportunities to be a part of this team's success. And chose to pass.

Sweet!! Nice field. And the Cayman Islands again. I might have to start saving my pennies. Go Zips!!

Great points. I'm currently all out of likes. The pace of the offense being 350th in the country is so not Groce's style, but that shows you how he adjusts to his current team. Having a short bench he slowed it down to save their legs. Quite amazing.

@Let'sGoZips94 Let me be the first to congratulate you because I know how much this matters to you. I can promise you that next year the Zips, with an entire roster returning and some important new pieces will play in a better holiday tourneyment. Not sure how much better, but Groce likes to build on successes. So while we are all looking forward to the big dance, you can start dreaming about next year's OOC schedule.

ESPN3 does have the replay if you are interested.

Love this!!

The moment when the MAC realizes the wrong coach got the Coach of the Year Award.

Keep their head under water just a little while longer.

Let's do this!! Go Zips!!

I hear you. But they have been pretty formidable since I have been watching.

@Blue & Gold Did Groce just kill Toledo?

That was the best 18 minutes and change of a game CBS Sports allowed me to watch ever!!

Zips peaking in March!! Shame on me for doubting.

How is Toledo not called for traveling? Twice now.

CBS Sports…

It’s a conspiracy. Double overtime.

Damn, we have overtime on CBS Sports.

I did not see that game. I will see if I can find it on ESPN3. Edit: That game winning 3 pointer in OT was amazing and is what makes March Madness so awesome. I do feel for Furman. They couldn't have guarded any better. 2 guys chasing him down, 1 with hands up and he still nails it on the move. Nothing you can do there. That was an exhausting game to watch. I was home pacing myself. Ha!!