RoyalBlu

Agree it's a rough start for UMass, but I wouldn't completely write them off just yet, although an 0-3 start to the MAC season (BG next) is very possible. Problem with UMass -- like any team switching leagues (remember Akron from the Mid-Con to the MAC???) -- is adapting to the style of play, particularly against the elite teams. Simply put, like most MAC teams not named Akron, Miami, or Toledo, UMass does not have enough shooters on their roster. They will either have to lock teams up defensively, or mug teams inside to have a chance most nights. It will take them awhile to adapt. This year? Next year? Who knows. Martin is definitely old school. But I don't think he's completely over the hill. Let's see what this team looks like come February. Note: Buffalo and Kent are teams that seem to be transitioning towards Akron's style of play with more shooters on the floor. Like UMass, we'll see what those teams look like in February.

While it is true the Zips have been 'clean' many years now. Let's be careful throwing stones. Even Groce - at Ohio, Illinois and early here - has his skeletons. I believe this rivalry can stand pretty tall, especially on the basketball side, without a running morality play. Let the past stay in the past. And let's enjoy what looks at this point like two (maybe 3) monster rivalry games that highlight the season. Just my opinion.

Always open for good scuttlebutt: ... Went searching on the internet and chat-rooms and couldn't find anything - even a hint - about this or something like it. I checked KSU roster from last season and they did lose two guys, including the freshman kid from Akron. The other loss was a portal kid who started early, but was deep on the bench when he 'got hurt' during MAC play, then signed with a pro team in Brazil. He was injury prone before getting to Kent (never played a full season) so don't know how to read that one. Like above, willing to give the kid benefit of the doubt at this point.

Just curious ... wasn't up to date on Gillespie allegations. What have I missed? (Always want to be informed).

It looks like there are several teams in the MAC with decent post players: Akron, Buffalo, EMU, Kent, Toledo, Miami and maybe one more I'm missing. At some point all of them will have a game where the whistle finds them early and they are sent to the bench. It will be interesting to see how the whistle blows against all these guys as the season wears on. Lyles-Gillespie should be a classic. Frankly, I hope the officials let those two guys officiate themselves. It should be a classic.

Still a lot of MAC games to go. Based on MAC history, if UMass is indeed a top tier MAC team, a road win there will carry some weight in the standings down the stretch. Don't think Zips have to worry about that, and Kent already has come out of Amherst standing, but until the likes of Miami, Toledo, Buffalo or any other MAC contender walks out of there standing I'll take UMass at home most nights. As for Boals and TK ... still too early to write either of them off. Expect both to be above .500 on the season, albeit barely. The hot seat turns up next season, when their roster management/adjustment will be exposed as they try to improve. Also. If BG builds up a head of steam, they could be a darkhorse in this race by the end of January. Just my opinion.

I know/understand coaching goes through cycles, but it is a puzzle to me why two of the better most consistent and successful MAC programs the last decade or so -- built on a foundation of strong/solid defense (Akron and Kent) -- suddenly seem to turn into almost exclusively offensive programs with defense becoming clearly secondary. I don't get it. One look at Toledo, or Miami, should prove that is not the way to true success. Defense travels. Offense comes and goes.

That Kent State MAC home opener should be electric at UMass, Dec. 20th. Frank Martin will likely look to curb stomp the Golden Flashes to send a loud and clear message to the rest of the league!!!

Shooting 50-percent from the field, 40-percent behind the arc ... and losing by 15 to fellow mid-major is a head-scratcher. Would love to run this one back tomorrow if we could just to see if this sticks. Problem is, in two quality mid-major losses Zips have let Yale and Murray State shoot 60-percet and win. The positive is ... that's what it's going to take to get the job done against the Zips! The negative is ... it's already happened twice with 2/3rd of the season still to play.

Perhaps a bad matchup ... but a good test!!!

Frankly ... sports on the radio is the best way to go. I remember growing up listening to Missouri Valley Conference games on the radio.

I think both Miami and Kent fall under the heading of "how good" are they, as both have very suspect OOC schedules albeit for different reasons. For Miami, they just haven't played any team of Top 150 quality whatsoever. Last year, and most top returners back, is all there is to measure them by. Kent has played several Top 150-type teams (4 teams 161 Kenpom or higher), but all home/neutral. Combine that with their obvious change in playing style (defense to offense) and it's tough to measure them until the next few weeks when they play three straight road games. I mean, how many mid-majors go 9-1 without playing a true road game??? Both teams are probably good ... but "how good" is still TBD.

Listen.... For Groce to leave Akron quite a few dominoes have to fall. Will he be on short lists? Absolutely, he's a known coach with a Big Ten resume. He didn't completely bomb at Illinois. He just wasn't great. Schools looking to stabilize their programs will like Groce (but will he like them). Schools looking for the next Nate Oats will probably be a bit more hesitant. That said, he is not a 'sexy' name meaning it would likely take a NCAA Sweet 16 run to boost his profile. THEN ... it will have to be a job where Groce can see some success. Unless he's looking for a retirement contract (and that's possible) the fit will truly have to be to his liking. As a university, Akron is not the most financially stable, so there is a limit to be factored in here. But all in all, it seems it will take a lot from both sides of the fence to see Groce leaving Akron, even after another successful season.

Here's the bottom line: Last season Akron was the clear best team in a bad league. This season Akron is the clear best team in a pretty good league. And it's not even close.

Gillespie has had a strong start to the season, no doubt. But his line was interesting in the recent game vs. Cleveland State, which was the second time they played him/Kent in a week. 12 pts, 11 reb. 8 TO. vs. what he did the first time they played, 30/13/1. He's going to get his rebounds. But CSU cut his scoring more than in half, and forced him into a bunch of turnovers. Whatever CSU did, defensively, is now on tape for others to mimic. It will be interesting to see what his game (and Kent's) look like a month from now.