Zippy87

BG wasn't good in the first place. Having an NBA player isn't going to turn a mediocre program around. But it can certainly give a boost to an already-successful program that is right on the brink of getting to the next level.

An NCAA Tournament win would do more but I wouldn't discount what having an NBA player could do for the program, especially since Freeman seems very close to Groce and loves Akron. Having an NBA player who will likely be a willing pitch man for the program and Coach Groce is another tool the coaching staff will have at their disposal. I also hope Athletics has a plan to capitalize on Freeman getting drafted. It should be in place already, as it now seems to be a question of when he's drafted and not if. IMO they didn't capitalize on his star power while he was here, but the past is the past and they now get a second chance of sorts. Him being drafted needs to be made a huge f'ing deal. Billboards congratulating him around the city. A giant display with a photo of him holding his NBA team's jersey on draft night in and/or outside of the JAR. And don't wait - hang #25 in the JAR this coming season. He's the greatest Zips player ever, he's everything you want in a young man representing your university, and there's literally zero reason to wait. I've said it before and I will say it again - if Athletics wants to be viewed as a serious program, they need to act like one. I'll be watching closely and hoping they step up to the plate with what is an absolutely incredible opportunity for them.

https://hoopshype.com/lists/2024-draft-workouts-tracker/ Freeman has worked out with 13 teams per Hoops Hype: Atlanta Hawks Boston Celtics Brooklyn Nets Cleveland Cavs Denver Nuggets Detroit Pistons Los Angeles Clippers Los Angeles Lakers Minnesota Timberwolves New York Knicks Orlando Magic San Antonio Spurs Utah Jazz

Red Panda performing at halftime of the NBA Finals

I hope nobody was paid to create this promotional schedule.

I hope Athletics is working on a promotional/marketing effort to capitalize on if/when Freeman gets drafted. It is and should be made a very big deal.

Wow, no rebounds?

I had the previous game on and they barely showed the actual game for that one too. Seems silly to broadcast it but then just show your talking heads.

Any idea where stats can be found during the game?

https://twitter.com/JenPignolet/status/1790792616189010166?t=_eGFTOdOJouEzlXcq-ersg&s=19

Anyone know if he plays/is on TV today?

I'd keep the students where they are - it's too hard for them to coordinate chants on opposite ends and limits the student capacity down low. Having them directly across from the opponent bench works well. I wholeheartedly agree on the bleachers, though. Even replacing bleachers on one sideline and keeping them for the end zones would be a huge upgrade.

He took a backseat to other players as an underclassman, one of which is now in the NBA. Look at any mock draft after his senior season of HS but before his on-court collapse and you'll see him listed as a potential lottery pick. Sure seems.like they do by their votes. It's been pointed out already, but their wanting to see him doesn't mean they're going to draft him this year. Good NBA teams do draft prep years in advance. They've been following he and other highly regarded young players for awhile. They seemingly want to see him up close, evaluate his game, project what kind of pro they think he can be. The irony of you sharing that link is this quote from the writer - "Bronny James is great, in his own way. And for many, that will never be enough." Ain't that the truth.

Yes. Context is really important here. He was a true freshman who missed five months after collapsing on the floor back in July. Once he did return, he was on a strict minutes restriction for the first 8-9 games. I'm guessing there was some mental trauma mixed in there that he had to deal with, too. Going back to school and playing his sophomore season without missed time and without any restrictions would be the best thing for him. He absolutely has NBA potential, but will take some good development first. He may even need to go three years in college because of how his freshmen year unfolded. The worst thing for him would be to go pro now because while the potential is absolutely there, he's certainly not ready for the league. (P.S. No. there weren't any true freshmen at Akron this year who could've cracked USC's rotation)

I do. He was widely considered a lottery pick coming into his freshman year but obviously struggled last season. I do think part of that was missing time from the cardiac arrest episode he suffered last summer. There's talent there, so I can see scouts wanting to see him. I do think he'd be best served going back to school another year, though.

NBA GMs vote on who goes. NBA GMs wanted to see Bronny. I hate that Freeman didn't get an invite though.