Zippy87

I think when evaluating Groce, you have to kind of separate coaching vs recruiting. I don't have many complaints on coaching. I do think there there have been some misses in recruiting. These are all certainly debatable. Hits Loren Cristian Jackson Tyler Cheese Channel Banks Malcolm Duvivier Xeyrius Williams Ali Ali Enrique Freeman (some luck here, though) Mikal Dawson Xavier Castaneda Greg Tribble Aziz Bandaogo Trendon Hankerson Sammy Hunter Neutral Shammah Scott Nate Johnson Tavari Johnson Deng Riak Bryan Trimble Michael Wynn Maishe Dailey Jermaine Marshall (became a solid player elsewhere) Misses Mark Kostelac Cameron Reece Taylor Currie Tre Edwards Garvin Clarke KJ Walton Eric Hester Sekou Kalle Kobe Mitchell Amani Lyles (prove me wrong, Amani!) Kaleb Thornton Ryan Prather Jr. Darrion Baker Khadim Gueye

He picked the players, though. Your job as a coach is to find players who will work well in your system. I certainly think saying he failed is far too strong, but I don't think his staff is without blame for so many misses in the backcourt. It also isn't lost on me how different the last few years could've been in a young Enrique Freeman never walked into the open tryout.

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.