Zippy87

Hopefully our next coach can finally get us over the hump neither KD or Groce could.

https://x.com/i/status/2038642631823999401

A bit different, obviously, but Ryan Gosling recently said this regarding theater-goers - "It’s not your job to keep them open, it’s our job to make things that make it worth you coming out.” Seems fitting anytime we talk about Akron and attendance.

Did something get finalized?

Why?

Bud Wentz retweeted these...interesting...

This is 100% true, but don't underestimate the subsection of that base that also engages in bigotry and will sit the election out before voting for Vivek.

The threat is absolutely real. If it wasn't, Groce/his team could've squashed the rumors. Now, whether or not that turns into reality, we will see.

Oh for sure, don't get me wrong - I get all of the non-financial reasons he would do it. I would do it if I were in his position. He loves Akron basketball. I was just responded to someone saying he may stop if he isn't getting a financial return.

Local station in Charleston quoting the AD as saying no offer has been made to Groce (also a hilarious pronunciation of "Akron")

This. A lot of talk about how wonderful Charleston is but not enough about what he has in Akron. - Basically a lifetime contract. The only way he would ever lose his job here is if he did something immoral off the court. - One of the best NIL budgets in the conference, a NIL Collective that has grown considerably in it's participation and impact in recent years, and a great relationship with the person who leads it. - Excellent relationships in the community he has built over many years. - A history of consistent winning gping back 20+ years surely recognized by potential recruits. - A proud tradition of success for players post-graduation playing professionally. I'll also push back on the "he's done all he can do at Akron" stuff. We were in that game with Texas Tech until it unraveled with a few minutes left. We almost beat UCLA. The MAC was a two-bid league for the first time in a long time. There's a lot of momentum here to keep climbing.

I'm not quite sure how any NIL donor is going to make money off of their donations?

I don't really think it's a factor at all. If he really leaves, I think it is because he is not content with the financial support his program receives in Akron from the university.

The more I look at Charleston, the more I feel it's pretty darn similar to Akron. - One bid league - Similar conference strength: CAA - 15th NET, MAC - 17th NET - Similar NCAA Tournament seeding: CAA seeds, last 5 years: 16, 15, 12, 13, 14 MAC seeds, last 5 years: 13, 13, 14, 13, 12

100% believe the Goodman/Borzello reports came from Groce's agent, especially considering the tweets came within 9 minutes of each other. Charleston doesn't really gain anything by leaking that.

If this happens (and I still think it's a big "if") I agree I would full much better about it if Ford becomes the new HC. He would have player and alumni buy-in, support from Wentz/FTR, give us continuity, and would already have a relationship with existing recruits.

https://x.com/i/status/2038033225793073276

It doesn't look great, obviously, but I don't consider Groce gone until someone credible confirms it. Right now, we know: - He was a finalist at Butler, per the IndyStar - He was rumored to have been offered the USF job, but they moved on when he wouldn't commit - He is the top target at Charleston, but both sources - Jeff Goodman and Jeff Borzello - qualified their reports by saying a deal wasn't done, with Borzello adding "steps remain for both sides in the next 24 hours" Now, I'm not saying this is what is happening here, but just last year Rob Senderoff (a close friend of Groce's) was reportedly close to leaving Kent for Fordham, only to stay put with a new contract and increased commitment to the basketball program. Why would Groce not take the USF job if it was truly about the best chance to win? Why would these reports come out today that it was close but not done, right as speculation was increasing that it was done? I'm just saying...let's let this play out.

IF Groce leaves and IF Ford takes over, it will be fascinating to see what guys like Sharron and Eric do.

Dambrot at least had strong personal ties to his destination. This would be a tough pill to swallow. But we will see what happens.

I know, Samurai again, but...

Hard to say without knowing the ask. The USF thing seems to be legit - that they offered him but moved on after he asked too much. Maybe he's doing that at UA. Or maybe he is trying to leverage UA into increased support. Ford has been with Groce every coaching stop since OU. I'd suspect he would follow him to Charleston. But I'd absolutely offer him the job. Best chance at continuity of the established culture and players seem to really respect him.

I certainly think Akron's budget/finances are a possible reason, but even if Vivek wins, a lot would have to happen for his idea to become a reality. He can't just unilaterally close a university like UA.