ZipsFan31

I think the 5 position is hard one because on one hand I think Amani deserves to start but on the other I struggle to see Chabi Barre commit to be the backup center. Amani can play the 4. but all of last year he never did in a similar situation with Okonkwo. so either we see a change in offensive scheme going with 2 bigs or one of them has to start and one has to come off the bench. if we don't change and play 1 big. I think Lyles comes off the bench. the wild card of development will be if Lyles works on his ball handling, and lateral quickness and becomes a 6'8 SF. if that happens then I think the Zips have a chance at the 2nd weekend if March! and Lyles will have a legit shot at that NBA! after last offseason development jump he had. I think it is possible that kid is hungry!

This is the “Nate” replacement. We still have a spot for the okonkwo replacement. is he as good as Nate… no. But this guy could help if the freshman are not all that. I actually have hope redshirt freshman Eric Mahaffey could be the Nate replacement. It might not be Johnson and Johnson. 2026 might be the mahaffey brother year!

This is the money top schools pay. Is Utah a top school, no but probably has a decent budget. You can’t blame the kid for making life changing money if he invests it right!

It’s sad to see him go as he was a solid big that you knew was going to be a top MAC center. But I think we can get as good or better in the portal. Obviously we can’t afford a big that checks all the box’s but I would love a 6’10+ lane clogger that we put a zone on when he is in. like 6’10 275 is my ideal add. We will see what we get!

I think Amani and Scott deserve to start but I think for synergy… Scott is the perfect 6 man. He comes in and can play the 1 or 2 and be steady as steady can be. And Amani took a giant step forward last off season is the sky is the limit this offseason. But Okonkwo is still there and he will improve too. With Evan not being a proven shooter I suspect Groce starts a shooter at the 3. I think Bowen is the best choice. Starting 5 Tavari Nate Bowen Evan Jimmy But it really is all about who ends the game and I think Scott and Amani will both end most games.

I would love a top 16 team on the road, like Kentucky. And then give me a home and home with liberty or another top mid major like VCU

Evan is perfect for MAC play. We needed a big P4 sized Guard. I have hopes he is just an upgrade from Gray. Taller and more Athletic on both end of the floor. it would of been nice to get a 6’11 3rd string center to hack 5 times a game when we needed him. Evan will help every night and be a strong contributor… at the MAC level I assume his offense will improve!

I do think the biggest factor is relationships and favors. If 2 ADs are friends or 2 coaches are friends that helps. I know Groce has ties to Butler and Thad Matta… I would love to pull a favor and play Butler at Butler

I think it has to do with what we accept as payment. If we go there for free then they will schedule us… it’s an honor to get to play others teams. I would imagine you don’t get paid, unlike football

When it comes to scheduling a school like Akron can’t get in state P4 games because the schools are scared to get embarrassed if they lose. what we have to focus on is going to top 16 programs on the road… this will give us practice at the 1st round of the NCAA tournaments level of play. And those teams like to bring in top mid majors to pad their resume and get practice for their 1st round match up. we need to play Kansas Duke Kentucky Michigan State, UConn. For free on the road. For home game try and get top mid majors home and home.

I have no scoop but there was a big from South Carolina enter the portal… I wonder if we could get him? His name is Nick Pringle.

I think the Jersey and Vest are priced very well. the listing does say an authentic Nike Jersey. if you buy a Cavs Jersey it cost $120-130... $159 is only $30 more for a piece of clothing you can't get anywhere else. I am assuming it a game jersey and the school is just purchasing more from Nike. Plus it helps Nate and Tavari as the proceeds are going to them. it's like thanking them for the hours of fun you spent watching them, plus you get a Jersey that might be 1 of 100. a Nice Vest like that is worth $40 to $50 but you are helping the school.

knowing what we know now as far as returners coming back, do anything of these 2 freshman see the court. are they future superstars like Sharron Young, or are they good Role pieces that have to develop. I don't know the pulse on highschool hoops to know... can anyone give an educated guess. do we factor the 2 Westerville kids into the rotation next season.

For anyone curious. The jersey proceeds to to the players and the vest I think NIL

This could be stupid but I want people’s opinion…. Would it help the program if instead of the Nike logo we put the LeBron logo on the jersey. Just like Carolina puts the Jordan logo on the jersey. also can we get LeBron to be assistant GM just like Steph is doing for Davison. I know NIL is important and we have a billionaire who has ties to the program.