Westie

As a Zip/Buckeye combo fan, Evan Mahaffey plays hard. Good defender, high motor. Hoping the staff can do what Ohio State’s couldn’t and that’s give him some confidence on offense. He’s a guy who just has trouble getting the ball in the bucket even from in close. He just seemed in over his head in the Big 10. 3.6 points and 3.1 rebounds in 18 minutes per game this year. Those numbers should improve at Akron if he can translate his effort and attitude onto the stat sheet. Really good guy. Rooting for him to have a great 25-26 season.

Xavier hiring Richard Pitino. Was hoping they wouldn’t come calling for JG.

Coach did not exactly cement his own return in the latest Beacon article. Have to believe he is getting some calls. Hopefully it passes with no drama.

Evan is just not good. He’s a good guy who plays hard but never has much to show for it. Maybe Groce could polish him a little. Holtmann and Diebler had no luck. It was 4 v 5 on offense with him on the floor.

The program is in such a good place right now. Sure wish UA would come up with some plan for the JAR. That kind of commitment would go a long way. That’s where a lead gift from LeBron would go a long way. Has he ever given any money? I know he gives Ohio State cleats and headphones, etc. That’s so nickel and dime stuff for him. Akron is home to a guy with unlimited resources and he could provide a lead gift toward improving the basketball facility. Maybe he has already said no or maybe no real plan has ever been presented.

When Ohio State lost to Oregon this year (the same team they clubbed in the Rose Bowl), Urban Meyer said a big reason was the Buckeyes non-conf schedule. He said the speed and athleticism of Oregon was unlike anything they had seen. Basketball is different but maybe the Zips need to see a Big Boy in December every year so they know what it looks like in March. The Sun Belt and Ivy League aren’t Big Boys. Still, great year, great program and a great coach.

With 7 of the top 10 contributors back (presumably), one would hope it’s not a real hectic portal season. Could definitely use one guy north of 6-9 who can mix it up inside. Future is bright with this coach. Some day, we’ll get the right matchup and advance.

No reason at all we can’t rule the league and give this another shot next year.

Nate’s problem is he’s 6-3. If he’s 6-7 with his style, he could be effective outside the MAC. He still gets wherever he wants on the floor, but against this level of competition, no dice.

Not sure if anyone saw the press conference with coach and the players today. Great to see them on the tournament stage like that.

John Groce will be on ESPN 850 at 11 a.m.

I thought the final last year was one of the most remarkable games I’ve seen live in my life. Any team, any sport. This thing tonight was off the chain. Props to the Zips fans. Huge numbers and they were totally into it. amazing night

Think that’s the way to go. Zips were so efficient last night getting to the rim against a much quicker team. Spread that floor and put Miami on skates tonight. My only concern is losing people on D. Discipline on that end going to be critical. Have to stress those shooters just enough. Long rebounds are what they are. Gonna give up some of those but stay connected to those shooters

Zips have come out shooting 3s the last two days. They’ve gone in which really opened things up. Same formula tonight or do they try it in reverse, drive early and open up the 3?

No big mystery here. Miami shoots almost 40% as a team from 3. Gotta make them put it on the floor. Zips need to play smart and use their athletic advantage. Bring it home!