GoZips

Why don't you post OOC schedule for the UA Zips fans actually care about? I can tell the readers that the OOC for 2013-14 is decent. It is not complete as of this date. However what is completed will give the Zips a solid SOS. Yeah, yeah, same old GoZips stuff. All tease and zero please. Sorry, can not reveal what I know at this time. The Diamond Head Classic is a done deal. The Zips are going to Hawai'i for Christmas. Potential opponents include Boise State. Iowa State, St. Mary's, South Carolina, George Mason, Oregon State, and Hawai'i. Like the Puerto Rico Tipoff, the Classic will be two brackets of four teams. All the teams will play three games. One OOC game scheduled for early in the season will be a big name opponent on the road, on ESPN. All I can say.

Jim Christian is making his presence felt in the MAC. These are two talented players. Anrio Adams has some baggage (he is a malcontent), but, was being squeezed out by more talented players. He becomes eligible in the 2014 season. Good for the Kitties, bad for the rest of us as he gets a year to learn the OU system. Tariq Owens, another better quality player, is an excellent catch for OU's 2014 class. He will need to put on some weight to play in the paint even at the MAC level where he will be facing the likes of Isiah six-ten, three hundred pounds, Johnson, and the loveable Kitty crusher six-eight, two hundred-forty pound, Demetrius Treadwell, not to mention six-eleven, Pat Forsythe. Three skilled Zips not known for taking prisoners. Neither of the two above mentioned players will be available to the Kitties when they tangle in Cowlumbus with a talented Suckeye team very early in the Fall.

It is, after all, a numbers game. The coaches would like to keep some of this talent in reserve and build the future around these kids, Still, some contribution from Evans and the freshman is needed for the Zips to have a great 2013-14.

Excellent article by George Thomas. IMO ... Quincy should be the starting shooting guard. He is far too valuable to take the sixth man role this year. Hopefully Diggs will show the leadership this season's Zips need. Actually, I am positive Quincy can fill that role. After watching and meeting the freshmen today I can state that Zips fans will be exceptionally pleased at the maturity and skills these young men possess. Do not forget that Quincy has the talent to run the point. It is not his natural position; but, he is so skilled that he does not give up anything when he is called on to play on the point.

What the F***? Calling me a hater? Retract that . Zeke is one of my favorite players. I consider myself his friend a friend of his family. I want the best for Zeke. And, the knuckleheads in Cleveland are pure crap. If I "hate" any thing its the putrid culture of losing that surrounds Cleveland professional sports. Got that? Loser.

Sorry. I failed to mention 'Melo. I arrived late and most of the guards workout was completed by the time I arrived. I like 'Melo. One can only hope that he sees the light, gets the message and tunes in. Enough of the cliches. 'Melo is most likely going to be the back up point guard sharing duties with Quincy when Q gets called on. At this time you can pencil in Nyles Evans on the point even though he has yet to practice with the Zips. But, always remember, I am just a fan; an observer. The Zips need three point guards that can handle the ball if they are to be successful.

Yes, they are called idiot savants.

Thanks for the compliment. Three freshman participated in today's morning workout. All three, Isiah Johnson, Kwan Cheatham and Aaron Jackson have nice strokes and finish well. All three shoot well from beyond the arc and seem really coachable. These kids are a couple of notches above your typical MAC player. Great recruiting class. Each group of players went through a series of drills. The veterans knew what to expect and were productive. The freshmen were a little confused, but got through the drills in fine shape. Except for Diggs who is in ready-to-play shape everyone else had a bit of tongue dragging. The freshmen were the least polished. That will change over time. While Zeke's presence will be sorely missed Pat and Isiah look as though they will represent well in the paint. Tree looks solid and even improved over last season as is Harney. The bigs had a series of dunking drills. That was fun to watch as these guys were really rattling the rim. Jake worked out with the bigs while Reggie McAdams worked with the guards. This is the tallest group of players in Akron history. This season you will see why "Think Bigger" is more than Zeke. BJ Gladden reports Wednesday. Nyles Evans is still finishing classes down in Florida.

IMHO, being selected by the Cavaliers is NOT in Zeke's best interest. While one may sight any number of reasons consider this one. Chase Blackburn was a free agent who tried out with the Cleveland Browns fresh out of college. They cut him. Today Chase owns TWO Super Bowl rings. The Browns have NEVER been to any Super Bowl; ever. What does this have to do with Zeke, you ask? Well. name any Cleveland sports franchise that has a produced a champion post 1964. Oh, you can't. Touche'.

A great man, a great coach, a great rival and most of all loved by all friend and foe. For Charlie an old Irish blessing ... may you be in heaven a half an hour before the devil knows you are dead.

I saw Brian Walsh today. He looks as fit as ever. We did not discuss the golf outing.

Kest led the Ladies to a winning season (18-14) in her sixth season. Last year, her seventh, the Ladies went 23-10 for their best win/loss record ever in the program history. Success breeds more success as winning programs generally attract better players. This is what is happening at Akron now. Akron is probably now getting the 3rd or 4th best recruiting class. At the present rate the Ladies are likely to have the dominant program in the MAC with in the next three years. A new arena and a better conference is likely to propel the Ladies to a long term dominant role. The culture of losing is gone. Replaced by a winning attitude that is enjoying success. The best is yet to come.

The Lady Zips were the MAC East Champs and played Central Michigan for the MAC Tournament Championship, but lost. The Zips may be the favorite to win it all in 2013-14. Most certainly the East favorite. Coach Kest has done the impossible. She has taken the perennial doormat and made them into a feared power house.

Quincy just might be the sixth man. The coaches want him to develop more point guard skills. With these skills and moving Q into the one slot the team can put a really big line up on the floor. Q can do this even if he starts at the two. I chatted with Tree today. He better stop taking his vitamins. Tree is positively huge (and tall). While listed at six-seven I would put Tree at six-nine or even six-ten. He looks to be in great shape. Ready to play shape. I love his infectious smile and easy manner. Dr Jekyll becomes Mr. Hyde on the court. I mentioned to Tree that he needs to buy forty pairs of socks for next season. The Hawai'i trip is slowing developing. Travel dates with options under consideration. An all out attempt to provide a range of accommodations being worked on. You should be able to arrive early or stay longer and still be part of the travel group. Cannot tell you who the first game after the Hawai'i trip is; but it is a home game that has been bought. Yes, that means I know who the opponent is. I just cannot reveal who it is at this time. Also, unofficially heard that a travel package to the Central Florida football game is being worked out.

The Zips do need a sixth man, badly. However, because they are so deep at most positions a "sixth man" may be a bit easier to find than one would normally expect. However, I personally do not believe it will be Quincy. Not that I would object. As Quincy already proved he is a great sixth man. Yet, his senior status and past performances coupled with an opening at the shooting guard thanks to Brian Walsh graduating seems to open that opportunity for Quincy. He deserves the starting two guard position provided he earns it. I think that slot is his for the taking. Quincy did need more outside shooting range. If he has improved his outside shooting and ball handling skills he will excel. Q has the heart, the athleticism, the drive to the basket, the rebounding, the quicks. Think he will actually make the two hole better than last season. My prime candidate for the "sixth man", Reggie McAdams.

Welcome back, Mike. You were sorely missed.

A bold and reckless charge from a newbie putz. DIG has consistently been an excellent and knowledgeable resource for Zips fans for several years. You have much to learn, grasshopper.

Great news even though it has been expected for several months. Welcome home Q

I prefer a heterphone myself.

I like him, too. There is a problem. Unless he becomes a fabulous point guard he is likely headed for a "red shirt" season. Quincy Diggs is heir apparent at the two spot. Plus Akron has Reggie McAdams who is no slouch either.

Could be a term for a flush toilet. Which he has sent himself down.

Dave, is this your excuse to your wife about why you wont be taking her to Hawai'i?

Today ...!!! Its Zeke time. Go Zips ... !!!

See how foggy my memory is these days? Oddly, I originally wrote Kalakaua and then changed it, I got it confused with Kapahulu Blvd. where Ono Hawai'ian Food restaurant is (was?) and the Honolulu Zoo (world famous and worth the time to see). Brudda, Ono's was the one place in Hawai'i that KD really raved about. I hope they are still in business. We are coming out regardless.

Hey, displaced Buttercup, we have to toss you a bone now and then. It was a three way race for spot in one of three holiday tournaments. First was Anaheim, the one Dambrot really wanted, but, they took a different team. Then Charleston tourney had an opening. Again, your coach wanted this easy travel. But, all those candles I lit and beads through my fingers and the good Lord heard my prayer. You know that Hawai'i is the only tournament I wanted all a long. I will see you at Christmas. This will be my second Christmas in Hawai'i. Folks if you love celebrating Christmas, Hawai'i is the place to be. Kameamea Blvd. will be festooned in lights that will dazzle your eyes. Hawai'i is predominately Catholic and they love to celebrate Christmas. It is a treat not to be missed. I will begin making travel plans immediately. I love Hawai'i. And, I love my long lost pseudo bra as well. aloha ... !!!!