UAZipster0305

Overall a great effort on national teevee by the Zips. We showed a lot of heart and resilience in coming back from eight down at half and again with around five minutes to play. Solid games from McAdams, Deji, and Big Dog. With a full roster, it is a different game and a different season. However, I still think we have the talent to win another two games and get to the 20 win mark. Although the last five seconds should have gone differently, I don't blame the loss or the season on KD. Actually, I think it reflects well that our guys remain so motivated. Losing Tree alone would have been enough for many teams to underachieve. I believe this freshman class will be part of UA's winningest season before they graduate. If we are one and done in the MAC Tournament, I'd prefer we don't take a CIT/CBI invite. It would just be another opportunity for injury and probably a quick loss on the road. That doesn't help build the program and would likely be counterproductive in terms of garnering supporters. Get everyone healthy and start next season fresh.

For its size? Are you kidding me? It is very average in terms of medical school enrollment. The only reason size appears as an issue is because it is not part of a larger institution. What exactly is it accomplishing? Unnecessary expenses for services such as library subscriptions, academic record keeping, and janitorial contracts that are redundant with all larger universities? One of the lowest amount of federal research dollars of any medical school in the country? An isolating physical campus location that limits its collaborative opportunities with hospitals and research universities? A clinical footprint that is spread all over NEO requiring already indebted students to drive all over that quarter of the state? You mean those 'accomplishments?' The only thing that really goes on at the Rootstown campus is some relatively little research and the first two years of basic science classes. The latter doesn't even require a physical location anymore because basic science courses at nearly all medical schools are available via podcast. I think there should be a national model for the first two years of medical school because they are nearly the same at all schools and there is tremendous redundancy in each school producing its own materials. This is part of the reason medical education is so unrealistically expensive (around $40k/year/student and that is only tuition and fees, not living expenses).. NeoMed is a missed opportunity for the state and region. It is an unfortunate arrangement for patients and students and an economic and political boondoggle. There is an issue of the UA magazine for alumni and friends from 10+ years ago that features a quote from former President Auburn who described his biggest disappointment as not getting the medical school for the City of Akron. It amazes me how few people realize the significance of that decision by the State.

Very exciting to see the Lady Zips doing so well. They are a nice alternative to the Men during a down year.

I agree. Not after all the recent capital investment on the Rootstown campus. What a waste!

If it weren't for our injuries, I think our depth could allow us to run 5 games in 5 days for the MACC. At least 1 and likely 2 or 3 of the top 4 teams will come out flat due to the extended time off and it will cost them a game. My prediction: We win two and lose the third in Cleveland. Too many injuries piling up and not enough leadership and maturity to take it all the way this year. UB and UT are the best possible representatives for the MAC in the NCAAT, so I hope one of them takes it.

I don't know why some of you have a problem with the Black Friday rivalry game. Everyone has off work and there are plenty of people who don't have an interest in shopping. At the very least, it will be nationally televised. Remember the epic 2005 Thanksgiving Day rivalry game? If we are at the top of the conference, is there any reason the game won't be that exciting every year?

Bringing NeoMed under the UA umbrella would certainly consolidate some redundant services and contracts that would save money. However, this is far short from what is best for the city and the state. Unfortunately, that deal was sealed in the '70's when NeoMed was triangulated between anything of importance. What would be best is for the medical and pharmacy schools to be located in the city near the excellent hospitals. However, with all the new construction investment on the NeoMed campus, I don't see this happening anytime soon. I like the University of Akron name. It pairs well with UT and UC, which I consider to be the other major state research universities that UA competes with. It is also consistent with other urban research university around the country (e.g. University of Pittsburgh, University of Memphis, University of Chicago, University of Houston, etc.).

By definition, faith does not require logic or evidence. I have faith in a KD coached team in the MAC Tournament; he has earned it. This last game against Buffalo was a loss on the schedule before the season even started.

If we just wait until next year about another seven times, that guy could be Lebron's son. I wonder if KD has sent him a recruiting letter yet?

The mark of a young team is losing close games, and we have too many of those for me to list off the top of my head. When this team learns to closeout, it will be a force. At least for one full season I'd like us to have a mature and complete team...no injuries, suspensions, or dismissals; no 10 minute scoring droughts; and 26+ wins including an NCAA win or two. I know right now we are way better than the Hipsher era, but this program needs that kind of season to refresh the fans and community. I recognize the athleticism and talent of the young players, but I think all the public sees is four straight losses. I still like our chances for a MACC. All our losses are close, no MAC team is clearly better than the others, and we always play our best in the MAC Tournament. Why not us? With regard to UB, I was so happy to see McCrae graduate...then Moss steps right in. The guy is a monster of a good player. If any current MAC player has NBA potential it is him. Kudos for his consistent play tonight; he was Canada's anchor. On our side, good games from Pat, Deji, and Big Dog.

From gozips.com: #13 Akron Rifle Team Travels to #9 Ohio State for NCAA Qualifier#TeamOhio

Be prepared for a loss in Canada. We lose there every year even when we have a far superior team, and Buffalo is very good this year.

The team has shown fight all year, and I think this bodes very well come tournament time.

This is the difference between an experienced team like Toledo and our youth. Things could be worse though...we are deep and now even have a walk-on who can contribute. I am not one to complain about officiating, but I thought there were a handful of questionable calls and they all went in Toledo's favor. If those are more balanced, most of ZNO is probably singing our high praise and antcipating a MACC. Overall, the game was very even and in spite of Toledo beating us twice, I like our chances against them in Cleveland. May the best team win.

#TeamOhio and iCoach. Those two things alone are worthy of not having a contract renewed. As far as I'm concerned, he got four more years than he deserved.

Obviously, and I don't think he should be retained on his comments associated with #TeamOhio alone. However, his superior was on board with that embarassment of our university.

Why are we assuming he won't be retained?

I remember the game at Can't a few years ago when some of our Rowdies dressed as Can't fans and rolled out a "We Suck" sign in their student section...on TV! That was classic! Where did this creativity and enthusiasm go? Even if both teams are winless, games against Can't should still have meaning.

Yes, it's definitely a must win if we want to win the East. All the more reason ZNO should be buzzing with enthusiasm. If ZNO members aren't excited and buzzing, I can only imagine the level of student apathy. NIU and OU should have been easy wins too, but they weren't. I know, Jekyll and Hyde - home and away.

We're tied for first place in the East, coming off an exciting home win against Canada, and we have a home game against our rivals (also tied for first place in the East) on ESPN3 tomorrow night. Yet there are only crickets on the board. What gives?! It's Monday at 2:08PM and...

The OOC losses to MTSU and PSU really hurt. The MTSU and OU losses are particularly tough to take because they were by 1 point. NIU shouldn't have been a loss. An older / more mature version of this team probably only has three losses right now: Miami FL, NDSU, and Toledo. However, I can accept this team's performance. Top to bottom, this is the most athletic team KD has ever had yet it is still very young. There will be growing pains.

DiG, this is by far your most insightful and concisely written analysis ever! Kudos. Go Zips!

Beating Pitt was huge...potentially...but not when it is followed up with a weak performance at Ohio, a pounding at Buffalo, and a loss to the pillow-fighting Golden Flashes. Two of those three games were winnable. Do that and the program is on a substantial upswing and recruits take notice. As is, the Pitt win is easy to dismiss as an anomaly. We have another chance at Pitt and a break out season next year. I'd love to beat Pitt twice in two years!

Thanks for the insight, CK!

I count a total of 5 recruits who we offered but ended up at OSU. It's a good thing we don't compete with OSU for recruits, huh, Tom W.? #TeamOhio I like that Coach Bowden offered to a lot of high level recruits even though we lost out to bigger programs. You never know when we might snag one of these top guys, but that only happens if we make the offer.