Z.I.P.

I can't find the thread for our women's recruiting class, but on Top Drawer at least three of our recruits, Lexi Green and Megan Brascia of Las Vegas and Janese Atkinson of Cincinnati are in their Top-20 regional rankings. The Vegas ladies receive 4 stars and are #9/10 in the Rockie Mountain Region. I also happen to see a LOT of change from the pre-signing day rankings -- a local girl signed by my Hawaii Rainbow Wahine went from top-5 to unranked upon signing!! They must be taking lessons from the American football recruiting services.

Doesn't it seem kinda strange that Top Drawer waited till now for this "Signing-Day Evaluation"? I could swear they published something about Akron's class previously. In any case, I don't know why Andy Chiu was left out -- he was listed in their Top-100 just prior to the original "signing day".

Thanks for reading my post.

This is surprising, and disappointing. "Injuries were a problem for Nanchoff in college, and they’ve continued, as he’s still recovering from a knock picked up prior to the MLS combine. According to reports, he could miss the first couple months of the season." Get back at it Junior. We're waiting to see you succeed North of the border!

I just don't like this a bit. For one thing I don't like the way Gaffney just drops it in the middle of a long commentary, without any mention of the background -- like whose decision is that "departure" Tom? This is almost like "tattle-tale journalism". But besides that I don't like the prospects IF the team loses both Dakotah AND Nik. That would be a HUGE hole to fill -- and would require Gamechanger to play 30 minutes + on a consistent basis. That's more than enough pressure to put on his young body. And, it seems to make us a less versatile team in the post. Euton has inside-outside skills that are hard to come by in the MAC. But, on the other hand, perhaps he was never going to be the player Billy Gillespie saw after all. I do have a lot of respect for Keith's ability to judge potential and bring young players along (compare it to his predecessor, who's players almost never improved during their careers). I just hope he also realizes how this constant revolving door handicaps his team at the start of each year.

Varsity Letters? Thanks -- I never heard of it before. And probably won't again.

Isn't Wake still looking for a coach? I would think Shaka would be better fitted for that job than the pressure cooker of Knoxville. And he could be neighbors with the Great GP-1. Hmmmmmm

Was Zip_Me87 the only other boarder to see the Chivas game? While Zemanski did score his first MLS goal -- on a terrible attempt at an offsides trap by the KC defense that backfired -- he was also blamed in part for the first goal of the game. While I did not see it clearly, I think Ben either A) failed to clear a through ball he should have taken, or perhaps passed the ball back to his keeper which was intercepted by the SKC rookie who put it easily in the net. Valentin (who was repeatedly called "Valentine" by the announcer, made some good passes, and also made some errors that the announcers called out and could have cost his team. Also, while I missed a lot of this contest, Blair Gavin was subbed on in the second half, and it looked like he has not had a haircut since his injury last July. Not that there's anything wrong with that -- it was just a bit startling to see his shoulder-length locks after his always being closely shorn in the past. Interesting contrast between the two LA teams at Home (Depot Center): Chivas played in dry conditions before under 10k, while the Galaxy last night drew about 20k in a constant downpour -- by the second half it was like being in a wading pool. The ball just would not roll, especially near the New England goal, which benefitted the road team in the 1-1 draw.

Well, as usual, DiGger (not to confuse him with the blowhard of the same name on ESPN) has come up with the crux of the question. The problem not mentioned -- and the reason why I hate the NCAA tournament is that it is set up to advantage the Enormous State Universities (and their rich private brothers) at the expense of the so-called mid-majors. Yes, of course there are always the Butlers, VCUs and George Masons (though look at what happened to THEM at the hands of THE Enormous State University yesterday) which serve the interests of the bullies -- who can then say "look, the little guy has just as much chance to triumph as the Big Guy" (just as having one Dennis Kucinich in Congress benefits the ideological interests of the corporate-controlled state). This is the same argument that we have in American football with the question of whether UA benefits from being in the same division (Bowl Subdivision) as the schools that get all the attention (frankly, playing one game as a 15 seed is equivalent to being the underdog in the International/Motor City/Papa Johns's Pizza -- you choose, Bowl to Indiana or Northwestern). Well, if you are interested in standing in their reflected sunlight and thinking the world is looking at you, then the answer is "Yes", we're better off there. But, if you think we're better off competing on a more level playing field, be it the Football Championship Subdivision or the NIT, and having a serious chance to compete and advance in the tournament, then that is the better place to be. I personally have no interest in being part of "Big Time College Athletics", because that is an institution that makes a farce of REAL college athletics and amateurism in general. And I happen to like this thread. no matter how it is.

Star date 18/3/11. Part Dos of Caleb's Jornal de Madrid. Great stuff here from Coach. He just needs to work on his Castillian. It's Mis Amigos. And what, no post-game critique of Athletic Club's road failure @Getafe? Did you get to shake hands with Llorente, at least?

Gotta agree with DocZ. My word is "transition". I was quite honestly not surprised by the team's start, having predicted them to finish fourth in the East in the preseason. But, I was also not surprised by their strong finish. The new players took a while to gel, but once that happened they "evolved" into a top-100 team nationally. That, hopefully, is where they will start 2011-2012, but depending on Nik's future, and the evolution of the youngsters, this "transition" could have the team playing in the 2012 tourney as something like a 13 or even 12 seed. That could put them on the bubble for an at-large berth -- not that we'll need that. Thanks Keith for another year of excitement.

Skip, that IS a humorous story, however I can't help feeling a bit of irony at your response. Cowlumbus State athletics after all is Soooooooo much bigger and more popular than little Akron's attempt at competing in the Big Dance. Try thinking of it like the sport of football or basketball compared to oh say, soccer. Or does that put the shoe on the other foot?

Zarek was called up to the US U-20 national team. Looking at the Chivas roster (especially the addition of Alejandro Moreno on top), you can see that they could be the most improved team in the West this year. Worst to first? Well, frankly, I'm taking San Jose to win the conference this year. Here's the preview heading into the opener vs Sporting Club.

Is Darlington healthy/going to play tonite vs Colo.? In any case, I look for a blowout. Timbers are very shorthanded (footed). Second game -- televised on West Coast/Hawaii, Sporting KC playing the US Goats @Chivas. I forgot over basketball season -- did CDCUSA pick up another Akron player? I guess yesterday's loss to those damn Irish affected my memory.

Yes, but think about how it could benefit the boys and girls of Belgrade. And he could get some washed up hack sports anchor to headline the show. On a completely unrelated issue, who are Harney and Treadwell? Don't make me Google now, people! Nick Harney. Ta-da! http://zipsnation.org/forums//index.php?showtopic=18244 Thank YOU Cap'n. And, of course, Demetrious "Tree" Treadwell. http://zipsnation.org/forums//index.php?showtopic=18244

Yes, but think about how it could benefit the boys and girls of Belgrade. And he could get some washed up hack sports anchor to headline the show. On a completely unrelated issue, who are Harney and Treadwell? Don't make me Google now, people!

Thats the way of it. I just surprised me because of its uncommon nature. That's what I've always heard too. Now that we've shown we know our origins, what exactly is a fl@sh?? From their website: Can't State University has had several mascot characters over the years, including: Silver Foxes - Named in honor of President McGilvrey, who had a silver fox ranch for a time. Golden Flashes - Name submitted and selected in a contest in 1926 by a Can't State student. Winner received $25.00 prize. Subsequently perpetuated by Oliver Wolcott of the Can't Courier Tribune. Flasher - In 1951, a golden retriever was adopted as team mascot. Grog - In 1966, the cartoon character was recreated in paper hair and plaster. Remained on the scene until 1971. Golden Flasher - A golden palomino horse and masked rider in blue and gold, 1972 and 1973 seasons. Golden Flash - A masked figure with lightening bolts in each hand, 1973-1975. Flash - Our present mascot, a golden eagle. In 2003, the Flash mascot was named a National Cheerleading Association All-American. Also, this wasn't on there, but two years ago they unveiled a new mascot at as basketball game. This thing looked like a Native-American owl. The students hated it so it never saw daylight again, I think Can't read, can't write, can't make up your mind about what you want your mascot to be How in the world did I miss out on THAT one? Are you sure that wasn't just Jack Lambert in drag?

I was following the game on my phone Gametracker before the start of the Hawaii-Portland game last night. A handful of Portland fans in the seats seemed interested in how their nemesis was doing. They appeared shocked to hear the Gaels had gone down to a mere MAC program. And, frankly, I was pretty doggoned surprised too. I thought St Mary's should have been dancing rather than the UABs/VCUs (Sorry Shaka). But hey, this is what makes college basketball exciting. Something you can never say about the pro game.

It will be played at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu — Madrid, as you thought. Fernando...Santiago??? Whats un nombre among friends? Can you hear the drums Fernando?

2011??? No way. 2012? Maybe.

+1. This was 100% absolutely the difference in the game tonight. Zeke Marshall. Without him staying out of foul trouble and altering so many shots in the paint and, yes, even blocking a few, Can't State is going dancing. THANK YOU ZEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Not to take any credit away from the rest of the team or the coaching staff. This was an extremely well played all around team effort. But Zeke almost absolutely shutting down Justin Greene was the difference.) Another look back, to the future (?): Most national "experts" feel Z is too green to make a difference vs the Leprachauns. However, Notre Dame is NOT a physical team, and does not collect a lot of fouls. IF the Big Z can keep out of foul trouble again, he could again be (what is that phrase, again?) a DIFFERENCE MAKER. To win this game, I feel we need to stay with NDU on the boards, and reach double figures on 3-pointers. AND stop those greenies from the perimeter. If we make this a Battle of Jumpers, we have a shooters' chance.

Looking back at the Time Before We Were Champs! Interesting how our friends from Ravenna are forced to fly to the Bay Area for a match vs a St Mary's team that will be loaded for bear -- not just becuse of getting shafted by the selection committee, but remembering how Can't managed to pull off a huge win there a year ago in the Bracket Buster. For those interested (shrug) put the $$$ on the Gaels to roll to a revenge victory.

The match (second leg, I believe) will be at Fernando Bernabeu Estadio in Madrid. Therefore, if attending in person, I strongly recommend not rooting against the Merengues. Unless the lads are wearing body armour (not Underarmour).

For those who can speak/read Spanish: Amistoso Combinado Juvenil Rayo vs Akron Aparentemente, perdone me, it appears this was Rayo Vallecano's youth academy (Juvenil) rather than their senior reserve squad per the story. Is that the case? The table on la izquierda de la pagina, left side shows RV in first -- but not sure if that's who we played. Alguien tienen otras ideas? Mi Espanol leyendo no es demasiado bueno. Edit: Reading Caleb's Journal, I see that they (Rayo Vallecano) play a majority of U-18s on the Reserve, so that must be why it's called Combinado Juvenil. Appears Rayo will be back in La Liga next season. Hopefully not at the expense of good clubs like Deportivo or Real Sociedad. You can see I favor los extranjeros in the non-Spanish-speaking provinces (Galicia, Pais Basco, etc).

OMG! "Tonight we are attending a La Liga match. Getafe vs Athletic Bilbao." I envy you Zips. Eupa! Viva Llorente! Cheer on the Zurigorri to Victory!!! Teams played to 2-2 draw @Getafe. Athletic fails to keep pace with Espanyol, falls to 6th, but maintains Europa League spot. Getafe in 11th. I'm sure all the Akron La Liga followers were sitting on pins and needles for this result.