Z.I.P.

I've been unable to create a file to post on this page, so I'll just add the link here, for readers to cut & paste. http://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/new...rts/930901.html

Captain, Let me set the record straight. I never criticized the new site, I simply asked before the transition, whether I would be able to register and/or post from the WebTV browser that I use for about 75% of my websurfing. Like about half-a-million other Americans, I use the cheapest and most user-friendly internet system available. But -- now that I have looked at the "new" GoZips.com website from my Windows XP equipped PC, I can say definitively: we have a problem, Akron. I was unable to stay around long enough the first time -- I'll return before logging off -- but after more than 10 minutes, the entire site had yet to download to my dial-up connection. That's way too long for any pro setup. And I expect it to improve. I HOPEfor it to improve (at least). Now lay off us Coconut Zips, or no more free mai tais at the Sand Bar.

Hey J.P., Let us know when they have the German alumni meeting with the coach. I might be interested.

What I've read about Sutton has surprised me -- compared with the rave reviews from around the Akron area. He doesn't seem to be getting the high major attention you might expect. I would hope that the competition is just MAC schools, and perhaps Pitt or lower BE/ACC or thereabouts. On a similar track: Jerell's brother is solidly #1 at RB in Ohio. Do we have any real shot at him? Most would take him over Sutton. Such a choice would be unimaginable in the LO era. Now, we can imagine, at least. The lights are getting brighter.

Riddle me this fellahs, how are Schifino and Dials going to get on the floor at the same time? Is one of those guys going to play point guard? I dunno, maybe Nick, but tell me he's not a SG, with this 3-point shooting. I'm afraid there might not be enough balls to go around. Further question: Could Schifino be eligible in 04-05? How many games did he play last season before quitting? Ahhhhh..."quitting". That's a big word for ya. What makes anyone think he has it inside himself to make such a commitment? I wouldn't give up a scholarship for the guy that could go to any big-time HS prospect (like St.V's Wilson, or the big guy from Walsh), unless his "one shot" is in 04-05. Riddle me asleep!

Hooooweee! Dad, you said it all! This sets the tone for Akron's 2004-05 recruiting and the MAC season. Akron is now established as a program that people attend because they want to go dancing. Now THAT is why Keith Dambrot was placed at the helm. However -- I wonder if this places Schifino completely out of the picture. Since he has just one year to maintain a scholarship, is the Dials grant the last one remaining for 04-05? Maybe. Can anyone give confirmation? Maybe, with the probation, OCSU will be looking for opponents. Let's make them a home-and-away offer.

That's where I would recommend this transfer notice be placed. Sure, he can play (though he's not as good a scorer as Tarver was). But, I'm rather sure he has just one year of eligibility remaining (how many games did he play in his Jr year at WVa.?), and carries a LOT of off-court baggage. If the choice came down to Schifino or Nick Dials, who plays the same position, I'd MUCH rather have Dials on my team -- and I suspect Keith's thinking is along the same lines. Any news out there about Dials??

Good question Cappie. Maybe its because the guides aren't finished till after Aug 15th. When do tix go out? Earlier? They could at least send a guide to booster club members. And to get season tix, ya gotta join, right? So... Good question Cappie.

Funny lady! My frandfather, Arthur Sloat played on that 1920 Akron Pros NFL championship team. I didn't know until I saw him listed by name in the team photo at the Hall of Fame in Canton. Here's another little known fact about Akron and the NFL: The first Dallas team in the NFL, I believe called the Texans, were forced by the NFL to move to Akron due to low attendance in Dallas. They played about 3 or 4 games in 1953 or 54 (?) at the Rubber Bowl before going out of business. We can say Akron had "America's Team".

No -- I think Chuck has something there. I'm relatively sure the NCAA rule allows no more than three paid assistants -- plus an administrative assistant or Director of Basketball Operations. In fact, I did a little quick research and found that no other school I could find (top 10 schools) had more than three assistants listed. Take a look for yourself. That tells me that someone is "on the bubble" at Akron -- or may be going to be a volunteer ass't. Anyone know more?? If I had to guess, I'd say Shaka stays, so either Kraley or Yater gets the short straw. Then again, it could be Fantasia or Diana.

Whoa, whoa, whoa! I Miss You Trey went to high school in Sandusky? I wonder if she knows Zipman? Or is it possible I Miss You Trey and Zipman are One and the Same?!?!?

Things that make you go "Hmmmm?!?" This will give you an idea why nobody in Akron knew the Wingfoots existed: <www.nablhoops.com/teams.htm> The home town is Henderson, Nevada. Exqueeze me?

Captain, you da roo! I've been trying to find info on the Hawaii Chiefs for about the last six months. Their owner is in the pizza biz ovah heah (Boston North End Pizza). Now, I gotta find out when they play. Anybody wanna bet some mac nuts vs OK chips when da Chiefs and 'Foots meet?

Well, it's a nice question, I have to admit. And I'll give credit to JP: how far can you go? But that begs the question: Which is more difficult? Akron has never come close to making it to a D1-A bowl game, and even the Motor City Bowl would be probably the biggest accomplishment in school history (any sport). BUT a basketball trip to the Sweet 16 would be bigger. Then again, some of you can remember the trip to the Tacoma Dome that the soccer team made in 85, losing to Duke in the final. Now that I think about it -- I'd take another trip to the futbal final over all -- because this time, we're takin' it ALL! p.s.: The team is going back to Puget Sound in September. Hope to see someone else from this list there.

According to the PR, this kid should be in the running for the Heisman shortly. So how has he managed to be unsigned in mid-May??? Is he a criminal? Where did you see the CMU info Cap'n? Nice find, BTW.

Some people might present the following question: If this team isn't improved over last year's (8 wins+??), then why did we all dump on the coach? That's a reasonable question, and I hope those who were most vociferously anti-Owens are anticipating more wins. My feelings were, we won as many games as could have been expected last year, but were on a plateau with Lee and needed to find a way to move up long-term. So I still agree with Da Boss's move. That said, I also will be very disappointed if we move backwards and fail to give .500 a real run (i.e., 5+ wins entering the 11th game). Then again, the schedule is markedly improved, and I would call 6-5 a better season than last year's 7-5. Here are some game goals: It's very important that we win at least one of the two home games vs MAC East favorites MU & MU. If we lose both of those, the season will be a failure unless we beat both PSU AND UVA. Another important goal: We can't give up or get creamed late like happened vs Cant St & UW. I think the two MU games are the best chances to spring upsets. PSU third. And the games to look out for, Ball U and UB. Don't be surprised if the Bulls pull a surprise like the BB team and become the most improved team in the MAC. Can't State becomes the new #13. But that may change in 05!

Let me start with the admission that I've never seen DT in person. I wanted to go to Stockton to see him in the Cal JUCO tourney, but didn't make it. I talked with several people who saw him play at the JUCO level, and told me this guy could play just about anywhere. He was a five star (of 10) recruit, with no other MAC recruits above 3-star. Offered by Bob Knight + Fresno & UNLV. Akron got an incredible break with the presence of KD and DT wanting to come home. I feel strongly that rick would have been a much bigger player in a different coaching situation. But, we'll never know. I'm surprised to read the comment that he needs to put on weight. I've always heard that his physical strength at the '2' is his greatest asset. Yes -- of course he needs to learn better defense. But that's within his capacity if he puts his mind to it. I think Derrick can be as good as Derrick decides he wants to be. He needs more "inspiration" than most players perhaps, but he has the tools to play in the NBA, IMHO. Hopefully he finds that inspiration and gets his chance.

Hey, who are these guys? I love that name Razi Penny. But my new fave is an old fave, Corner Willie Nelson, #3, a junior (schol.?) from Buffalo. Here are some other names I never heard of before: #2 Leno. CB with a big chin? Try Vinnie out. #7 Clark, FS. #60 Tom Enright Strong LB from Mentor. There was another name I forget now from Miami that I didn't recognize. Not Pace. Are there any players missing? Is Vince Vaugns still there? Good athlete from OK.

Actually, I am amazed that Coach O'Brien has kept his job after the past season in Columbus. I was sure that he would be let go, and it would kill two birds with one stone when they hired DH as his replacement. In that case, Bryan would be on the pre-season all-Big Ten squad for 04-05. Whoops! -- has to sit a year before taking his place in Suckeye legend, doesn't he? I honestly hope Bryan does decide to stay, as it will be a great sign of that TRUST factor being confirmed. And besides, we can't afford to lose "I Miss U Trey" to Columbus State. But if we did, does the board get one additional scholarship?

Dude! Take a look at the homepage from the link above. This is a Christian sports ministry -- and a GREAT website. Technically Wow! Nice looks on the StV-M kids including Dru and Rome. Even a video clip of Dru on a steal and lovely give for a slam by____ (Rome? -- Not Bron). Mainly basketball but other sports as well. Of course with a God-fearing edge, if that's your thing. The webmaster is a fellow named John Saucier. Any inside info, anyone? Links to Zip website. Hopefully more to come, and can be a nice contribution to the larger Nation.

West Coast...Spread. West Coast...Schwest Coast! I may not be a coach, but I don't think JD's "new" offense will have a lot more sophistication than what LO used -- I just hope it makes more sense. We all discussed the delinquencies of last season, no need hana hou (repeat) there. #5 will have little if any problem "adapting" to the "new offense". If anyone with more football knowledge than me disagrees, please speak up. As if you wouldn't! Here's to a possible 1st round draft pick QB in 04.

Can someone out there please recheck and confirm the description of Bubba? I have NEVER seen anything mentioning that he is only a hundred and fifty-five pounds. In his photos he certainly doesn't look like that. If he were, it would be obvious. I'm dubious about that info. Also -- it would appear that the senior stats for Hanson and Walther both are behind their junior stats. Didn't both average about 17-18 ppg as juniors? And Walther's 3p-point shooting went down to <35% from 40%+? What the Hell gives?? I'm sure the (remaining) coaches must be asking the same questions. BTW -- who the heck ARE our coaches? Do we still have the same ass'ts?? Will KD name new staff members? When??

Hey ZP: I don't have cable, so I've never seen the Sopranos. I just wondered, is that show about a family of opera singers? Someone tell LO and DH, the fat lady has done sung.

Leetonia HS senior Jessica Deville was named the state Division IV Player of the Year this week. Deville signed a letter of intent with the Lady Zips in November. She averaged 24.6 ppg and 14.6 rpg this year, after posting 20 ppg and 14.5 rpg a year ago as a junior. Her FG shooting this season was 60%, down from 65% a year ago.

Hipsher said on the Post-game from Muncie that they were stuck by the five-and-eight rule. Some schools have found a loophole to get an extra body on board, but it looks like the Zips are stuck for this year. From what I've heard, the man from Wauwatosa -- Alan Hanson -- will get some minutes along with Mario Collins backing up Dru at the point. He's a guy who will add another jump shooter out to 3-point land, and will be a capable backup floor chief. He's better than recent HS PG recruits, like Hicks for example. Not a Ball-like athlete, but a better playmaker. Walther could see some spot minutes behind McFadden, but not much. He may even redshirt. Milum? I think he may be a project. Athletic, but from impressions very rough at this time. Don't look for him to be more than a practice player in 04-05. The coaches show was not available on-line (to me at least) last week. That was the first time I tried to tie into the show. It's interesting what's been said about Akron being the "dream job" for KD. Had he worked out at CMU, he'd never have had a chance of coming this way. He'd be at a BCS school now. That's our luck -- and maybe his, if it works! BTW -- has anyone seen the guy on ESPN who twice now has referred to DETROIT as one of the MAC schools that had pulled tournament upsets?? Now that's doin' your homework.