Z.I.P.

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.

Now is it just me, or does this new poster "Dare Ya" have a literary style remarkably close to another member of this board, with the #34 in her name? And how interesting that they are both shills for DH and co. How interesting! Now can we all move on -- to the Dambrot era?

I've seen Jason Taylor a couple times in what I think is his first solo commercial spot -- for Neutrogena shave creme. It's a 10 second spot that makes a good filler in the basketball action. He's obviously a natural with his photogenicity. He's also a spokespeson for Under Armour, and is on a large poster ad for that. With his success in the ad world -- and I read that he was filming a cameo or small role in a feature film -- you can't help wondering if he will finish his new contract with the Fish thru (?) 2009. I imagine the networks have their eyes on him as a future color man. I think if he can make a few more Pro Bowl teams he still has a shot at making it to Canton, but that's barely worth discussing. I just wish he would stop to sign anything I hold up for him when he DOES come to the Pro Bowl. I'm 0 for 2 on autograph attempts. I'll ask my local boy from Waipahu if he's been puking out his lau lau and poi.

Can you slugs give a little more insight about Dambrot's "coaching style" while at St.V's to an "out-of-towner"? I never saw Bron's team play till his senior year, in which they played a standard half-court offense and defense. Can we look for a Huggins style "go after the ball full-court trapping defense?? Oh, how I hope so. That's my game, baby! I love to watch the old UCLA zone press. The good times. They are a'comin'.

Well, they DID add an audio link. Only it appears that it was all over already by then. I hope they learned to plan ahead next time! Ferpete'sake.

Doesn't look like an auspicious start for UAM/media relations. The promised link to a video feedback has not materialized on gozips.com. Too bad!

That's the big shaka comin' atcha from the Land of Aloha. This is as much excitement as I can recall during March Madness in many a year! Is there going to be a "Call the Coach" show? I'd like to congratulate my classmate -- and our AD for setting us on the right track. /s/ Da Zip in Paradise

ALOHA! And as you know that means "Goodbye" and "Hello". The end of one era brings the beginning of a new one. I think both change AND continuity can be found in a new UA men's bb coach. And as Rat Fink has pointed out, it's already here. And I can't imagine as suggested abe, that Keith would think of stretching the rules to win at alma mater. I can't see that in a Dambrot. It's not in their makeup. But, BTW -- is KD's sister still a FOX? Well, that was a long time ago, but I haven't changed. And, while we're at it, I still haven't fully recovered from UA Psych Professor Dr Faye Dambrot causing me to appear before some administrative Toady for alleged academic cheating! All I did was write down a question to an exam and put it in my pocket to look up later. All that because Dr Dambrot refused to provide students with the answers to her tests -- after they were over, I mean!. Here's to the future of Zips hoops.

Here're two more names that played themselves right off the All-MAC team: Edwards and Netter. Netter came into the season with the tag, "the next Kaman". and goes out anonymously. Poor hands, not physical enough, lacks "big man instincts". Edwards campaign went out the same time as the Senator from No'th Ca'lina. About three weeks ago, coaches found out he can't pass the ball, and just collapsed two and three guys on him whenever he gets the ball in the paint. At this time, I'd say Tarver and Triplett are the best NBA hopes the league has to offer.

Akron historians: I seem to recall hearing at one point that rifle is one of the two sports in which Akron has won NCAA Championships. The other being the Rick Bednar formed and led archery team (76?). Did UA win a rifle title in the 60s or early 70s? Possibly an offshoot of having one of the largest Army ROTC programs in the Vietnam era.