Z-Pouch

No offense CK, but I did miss the side board stats on Saturday. Atleast, it was something, no stats was really bad. Good idea from ZW in posting rebounds - I kept wondering how many Romeo had and how bad we were beating OU on the boards One other thing, if the Blue Hairs are complaining about the sound system being to loud, DO NOT change a thing for the Can't game. Screw em, it sounded awesome. I sat down low for the OU game and was amazed by all of the pompous attitudes that exist down there - I'm staying in my upper reserved seats until something changes. Our group was cheering and standing up for a big national televised game only to get looks from other Zips ( ) fans around us. The blue hairs don't cheer, stand up, nor rally behind this team even on scoring runs. I'm not even sure some of them are even awake (I do know one of them was actually knitting a blanket.... ......). Give the students a side section and kick out the dead wood. Absolutely annoying.

In case of a tie with Can't for the best record, the second tie breaker would start comparing Akron/Can't records (in percentage) with the next highest ranked opponents in the overall league until the tie is broken. Unfortunately, this tie breaker for the #1 seed goes to Can't right now due to their 2-0 record versus Miami. We need an Ohio victory next week @Can't for any chance at the #1 seed.Most probable finish has the Zips tying with Can't at 15-3 and sharing the regular season title but losing the #1 seed as mentioned. Remember, this is not all that bad - the #2 seed in the tourney is from the West putting them in our bracket if the regular season plays out this way.Below is a breakdown from an Ohio fan. Since the work is done, I'll just post it and say thanks to him. 1) Can't St. 14-2 2) WMU 10-6 3) Akron 13-3 4) Miami 12-4 5) NIU 9-6 6) OHIO 9-7 7) Toledo 7-8 8) Buffalo 6-9 9) Ball State 5-10 (1-0 vs. BGSU) 10) BGSU 5-10 (0-1 vs. Ball St.) 11) EMU 2-13 12) CMU 1-14 Sunday's match-ups: BGSU @ Buffalo Ball St. @ Toledo EMU @ NIU If the season ended today: CMU @ WMU EMU @ Ohio BGSU @ Toledo Ball St. @ Buffalo Remaining Schedules: Akron: @Buffalo, Can't NIU: EMU, @Ball St., @WMU Can't: Ohio, @Akron Miami: @BGSU, Buffalo Ohio: @Can't, BGSU WMU: @Toledo, NIU Buffalo: BGSU, Akron, @Miami Toledo: Ball St, WMU, @CMU BGSU: @Buffalo, Miami, @Ohio Ball St: @Toledo, NIU, @EMU EMU: @NIU, @CMU, Ball St CMU: EMU, Toledo Based on the remaining schedules, (Ohio fan) predicts the following final standings: 1) Can't 15-3 (Wins tie-breaker with Akron by virtue of 2-0 vs. Miami) 2) WMU 11-7 (1-1 vs. NIU, 1-0 vs. Miami) 3) Akron 15-3 (loses tie-breaker with Can't by virtue of 1-1 vs. Miami) 4) Miami 14-4 5) NIU 11-7 (1-1 vs. WMU, 0-1 vs. Miami) 6) Ohio 10-8 (1-0 vs. Toledo) 7) Toledo 10-8 (0-1 vs. Ohio) 8) Buffalo 7-11 9) Ball St. 6-12 10) BGSU 5-13 11) EMU 4-14 12) CMU 1-17 That would make the first round matchups: CMU @ OHIO EMU @ NIU BGSU @ Toledo BSU @ Buffalo

Sounds to me like you have an ax to grind with KD - everyone has an opinion. No one has indicated past Bubba that this team has had or has any internal issues. I know ZW, CK, I and others watched a very good team in the late 90's be destroyed by in fighting and it was not pretty. I wouldn't start such general BS rumors that you cannot finish. I personally think you are full of it from what I have seen and heard.19-7 after all of the obstacles is pretty damn good.Just my two cents........

Received this at work today. It's unbelievable and worthy of posting.CLICK MECheck out the fans going crazy.

I’m going to give Dambrot some credit and criticism on this one so fire up the replies if you like…..I got to believe that if you’re practicing well, you will earn minutes. KD's a straight shooter.Who are you going to play? You are out of scholarship players and down to counting on walk ons --- Don’t kid yourself, there is a huge drop off in talent at that point. Based on practices, KD obviously doesn’t believe he can afford to play the walk ons and still win the games. Miraz, Sowers and Goddard must not be playing at crucial times in tight games due to their defensive liability. From what I’ve seen which is limited to games not practices, Sowers has the most potential of that group to provide valuable minutes. Miraz and Goddard are just out of their element – size and speed, they are role/practice players. Sowers however, is taller, more athletic and should be able to hold his own in the right defensive schemes. Offensively he has shown a really nice shot this year. He has potential but it needed to be developed in games. However, I’m sure now is the time to start developing anyone – that opportunity was missed when KD decided not to play Sowers or anyone else when we were leading by 10 and 20 points throughout the season. I won’t argue that KD may have been too conservative in handling larger leads and at the end of some blowouts. A classic was seeing Dials and his knee out on the floor up by 15-20 at home and 3 minutes left in the game. What the ........ I doubt playing Ohio, @Buffalo and Can't will provide any chance of comfortably getting anyone new into the game and change rotations. So, can 3 guards playing a combined number of minutes greater then 80 work – probably not. But can they handle up to 80 minutes – absolutely if spread out. This is where I think our problem lies, we can't play too many (if any) 3 guard sets for what we have on the bench. KD has to really limit these or we are going to be in trouble playing consecutive days. Solution - Peterson has to get more minutes at the 3….or even Sowers in those instances as a #2 or #3 (he won't kill the defense)……..Rybak would be an option but his disappointing freshman season hasn’t helped.All of this tired guard talk reminds me of the Getsy/Ferguson threads during football season, I think JD knew what he was doing there and it seemed to work out just fine. :macc:

I agree. This is an ignorant thread. One loss where we were overmatched by a better top 20 team and the score got ugly and another that could have gone either way. They converted the crucial 3, we did not. Two possessions decided that game. Guess what - both losses were on the road. Now, we come back to the friendly confines of the JAR and our 25-1 record over the past two years and you are jumping off the wagon. You gotta be kidding me. At the JAR, we shoot better, defend harder, and opposing teams pay for coming into our house. Why will Saturday be any different ? The Rowdies need to show up and make a statement to the Ozone on how far Akron has come this year and where we are going. BTW - if you're still on the wagon and coming up to speed, the Ozone is the best student section in MAC BB. It's time for the Rowdies to step it up if they are serious. The next several weeks are what college basketball is all about, I can't imagine a better setup in the East to finish off the year. It's going to be a great ride.On a separate note - Congrats to the "Porkies seven" and creators of this board - As we see more trolls and alley can'ts hanging around due to our success, you have done nothing but make every Zips fan proud of what you have created and it only keeps getting better. Coming up on 400 registered.Thanks.

Those guys are pretty funny over there. I give them credit - they've got a good board going.In general though, they don't seem too confident about Saturday's game.

Good point. Maybe the mods could change his name automatically to Alley Cat. It's sad not to have a real home and more then a handful of people interested in talking about your teams. Alley Cat.......Any other suggestions for our new found homeless friend ?

Psssst....Here's a clue.....This is the Zips board. You might want to consider going over to the MacBB if you would like to talk to 10 other people about Can't sports. You would think that the logos, colors and other threads would have been enough to figure it out.Be gone with yourself now, we're bored with the show and your lack of class.

I agree. That was very well done last year. I’m a little disappointed with this year’s version, not sure I understand the change.I also wonder why they ditched the Rachael Rush taped pre-game interviews while people were coming into the arena. I thought those were pretty good and a nice way to use the scoreboard in addition to highlights during early warm-ups.Overall though, the use of the scoreboard has really improved this year.

NY Times ArticleDare to dream........But who can argue with 19-6 and all the hurdles that they have overcome this year.

Butler and their #120 RPI on the road VersusNeveda and their #30 RPI at home...No wonder you go to Can't. BTW - Butler is not in 1st place in their conference (the almighty Horizon league, home of CSU and YSU) .....You see 10-4 is not as good as 11-4 WSMK -- I know counting is difficult for Can't. I'm guessing that you will also turn the <2k attendance tomorrow into 4k.You know so little but are so amusing. Thanks for helping us all remember that even on a tough night, there are worse alternatives in life - a Can't State education........

What are you guys smoking ????Absolutely no where in that article does Pluto even suggest a match up between Akron and Walsh. It's actually a pretty good article about some local kids. Since Pluto's "showing some love article", I have had several outside business associates come up and comment out of the blue about the Zips (2 even asked about tickets - just weird). Funny but the guy carries some weight around this area. I second, third and fourth that we schedule only Div 1 opponents in BB and FB for the regular season. That Dennison game was brutal to watch - Felt pretty sorry for those guys losing a real game by 70. Although, I never thought I'd see a college team score 70 points in a half. (BTW - I'd guess that exhibition games probably have to be against NAIA, Lower Divisions, or traveling foreign clubs)

The lights aren't really on in Can't are they.......?My point as stated in some posts above is that OSU would have everything to lose in this in state match up and little to gain with a presumed victory before tip off. It's was kind of the theme of this whole thread. I can try and type slower if you think it would help

Wow - Dare to dream of that 1st round matchup. An absolute nightmare for OSU.

AND YOU STILL DRAW AN INFLATED 3500 IN ATTENDANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SAD....VERY SADNice win and comeback from 13 down

Sorry. Not happening. He has work to complete at his "dream" job and the University that gave him a second chance. Credit Proenza on that not Thomas.This is your third post on this subject with no replies. Take the Wake Forest coach and go away.

You can't beat articles and free PR like this from the top writer at the Beacon. People in the Akron community listen and respect Pluto's opinions. If you can forget the past and look forward, this is only a good thing and helps UA. This article is quite different then the Can't article he wrote earlier in the week where he called them out on inflating attendance. Thanks Terry.Showing some love for ZipsBy Terry PlutoSince the surprising University of Akron men's basketball team was playing on Valentine's Day, it's time to say I love what coach Keith Dambrot has done with the program.I love how he has won with a bunch of underrated, overachieving local players -- guys such as Dru Joyce III, Matt Futch and Romeo Travis, all of whom had no other major-college offers.I love how the Zips are so unselfish, how they aren't especially fast or strong. Nor would anyone say they're big for a Division I college team. Not when they often play three guards in the 6-foot range at the same time.I love how they move the ball from one side of the court to the other, how the players usually end up in the right spot when the ball comes to them when it's time to shoot.I love how their defense is disciplined, how they can switch from man-to-man to a few different zones with little problem.I love how the Zips lead the Mid-American Conference in scoring, yet they could win a physical, body-slamming game as they did 77-62 over Bowling Green before 3,869 fans Tuesday night at Rhodes Arena.I love how Rhodes has become their personal playpen in two years since Dambrot became coach -- 25-1 in the past two years. They are 11-0 this season, winning by an average of 21 points on this floor.I love how UA truly does share the ball. Travis is the leading scorer at 14 points per game; Joyce and Nick Dials are at 10 points.I love how Dials fit perfectly with Dambrot's style. Dials was a walk-on at Ohio State, played a year for the Buckeyes, starting nine games as freshman. When there was a coaching change, Dials knew his court time would be limited.I love how Dials came back from major knee surgery in six months to start for the Zips, and how he plays every game like a kid still trying to make the team.I love how Joyce plays like a 10-year NBA pro in terms of how he knows how to lead an offense, work the shot clock and play solid position defense.I love how Travis has proved wrong so many critics who believed that he was nothing more than a product of playing with LeBron James at St. Vincent-St. Mary.I love that the Zips are 19-5 and headed for their first 20-victory season since they were 21-8 in 1988-89, the final year of coach Bob Huggins when they were an independent.I love what Dambrot is doing -- one of the best, least-noticed coaching jobs in the country. In the previous four years before Dambrot became the coach, the Zips didn't have a winning record. Overall, they were 49-66, 30-42 in the MAC. Now, they are 12-2 in the MAC, leading rival Can't State (11-2) by a half-game in the East Division.I love how Dambrot has been able to win without bringing in a bunch of junior-college transfers, how this is not a quick-fix program. Darryl Peterson, Rob Preston and Futch are the seniors. Usually, only of them starts.I love how Preston is blooming as a senior, demonstrating that he's far more than just a 6-foot-9 jump shooter. He's playing the best basketball of his career at absolutely the right time.I love how freshman Matt Linhart is developing into a skilled 6-foot-7 forward, capable of starting for the rest of his career.I love how Dambrot made room for local walk-ons Chad Marz (St. Vincent-St. Mary) and Nick Goddard (Wadsworth) on the roster.I love how UA was able to overcome a major knee injury to Jeremiah Wood, the rebounding machine from Central-Hower who played only 10 games last season. He has a medical redshirt this year. He'll have two years left to play beginning next fall.I love how UA basketball looks good again next year with Joyce, Travis, Dials, Linhart, Wood and Cedric Middleton returning -- and playing with extensive experience.I love how UA basketball has become fun again.

Most active thread of the day so I thought why not post something game related.Questions for the BG game 1) Do Zips cover 14 point spread ? I saw the game at BG, they can shoot the 3 but have little inside game. If they’re hot from outside, it could be close but I think the Zips cover.2) Attendance tonight ? >3500 on Hallmark V day holiday would be pretty good. Unfortunately, I’m not overly optimistic. 3) Softball pitch/hit halftime festivities - Does Rasor swing like a girl and strikeout ? foul off a couple balls ? Line one thru the net into the crowd ? Take one in the shoulder ala Rudy of the Bad News Bears (a softball leaves a pretty nasty mark) ? For all he has done on his Ohio.com Blog for the Zips, I hope he lines one into the net, gets a standing ovation and then thanks ZipsNation.org for all the support. I’m still not sure how they plan on running this at the half but should be interesting. BW3s pregame should be happening with the late start

Zipper - to add to your point. The JAR is probably better then most of the arenas in the MAC especially with upgraded sound system and scoreboard. I'd take it over Can't State, BG, and Buffalo in a second. I think the problem around here with the general fan is that their standards are a bit higher due to professional sports teams and their facilities. Even minor league baseball teams, now offer outrageous amenities. Local fans are a bit spoiled.I don’t think that the current JAR is the main factor at all but could be better. When that place is full with Akron fans, it’s actually pretty good and tough place to play for visiting teams. Unfortunately, we don’t fill it up often enough so people can experience it. There is that stupid old saying – A crowd draws a crowd.Fear the Roo - First, nice side signature/pic. Second, Completely agree, the students are the key and easiest target. Does anyone else think it is a good idea to put some of them on the side lower baselines seats in addition to behind the basket ? Everyone in college hoops is doing it. Kick the blue hairs who dont cheer upstairs in the rafters...or ,make them spend some $$$ for center court season tickets.

I found one of the more interesting points to be the dislike of the JAR and specifically the inner track in the upper deck. I know there were rumors in the past about gutting the JAR and reconfiguring. Getting rid of the track and creating walkways under the stands would greatly improve the place. Seems to me that the JAR has potential if reconfigured to increase capacity, create more of arena environment, and move upper and side seats closer to the court. Atleast, I would love to see an expanded walk in team shop, ticket office and concessions by using some of the classroom space. does the U actually need to have classrooms in the JAR at this time ? Readers tell why they skip UA gamesZips' lack of winning tradition is top reasonBy Tom GaffneyA collective nerve was touched last week when it was pointed out that the small attendance at the University of Akron's men's basketball games is puzzling, considering the quality of the product.Few were happy to see it in print, but the more enlightened readers understood that its purpose was to stir action among anyone involved in being part of the solution.Coach Keith Dambrot, whose first-place team plays host to Bowling Green at Rhodes Arena tonight, said he ``will do what it takes to fix the problem.'' Athletic Director Mack Rhoades said an ambitious sale of tickets in basketball -- and football -- is one of his top priorities.Most problem-solving is aided by communication from the masses. This one is no exception. The Beacon Journal asked readers to tell us why they don't go to basketball games, and there were 20 replies via e-mail, three by voice mail and one by regular mail. That is not enough to be statistically relevant, but it provides enough information to be taken seriously.The No. 1 reason -- the primary point in three replies and a secondary one in four others -- was that the basketball program's successes years ago were at the small-college level, not in Division I.``I can't get excited because the tradition is so spotty. What have they really done? When they have `been there' (regular postseason appearances), I might get excited,'' said one respondent.Another wrote: ``This team has shown no `run,' even in the MAC Tournament.''One caller said longtime UA boosters have not returned to Zips sporting events because of the ouster of popular football coach Jim Dennison after the 1985 season. ``Many have not forgotten that or forgiven the university,'' the caller said.Geography was also an issue: UA is in a pro market and in an area with another outstanding college team. ``Unlike some MAC schools situated in cornfields, Akron isn't so lucky. If you are a casual basketball fan, the Cavs are playing great, and pro basketball outshines college. You still have Can't State as a competitor, and a lot of area people have Can't State ties,'' a reader wrote.Dissatisfaction with Rhodes Arena was stated in three replies.``I went to a game a few years ago and had the `pleasure' of sitting in the upper deck. Is there any reason why we have to sit on the other side of the running track? Let me know when they put bleachers on the track, and I will try again,'' a reader wrote. Another said, ``It is nothing more than a large gymnasium, not an arena.''The price of tickets ($20, $15 and $11) and price increases through the years were mentioned several times. ``The cost of a ticket is why I don't go,'' said one reader. ``If the prices were half, they might get more of a crowd. A senior citizen or family discount might be considered.''The lack of student support -- though students get in free -- also was cited. Only one UA student responded, but the contents were interesting: ``Most of the students at Akron work so much, they can't take the time to go to the games. I haven't even had the time to enjoy the new student center. There is no way I am going to call off work to see a bunch of guys who get school for free just because they are good at sports. I think a lot of other students feel the same way,'' he wrote.Other reasons mentioned include the Zips' inability to beat Can't State, the lack of parking, a lack of signs leading to Rhodes Arena, the quality of Akron's opponents, the quality of the Zips' players, the large number of games on the radio and TV, and the lack of students living on campus.Home attendance for the rest of the season is destined to improve markedly, with Bowling Green tonight, defending MAC champion Ohio University on Feb. 25 and rival Can't State on March 1.The only indicator of true improvement might come next season when fans will see a loaded team that will be the MAC favorite.

We went 2-0 last week. I don't think the voters really care about who's winning the MAC at all. This week is huge for the Zips. One game at a time and no looking past BG but the game at Neveda lines up to put Akron on the mid major map and bubble. A win there might mean more nationally then any regular season conference victory left on the schedule.Beat BG first.

Pluto did comment on the inflated attendance figure by Can't. For him to point it out in the paper, it must have been really bad. On Livingston, I agree with Ratfink - He doesn't know jack about this year. He doesn't follow the MAC closely and has no insight other then Can't's decent tradition. The Zips will show them on the court that this year wil be different.

If you think UAM will use the pathetic feedback of the bitter clowns that respond to this plea, you're nuts. If UAM is smart, he will listen to the feedback. He's already got my money and yours. The people writing, which I doubt many will, are the one's that could be going to the games. There are bound to be a couple of good ideas or insight into the potential local fan base especially if a person takes the time to send something in. I hope we get to see them in a folllow up article w/university interviews and I hope we are open minded enough to listen and address them. Maybe a Gaffney/Captain sitdown is in order We will just continue to disagree on the Beacon (mainly their BB coverage). Gaffney’s coverage so far has been pretty good. In this article, he’s calling a real and difficult issue out and actually seems angry about it (Compare this to anything Morgan/FB has done). Does he take a few cheap shots at this board ? No doubt but overall I think he wants to see things improve. I do think he made a mistake in not interviewing Mack or Waddell to shed some light on the University’s take on the attendance. You know that I conceded Morgan in football and Pluto's woe is me editorials to you a long time ago. I just can’t give up on the BB yet. The one real positive I’ve seen from the Beacon is letting Rasor have space on Ohio.com. Now, you’ve got to admit that one. Maybe someday, we will be lucky enough to see someone like him at the Beacon, that is if it still exists a couple of years from now..

Tom - Nice article. Finally, someone at the ABJ speaks out and takes on an issue directly with some edge.He's absolutely right. It's our problem not the ABJs ( In the end, they will be indirectly part of the solution but only reporting on UA’s actions) - To correct it, we need wins , creative marketing and promotions, student groups, league and MAC championships, bowl games, MAC tourney wins and post season tourneys. I think you get the point - we are getting there but undoing years of average play and lack of student support doesn't happen overnight. We've got some big BB games coming up - people will show up because UAM will do the right things to fill the seats.I hope they follow thru and print the "why I don’t go to games responses". It will be great feedback for UAM and pinpoint issues to address with the potential fan base