Let'sGoZips94

And based on what Wentz said on the podcast, we're on pace or even ahead of other G5s and have been utilizing NIL for the past ~2 years. It's great to see. According to one of the Ball State fan accounts on Twitter, Jalin Anderson got a bump in NIL at Incarnate Word vs Balls. Makes you wonder if Mr. UCLA is struggling to use the same tactics to build his team/culture in Muncie, IN. Also makes you appreciate Groce that much more.

Bud Wentz just tweeted out the website. It's actually FearTheRooCollective.com . I can confirm this URL does work, although the website isn't complete.

VonCameron Davis is returning to PCCC. 🤢🤮

Everyone says he's more of an NBA-type talent, not college. That's not exactly the description of a guy Groce would go after.

VC is what I've been using. They had the Dawson news 3 hours ago. I keep the Transfers page up at my desk while at work - fascinating to watch everyone go into the Portal. I wonder if a few of those high school offers we have out there still will come back into play. 2 Portal, 1 HS?

They modeled their volleyball facility after Barberton's gym.

I would agree. I was pounding the drum for him prior to the season and man, he just never found his game all year. On top of his poor shooting and lack of dribble drives, he made a lot of bone-headed mistakes. Trying too hard, maybe, but it was all year long. Frustrating.

Mikal Dawson has entered the Portal. There's the first for Akron.

PCCC gets another transfer, this time from Boston U. 6'8" F Anthony Morales. Played in 17 games last year and averaged 10.7 ppg and 4.3 rpg. He's a stretch 4 that had some big time performances in the Patriot League. Not sure if it was injury or eligibility that kept him out for the first month of the season, but his first game wasn't until 12/10. Roller coaster type player that seems to disappear completely for some games, and explode in others. You also may recognize him from his Academy Award Winning performance in the Disney movie "Encanto" where he played Bruno.

My guess is Ohio State. Meechie Johnson just transferred back from South Carolina, and that's LeBron's unofficial son.

Jalin Anderson - Balls guard who averaged 16 PPG - just transferred to Incarnate Word. That's how desirable the "tradition" is in the MAC.

Beat me to it. Note the CBS Sports Network - televised baby!

Based on the research into the Fear the Roo Trust, it looks to be for each individual sport. I do wonder if Wentz is more on the basketball side while Kaulig handles football.

The way Wentz laid it out, it sounds like they're playing the game in a way that obviously keeps them behind the P6s (for the moment until things are restricted), but ahead of most G5s while also feeding into the culture of the team. It serves multiple purposes for Groce and the program as a whole... - Attracts the right kind of person to wear the Akron uniform - Promotes loyalty to the University which ultimately leads to more chemistry on the court (hopefully) with longer termed players rather than one & dones

They never came close to their shooting percentages vs us in any of the other games. They might've been bounced in round 1 had they shot their other percentages.

I had the same issue on my phone but wasn't sure if it was a work WiFi issue.

This was a fascinating listen. Bud Wentz needs to be at the forefront of PR for the University - he's a tremendous communicator. For those that haven't listened to this, here are some key takeaways... - NIL program is built around community involvement; designed to retain players more so than attract players; Wentz believes there are changes in NIL are coming very soon that will make Akron's program more of the model as the "pay to play" schemes are going to get shut down - FearTheRooCollective.com is the NIL site; they're working on finalizing it to be more formal and easy to use; he mentioned one time donations, monthly donations, etc., and a wide range of amounts starting as low as $10 - The basketball practice facility isn't finished yet; a grand opening is expected at some point; Wentz said our facilities across the board are nicer than most mid majors, including James Madison - Akron basketball alumni, since Groce has been here, have returned at a very high rate to continue to support the program. Part of the NIL program is a former player assistance program so they can be involved and build longevity with the program @roopride You asked what is a better donation destination - the school itself or the NIL? That's a personal preference, but I'll say this: success in college athletics drives enrollment. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/online-colleges/does-march-madness-performance-drive-college-application-rates/

Does this mean we'll be able to compete with UMass?

Did anyone know about this?

Trimble was a headache that could've built entire cities with the number of bricks he put up. Coit has averaged 15 & 20 PPG these last 2 years. I ultimately trust Groce & Co to build the right team, but I would've loved 15+ per night from Trimble. So no, I don't feel better. 😂

Well happy Monday to you, too. Damn. Way to (Kent yellow) pee in our Cheerios...

If I'm not mistaken, there was a direct pipeline built a few years ago from DeKalb to Akron. 🤷‍♂️ Also, I believe this will be the week we hear of any current Zips transferring out, if there are any.