Let'sGoZips94

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.

David Coit has entered the Portal!

Negative. Hankerson was a double digit scorer at NIU - 9.1 PPG at Akron.

There is no floor lower than what was set by our two NIU transfers thus far.

The way they officiate Edey, Freeman would've fouled out in 2 minutes.

Yes please. Here's his highlight real. NAIA and stats aren't the full story. This dude is a FORCE. 6'8", very physical, and an in-game dunk contest winner. Groce & co. will coach up all the fundamentals. Get this guy in the Akron Blue & Gold.

I feel stupid for not picking UCONN in my bracket. They're a wagon.

Because Bama elevated themselves to become a program worth leaving for. The SEC as a whole has revamped its basketball profile. Colorado is losing Eddie Lampkin. New Mexico is losing Mashburn. The Portal can hurt everyone.

The system isn't necessarily designed to screw over the MAC or bottom 15 conferences. There are nearly 50 MAC players in the Portal, but that's out of 1100+ players so far. The amount of P6s losing talent is asinine as well. The system hurts everyone who hasn't elevated themselves to be blue bloods in today's game. The MAC chose to sit on its hands for 2+ decades. The only thing they've ever been ahead of was cancelling the 2020 MAC Tournament, and that is controversial at best. When they allowed Marshall, UCF, UMass football, etc., to use their conference as a quick stepping stone, that was the first large nail in the coffin for the MAC. They then sold their souls to "separate" themselves with mid-week MACtion football, sacrificing the essence of collegiate football/athletics - Saturday GameDay environments. Steinbrecher is dying on the hill of "tradition" and blocking most, if not all "forward thought" marketing that would separate the MAC and re-establish itself as a top G5 conference. It's not a desirable conference to play in comparatively.

Yes. https://www.ncaa.com/mens-final-four/future-info

Utah State AD: "Tod, you have a very impressive record over the last few seasons. Why haven't I seen Toledo on Selection Sunday?" Tod: "Cleveland." Utah State AD: "Well Tod, we have aspirations of making runs in March and the Mountain West's conference tournament is in Las Vegas. And next year, Cleveland is a First & Second Round site for the Tourney. How exciting is that - right in the backyard of your old stomping grounds?" Tod:

*Their entire team. All of their top production is in the Portal.

There are over 1100 players in the portal currently for DI according to Verbal Commits. This is not isolated to the MAC or even G5 for that matter. Only 5 MAC teams had a winning record this year - Akron, Ohio, Toledo, CMU, and Bowling Green. For comparison, the A10's 9 seed had 20+ wins. It was a pee poor year for the MAC. Of the winning teams, Toledo is losing their coach most likely, so their departures are expected. CMU and Bowling are the head scratchers, but then again it's CMU and Bowling. Anybody worth their snuff on the court probably wants to play anywhere else but Mt Pleasant, MI, and Bowling Green, OH. Graduations will hurt the MAC more so than the Portal probably, and I think there's a good chance the influx of talent from recruiting and the Portal (eventually) will be better than what we saw with the MAC this year top to bottom.

Anthony Pritchard (CMU) has entered the Portal. That means the entire All-MAC First Team is currently gone, and only one Second Team member is set to return. No Honorable Mention team members, 2 Third Team members, and 4 Freshman Team members are also set to return at this time. Still a month left of the Portal. To be fair, the MAC sucked last year. This might be addition by subtraction in some cases.

I don't want to be around that stench more than I have to be - which is already 3x every year it seems.

And throw the ball out of bounds on a throw away.