The Hip Zip

FUNNY STUFF Dr. Z , I suppose that should be a prerequisite as well. I can't (no pun intended) tell you how happy I am that he's gone.He's a jerk and a jerk without talent at that. Even my wife would ask where did they find that guy when I would check in on a Can't game.

Oh happy days !! His performance was abysmal. He had to be the poorest play by play guy I have ever heard. The funny thing about it was that he was real arrogant and thought he was the greatest. Can't State's biggest problem will be finding a replacement with connections that can read a stat sheet.

Could not agree more. It's a lot of fun to support this program for the very reasons that you mentioned.I could not be more pleased with direction our program has turned under Keith. I like the winning but I love the characterof the young men that I've seen on the floor at Akron. It's nice to see that success can be achieved by doing things the right way.

Just the tip of the iceberg, just wait for Evans to get settled in.

Mac hoops luncheon from the Q on NOWfrom the Q

Agree with Rowdy and the kid here. The Orangemen's greatest strength was their ability to run the ball on us. I'm sure that's a fact that the Cardinal staff is acutely aware of so I expect to see plenty of Lewis. Our best chances will rely on the Zip's offense to sustain a few good time consuming drives to keep the powerful Ball State offense off of the field.Also, a positive turnover ratio is a must !GO ZIPS, this is a big one !!!

"EVERY MINUTE" The streak lives on

I agree, but its easier said than done. The Cards use him in different ways in many formations, even the backfield. It will be quite a challenge to keep him down. On another note, their defense is nothing special at all and I think that we have a good chance to keep up with them. This will probably be the most entertaining game on the home schedule and I'm really looking forward to this one. We may need a calculator, rather than the scoreboard, to tally up all the scoring.

Wow, terrific job Zips, I'm really thrilled at the prospects of bringing home a national chamionship!!

see anybody you know?

It all seems to make sense, Sammy's inconsistancy was incomprehensible (until now). He'd be all world one night then pull a disappearing act the next. Sammy's act seemingly bothered Joplin as well as his minutes on the floor were often reduced as well. Would not at all be surprised if UT caught wind of this investigation and it was a contributing factor to Stan's dismissal.A little follow up:TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) - Point-shaving allegations against a former University of Toledo basketball player are related to gambling charges filed last year against a former Toledo football player, an FBI spokeswoman said.Sammy Villegas, a guard who finished his college career in 2006, is accused of shaving points in games during the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons. The allegations by federal prosecutors became known last week.Running back Harvey ''Scooter'' McDougle Jr. was charged in April 2007 with participating in a bribery scheme to influence sporting contests. A month later, those charges were dropped, but the investigation continued.''The charges against Mr. Villegas are part of a larger investigation that encompasses Mr. McDougle, and that investigation is ongoing,'' said Sandra Berchtold, an FBI spokeswoman in Detroit.Federal prosecutors filed a bill of information in U.S. District Court in Detroit on June 30 that also accused Villegas of paying another player who took part in the point-shaving ring.McDougle's attorney, James Burdick, said this week that authorities haven't indicated that Villegas is connected with the charges against McDougle.''I have not heard from anyone, the district attorney or the FBI, that there was anything new of relevance against my client,'' he said.A university spokesman last week described the cases as isolated incidents.

A former University of Toledo basketball player has been charged with fixing games in the latest development in a nearly two-year federal gambling probe.Sammy Villegas is accused of shaving points in games during the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons, according to a federal indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit. Villegas is charged with conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery. No trial date has been set, but court documents specify a sentencing date of Nov. 18, which may indicate that he is cooperating with the government.The charges carry a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.Villegas, a 6-foot-6 guard who finished his career at the school in 2006, is also accused of paying another Toledo player who took part in the point-shaving scheme, prosecutors said. The other player was not charged or named in the indictment, which was filed June 30.Any cooperation by Villegas could be a breakthrough in the government's slow-moving investigation. Authorities have told ESPN.com that the probe is focused on 51-year-old Ghazi Manni, the manager of a family-owned grocery in Detroit.Federal investigators have focused on both the Toledo men's basketball and football programs. Last year, former Toledo football running back Harvey "Scooter" McDougle was charged on a similar gambling offense. Those charges were later dropped on a procedural matter, though authorities haven't ruled out the possibility that McDougle could be charged again.According to sources, McDougle cooperated with investigators as they sought to make a case against Manni. Federal documents revealed that FBI agents used electronic surveillance to listen in to conversations between McDougle and Manni.Manni declined comment Wednesday night when reached by ESPN.com.In an interview last year, Manni said the feds had come by his store, but he declined to speak with them."They tried. They came up here," Manni said. "I got nothing to say to nobody."At the time, Manni revealed a single-page federal document -- dated April 23, 2007 -- showing that a U.S. district court judge signed off on five separate wiretaps of Manni's phone. The wiretaps were in effect intermittently from November 2005 through December 2006.The seven-page indictment filed against Villegas reveals that federal investigators picked up the player on at least four phone conversations, including three on the same day, with what is described as a "conspirator."On Feb. 4, 2006, Villegas placed a call to a conspirator in Michigan at about 12:15 p.m. Villegas made another call to a conspirator in Michigan at 12:29 p.m. He made another at 3:57 p.m.On that same day, according to the indictment, Villegas is accused of intentionally missing two free throws in a game against "Central State University." The box score for Feb. 4, 2006, however, shows that Toledo beat conference rival Central Michigan 78-62 that day.The home game tipped off at 7 p.m. Villegas came off the bench to play 21 minutes, hitting his only shot of the game, a three-pointer, and missing two free throws.John Belanger, Villegas's attorney, did not respond to a message left by ESPN.com on Wednesday evening.Villegas is from Puerto Rico and was an alternate on that nation's Olympic basketball team four years ago. He currently lives in the Dominican Republic, where he is playing this year for the Los Cocolos de San Pedro Macoris

Nate is going to be a senior next year. He had better start developing into somthing soon. Nate goes through 3-4 minute periods in each game where he plays good and then disappears for the rest of the game. He must do better next yeNate's most valuable contibutions are on the defensive side of the ball, and seldom noticed by casual observers of the game. He does not have lapses on D and has often locked down several great"urban type"(as you put it) offensive scorers. Pound for pound, he is tough as they come.

I prefer to observe the players as human beings, not just as parts of a machine. Rarely in sports do you come across a guy with more determination and courage as Cedrick Middleton. I will greatly miss never seeing Ced play again. If you simply assess our seniors by their numbers, I would agree that Wood will be the guy who can not be replaced. If you look at character and courage, all three of our starting seniors provided the team with nothing but the greatest effort every single game despite playing most of the season at far less than 100%. This legacy has already been passed down to the underclassmen and will provide the stimulus for yet another good year in '08-'09It's my belief that this team vastly exceeded the expectations of most and the contagious character of a guys like Ced, Nick and Wood was the greatest reason why. Congrats Keith and guys for a most memorable season

I can not wait to see this game ! Umass loves to run and gun and I really enjoy seeing the Zips get up and down the floor a bit. We are deep enough to keep up with the pace and are better, probably much better on defense than UMass is. We can take these guys on their floor just like we did FSU. It should be one of the more entertaining, fast paced match ups that we have seen in quite some time.GO ZIPS!!

Love these brackets, even if it's just for bragging rights.

Not to piss on anybodys pancakes or anything, but who really gives a rat's ass about any of this??

I strongly agree with that opinion. But I'd rather it not be a concern at all.lets just.................KICK Can't ASS TONIGHT!!!

I think that Akron can take some positives out of this one. Not many teams that thrive on the 3 ball could overcome something like 1/21 shooting beyond the arc and still make a game of it vs. a very good team. Akron did this and that should keep them from suffering a deep psychological funk after the loss to their arch rival heading up to Cleveland.three observations:1.The officials called a very loose first half which greatly aided Kents physical style of play. The whistles tightend up in the 2nd half and that was a factor in the Zips comeback. Can't could have some difficulty should they draw an over zealous crew in Cleveland. If loose whistles follow the flushes, they probably will not lose.2. Not sure uf the flushes saw much intense full court pressure all season, but they looked like a deer in headlights tonight. The Zips exposed a flaw that may benifit us in Cleveland.3. Al Fisher is a great talent. Has a very polished game inside and outside.

Sold

YES!Need one ticket! But will take two if you let me know how much?mikereynolds4444@gmail.com(moderator, dont worry about this being up, its just a backup email it already has plenty of junk mail ha)You have mail

Great story, I've had the pleasure of chatting with Phil at a couple of games and it's very apparent that Chris and Bret have terrific and supportive parents. I was saddened to hear that Phil was ill in French's wrap up from OU. Here's hopes that he feels better soon.

Of general admission tickets? Hippies need not apply

Just a fantastic game. The offensive execution was nearly flawless. When it comes down to guard play and coaching, OU can't beat us. God, I'll miss Ced. He is clearly the largest factor in the resurgence of the Zips. Had he been healthy all year who knows where we would be now?

Zippy strikes again