infofan

Creighton happy to be playing us............................... From Omaha news.............. PEORIA, Ill. — Under the circumstances, Akron provides Creighton coach Greg McDermott with a near perfect Bracket­Buster opponent. The Bluejays drew a trip to play the Zips when pairings for the made-for-ESPN event were announced Monday afternoon. Creighton will face Akron on Feb. 19, with the time of the non-televised game to be determined. “It keeps us somewhere in the Midwest,'' McDermott said after his team wrapped up practice for Tuesday's game against Bradley. “I was worried we might have to go to either the East or West Coasts.'' Such a trip, especially to the West Coast, might have delighted Creighton senior Kenny Lawson. Lawson, a southern California guy, was hoping the Bluejays would draw a team from that area of the country, especially after it was announced last week that Creighton would be playing San Diego State in next season's Missouri Valley-Mountain West Challenge. “When I heard that, I was like, ‘Wow!' ” said Lawson, who played high school basketball in the San Diego suburb of Oceanside. “I couldn't believe they're going to get to play out there next year. Talk about bad timing.'' McDermott had concerns about the timing of a possible BracketBuster trip to either coast this month. Four days after their BracketBuster game, the Bluejays play at Wichita State, which is tied for the Valley lead. Creighton closes the regular season with a Feb. 26 home game against Northern Iowa, which is one game behind the Shockers and Missouri State in the standings. “Wichita State and Northern Iowa are two important games for us in regard to finishing out the season and possibly building some momentum for the conference tournament,'' McDermott said. “I was worried about how a long trip might have disrupted things for us.'' The trip to Akron will pit the Bluejays against a Mid-American Conference team that stands 12-9 overall and 3-4 in league play. The Zips are 8-2 at home this season, and are 2-1 in BracketBuster games played at Rhodes Arena. Overall, Akron is 2-5 in Bracket­Buster play, while Creighton is 6-2 in the event. The teams have met just once, with Creighton posting a 71-60 victory in the 2006 National Invitation Tournament.

Creighton it is. For what its worth this is a pretty decent named opponent. Theyre having an off year as are we but next year between them and VCU thats two good non conference games on the schedule. certainly better than Milwaukee, Seattle, and Jacksonville St who are facing 3 other MAC schools

Its common practice to save two or three spots for the last minute hold outs that get bumped from big schools because they waited too long so the last 4 spots ( or so - there could be last minute defectors) may be good gets or jucos. does anyone know status of Zach D'orazio and one other player ( dont recall his name) who we signed last feb but later announced they werent going to enroll until january 2011? Interesting ( if not depressing) to read highlights of last years signings http://www.cleveland.com/sports/college/in...sign_a_lar.html and how few of them saw the field or are still in program. Lets hope for best on tuesday.

I give the academy award for acting to Mr Freeman for holding his nose and claiming he was elbowed intentionally by Zeke. In my opinion that was a terrible call. I dont claim to know the rules but it seems a player has to be permitted room to turn around. If you get your nose too close its going to get hit. Zekes not the strongest guy out there but if he wanted to elbow freeman hed be on the deck. Once again MAC officiating is as inconsistent as this years Zips! One other note - I heard Abreao's dad was at game. It looked to me like he was trying to impress instead of trying to execute. He got schooled, and hopefully learned from that.

To add to my original post. And I dont know why the university is being so tight lipped about this ( nothing yet on GOZIPS.com). Officially there is a tribute to the soccer team at halftime of the OU game wednesday. Also- and this should please Yaz and others. An insider at the city of Akron says "The University is planning the principal celebration for the men's soccer team at the JAR later in the month. We are holding January 18, 21, and 22 on the mayor's calendar for such an event right now. He will be involved. " Some people Im sure will start posting the mayor has no business being involved and that tarnishes the event. But bottom line im glad the university is planning an event period! The team and the fans deserve it.

Details have yet to be released but word is that the university will honor our national championship soccer team during the Ohio U game on next wednesday (jan 12th). Lets hope they do it right! Date picked is good- students and band will finally be back after missing Can't game. A souvenir program hand out would be great- help draw the 3300 that attend soccer games to join the 2000 basketball fans for a mac championship game rematch. Even though 7 zips are leaving for the draft or wil graduate, lets hope as many as possible of them will still be there. Any Caleb Porter sightings?? Did he streak his hair??

Just an FYI to former Chris Mcknight fans.............. Chris is playing for Boras in Sweden. While he now goes by Christopher, hes playing pretty well, scoring 16.9 ppg in 32 minutes per game. I wonder if Phil is over there. Havent seen him in the Jar this season but perhaps with Brett back in good graces hell return. Hes always welcome! Not sure how many former Zips playing in Europe but Jimmal Ball is still at it! Hes playing in France and Drew Joyce is playing in Germany. and of course Nate Linhart whos averaging 13 pts and 6 rebounds for Erie in the NBA d league over here.

I cant top what you all have already said here!! Just an awesome experience at Barley House. Hats off to them for doing a heck of a job for UA! All tvs , all audio akron soccer on a football sunday. All waitresses/bar people in zips tees. I believe the Zips return on Continental to CLE at 647 am Monday ( weather permitting) so the campus arrival will be more like 8-9am. NCAA AKRON ALL THE WAY!!!

Just wondering here what happened to the rumored series with Marshall? It certainly makes geographic and fincial sense to play a former rival as close as they are. Does anyone know status?

Id like zip fans to give the guys at 1350 a break- especially Ken Carman. Yes he talks a lot about OSU and the Browns but you know what- listen to your neighbors and officemates-thats what THEY are talking about. But give him a little credit. Hes a 24 yr old Akron grad hosting a radio show for not much money trying to make a living. If he doesnt have any listeners the show and his job are history. So he caters to what most people, NOT US ZIP FANS, but most people want to hear.Last monday he had Tom Gaffney on talking Zips for most of an hour. He did a 3hour show before the CSU game talking almost exclusively about UA. talking to Wistrcil, Dambrot, Mcneese, and Porter. They are going to do that again before future weekday basketball games. He was scheduled to have Caleb on again today. Hes had Ian from the AK Rowdies on several times. And when Ive emailed him or texted zip comments to him hes always responded or acknowledged them. Its a free country- no one has to listen to them just like no one has to buy a ticket to a sporting event at UA. I wish a few people on here would give them a call or a text. They might talk more Akron sports if they thought there was interest. As for no interviews with Ianello- Coach I didnt even make an appearance on the Zips live show tonight. which is produced by the U of A.

Cal played today in 50degree weather (compared to our 44) so the temperature may not be such a factor. We all remember south florida coming in here in the tournament a couple years ago in frigid conditions and beating us. As Caleb said- they stand in our way to the championship . A sidenote...there will NOT be any radio coverage next saturday since French and Dunn are on road with basketball.

We wont all agree on whether Rob I is the coach to take the Zips to a bowl game/Mac title. But the fact is they were better the last 3 or 4 weeks with the fewest scholarship players (51? ) in D1 football. Another fact is we cant afford tofire him and pay him off for at least 3 years ( not saying I advocate that!). We finished 5th in a lousy conference where the diference between 1st and last isnt much. thats not saying much but you have to start somewhere. Now comes the real test- see how I coach can recruit. Im an optomist yes but I cant help but notice the similarities between Miami last year and Akron this year. New coach , former ND asst., not much of a fan base, 1-11 record. I wasnt impressed by Miami last week against us but they are 8-4, going to the MAC championship (to get demolished by NIU), and then to a bowl game. Can we aspire to attempt the same? I might add that perhaps UA athletic marketing could learn a lesson from this season- that goes for ticket prices, parking policies, and promotions.

Loved that quote by Alleman..................... Whoever has the most ammo- to shoot themself in the foot will lose the game! I think were definately the better loser!!!

I came across the first of the preseason college "rags" and found some interesting notes. Read Sporting News, Athlon, and Lindy's basketball previews. The most surprising thing was found in Sporting News, where they classify the MAC as a High major! SN seperates conferences into High (ACC, big 10, Big east, C-USA, Missouri Valley, MAC, Pac 10, etc), Mid majors( Big west, horizon, colonial, etc) , and Low majors ( Big sky, ivy, OVC, SWAC, Meac, etc). I wont debate their clasifications but definately surprising. Sporting News picks us to finish 2nd to OU. Puts Zeke on 1st team all MAC. Athlon also picks UA as runner ups to OU, playing in NIT. Lindys picks UA 4th behind OU, Miami, and Can't. They say well greatly miss Humpty as point guard. The consensus pick OU has 20 home games this year, having taken Walsh, Wooster, and St Francis off our schedule. While Basset is gone they dont confirm anyone else ( even Kellogg) having left the team.

heard bits and piecesof Can't coaches show tonight. Interesting to hear Can't linebacker coach Jim Fleming bash the Zips. I realize some bitterness is unavoidable but geez your son is still on the UA team and he had no respectful thing to say about Akron . Curious thing he said was he expected Akron defense to be strong with all the returnees ( I did too!). While he didnt give a score prediction the rest of panel expects a 41-14 drubbing at least. They cant see Akron scoring any more than 14. Tye Linder said if we do score more than 14 hes staying home from work on monday. Does anyone know status of Will Fleming?? My take on this game..... the pressure is squarely on Can't. everyone thinks the Zips suck so what better time to pull together and show some heart by keeping the game close. weve all wittnessed games when we were heavily favored and we layed an egg. maybe its the Golden Felons chance this year!

Most of you know the basics about the Vegas tourney- It is 4 games ( 1 at home- ORU on Jan 3rd) ( 3 at the Southpoint arena (4000seats) vs UALR, Stetson, and Miami FL) Three 20-win teams and three up-and-coming programs highlight the six team field in the 2010 Las Vegas Holiday Hoops Classic Multiple Team Event. In the MTE, all six teams will play four games with first-round games taking place on campus sites followed by three straight days of play on a neutral site at the South Point Arena in Las Vegas. In Las Vegas, the Hatters of Stetson University will open play versus Rice University on Tuesday, Dec. 21. Stetson, under the direction of 11th year head man Derek Waugh, competes in the Atlantic Sun Conference and returns 12.0 ppg scorer Ridge Graham. Meanwhile, Rice and third-year head man Ben Braun return all five starters to the rising Conference USA program. The second game of the day in Las Vegas on Dec. 21 features the University of Miami from the Atlantic Coast Conference and perennial Summit League power Oral Roberts University. The Hurricanes are coming off a 20-win season in 2009-10 and 7th year head coach Frank Haith returns his starting backcourt of Durant Scott and Malcolm Grant. ORU, another 20-win team from a season ago, returns first team all-league performer Dominique Morris. Head coach Scott Sutton is in his 12th season at the Tulsa, Okla. institution. The final first round game on Tuesday, Dec. 21 pits the University of Arkansas-Little Rock versus Akron University. The Trojans of UALR are coached by 7th year head man Steve Shields and return their top two scorers and four starters from last years squad. Akron, a 24-win team of a year ago, has participated in three straight postseasons under head coach Keith Dambrot and returns three starters from last year’s squad. The full 2010 Las Vegas Holiday Hoops Schedule is listed below with game times to be announced at a later date. Fans looking to purchase tickets can visit the South Point Arena website at www.southpointarena.com or check with their school’s ticket office. Fans can also watch live streaming video of the Holiday Hoops Classic by visiting the tournament page at www.sporttours.net. On Campus Games Stetson @ Miami Oral Roberts @ Akron January 3rd UALR @ Rice Tuesday, Dec. 21 Stetson v. Rice Miami v. Oral Roberts UALR v. Akron Wednesday, Dec. 22 Rice v. Miami Akron v. Stetson Oral Roberts v. UALR Thursday, Dec. 23 Miami v. Akron Rice v. Oral Roberts Stetson v. UALR

Visited campus today and a few observations- first on soccer stadium. It looks great and is coming along. 3 rows of chairback seats extending about 80% of lengthe of field. Grandstand is behind that with about 12 rows of bleacherback (not installed yet) seats and topped off with a platform probably to hold pressboxes. lowest level has 2 tunnels coming from field down to locker rooms. lowest level( sub seats is encased in red brick, which I assume will be extended up sides of grandstand. lights look great- tho not on yet. Scoreboard ( now in west end)has many loos wires sticking out- overall electrical work in progress. sloped pitch extends around end zones to plexiglass team benches on north side. west side is totally flat and has about 4 rows of bleachers. east side has traditional slope for AK-Rowdies and behind that is about a 5 row elevated bleacher running corner to corner. Most noteable thing is a plaque on side of lower level of grandstand that has a dedication to long time Zip fan Barb Hlivko. Secondly on the Info... Marching band was drilling on field and in both concourses. scaffolding still up above club seats where ceiling was falling. It looks to have been repaired now. Scaffolding holding it up till dry. Lowest level on street level of stadium ( where Welty construction signs were) is under construction. And Most noteably!!!----Team shop is well underway and very large sign on windows says " ZIPS TEAM SHOP COMING SEPT. 4th! " I took some pics on cellphone. If I can find a way to get them on here ( with help) Ill do so. GO ZIPS!!!!!!!!!!!

With less than 20 seconds left in the Division I state semifinal, the Jackson High School student section began the chant they drove two-and-a-half hours to yell. “I believe.” “I believe that.” “I believe that we have won.” Over and over. The Jackson Polar Bears will play for their first state championship Saturday night against Cincinnati Moeller. Jackson whipped Gahanna Lincoln 62-50 as Josh Egner a team-high 23 points, including three monster dunks. One, an attention getter, in the third quarter, rocked Value City Arena. Tomorrow nights championship game is on sportstime Ohio. Check out the Bears and a future Zip!!

Where do these figures come from????????? I highly doubt this report. Cleveland state revenue of $1,952,828 from 1500 per game? Youngstown revenue of $982,205?? Coastal carolina revenue of $1,218,132 in a 1200 seat gym? Duquesne revenue of $2,401,354 on attendance of 3000 per game? ? Or just look at Akron alone..........this year our attendance was down but we still drew just over 50,000 fans at about $12 per ticket (average based on 10-35 range). That equals about $600,000, then add in concessions, our share of NCAA revenue ( small but something), our guarentees from the 3 big road games and you have conservatively $750,000. Theres no doubt we are in the red but I put no validity in this report. I also question the expenses.... Check out Butler- compared to us. And I think their coach alone makes close to $1 million.

It was already reported in Columbus Dispatch that Bassett and Groce had some run ins- and didnt see eye to eye. Leaving early was a distinct possibility and if that happens good luck to that young man. But the negative is like it or not OU's performance in NCAA vs Gtown elevated the MACs respect. Sorry to say no one else has done that since early 2000s . But whether Armond leaves or not- or even if coach Groce leaves or not the foundation is set for OU to be strong for years. Only 1 departing senior and 2 Kelloggs coming in plus a 6'10" big man. we lose C Mcknight, Conyers, and ( the unknown 3rd scholarship player) and it appears add 3 strong reruits. we can be optomistic that our success will continue but OU will be the team to beat next year on paper at least.

I dont know what the explative stated was, nor do I really care, but Im glad hes not happy. Im tired of the Brookharts of the world saying we tried hard, the effort was there, but the ball didnt go in. No better motivation than anger......frustration. His anger isnt just over a bad game in CBI. remember his contract.............................. From The Plain Dealer......................Failing to win the MAC tournament title cost Keith Dambrot a bonus of a half-month of his salary.The Zips (24-10) faced Green Bay on Wednesday in the first round of the College Basketball Invitational. • The contract: Pays a base salary of $200,000 ... stipulates that the coach get a year extension if his team wins at least two-thirds of its regular-season games or makes the NCAA or NIT tournament and achieves certain academic standards. • Among bonuses earned this season: $5,000 for 20-win season. • Among bonuses he could have earned: One-half month of base salary for MAC regular-season title, one-third month of base for making NIT, $2,500 per NIT win and $15,000 for NIT championship ... Also one-half month of base for making NCAA Tournament, and $5,000 per win plus $40,000 to reach Final Four and $100,000 for NCAA National Championship. By the way- did anyone go see Josh Egner at the JAR on thursday night?? Awesome shot of him dunking in the BJ today.

1st 2nd final Akron (18-14) 37 24 61 Wichita State (18-14) 26 41 67 Great 1st half but they ran out of gas in 2nd half like the men. Still a great year. Once again no mention of this is made on gozips .com.

A few tidbits concerning UA/UWGB game...................... Akrons RPI 89, GB 107, GB hasnt played since Mar 5th loss to Detroit Mercy Oregon state has the lowest RPI of all teams in CBI ( 199!) VCU was highest (66) GB is the only team besides Butler to play in post season from Horizon league( So much for its superiority!) Heres a news article from GB Press Gazzette........................................................................ ................................................................................ ................................................................................ ................................................................................ .................................... The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay men’s basketball team has a good idea what to expect from Akron Wednesday night: “They’re a very aggressive team on defense. They like to get up,” junior guard Bryquis Perine said of the Zips (24-10), who will host UWGB in a first-round College Basketball Invitational game at Rhodes Arena. “We’re going to counter that. We’re going to use their aggression against them.” But can UWGB (21-12) counter well enough to avoid another letdown like their 62-53 loss to Detroit on March 5? The Titans effectively stunted the Phoenix offense by limiting junior Rahmon Fletcher’s touches. Though Perine scored 22 points, backcourt mates Fletcher and Troy Cotton combined for 5-of-21 shooting and six turnovers. Guard play has been a strength for UWGB much of the season — Perine has been the go-to guy down the stretch, averaging 16 points while reaching double-figures in seven straight games — but coach Tod Kowalczyk made clear the entire group needs “to step up and play” in the postseason. “We’ve really got to concentrate on what we did wrong in the Detroit game, especially our guards,” Cotton said. “It’s such a big part of our offense and defense. It starts with the guards. So, with me and Rahmon and Bry’ and Seth (Evans) — what we try to do is we create the tempo, how we want to play. … We know everybody’s going to follow the lead.” (2 of 2) Akron’s rotation and approach bears a resemblance to another Mid-American Conference opponent the Phoenix has seen this season. Can't State forced 17 turnovers at the Resch Center back on Nov. 15 — another of the 10 games in which UWGB has given away the ball 16 times or more — but lost 87-86 as Cotton (25 points), Perine (20) and Fletcher (17) combined for a huge night on the offensive end. The Zips will counter that trio with 6-foot-5 swingman Jimmy Conyers (10.1 points per game, 39 steals), Steve McNees (8.3 ppg) and point guard Anthony “Humpty” Hitchens (8.5 ppg, 2.7 assists per game). They also are long and “much more athletic” than UWGB in the post, according to Kowalczyk, with 6-foot-7 Chris McKnight, his 6-foot-6 sixth-man brother Brett McKnight and 7-foot freshman Zeke Marshall. But perhaps the biggest challenge will be the one UWGB couldn’t overcome in its last game — which Cotton said was obvious when looking at the tape. “I saw we was very frustrated, especially when things didn’t go our way,” Cotton said. “We didn’t knock down the shots like we usually do. Also, on defense, (Detroit) really pounded us inside. We really got kind of distracted, I would say. “We didn’t stay together as a team and still try to get back in the game. Instead, I think we’d come up (and go) our separate ways.” The pressure will be on the Phoenix to keep its collective head Wednesday night. Next

The UA Zips were invited to 2010 WBI. As a #5 seed they will travel to #4 Wichita state for a 1st round game on thursday. Congrats to ladies but hard to believe GOZIPS.COM didnt feel it was worth posting!! Tom W- why does that happen??