UAZip0510

Marketing initiatives, especially giveaways, are planned several months in advance of the actual games. The absence of any promotions isn't really related to the new marketing director being hired last week.

I searched online for our 2014 Promotional Schedule but couldn't find it because it doesn't exist (unless I'm missing it).

1) Their last winning season was nine years ago. 2) They were playing an FCS opponent 3) It was a weeknight (this absolutely matters for people with kids) 4) Marketing was minimal. Social media is nice, but they should work on some promotions. I've heard some jokes about bobbleheads, but guess what - giveaways work. Not even necessarily bobbleheads - even smaller (yet creative) items work. The basketball program has done better with this (Championship ring, Dambrot/LeBron bobbles, etc). The football program needs to step it up.

What is this $5 jersey offer?

Think these new uniforms will make it to the team shop or will the team shop continue to be mediocre?

I disagree pretty heavily with this. I know several people who prefer to watch the Zips at a bar or at home because they hate going to the JAR. The football stadium would be filled if it had a decent product...we should see that this season. The JAR isn't the only reason for low attendance, but if you don't think sitting on those awful bleachers for 2 and 1/2 hours, not having a real student section, the poor sight lines, and varying climate (it gets sticky-hot in there at times) don't have an impact on the average fan coming, you're mistaken.

I've seen other stuff from that Twitter account - nothing reliable really. I think Zeke had his shot with the Cavaliers...

No NBA Summer League?

Watching middle-aged men complain about uniforms players surely love is priceless. Reminds me of people complaining about the black basketball jerseys.

Bingo. Zeke and Tree didn't have a problem co-existing inside because we had Abreu and Walsh who were both high-level shooters from outside. Last year, not so much.

I believe he's more built now (I'd hope so). I still think they'll give him a redshirt to develop his body further and allow his game to grow. We'll see though.

1) Why is playing Tree with Johnson a problem? Didn't he play his first two seasons next to another big man who spent a lot of time down low? Furthermore, Kwan has never played center, does not project as a center, and does not stretch the floor enough to give credibility to the idea of opening up the paint for Tree (Kwan shot .283 from the field last year - worst on the team). 2) From 2012-2013 to 2013-2014, Deji's field goal percentage rose from .329 to .466, his three-point percentage went up from .233 to .394, and he played outstanding defense when called upon. Given that I believe Dambrot wants to keep one of Kretzer/McAdams coming off the bench and the lack of experienced options, Ibitayo will start Day One. We agree that Gladden will take over at some point in the season, but not day one...KD isn't starting two freshmen on day one. 3) Jake isn't in my starting lineup because he was 6th Man of the Year, he's in my starting five because he deserves to be. He's a better all-around player to me than McAdams, so I'd like to see him starting. 4) Agree on Jackson having a chance to break the rotation...just not right away. 5) I think Melo's defense is a bit underrated. I think they'll give Antino a chance to develop for a year as a redshirt before taking on backup PG minutes the following year.

Nope, just basing this off of pictures I've seen and the usual build of a freshman point guard.

Now that Harney is gone, the 14-15 team is coming together. Starting Lineup C- Isaiah Johnson - He became the starting center toward the end of 13-14 and looked good. F-Demetrius Treadwell - Should have a monster senior season, especially with a true, more effective PG on the roster F-Jake Kretzer - Last year's 6th man of the year becomes a starter and, in my opinion, a team leader G-Deji Ibitayo - Really found himself in 13-14; he may eventually give way to Gladden but should remain important regardless G-Noah Robotham - May not start on day one, but UA didn't work so hard to bring him in to back up Melo/Nyles all season 2nd Unit C-Pat Forsythe - Made some strides last season but doesn't have the consistency to start - excellent backup F-Kwan Cheatham - Hopefully added some muscle this offseason; gained valuable PT last season when Harney was out F-BJ Gladden - Aside from Robotham, the most intriguing addition to this year's team; could be impact redshirt freshman G-Reggie McAdams - Could start instead of Kretzer; might even see some time handling the ball to work Jackson in G-Carmelo Betancourt - Defense and energy is perfect coming off of the bench Depth F-Aaron Jackson - Has the potential to make an impact on this team, especially if Dambrot goes smaller with his 2nd Unit G-Nyles Evans - Might be the odd man out, barring injury F-Cristen Wilson - Preferred walk-on; likely wont see much of the court (barring injuries) G-Malcolm Walters - Preferred walk-on; likely wont see much of the court (barring injuries) Redshirts G-Antino Jackson - Love his potential, but he'll need to spend a year in the weight room before he's ready G-Jimond Ivey - Unverified to this point but looks like he'll either red shirt or gray shirt

I think Harney was a pretty easy guess for who wouldn't be back, I just wasn't sure if he'd be the only one. Off-court issues and never really fulfilled his on-court potential. It's incredible how similar the situations of Harney/Treadwell were coming in and how different they are in now. Good decisions and bad decisions...

I'd absolutely love to have Hixon on our sideline. He could coach up the DB's and Special Teams as well.

Domenik Hixon posted the following to his Facebook page tonight: "I tore my ACL today for the 3rd time today! I'm disappointed that I won't be playing for a bears team that has the players and coaches to WIN the Super Bowl. I thank God for letting me live my dream of playing in the NFL for 8 years plus. It has truly been FUN! #blessed #lovethisgame" Hixon's career was hampered by injuries but it didn't stop him from winning two Super Bowl rings with the New York Giants. He played for the Broncos, Giants, and Panthers and was set to play for the Bears this season before the injury today. Hixon might be best known to Zips fans for catching the deep ball from Luke Getsy to win the 2005 MAC Championship Game. He always represented our university with class while he was here and continues to show Akron support via Facebook and Twitter. He's @domenik_hixon on Twitter - if you're on there, shoot him a congratulations on an excellent career. He's the type of player I'm thrilled to have represent UA.

Just received an offer from the University of Akron! — Samir Sehic (@samirsehic) 8:47 PM - 14 May 2014 He's listed as a 6'9", 250 lb PF. ESPN and Scout both rate him as a three star prospect. Plenty of other teams interested but the Zips seem to be pursuing aggressively. Here is his Verbal Commits profile.

The likeliest scenario continues to be Nyles Evans transferring to a D2 school and Jimond Ivey greyshirting, as some speculated far before we even knew about Robotham signing.

It can bite you in the ass if you don't do this as well. (See: McCallum, CJ)

My predictions: Day One C-Johnson/Forsythe F-Treadwell/Harney/Cheatham F-Kretzer/McAdams G-Ibitayo/Gladden G-Betancourt/Robotham MAC Championship C-Johnson/Forsythe F-Treadwell/Cheatham F-Kretzer/McAdams G-Gladden/Ibitayo G-Robotham/Betancourt

One is a likely greyshirt according to many inside the program

Robotham cannot sign until someone else leaves. I'd expect he'll start either right away or after a few games into the season. The Zips went hard after this kid...he's the real deal and exactly what they were missing at the PG position.

Well now this is getting downright silly.

...which also means someone is leaving...