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Invite the entire band for all MAC games and the "big" OC ones. At last years game at OU the had almost the entire 110 at the game directly across from the Zip bench. It was deafening and entertaining. I don't know if it had a tangible effort on the result but it definitely didn't hurt OU any. Some bobcat fans said they do some "extra" when the Zips come to town. Let's return the favor.

Mr. Bardo and his type are invaluable to programs. Good person, good student, good teammate and a servicible player. The Zips could use a banger of his size this year as Tree is the only Zip even remotely close to being able to bang and physically impose himself on opponents as needed. Personally, I can't wait to see what the off season has allowed Tree to progress his game to. He is a rare player who can run as well as bang, I believe he'll be much more of a factor this year over last year when he was a pleasant surprise. As far as Mr. Forsythe, let's hope the rumors are true concerning his transfer to UA, possible hardship ruling to allow him to play this year and to his prowess on the court. The interesting thing to his potential addition is he is allegedly another big athletic player added to the mix of our current roster. The Zips will be able to run more on O and D with Nick's graduation.....this is going to be fun to watch.

Free tickets to local youth and high school basketball league teams for season opener to fill up the JAR Tailgate prior to season opener with some chili, hot dogs and appropriate beverages and one or two Saturday conference games.....AD department could line up some restaurants for a chili cookoff with winner getting some free pub in gameday programs - UA students eat free with ID or game ticket

I thought this was already finalized; I suggest UA sign KD to a "lifetime" contract with a significant buy out attached should KD decide to move on and bonuses included for length of tenure and performance should he stay. With the conference turmoil I expect to continue, some school will want KD since he is a winner, doesn't cheat and recruits very good kids who can also play bball. If UA wants to be a "major" both athletically and in student population, KD and a new facility is a must. Timing is everything and time is wasting......

Please describe his game and what the Zips could reasonably expect from him. I thought the Zips were out of scholarships for this year; someone either has to give up their scholly or transfer out if this young man is coming in as a scholarship player.

If you're the A.D., how do you make the Zips Basketball gameday experience better? Better student seating & student involvement Turn off the house lights during the game....only light the floor during the game. Make the seating area minimally lighted.

The potential for a "slow start" will be present again with the Zips participating in the Puerto Rico tournament with some strong competition there as well as a prior game versus North Carolina State on their home court. I believe KD is assembling a very difficult out of conference schedule in an attempt to challenge this team and preparing for the MAC. If the Zips can pull off some big wins heading into the MAC conference, their profile (RPI) will be higher than previous years and set up a scenerio where winning the MAC tournament would be a feather in their hats as opposed to another win it or forget about the NCAA tournament.

GP1 - thanks for the update on UNC-A; sounds like we should handle them based on their roster changes. What are your thoughts on the Zips vs NC State?

UNC-Asheville is their replacement. They dominated their conference last year and nearly upset 'Cuse in the big dance. No idea how good they are this year. Thanks for the update. I'd have rather seen Xavier and played them than to play a team like UNC-A. Insiders might appreciate a win over such a team but the general population would see a Zip win over Xavier as a much bigger accomplishment even if UNC-A is better this year than Xavier. I thought the Zips would beat Xavier at a neutral site and get a big bump in recognition. I'm disappointed the Zips won't get that chance. The seedings/bracket in this tournament will be interesting. I believe the Zips have to play NC State in their arena as a part of this tournament and that isn't an appetizing thought. NC State is a very good team and playing them at home will be a huge challenge; I'd much rather play them in Puerto Rico where the crowd wouldn't be a factor.

Wife and I are going to Puerto Rico, great place to visit if you haven't been there. The arena is similar to the Q and I'm hoping we will benefit from Rico and Melo having a homecoming of sorts. Crowds are usually very small so that means you get some great close up looks at the games. Xavier backed out; I'm not sure of their replacement. Can't wait to see the brackets to see who we draw.

Why the surprise over KD's honest answers? I'd say that is one of several traitss he is known for. If being honest is a negative, I'll take it. If I was an Akron player I would be thankful that Duquesne's bench =is very thin due to several transfers which ocurred prior to KD receiving their offer. What in the article makes you think the players would react negatively? Big time raise and guaranteed 6 or 7 years of said raise, to a mid 50's coach? Chance to coach in an overall better conference? A much larger budget, meaning big raises to several assistant coaches he woul like to keep with him? A chance to have his dad experience a possible resurgance of a once strong program he was a big part of? What isn't stated is obvious; with all the above positives I believe he knows this years team has a very good chance to be special if they steer clear of injury. Ohio isn't going anywhere so the MAC might see two teams dance this year and if Akron has the kind of results they believe they can more opprotunties and money will await KD. That is why in the discussion thread about a new arena in the future, I interjected some comments about the present. I certainly hope the administration, both Dr.P and Tom W. will make some IMMEDIATE IMPROVEMENTS to the JAR. I'm not talking about a major rehab, it's too late for that, what I am talking about is some serious discussion, consideration and then action on making the JAR a tougher arena for opponents and a more enjoyable venue to attend games in. I believe Coach D and his staff are keeping their end of the bargin as this years team will be more athletic and talented than last years Zips team. That is saying something as I've read all the comments about last years team being the most athletic in Zips history. From what we read, the administration stepped up and paid Coach D and hopefully his staff more in salary; that's a good start. Locker room improvements, a new player lounge and weight/strength room built last year were good investments. Training room improvements as well as some serious improvements to the JAR's seating, aesthetics and game night atmosphere are desperately needed to take advantage of the current teams ability and to provide a bridge to the ultimate improvement of a new facility. Timing is everything.....and I'm thrilled Coach D's window of time is STILL open here.

Some things I think I think: 10,000 max seating on a new arena; I think 8,500 with some corporate box options is preferable. Make it uncertain by building under demand, whether you can get tickets for the big games. That would drive season ticket sales which is the life blood next to alumni donations in all successful programs. I know this is radical but want more students and a better gameday atmosphere - how about better student seating? Can they enter the building via the front doors too? Concessios - eliminate current operator and approach local establishments who understand marketing, quality, availability and pricing. If none are interested just sell game day popped pocorn and byo concessions. At this point I guess the track will never be eliminated to provide better seating so give the powers that be bar stools with rollers and let them stage races around the track during time outs. Winner gets to sit on the bleacher of his/her choice and the losers have to sit on 1st row seating on the track.

Congratulations on your accomplishment!

I believe LBJ is a nice connection for KD but other a pair of shoes and possibily a set of uniforms LBJ's impact isn't what I wish it was. LBJ does show up occassionally during the summer and plays in some pickup games and is very approachable but that's about it. I'd love to learn he contributes in a big way to assist with recruiting, travel and facility improvements but I have no idea if that's the case or not. Maybe he does but he insists UA & KD keep it quiet. As far as impacting recruiting, I'm afraid his relationship with KD has no bearing on this aspect of UA basketball. Someday, I'd like to walk into LBJ arena, across the street from Canal Park but for now I'll be happy to hear he donates all the teams uniforms, shoes, warmups and t-shirts. I'll close by saying I'm thankful for whatever level of support LBJ decides upon; after all, his relationship is with KD and not UA.

Go check the weight room, that's where they should be working. Skill development never ends so I'd guess your statement that only 3 are working out is either in jest or referencing the weight room.

I will add my THANKS to Coach D for remaining at Akron. He has consistently said Akron is his dream job. In a profession where the almighty $ trumps everything it is an amazing committment Coach D has made and continues to make to U of A. If the reports are accurate he turned down a significant raise that multiplied by it's length means he turned down over $1,000,000. I believe when he speaks of committment, the players can really buy in as he practices what he preaches. Thanks Coach D, you are refreshing.

Jeff Boals seems to be the #1 candidate being talked about on the OU board. Are he and KD still close? If Boals gets the job it adds another ingrediant to what should be some unbelievable games between the Zips and OU next year.

On the JAR Floor 6pm - Social Hour 7pm - Dinner and awards Here's a chance to support the team and provide the coaching staff with our insight. Are you attending?

Please contact the athletic department/A.D.'s office and request they revise the current seating arrangements. We need a true "home court" advantage with the schedule on tap for next year. A serious effort to get the students down on the floor in larger numbers is a necessity. The band does a good job and their location could only be improved if we move them to the corner closest to the visitor's bench. I've put forth the idea of getting the radio/TV people up to a track location and free up some prime real estate. As we all know, the JAR has horrendous seating issues. Short of major renovations, the cheapest way to increase student participation is chairs on the floor or some risers with seating. There is wasted space in each corner down on the floor....the AD needs to get some design input and get this accomplished; 7.5 months until the 2012-2013 season gets underway! I believe a new facility is at least 5 - 7 years away and if KD is going to continue to raise the level of the program this is an inexpensive, quick way to assist. I attended the OU game in Athens; I now understand why the Zips struggle there. OU's band directly across from the bench blowing their 60 - 70 horns all night long, students seated courtside on 3 sides (yes media "upstairs" there) and an unbelievable lights out pregame intro! Zips administration can and need to do better! Go Zips.

Agonizing. First couple of true OCC games with suspensions & injuries followed by first half struggles in most games followed by the final two week roller coaster. I believe we witnessed some tough growing pains that will result in improvement by this team over the off season and a very challenging beginning to next years schedule. It will be tough game after tougn game in the apparent OCC for 2013. The young guns will have to mature quickly for a 20 win season next year. With that said, if we meet or exceed the 20 win mark with what will unquestionably be the most difficult schedule in Akron history we will be in the national conversation come March 2013! Rest up Zips, then begin the preparation for another wild ride! We didn't get to where we wanted go but we can't question the effort nor desire. Keep working hard Zips, the future is bright.

Lumberjack - thanks for elevating CG by cutting down his teammates. I'm sure he was terrific in high school, prep school and UMBC but he isn't there, he's here now; playing against a higher level of talent. He is also playing with other talented young men and can't take 15 shots a game; there are too many other options. To make a statement like you did about NC and BW is loser talk. My opinion is this: CG's minutes will increase when he learns or decides to participate in the teams' defensive systems. He is a good on the ball defender but gets lost when off the ball. You need to look in the mirror man, your words and are insulting to the other players on this team. I guess all the comments on this board are part of the conspiracy and ol' boys network you refer to. I certainly hope CG's attitude is better than yours; your attitude is a cancer.

It's hard to believe KD hasn't won this award previously. With all the new players he was infused into the lineup and how he's handled the injuries and suspensions that could have sent this team down the drain, he seems like the choice this year. It's not easy keeping 9 or 10 competitive players happy and productive. Win two in Cleveland and it's a lock.

To the Zips players, coaches and staff: CONGRATULATIONS on an impressive regular season Championship. The 2nd half comback in Kant was very impressive & sweet. Can we pretend that all games from here on out have 2 second halfs? To the AKRowdies & Zips fans in attendance at Kant Friday night: Fantastic job of supporting and spurring the Zips on. You all were Proud and Loud! See you all at the Q Friday!

I 100% believe that a first round loss in the NCAA tournament is way, way, way better than a NIT Championship. If the world ends in 2 weeks, I'll agree with you because it means we won the MAC tournament. If it doesn't, I'll take the NIT Championship because it will give our underclass players more pressure games to play in plus experience the fishbowl attention such a run would bring. It would be another important building block in this program/teams growth. We are all greedy; we want the regular season championship and the conference championship. By all, I'm including the players and coaches who undoubtedly want the same thing. Hope you are at can't st tonight to support the team in the quest and in Cleveland as well.