clarkwgriswold

Do we have a Nike rep that can "talk" to the #9 kid?

I have really liked what little I've seen of Reece. He should be able to come right in and contribute.

Many ways to win at basketball. They generally all have two primary factors- 1) good players and 2) good coaching.

Oh, ummmm, wellllllll, I take it back. LOL.

I think Parrish could be a big help right now too.

I'm not completely sold on Groce quite yet but his situation and Dambrot's were considerably different in the players inherited and the situation. KD had continuity from being on the staff and inherited some talent while Groce had essentially bare cupboards and a late start. Do I wish they were further along and won these close ones? Hell yes. But, Rome wasn't built in a day. If they don't take a substantial step forward next year, then I'll be far more critical. In the interim, I reserve my right to pee and moan along the way.

Also, this is the MAC. The Zekes and Bog Dogs are pretty few and far between.

KD also had a better base to recruit in inheriting Darryl Peterson, Wood, Futch, Travis, Joyce, Goddard and McFadden. I too want Groce to get good bigs and better shooters, but his situation is far different than KD's was the first couple of years.

With KD, the three point shooting didn't kick in until 06-07 when they were in the top 30 in the country and he played a lot of undersized big men until he got Zeke in 09.

akronzips71, I am curious as to where you think the Zips should be in the process right now. I sense you think Groce is behind and that they should be better at this point.

2003-04 class was Wood, Travis and Joyce. Pretty solid last recruiting class under Hipsher with KD as an assistant.

They were there under Hipsher (though KD gets major credit).

To be fair, none of those types of players were recruited in by KD his first two years. The freshmen on the 2004-05 team were Walther, Middleton, Goddard, Milum, Kanaan and Sowers. The 05-06 squad brought in Linhart and Rybak. I do hope Groce brings in players of the quality of those on your list in the future (and fast).

I suspect it is tough to tinker with something that's worked for long and got you 29 ppg in high school.

I'm curious to see how the Zips come out Saturday. This latest string of games could test their resolve. I'm a little concerned about Utomi. This "slump" has extended to a point that I wonder if something else is up. Injury maybe? He stuck it out at Akron when others bailed and he's worked hard, so I am rooting for him.

Remember the good old days when that MAC home playoff game ticket in the season ticket packet was worthless?

Fresh off of three close losses, the ZIps host Miami this Saturday at the JAR. The Deadhawks are 14-12 overall and 6-7 in the MAC. They beat the Zips 68-61 in Oxford on January 19th. 6'4" sophomore guard Nike Sibande (brother of Adidas, Puma, Reebok and Keds Sibande) leads Miami scoring at 15.8 ppg while 6'7" sophomore forward Delonte Brown and 6'8" junior forward Bam Bowman lead rebounding at 5.4 rpg. In their last six games they've alternated wins and losses and they just beat Ball State. Let's hope this pattern continues Saturday. On an unrelated note, I am off to read the Bobcat Attack forum. This should be fun.

Especially on the home floor on a game winning shot. I will say I am pleased with the effort Groce gets out of the kids. Good defense starts with hard work and effort. On the other end, I am concerned that the offensive woes have as much to do with scheme as they do with shots not falling.

I'm really regretting reopening this can of worms. I'll blame it on the Beacon.

I guess I should be happy that they were competitive with one of the top teams in the league, but this is getting old. Not going to listen to the postgame. Can't stomache hearing the same thing again.

Well $h!+.

Utomi, Ivey and LCJ a combined 10 of 43.

To Riak's credit, he did a decent job on Wiggins tonight.

Zips with a 7-1 run showing some fight.

Down to 1 timeout, given up 33 points in the half with over 6 minutes left, down 9... This offense is putting waaaaaaaaay too much pressure on the defense.