The Tip-off reception was a very nice event. As always, Groce worked the room like a pro. The team really seems to enjoy each others' company. As before, there was a lot of talk about character, selflessness and core principles. Nate was the player chosen to take the stage with Groce and answer questions. There was a discussion about how hard it is to get teams to come to the JAR to play the Zips. Most of the kids did a nice job of going around the room and interacting.
Lyles looks much bigger through the chest and shoulders. Tavari looks like he grew a couple of inches. You could pass Seth Wilson on the street and have no idea he was a D1 basketball player. Josiah Harris moves and looks the part of a real player. Hardman, the OSU transfer, is purportedly the best shooter on the team with a great shot and a quick trigger. Eric Mahaffey was sporting a large knee brace for a sprained MCL and will likely be out another couple of months (redshirt?). Brisco is likely to redshirt. Okonkwo wasn't there as he was in class.
The team will be very deep (10-11 players) and is looking to play at a very fast pace and will be able to mainatin pace due to their depth. Rebound the ball and off to the races. After the YSU game, the YSU coach called Groce and thanked him for showing them they needed more cardio as the Zips pace wore them down, while Groce thought the Zips had not played fast enough.