clarkwgriswold

No question. There has to be some middle ground.

I realize that this is the college sports world we live in but I am not a fan. That's by no means a criticism of Bud Wentz. I appreciate all he does for the program. I was a believer of the basic principle that a college athlete should be able to make some pocket money by doing things like doing autographs or showing up for a business outing but it has become the wild west in the the absence of any meaningful regulation. It's really refreshing to get some inside insight into the program. I wish this was a weekly show.

Scott took a while to settle in but he was a very valuable bench player down the stretch, especially on defense. As his play improved, it was obvious Groce's confidence in him increased. I think X and LCJ have skewed our expectations of transfer guards. We all have guys we like and would prefer to get more minutes. I think the way it played out demonstrates no one of that Scott, Thornton. Tavari trio took control to the point of seizing the role as "the guy."

Here's a little secret. P6 body types are usually going to be a little bigger that MAC body types. The LCJs and Alis of the world don't get pursued by the P6 programs out of high school. They look for top skills and body types. I'm sure Creighton's torrid shooting had everything to do with the weight room at Creighton.

No, they've had some open pre-season events in recent years. Also, we see clips through the Zips sites. The last one was right before they left for their pre-season play. They had a breakfast for fans, followed by a practice then a send off.

Other than a kid coming off of an injury like Nate was late in the season, I don't see any Akron kids looking winded or struggling with their hands on their knees. Watch a Zips practice and you'll see Groce working their ***es off. They're not less muscular or physical than their MAC counterparts. Their rebounding and defensive stats are evidence of this.

Yes, even Scotty Walter.

Anybody remember that promo pic of the basketball team in the weight room from 3 or 4 years ago where they all looked more muscled than the football team?

That's the total of contributions for all UA sports teams. Basketball is now $9,385 from 33 donors. Their goal was $25K. Baseball, soccer, women's basketball, swimming and diving, track and field and spirit team have outraised men's basketball (and football). 😬

Only 21 donors and $7,310 so far.

Do you guys realize that the end of the Zips season against Creighton was almost a month ago! I think it's a strong indication of out excitement with the program that we're still actively on here discussing the team. Usually at this point the board has nearly shut down for the year. I believe it's the day of giving for UA. Go give Groce some money and help Bud Wentz out!

I have high hopes for these guys and think they could be major contributors. That being said, I had high hopes for Maishe Dailey, Taylor Currie and KJ Walton. As such, my enthusiasm is tempered a little.

I thought we were finally past this from the Beacon. Beaven and occasionally Ulrich have been really good since GT essentially stepped aside. I guess we just needed this reminder.

Uh oh, the Beacon let GT write about the Zips again. I'd forgotten just how unfulfilling and incomplete his articles could be. https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/college/zips/2024/04/16/akron-basketball-transfers-james-okonkwo-josiah-harris-seth-wilson/73347283007/

Nice summary. The good news is that if the newbies are worth a damn they won't be around long. Has Reggie Bass found his 7th landing spot in 7 years yet?

The MAC Coach of the Year lost 10 players.

Niederhauser to Penn State.

Some highlights-

There it is!

I think Tavari and Young are more natural point guards while Scott and Young are combo guards. Groce's confidence in Scott certainly grew as the season would down and I suspect that will continue into next season.

i guess there's always a chance that someone currently on the team sees the new acquisitions and their impact on their playing time and opts to bail.

I have it on good authority that it is KJ Walton, having qualified at 32 years old for his 8th year of college basketball.

Going from a place that prays for your salvation to a place that prays for your death every time you lose.

Interesting article on here on the different portal approaches- https://247sports.com/article/the-cost-of-winning-inside-the-nil-approaches-of-the-basketball-teams-that-fared-best-and-worst-this-season-229902614/ It cuts off at some point for a pay wall, but interesting article up to that point.

As bad as the UA has been on UA sports, it has actually been substantially better in the last year with guys like Beaven, especially on the major sports. The news is generally 48 days late but the reporters have done better.