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Maybe Josh is putting together an ESPN hour special to announce what his intentions are? If he uses the proceeds to give hundreds of thousands of dollars to the local Boys and Girls club, then I'm all for it.

Nope. I EXPECT that a tougher schedule could result in more losses. I also expect that it will increase our visibility, increase our exposure among potential recruits, increase our level of national respect, and increase our opportunity for an at-large bid.

Hey, if we're good enough that he probably would not have started, that would be good news....wouldn't it?

Ahh. Dave, I almost forgot about all of the Euton posts. There's certainly reason for optimism about our basketball team's future. Nobody needs to feel down about our potential next year. I'm merely pointing out again that it's far more dependable to rest hopes for the near future on the development of guys that have already played college basketball, rather than the potential of guys who just walked out of high school. Someone brought up the Michigan Fab 5 freshman season. Although that was a truly amazing situation, and something we may never see again, lets hope something remotely reminiscent of that magic hits our program at some point as well.

I know everyone wishes for these kinds of scenarios to take place. I think we do it because we have no other options. We can't wish for the veteran players to extend their eligibility any longer, and this year presented us with a number of significant losses at the same time. It's like the Cavs fans who are trying to justify that they are better off now without LeBron because some rookie with no experience must surely be coming in that will dominate the NBA. They do it because they have no other options on which to rest their hopes. I wish I could line up all the posts I've seen in the last few years that talked about how Sweich was going to come in as a freshman and become our answer to our losses in the post. Losing Dru as our all time assist leader wasn't a big deal either, because Steward was an incoming freshman. And where was our season headed last year if we had done what some of you suggested, and handed the reigns of our backcourt over to Alex, instead of returning heavily to the senior leadership of Steve and Darryl? I've said it many times. In college basketball, counting on incoming freshmen to fill the shoes of these kinds of players is VERY wishful. If you want to play the more dependable odds, you'll want to tell me how much we're going to improve this year because there will be significant further development from guys who have already seen a college basketball floor.

You guys are in a fantasy alright! It is one thing to play in the same division as the teams that play in the bowl games, and play for the highest national title, but it is something completely different to actually compete seriously against those teams. No MAC school will be competing for a football national title in our lifetimes. Period. I'm sure someone could easily say that. But, I don't think any of us have expectations of national titles as a D-1A football program. I want to be competitive, and be good. I want to see the top teams have to treat Akron as something more than a patsy. That will undoubtedly create more excitement for me than having a chance to win more games in a lower division that gets little or no attention from the general sporting world. But, being somewhere in the national championship picture certainly isn't the impossibility that you suggest. Boise, Marshall, TCU, Ball State, NIU and Utah are just a handful of those who have been highly ranked, and right on the edge of a magical season, just in the last decade or so alone.

We'll see how it shakes out, but it would really be great news if it is indeed a serious upgrade. Not just Zeke's last two year, but ANY year. I'll keep repeating this...we're a good basketball program now, so its an absolute MUST that we control the only thing we can control that gives us an opportunity at an at-large bid and better seeding.....and that's to play an OOC schedule that gets people's attention.

I'd be half-way to dying a satisfied Zips' fan. I've always wanted to see the basketball team make the Sweet 16 and the football team crack the Top 25. (No football jokes, please ) WHOA!! No kidding. Dissappointed if we don't make the Sweet 16? GoZips...love the optimism. But, can you show me at least one basketball expert who is willing to say that the Number 6 team in the MAC last year, that lost 4 pretty key players to graduation, is going to emerge as one of the Top 16 teams in the country? Only one MAC school played in the NCAA tournament, and they most certainly didn't finish 6th in the games that counted in Cleveland, so I'm not sure what the 6th place team has to do with anything. Sorry. Lets change that to......the 6th place team in the MAC last year, who won the conference tournament, and lost 4 key players. Do you think that would increase our chances of getting chosen by anyone to be one of the Top 16 teams in the country next year?

I'd be half-way to dying a satisfied Zips' fan. I've always wanted to see the basketball team make the Sweet 16 and the football team crack the Top 25. (No football jokes, please ) WHOA!! No kidding. Dissappointed if we don't make the Sweet 16? GoZips...love the optimism. But, can you show me at least one basketball expert who is willing to say that the Number 6 team in the MAC last year, that lost 4 pretty key players to graduation, is going to emerge as one of the Top 16 teams in the country? I don't believe there is a college basketball expert who wouldn't agree that if at least 70 of the D1 basketball teams that are better than the Zips get wiped out by bus accident, disease, or some other mayhem, that the Zips have a reasonable shot at a sweet 16 run in the tournament. Such an outcome is unlikely, but is a possibility. I knew we could count on you to set Skip straight on this topic! Yes, thank you. I see how that can happen now. I completely forgot about the possiblity of 70 tragic bus accidents during the course of a D-1 basketball season. I got it now

I'd be half-way to dying a satisfied Zips' fan. I've always wanted to see the basketball team make the Sweet 16 and the football team crack the Top 25. (No football jokes, please ) WHOA!! No kidding. Dissappointed if we don't make the Sweet 16? GoZips...love the optimism. But, can you show me at least one basketball expert who is willing to say that the Number 6 team in the MAC last year, that lost 4 pretty key players to graduation, is going to emerge as one of the Top 16 teams in the country?

Love him, or hate him, he is cashing in off your attention. Here is an article that compares his Akron & Coconut Grove mansions. Good article about how Akron supports LBJ & reciprocates his loyalty. "It was very interesting to note how feelings towards James had changed so significantly after a mere 40 minutes of freeway driving." Noooo. Come on. This can't be true. Akronites must surely be joining the "Cleveland Region" in showing the entire country that they've been right about Cleveland all along. Like I said earlier.......we couldn't be choosing a better time to separate ourselves from that mess.

If I felt like typing all night, I could point out a dozen things you've said here that make no sense. You, my friend, appear as if you should apply to be one of the torchbearers for the "I'm consuming my entire life with hatred for LeBron because he's playing for another team now" Society.

As I think ahead in terms of the possibilities, I still find myself to be very dissappointed if we are no longer playing in the same division as the teams that play in the bowl games, and play for the highest national title. I still remember how excited I was in 1985 when it was announced that we would soon be joining the highest division of college football. And although the reality of being a big time competitor in that division was much more challenging than the fantasy, I would still be upset if we were eliminated from having that opportunity any longer. Captain's post has to make you think.......if the right people are ever in place, could we still have a chance to make that a reality? We may never, ever know if we end up being downgraded.

Skip...you just lost all respect from me. You belittled another Zip fan without any cause. If you can prove your statement by bringing 3 “friends of Mothers” stories then I will retract what I said. Otherwise I think you owe Zipseuph an apology. And you also wrote in regards to LeBron: "I completely understand where he was going with that comment at the press conference, and I agree with him" Now I understand you (would not be so brazen to say "completely") and certainly DO NOT agree. I wouldn't normally respond to something like this, but I will because you brought up something that I have complained about myself on many occassions. First, maybe you can explain why stating that many people who live around here have stories from people they know who have had encounters with James was belitttling someone? Do you believe that one person's second-hand account should consistitute a representative sample? Secondly, I come here to state my opinion, just like you. And it's not a requirement that you respect it. If you're looking for people on here to point a finger at for launching personal attacks at others, you certainly won't have trouble finding them. In fact, if you construed my message as "belittling", you're going to be spending a lot of time sending this type of response to other posters on this board. Have fun. And for the record, I have expressed my displeasure with personal attacks on this board on many, many occassions. Should I ask you for your apology for not agreeing with me, and yelling at me with big, bold letters? well thanks for sticking up for me I guess. I personally didn't take it as an insult as much as a debate. people can disagree without being mean. If anything in our debate here was interpreted as being insulting in any way, I think Doug hasn't been reading enough of the posts on this site.

I hear Columbus has some nice dealerships. sorry, couldn't help myself. I was thinking exactly the same thing. Although, I'm sure they were really all just loaners when vehicles were in for service. Cars in Cowlumbus must really have alot of mechanical problems.

Skip...you just lost all respect from me. You belittled another Zip fan without any cause. If you can prove your statement by bringing 3 “friends of Mothers” stories then I will retract what I said. Otherwise I think you owe Zipseuph an apology. And you also wrote in regards to LeBron: "I completely understand where he was going with that comment at the press conference, and I agree with him" Now I understand you (would not be so brazen to say "completely") and certainly DO NOT agree. I wouldn't normally respond to something like this, but I will because you brought up something that I have complained about myself on many occassions. First, maybe you can explain why stating that many people who live around here have stories from people they know who have had encounters with James was belitttling someone? Do you believe that one person's second-hand account should consistitute a representative sample? Secondly, I come here to state my opinion, just like you. And it's not a requirement that you respect it. If you're looking for people on here to point a finger at for launching personal attacks at others, you certainly won't have trouble finding them. In fact, if you construed my message as "belittling", you're going to be spending a lot of time sending this type of response to other posters on this board. Have fun. And for the record, I have expressed my displeasure with personal attacks on this board on many, many occassions. Should I ask you for your apology for not agreeing with me, and yelling at me with big, bold letters?

And in Columbus and many other cities they don't need professional sports franchises because the local university has reminded the populace that they're the only show in town. I do wish UA could find a way of reminding the city that we're the biggest show in our town. Feed the disconnect along the Interstate 80 line. Grow our own civic pride instead of latching onto one of the most pathetic sports towns in the country. LeBron started something, or maybe he sensed something that was already there and tried to feed it. UA should do the same, but a little more tactfully and without mentioning LeBron. And as the "jilted ex-lover" syndrome continues, it could be more important than ever that we separate ourselves even further. It's just so amusing that they can't seem to ever understand why the whole country laughs at them.

Zipseuph...for what it's worth to you, I have no respect for LeBron's mom either. I'm sure everyone who lives around here has "my friend's mother" stories about LeBron himself, both good and bad. Unfotunately, the Cleveland press doesn't like to talk too much anymore about his bike donations, computers for the schools, and the thanksgiving turkeys he gives away. But that's beside the point. This guy has been treated in a way that goes far beyond rooting against him, and has handled it well. In a world where we idolize athletes who are criminals, drug abusers, and could care less about their community, he rates pretty high. I feel bad for the next high profile Cavs player who decides to play for another team. And how will he handle the onslaught that's sure to follow?

I find it refreshing when an athlete says what they all think but will not say. The losing was worse for his brand than what he said. The NBA will sell a ton of LBJ merchandise next season. Exactly. His comments were spot on last night. He pulled a Jesse "The Body" Ventura and decided to "Tell it like it is." He essentially pointed out that all the "haters" will wake up tomorrow and go on with their little, pathetic lives, same problems as the day before. Lol. That was awesome. When you're from Akron, it's us against the world. I agree! And those folks DO need to get a life. In the long run, all of this immature behavior changes nothing, and just makes Cleveland look bad, and damages the chances that NBA free agents would want to come here, as long at that idiot is the owner. Way to go Cleveland!! Did you guys see the Washington Post article about Cleveland vs. Akron? It's outstanding. And kudos to KD for his remarks. wow. so the guy trashes the lifes of the people who make it possible for him to be a millionaire by bouncing a ball and you guys are saying good for him? Lebron had a right to make his "decision" and we have a right to hope he does not succeed. if you're tired of "hearing it from Cleveland" than why don't you talk to the people (ESPN) who keep on shoving this stuff down our throats.p.s I was very happy to see him fail and am very happy with my life. First, I don't think anyone on this board has any problem with others being upset that he left the Cavs, and "hearing it from Cleveland". I sure don't. But, when is it just some harmless "rooting against him" behavior when it's included people driving to his house to yell obscenities out the window, people holding up their middle fingers to TV screens in public places when his face appears, and the team owner getting fined by the NBA for absurdly childish remarks. And that only scratches the surface. Much of it is quite shocking, but not surprising, considering the loser Cleveland sports mentality. As one sportswriter has said, it's "enraged scorned lover" behavior, to say the least. Secondly, speaking of media, the Cleveland TV outlets seem to be loving the idea that they are throwing food into shark infested waters and feeding your frenzy. Especially when one of them can send a camera down here to Akron, and walk down the street until they find someone who will say something derogatory about LeBron so that they can put him on camera on the 6pm news with "Akron, Ohio" at the bottom of the screen, just so they can say "See? Akron Hates LeBron Too" to anyone ignorant enough to believe them. It attracts viewers, for sure. But, I think it's doing nothing but making people even more irrational, and continues to strengthen Cleveland's illustrious image. Thirdly, LeBron has been taking the high road for most of this time. But, how much of this insane idiocy did you expect him to take? He's human. I completely understand where he was going with that comment at the press conference, and I agree with him, and I agree with KDs remarks as well. This has gone waaaaaaay beyond some innocent "hoping he fails" crusade. I sometimes find it humorous, but really it's kind of sad.

I find it refreshing when an athlete says what they all think but will not say. The losing was worse for his brand than what he said. The NBA will sell a ton of LBJ merchandise next season. Exactly. His comments were spot on last night. He pulled a Jesse "The Body" Ventura and decided to "Tell it like it is." He essentially pointed out that all the "haters" will wake up tomorrow and go on with their little, pathetic lives, same problems as the day before. Lol. That was awesome. When you're from Akron, it's us against the world. I agree! And those folks DO need to get a life. In the long run, all of this immature behavior changes nothing, and just makes Cleveland look bad, and damages the chances that NBA free agents would want to come here, as long at that idiot is the owner. Way to go Cleveland!! Did you guys see the Washington Post article about Cleveland vs. Akron? It's outstanding. And kudos to KD for his remarks.

Did anyone else catch Dambrot's quote in the Washington Post article about LeBron and the Akron vs. Cleveland comparison? Excellent remarks.

Yes, non-athletes can get a job, and athletes cannot. But one of them doesn't have to pay for their college. Which would you choose? Putting yourself in massive debt and working a crappy part time job to pay all of these outrageous bills, or playing a sport and getting all of your school bills paid for you? Or....How about choosing between all of that recognition and a chance to possibly play professional sports at a high salary, or the chance to make an entry level salary in the working world before those loan payments start coming due? That's what I thought. Like I said before. If they don't like the arrangement, then don't accept the scholarship offer. Plenty of people would be greatful to take their place.

What if your family needs the money to pay for rent and food? Then you should get a job to support your family instead of being selfish and going to college to play sports. Comes down to priorities. It's a tough decision, but non-athletes have to make tough decisions and nobody talks about changing massive national systems to help them. Amen.

The big schools already have an unfair advantage in recruiting. You don't think $100 handshakes are discussed with recruits and their player/host during their recruiting visit? You don't think that tosu is better able to line up more attractive girls for guys on visits than Akron? You don't think they are all being offered more money to go to tosu than say Akron? You don't think that a recruit walking into a 100,000 seat stadium in Ann Arbor is more impressed than one walking into InfoCision? Please, please, please stop creating illusions for yourself. They get the tatoos because they are forced into a type of black market that forces them to break antiquated ncaa rules in order to get what they need or want. When they break the ncaa rules by taking money under the table, they are also breaking real tax laws. How is that good for college football and the players playing. If people really wanted to protect the players, they would allow them to make money in the open in a legal manner. I'm well aware of the advantages that already exist. I don't think anyone who's involved in college athletics has any illusion that it doesn't exist, so you can spare us all since you're preaching to the choir. But, does that mean we should stop enforcing the rules, or worse yet, create more avenues for potential disadvantages, such as a phantom "job"? Like a colleague of mine always says, whenever you open the door to something you're inviting abuse. And that statement can't be anymore relevant than it is in the game of recruiting college athletes. I'm sure people have wishful thoughts about how an "athletes with jobs" situation could work. And pages and pages of rules would be written to regulate it. But in the real world, would you really expect it to work as intended? If so, you're incredibly naive. I'm a Zips fan. We face too many challenges already when it comes to competing with the big schools for athletes. And for us to have the best chance for success, we don't need to see more opportunities created that can easily be manipulated to the advantage of the big schools. Beyond that, there's thousands of examples every year of kids who played college sports on scholarship, did well in the classroom, graduated, and thanked God that they were a good enough athlete to get their college paid for. It's a gift that most of us do not have access to. So, I'm tired of hearing that it's not good enough. If that's not good enough......then they shouldn't accept the scholarship offer. Plenty of people will feel fortunate to be able to take their place.

I had to read it. And it does point out something pretty alarming that I hadn't thought too much about lately. We scored over 22 points only TWICE in 2010, and one of them was against a I-AA school. And looking back, we only did that 3 tiimes in 2009, and that was against a I-AA school, Ken+, and EMU. In fact, it's hard to even identify the last time we had decent point production against any decent team, except possibly the Indiana and Central Michigan games (21 points each) at the beginning of the 09 season, and the Indiana game (20 points) last year.