GP1

Should colleges be allowed to offer, either verbally or in writing, a high school player a scholarship before they play their last high school game? If the rule was made, what impact would it have on the transfer portal? My thesis around this would be as the player ages through highschool, they can change both physically and emotionally. Early commitments prevent them from using what they learn to make the best decisions for themselves ending up in the transfer portal.

High school

If offering a scholarship to a player who has not finished their senior season was forbidden, how would it impact the transfer portal?

I like the transfer portal. It gives freedom to people. The thing about freedom is it allows a person to make both good and bad decisions then hopefully learn from them. We learn more from failure than success. There are a lot of young people who are going to learn some rough lessons over the next 4-5 years until this fad has less importance. In my opinion, Ali has made a bad decision. History shows he's an above average MAC player, not great. Those of us old enough realize he isn't close to some of the great Zips or MAC players of the past 30-35 years. The Big East is a very good league and much better than the MAC from talent to coaching to player size. Players have to be on the top of their game every night and he really isn't that guy. He'll have some good games, but not be close to being a difference maker. His potential is much better at Akron. I'm not certain what professional league is going to be impressed by a mid level player at a mid level Big East school....maybe someone could help me out with that?.?. The NBA is extremely difficult to get in because there are so few players and anyone who is any good typically doesn't waste much time in college. There are some really good college basketball players playing in the NBA D League and Ali isn't at that level. Playing in Europe in a cigarette smoked filled arena? Maybe. Ali is gone...whatever. Guys like him can be replaced.

I'm glad to hear Tim has a building process to match his exposure.

Think of the exposure Bryant is going to get.

Interesting. A part time starter at Duke?

These three would be a nice supporting cast for 2-3 bigger time players. I'm guessing their coach will be able to attract some good players. Seton Hall has historically had glimpses of potential great teams but it never seems to pan out for them. I don't see that changing any time soon.

I'm willing to bet all three will be at Seton Hall next year.

If low level employees at Adidas, etc.didnt hand out money to recruits, there would be no reason for these companies to hire low level employees. In reality, the world is a lot different today than 2019 because of NIL. Promising NIL deals will replace the white envelope. The NCAA should dismiss this case before it loses another Federal lawsuit.

Why wouldn't they be content? They vote for it.

Geez.... I didn't think I could hate sports branding anymore than associating with three letter airport symbols or things like The Land or here in Charlotte, Buzz City. Then there is this garbage.

A guy with his talent and the transfer portal.... about 1-2 years.

I love the transfer portal, but it is the place where a lot of bad ideas get hatched.

The RB is the gift that keeps on giving. Much like herpes.

I'm of the opinion that when things like this happen, the good guys need to take ownership of symbols and make clear statements. We shouldn't feel one bit guilty about who we are or how we present ourselves as long as we are grounded in decency. For example. "The University of Akron Athletic Department wants the world to know we stand in support of Ukraine. In no way should our new logo be confused or associated with the monstrous actions of the Russian government. We present the "Z" symbol in the name of peace loving people throughout the world and hope when the public sees our logo they take a moment and reflect on a peaceful future." One of my favorite Don Draperisms is, "If you don't like what is being said, then change the conversation".

Actions as meaningless as Freedom Fries. The war in Ukraine won't last forever. We'll be the Zips forever. Proceed with the Z logo.

The topic of Groce leaving interests me because he is really at a "precipice of a great crossroads" (one of Carmine Jr's many malapropisms from The Sopranos). First, I'll say this. He has made great money as a basketball coach. Kind of money over his time as a head coach and assistant at OSU that put him in the top 1% of incomes in the United States. As you get older, you start to think more and more about the end game (retirement). Groce is 50 and has from what I can tell is 12-13 years as a public employee in Ohio. Roughly 7-8 more years would put him at 20 and probably set up for a comfortable retirement on whatever retirement system Ohio has set up for public employees plus his investments. He might have one more run at a big time job, but he is getting closer to the point where that is probably unlikely. Akron could be a great place for him to ride out those last few years of years in the Ohio retirement system. He has a winning program and is in a pretty safe position at Akron. I wouldn't be in a hurry to go anywhere else. Heck, 8 more years at Akron, retire a legend and consult for a few years. Consulting or part time work is great for early retirement if all you are looking for is some extra scratch and health insurance. You don't want to pay for health insurance out of your investment principal if you want to go into early/semi-retirement. Not a bad life plan if you ask me.

If you didn't know what this was and someone told you it was a former sports stadium in Chernobyl, you would believe them.

The words "we belong" come to mind when I think about the game last night. Never had this feeling after an NCAA Tournament game before.

Disappointing loss. However, the level of tournament competency was nice to see.

I told my brother last night before the game the Zips we're a lock to win because Portland has games and the NCAA would send them there like they always do.

He who gets the last laugh laughs to loudest.

Kent's coach looks like a middle school gym teacher.

Much better.