Stete of the Program

[GoZips]

I had to create a new topic. Way,way too much grousing and observations under the banner of ClevelandState. Since the topic has turned to Akron and not CSU, its high time to switch gears.We can break down what is happening into three categories. The past, the present and the future makethe categories. First, the past, KD has guided this program for five years. In that time the Zips have compiled a 115-51record. That includes two NIT appearances (winning the first round both times), an NCAA appearance,a Division title and the MAC Tourney title. A record that has eclipsed the Bob Huggins era againstbetter opponents with better results. After the humiliation of going 26-7 and no bid of any kind, theZips are not likely to be overlooked any time soon.That brings us to the present. A fine 23-13 season with a mere 14 home games, and two true Freshmenstarters. Mostly Sophomores and Freshmen with a bench so deep it is difficult to see the end. HadRonnie Steward been healthy and Humpty at the end, it is probable that the Zips would have faired evenbetter. One good thing came out of those injuries. Steve McNees "manned up". He wins my awardfor the most improved player. Steve, you did great.The player we missed the most is the one who opted out of the program. I am referring to Jeremy Sallee.Had Jeremy played this year (his senior year) he would have played far more minutes than he couldhave imagined. Jeremy, you left too soon.Lastly, the future, and the future is now. While we salivate over the coming of the "Game Changer",we need mind the store. The players need to stay focused and in the gym. Gym rats one and all.The preparation for next season and the seasons following begins right now. It begins in the weightroom and on the track. Run, baby, run. My father's words ring in my ears to this day, "lift and run, boy,lift and run". How true that is.Let us leave the scheduling to the coaches. They have a game plan. Thus far, their track recordspeaks well. If wins are more important than RPI (and they are despite some folks who knoweverything), then by all means, get the wins. Sure, I don't like playing the Little Sisters of the Poorany more than you do. The plan is home and home against high mid-majors. Its a tough sell.Consider Dayton. Win at home by two in double overtime and win at Akron by four against thegreenest Zips squad in a decade. Not easy to schedule good teams. Buy a few wins. Take one ortwo trips to high and mighty foes knowing the outcome (can you say PITT?). I like that the coacheswork hard to get into tournaments on neutral sites. Evens the odds at least.Me? I am rooting for Gonzaga all the way. They earned it.

[RootforRoo44]

Jeremy still goes to the UofA and if i'm not mistaken he was a senior last year.

[Z.I.P.]

Let us leave the scheduling to the coaches. They have a game plan. Thus far, their track recordspeaks well. If wins are more important than RPI (and they are despite some folks who knoweverything), then by all means, get the wins. Sure, I don't like playing the Little Sisters of the Poorany more than you do. The plan is home and home against high mid-majors. Its a tough sell.Consider Dayton. Win at home by two in double overtime and win at Akron by four against thegreenest Zips squad in a decade. Not easy to schedule good teams. Buy a few wins. Take one ortwo trips to high and mighty foes knowing the outcome (can you say PITT?). I like that the coacheswork hard to get into tournaments on neutral sites. Evens the odds at least.Me? I am rooting for Gonzaga all the way. They earned it.

Are we expected to play Dayton next year? @ their place if so. Any chance of XU coming?I have a favorite neutral tourney for coach Keith: The Diamond Head Classic, a new ESPN Regional (expected to televise most of the games) tourney on 22, 23 and 25 Dec at University of Hawaii (surprise, surprise!). Seven of eight teams for 09 are reportedly signed-up. Those announced so far include Hawaii, Coll of Charleston, UNLV and Southern California. Kansas is rumored for 2010.

[skip-zip]

GoZips...I love your perspectives, but I will just add this.....I love Keith, and I know him, and his passion for Akron.But, let me just say this once again. I think it serves us NO purpose to compare the Huggins era to the Keith era....regardless of who has more wins (which I don't really care). For the most part, Huggins won an OVC title and NCAA bid with a couple of freshman, a JC kid, and a couple of football players. If you weren't around at the time, it was an amazing feat. And he followed that up with a few more 20+ win seasons and NIT bids with admittedly, only marginally better talent. The guy has a knack for making something out of practically nothing, and is now making millions of dollars because of that ability to make the most of his talent.