EA on MAC Basketball

[MaxZIP]

Good read though obvious to Akron fans. KD and crew need to schedule better next eyar. Does he get a bonus based on number of wins or something?http://www.cleveland.com/sports/college/in...nce_basket.html

[ZachTheZip]

Keep on whining about our schedule. There is no amount of top 25 teams or marquee opponents that can make up for having to play against so many crappy MAC teams. You could go into MAC play with the #1 SOS and by the end of the regular season you'll have a triple-digit SOS ranking. Plus if you do schedule like a madman, you'll end up with a terrible record like Miami.Akron plays enough top-100 RPI teams. Austin Peay, NC State, TAMU, and Rhode Island. That's 4 out of 13 D-I games. We also play enough 200+ RPI teams. The trouble is that we don't have enough non-conference games against 100-200 teams. 4 top-100 games, 5 mid-level games, and 4 bottom-feeders is a good schedule. The problem is that some solid mid-major teams we scheduled are having down years like UIC, Drake, and Wyoming. They might end up being better once they get into playing their softer conference schedule. There's no point in complaining about strength of schedule before our opponents play their full seasons.

[GoZips]

Ellen, Ellen, Ellen,For a change why don't you tell the entire story instead of potshoting the Zips?As fans we would love to see "power conference" teams coming into the JAR. So would the entiremen's basketball staff. See any of them willing to invade the JAR? Oh, neither do the rest of us.My long time friend, now West Virginia head coach, Bob Huggins' reply to my question about bringinghis Mountaineers into the JAR was, "are you nuts?" Hugs is barely willing to consider playing the Zipsin the "Que". That is pretty much the overall thoughts of nearly all major-major Div-I head coaches.Alexander knows full well the scheduling difficulties the Zips have. Most coaches prefer to avoid losses.You ZN readers had a chance to read fan sites for UIC and VALPO the past few days. Their fans forthe most part had this glassy-eyed vision of picking up an easy win. After the Zips drilled UIC theVALPO fans started whistling a different tune. They fore saw the coming train wreck. They boastedof their hard fought, eleven point loss at UNC. Down by twenty-eight with seven to play at Akronwas an icy dose of reality.Wyoming was suppose to be a tough customer. They, not Akron, have faltered. The Cowboys willstill be a tough road game. Next up at home for the Zips is high flying Rhode Island. But, accordingto the Ellen's of the world we Zips fans need to pencil in a loss. Screw that. And, Ellen, screw your flaming hate rhetoric.

[GP1]

EA is right, but his reasoning is wrong. The reason UofA needs to play a better schedule is to bring in more money. I could really care less about SOS or RPI, to me all of that stuff is BS. What I am extremely concerned about are the small crowds that show up at the JAR to see them play Malone AND St. Francis, or whatever pile of crap they scheduled. One of those games a year is enough.EA is correct about one thing. UofA should be the odds on favorite to win the MAC this year. It has become a very good program. 25 wins with their schedule should not be an unreasonable expectation. They are good enough that we can stop holding the program's hand through the "building process" they have gone through and treat them like big boys now. I think they can perform well in ATM games and they should start to play them. Screw all the rankings.

[GP1]

My long time friend, now West Virginia head coach, Bob Huggins' reply to my question about bringinghis Mountaineers into the JAR was, "are you nuts?" Hugs is barely willing to consider playing the Zipsin the "Que". That is pretty much the overall thoughts of nearly all major-major Div-I head coaches.

Two questions:1. What is his stated reasoning for not wanting to play UofA?2. How do you know the motives of all major-major coaches?

[Quickzips]

So now we are dumping on EA for stating the opinion of a majority of our fans that has been hashed out on these forums over and over and over for the last couple months? Guess when it is published on a major regional newspaper publication it stings more than reading it on these forums.Truth of the matter is. Greensboro, Malone, St. Francis, Arkansas Pine Bluff. They do NOTHING for this program. They provide no revenue from ticket sales, give us no help when it comes to at large bids, provide no help when it comes to tournament seeding, generate no excitement in the community, do nothing to help the team prepare for tougher opponents. All they are is an easy W on the schedule. You want to bring one of them in for an exhibition game, perfectly fine by me. You need to schedule one of them during finals week when you don't have as much gym time and your players are more focused on exams, I can live with that. Don't tell me you have to bring in four of them for regular season matchups though. There is no reason for it.

[zip37]

All of you complainers: go to Dan Peters and tell him:'Dan, we need to upgrade our schedule so I will take over those duties for you GRATIS', Then you will find out what it's like to try to schedule the power conference teams.Some of you must think the staff sits there with their thumbs up their nose [or other body orfice] all daycollecting their money.I'm SICK of you complainers!If you think it's so damn easy LEAD THE WAY!

[MaxZIP]

All of you complainers: go to Dan Peters and tell him:'Dan, we need to upgrade our schedule so I will take over those duties for you GRATIS', Then you will find out what it's like to try to schedule the power conference teams.Some of you must think the staff sits there with their thumbs up their nose [or other body orfice] all daycollecting their money.I'm SICK of you complainers!If you think it's so damn easy LEAD THE WAY!

They don't need to be power conference teams just quality opponents.

[zip37]

Six of one, 1/2 dozen of the other.The SOS means nothing for the MAC, only one team gets in.

[Quickzips]

Six of one, 1/2 dozen of the other.The SOS means nothing for the MAC, only one team gets in.

When are some of you people going to learn that it isn't just about at-large bids? KD has complained over and over about attendance, as have many on here. Care to take a guess as to how much having Arkansas Pine-Bluff, St.Francis and Greensboro on the schedule helps attendance? And even beyond hte simple # of butts in seats, attendance can also have a big effect on recruiting. How many top level recruits do you think want to come play in a half empty arena for most of the season. Bottom line, we want to keep building this program, we have to ball up and start scheduling like a program on the rise.

[ZachTheZip]

I'll take 2000 fans in the JAR watching the Zips play St Francis over zero fans in the JAR because we're playing a road game.

[RowdyZip]

My favorite thing about that piece of trash article is one, he hyperlinks ZN and two, the K-ent fans that get their panties in a bunch about Akron being implied as the flagship team of the MAC. How many tournament games have you won, Zips? None. How many have you won outside of 2001, Can't? Oh...None. I love how they still consider themselves an elite program because of a great run a decade ago. Has Can't done more than Akron in the last decade? Absolutely. But if you ask 100 impartial folks in NE Ohio with college basketball knowledge which program is in better shape right NOW...90 of them say "Akron." B) B)

[Spin]

I'd like to see them play a tougher schedule, even if just on the road. But not because the RPI means a single thing to me, or to the MAC automatic bid.As the program becomes stronger, we need stronger non-con opponents to prepare for the tournament.There's no reason we aren't playing CSU every single year. In fact I came up with an annual game, possibly played at the Q, with the proceeds going to either Akron Children's Hospital or Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, depending on who won the game. Sent it off to TW a couple months ago, he liked it, got my fingers crossed now. It's stuff like that that would bring a LOT of attention to the program.Another idea, bring in teams from famous recognizable football schools, with not-so-famous basketball programs. Michigan, UCLA, Georgia, LSU. Boise State. Who would get you more attention, the Penn State Nittany Lions, or the St. Francis Terriers?We're miles and miles away from even dreaming of a selection bid into the dance. We shouldn't be looking at RPI just yet. Might as well sell some tickets, play against some better teams, and prepare to "go rounds" when we get the MAC auto bid.Just some musings from a fan who has only been watching college basketball a couple years. If I'm out in right field, I'm fine with that. I learn a lot from a lot of you guys here. Don't take what I say as an attack.

[Blue & Gold]

I've said this before and so I'll toss it out again. IMO we really do need to kick the OOC home schedule up a notch. But we don't need to bring Big Ten or Big East teams to the JAR. If they won't, as KD laments, do home-and-home series, then forget 'em. Fine. Whatever. But we should be able to get home-and-homes with most, if not all, of the schools in the Mountain West, Missouri Valley, A-10 and WAC. Why aren't we brining these schools into town?

[MDZip]

Another idea, bring in teams from famous recognizable football schools, with not-so-famous basketball programs. Michigan, UCLA, Georgia, LSU. Boise State. Who would get you more attention, the Penn State Nittany Lions, or the St. Francis Terriers?

Although I agree in principle with the idea you presented here, Michigan has a national championship (and two other championship game appearances) and UCLA has perhaps the strongest pedigree of anyone wth 11 National championships. Now if you were to substitute say Virginia Tech and Florida State then I might agree with you.

[Quickzips]

I'll take 2000 fans in the JAR watching the Zips play St Francis over zero fans in the JAR because we're playing a road game.

You might not be getting the attendance #'s from that one game, but I'd bet if you went on the road and beat a good program like a West Virginia, Ohio State, Pitt, etc. you would make up that attendance and then some just from the attention you would get from beating one of those big programs.

[GoZips]

All of you complainers: go to Dan Peters and tell him:'Dan, we need to upgrade our schedule so I will take over those duties for you GRATIS', Then you will find out what it's like to try to schedule the power conference teams.Some of you must think the staff sits there with their thumbs up their nose [or other body orfice] all daycollecting their money.I'm SICK of you complainers!If you think it's so damn easy LEAD THE WAY!

zip37, I see you got it. Keep the faith.Oh, and for you unbelievers, Dan Peters is also a friend of mine. We just had the future schedulingconversation at the On Tap last Monday night.

[GoZips]

My long time friend, now West Virginia head coach, Bob Huggins' reply to my question about bringinghis Mountaineers into the JAR was, "are you nuts?" Hugs is barely willing to consider playing the Zipsin the "Que". That is pretty much the overall thoughts of nearly all major-major Div-I head coaches.

Two questions:1. What is his stated reasoning for not wanting to play UofA?2. How do you know the motives of all major-major coaches?

GP1, Bob did not state that he is not willing to play the Zips. He will play us in Morgantown as oftenas we like. He just will not bring the Mountaineers in to the JAR. Nor, would he care to play at the Q.Bob did tell me that he might consider playing Akron at the Q if circumstances were favorable. Pleaseread that as 'Akron is a top 25 team'. Thus, a loss does not hurt WVa. Still, under no circumstanceswould Bob play in the JAR.Second, please note that I wrote "nearly all". I cannot speak for all the major-major coaches. I cantell about those coaches I have personally spoken to. I lobbied quite a bit two years ago at the LeBronSkills Academy. I spoke to several top tier coaches regarding them playing the Zps. Most were notinterested in the least. A few expressed that they would consider playing at their house. This informationwas passed on to the Akron staff by me. As for motive, wouldn't you expect any coach's motive tobe to win? You do not win in rat holes like the JAR.

[Blue & Gold]

<br />

All of you complainers: go to Dan Peters and tell him:<br /><br />'Dan, we need to upgrade our schedule so I will take over those duties for you GRATIS', <br />Then you will find out what it's like to try to schedule the power conference teams.<br /><br />Some of you must think the staff sits there with their thumbs up their nose [or other body orfice] all day<br />collecting their money.<br /><br />I'm SICK of you complainers!<br /><br />If you think it's so damn easy LEAD THE WAY!

<br /><b>zip37</b>, I see you got it. Keep the faith.<br /><br />Oh, and for you unbelievers, Dan Peters is also a friend of mine. We just had the future scheduling<br />conversation at the <b>On Tap</b> last Monday night.<br />

Well, go on. Do tell. Who are we hoping to get on the schedule?

[Quickzips]

<br />

All of you complainers: go to Dan Peters and tell him:<br /><br />'Dan, we need to upgrade our schedule so I will take over those duties for you GRATIS', <br />Then you will find out what it's like to try to schedule the power conference teams.<br /><br />Some of you must think the staff sits there with their thumbs up their nose [or other body orfice] all day<br />collecting their money.<br /><br />I'm SICK of you complainers!<br /><br />If you think it's so damn easy LEAD THE WAY!

<br /><b>zip37</b>, I see you got it. Keep the faith.<br /><br />Oh, and for you unbelievers, Dan Peters is also a friend of mine. We just had the future scheduling<br />conversation at the <b>On Tap</b> last Monday night.<br />

Well, go on. Do tell. Who are we hoping to get on the schedule?

Akron 2010-11 OOC ScheduleNotre Dame College (The one in Cleveland, not the one in South Bend)Vanderbilt (Preseason tournament)Norfolk State (Preseason tournament)Drexel (Preseason tournament)IPFWDartmouth@MarylandAmericanUniversity of Phoenix OnlineMorehead StateEast Tennessee StateFlorida A&M@St. LouisSienaJust a guess.

[GoZips]

Well, go on. Do tell. Who are we hoping to get on the schedule?

Well, we will probably have a Bracket Buster game at home next season. I know there are about sixpotential opponents currently in contract negotiations. Names I cannot, nor would give out until toldit is okay to do so. This much I can state; at this time there is no major opponent that will make you wet your skivvies. A couple of current contracts will still running next season.For all you who keep whining about playing Cleveland State .... for the umpteenth time ... until CSUhonors the existing open contract which calls for CSU to play a game at the JAR .... there will be nonew contract as long as Keith Dambrot is head coach. Unlike slick Willy Waters, coach D has integrity.

[Valpo Zip]

So Gozips, you are saying that there was a signed contract that calls for CSU to come to the JAR but they chose not to?isn't there any kind of penalty for breaching out of contract? If not then what's the point in signing contracts?

[akronzips71]

<br />

All of you complainers: go to Dan Peters and tell him:<br /><br />'Dan, we need to upgrade our schedule so I will take over those duties for you GRATIS', <br />Then you will find out what it's like to try to schedule the power conference teams.<br /><br />Some of you must think the staff sits there with their thumbs up their nose [or other body orfice] all day<br />collecting their money.<br /><br />I'm SICK of you complainers!<br /><br />If you think it's so damn easy LEAD THE WAY!

<br /><b>zip37</b>, I see you got it. Keep the faith.<br /><br />Oh, and for you unbelievers, Dan Peters is also a friend of mine. We just had the future scheduling<br />conversation at the <b>On Tap</b> last Monday night.<br />

Well, go on. Do tell. Who are we hoping to get on the schedule?

Akron 2010-11 OOC ScheduleNotre Dame College (The one in Cleveland, not the one in South Bend)Vanderbilt (Preseason tournament)Norfolk State (Preseason tournament)Drexel (Preseason tournament)IPFWDartmouth@MarylandAmericanUniversity of Phoenix OnlineMorehead StateEast Tennessee StateFlorida A&M@St. LouisSienaJust a guess.

That's really interesting. Anyone know the RPI for University of Phoenix Online?

[ziptrumpet87]

<br />

All of you complainers: go to Dan Peters and tell him:<br /><br />'Dan, we need to upgrade our schedule so I will take over those duties for you GRATIS', <br />Then you will find out what it's like to try to schedule the power conference teams.<br /><br />Some of you must think the staff sits there with their thumbs up their nose [or other body orfice] all day<br />collecting their money.<br /><br />I'm SICK of you complainers!<br /><br />If you think it's so damn easy LEAD THE WAY!

<br /><b>zip37</b>, I see you got it. Keep the faith.<br /><br />Oh, and for you unbelievers, Dan Peters is also a friend of mine. We just had the future scheduling<br />conversation at the <b>On Tap</b> last Monday night.<br />

Well, go on. Do tell. Who are we hoping to get on the schedule?

Akron 2010-11 OOC ScheduleNotre Dame College (The one in Cleveland, not the one in South Bend)Vanderbilt (Preseason tournament)Norfolk State (Preseason tournament)Drexel (Preseason tournament)IPFWDartmouth@MarylandAmericanUniversity of Phoenix OnlineMorehead StateEast Tennessee StateFlorida A&M@St. LouisSienaJust a guess.

That's really interesting. Anyone know the RPI for University of Phoenix Online?

One higher than EMU.

[RootforRoo44]

<br />

All of you complainers: go to Dan Peters and tell him:<br /><br />'Dan, we need to upgrade our schedule so I will take over those duties for you GRATIS', <br />Then you will find out what it's like to try to schedule the power conference teams.<br /><br />Some of you must think the staff sits there with their thumbs up their nose [or other body orfice] all day<br />collecting their money.<br /><br />I'm SICK of you complainers!<br /><br />If you think it's so damn easy LEAD THE WAY!

<br /><b>zip37</b>, I see you got it. Keep the faith.<br /><br />Oh, and for you unbelievers, Dan Peters is also a friend of mine. We just had the future scheduling<br />conversation at the <b>On Tap</b> last Monday night.<br />

Well, go on. Do tell. Who are we hoping to get on the schedule?

Akron 2010-11 OOC ScheduleNotre Dame College (The one in Cleveland, not the one in South Bend)Vanderbilt (Preseason tournament)Norfolk State (Preseason tournament)Drexel (Preseason tournament)IPFWDartmouth@MarylandAmericanUniversity of Phoenix OnlineMorehead StateEast Tennessee StateFlorida A&M@St. LouisSienaJust a guess.

That's really interesting. Anyone know the RPI for University of Phoenix Online?

One higher than EMU.