Zips vs. CSU

[Captain Kangaroo]

IMO - this game is HUGE, if anyone cares about getting butts in the JAR over the course of the next month. A win over CSU will get us a lot of nice local press, and cheer-up a fan base reeling from the post-Mississippi State string of "L's." Another 20-point loss would be a major, major disappointment.

[anonymous hippo]

I placed a vote for what I wanted to happen.. Zips realize what's at stake. Focus on beating CSU, and take game #1 of the NE Ohio crown (YSU and K.e.n.t up next).

Realistically? ...I think it's a double-digit loss. This team has no leader, but full of ego. That combination = sloppy, selfish play. Something drastic needs to happen for things to start turning in the right direction. WHO'S GOING TO STEP UP?!

[RootforRoo44]

Want a good example of why this team is in big trouble?

I wrote a blog post calling out the zips for lack of leadership and pride (BEFORE the MTSU game) and i received a hate-filled "rebuttal" from one of their grad assistants. He spent easily an hour on a two-page thing. It just shows how we complain and make excuses rather than go out and get it done. I have half a mind to put the whole thing up here but I don't want to out the guy and do any more harm to this program.

Saturday will be a great test to see if we really have anything in the way of heart or character...and it wont be about winning or losing, just the effort.

[anonymous hippo]

Saturday will be a great test to see if we really have anything in the way of heart or character...and it wont be about winning or losing, just the effort.

Exactly! Well said. It's time to start understanding the urgency of playing together and at our full potential.

Just look at the votes up top, MANY Zips fans seem to be under the impression that the MBB are not going to show up on saturday. Hard not to believe that the way this team is playing (i say team loosely)

[Blue & Gold]

I have half a mind to put the whole thing up here but I don't want to out the guy and do any more harm to this program.

You're a good fan.

I voted we lose by 10+. Gary Waters is going to have his team pressuring the ball. The slightly gimpy Rico's gotta step up.

[UAZip0510]

Want a good example of why this team is in big trouble?

I wrote a blog post calling out the zips for lack of leadership and pride (BEFORE the MTSU game) and i received a hate-filled "rebuttal" from one of their grad assistants. He spent easily an hour on a two-page thing. It just shows how we complain and make excuses rather than go out and get it done. I have half a mind to put the whole thing up here but I don't want to out the guy and do any more harm to this program.

Saturday will be a great test to see if we really have anything in the way of heart or character...and it wont be about winning or losing, just the effort.

Would you want really want him to agree with you that there's no pride/leadership? And how exactly does a member of their staff defending their players mean that this team is in big trouble?

C'mon now...listen - go here (http://zipsnation.org/forums//index.php?showtopic=24982), take a few deep breaths, and relax.

[UAZip0510]

Want a good example of why this team is in big trouble?

I wrote a blog post calling out the zips for lack of leadership and pride (BEFORE the MTSU game) and i received a hate-filled "rebuttal" from one of their grad assistants. He spent easily an hour on a two-page thing. It just shows how we complain and make excuses rather than go out and get it done. I have half a mind to put the whole thing up here but I don't want to out the guy and do any more harm to this program.

Saturday will be a great test to see if we really have anything in the way of heart or character...and it wont be about winning or losing, just the effort.

Would you want really want him to agree with you that there's no pride/leadership? And how exactly does a member of their staff defending their players mean that this team is in big trouble?

C'mon now...listen - go here (http://zipsnation.org/forums//index.php?showtopic=24982), take a few deep breaths, and relax.

[RootforRoo44]

Want a good example of why this team is in big trouble?

I wrote a blog post calling out the zips for lack of leadership and pride (BEFORE the MTSU game) and i received a hate-filled "rebuttal" from one of their grad assistants. He spent easily an hour on a two-page thing. It just shows how we complain and make excuses rather than go out and get it done. I have half a mind to put the whole thing up here but I don't want to out the guy and do any more harm to this program.

Saturday will be a great test to see if we really have anything in the way of heart or character...and it wont be about winning or losing, just the effort.

Would you want really want him to agree with you that there's no pride/leadership? And how exactly does a member of their staff defending their players mean that this team is in big trouble?

C'mon now...listen - go here (http://zipsnation.org/forums//index.php?showtopic=24982), take a few deep breaths, and relax.

No, my biggest issue is that this defense of the team was the biggest showing of team pride that i've seen all year....and it came from a grad assistant.

And disagreeing is one thing, writing an essay on why i'm an asshole is ridiculous. I just think it's a good example of where this team is as a unit. Someone needs to man up and take responsibility. And trust me, i'm very calm and relaxed. I have plenty of faith in Keith Dambrot getting these guys ready eventually. Problem is, if we keep tanking it and don't figure it out sooner rather than later, we can say 'bye-bye' to the first round bye in the MAC tourney.

I know I know, "we've been in this situation before"...not exactly. This team is different from the other early season slumps. These guys are losing the ENTIRE game, not just for stretches of each game. They are being out-hustled and out-played by teams on equal or lower talent levels. I can handle a team losing with some effort, i can't respect a team that goes down with a whimper and beats themselves. I already had to watch a team this fall do that for 12 games.

[Zipmeister]

Smart money says get 8 to take the Zips.

I say the Zips win by 14.

[Doug Snyder]

Want a good example of why this team is in big trouble?

I wrote a blog post calling out the zips for lack of leadership and pride (BEFORE the MTSU game) and i received a hate-filled "rebuttal" from one of their grad assistants. He spent easily an hour on a two-page thing. It just shows how we complain and make excuses rather than go out and get it done. I have half a mind to put the whole thing up here but I don't want to out the guy and do any more harm to this program.

Saturday will be a great test to see if we really have anything in the way of heart or character...and it wont be about winning or losing, just the effort.

Would you want really want him to agree with you that there's no pride/leadership? And how exactly does a member of their staff defending their players mean that this team is in big trouble?

C'mon now...listen - go here (http://zipsnation.org/forums//index.php?showtopic=24982), take a few deep breaths, and relax.

No, my biggest issue is that this defense of the team was the biggest showing of team pride that i've seen all year....and it came from a grad assistant.

And disagreeing is one thing, writing an essay on why i'm an asshole is ridiculous. I just think it's a good example of where this team is as a unit. Someone needs to man up and take responsibility. And trust me, i'm very calm and relaxed. I have plenty of faith in Keith Dambrot getting these guys ready eventually. Problem is, if we keep tanking it and don't figure it out sooner rather than later, we can say 'bye-bye' to the first round bye in the MAC tourney.

I know I know, "we've been in this situation before"...not exactly. This team is different from the other early season slumps. These guys are losing the ENTIRE game, not just for stretches of each game. They are being out-hustled and out-played by teams on equal or lower talent levels. I can handle a team losing with some effort, i can't respect a team that goes down with a whimper and beats themselves. I already had to watch a team this fall do that for 12 games.

Well.. technically 11

Don't out the guy but send the letter to KD. The grad assistants are there to learn and this may be a learning experiance for him. If KD is not aware of the letter...no learning will take place. Just my opinion...

[UAZip0510]

Want a good example of why this team is in big trouble?

I wrote a blog post calling out the zips for lack of leadership and pride (BEFORE the MTSU game) and i received a hate-filled "rebuttal" from one of their grad assistants. He spent easily an hour on a two-page thing. It just shows how we complain and make excuses rather than go out and get it done. I have half a mind to put the whole thing up here but I don't want to out the guy and do any more harm to this program.

Saturday will be a great test to see if we really have anything in the way of heart or character...and it wont be about winning or losing, just the effort.

Would you want really want him to agree with you that there's no pride/leadership? And how exactly does a member of their staff defending their players mean that this team is in big trouble?

C'mon now...listen - go here (http://zipsnation.org/forums//index.php?showtopic=24982), take a few deep breaths, and relax.

No, my biggest issue is that this defense of the team was the biggest showing of team pride that i've seen all year....and it came from a grad assistant.

And disagreeing is one thing, writing an essay on why i'm an asshole is ridiculous. I just think it's a good example of where this team is as a unit. Someone needs to man up and take responsibility. And trust me, i'm very calm and relaxed. I have plenty of faith in Keith Dambrot getting these guys ready eventually. Problem is, if we keep tanking it and don't figure it out sooner rather than later, we can say 'bye-bye' to the first round bye in the MAC tourney.

I know I know, "we've been in this situation before"...not exactly. This team is different from the other early season slumps. These guys are losing the ENTIRE game, not just for stretches of each game. They are being out-hustled and out-played by teams on equal or lower talent levels. I can handle a team losing with some effort, i can't respect a team that goes down with a whimper and beats themselves. I already had to watch a team this fall do that for 12 games.

We haven't started MAC play and you're worried about losing a 1st round bye? It's a marathon, not a sprint. If they start playing .500 ball within the conference, I'll start worrying with you. Until then, I think you're overreacting.

[t900442]

Went to the CSU-Can't State game a couple weeks ago and both teams are extremely quick, athletic, challenge every pass and shot. The Zips have not shown that they can handle pressure well, and with both Abreu and Walsh hurting, it could get very ugly very early Saturday. The key for the Zips is to get back quickly on defense, stop CSU's transition game, and force them to play in a set offense that does not suit them as well.

[RootforRoo44]

Want a good example of why this team is in big trouble?

I wrote a blog post calling out the zips for lack of leadership and pride (BEFORE the MTSU game) and i received a hate-filled "rebuttal" from one of their grad assistants. He spent easily an hour on a two-page thing. It just shows how we complain and make excuses rather than go out and get it done. I have half a mind to put the whole thing up here but I don't want to out the guy and do any more harm to this program.

Saturday will be a great test to see if we really have anything in the way of heart or character...and it wont be about winning or losing, just the effort.

Would you want really want him to agree with you that there's no pride/leadership? And how exactly does a member of their staff defending their players mean that this team is in big trouble?

C'mon now...listen - go here (http://zipsnation.org/forums//index.php?showtopic=24982), take a few deep breaths, and relax.

No, my biggest issue is that this defense of the team was the biggest showing of team pride that i've seen all year....and it came from a grad assistant.

And disagreeing is one thing, writing an essay on why i'm an asshole is ridiculous. I just think it's a good example of where this team is as a unit. Someone needs to man up and take responsibility. And trust me, i'm very calm and relaxed. I have plenty of faith in Keith Dambrot getting these guys ready eventually. Problem is, if we keep tanking it and don't figure it out sooner rather than later, we can say 'bye-bye' to the first round bye in the MAC tourney.

I know I know, "we've been in this situation before"...not exactly. This team is different from the other early season slumps. These guys are losing the ENTIRE game, not just for stretches of each game. They are being out-hustled and out-played by teams on equal or lower talent levels. I can handle a team losing with some effort, i can't respect a team that goes down with a whimper and beats themselves. I already had to watch a team this fall do that for 12 games.

We haven't started MAC play and you're worried about losing a 1st round bye? It's a marathon, not a sprint. If they start playing .500 ball within the conference, I'll start worrying with you. Until then, I think you're overreacting.

That's the thing, these games are what builds you for the big games coming in january. It's not like we are playing close games where we play up to our opponents ability. We LOOK BAD and that's not a good sign. I hope i'm wrong, but the way it looks now, you'll likely be worrying with me come February.

All that said, i'm still 100% behind the team and won't miss a game. This saturday is tough with the women's team having such a big one, but CSU is like a mini Can't State game...it's big.

[GP1]

KD has a way of bringing the troops together after a couple of loses. Zips win.

[Roo]

Went to the CSU-Can't State game a couple weeks ago and both teams are extremely quick, athletic, challenge every pass and shot. The Zips have not shown that they can handle pressure well, and with both Abreu and Walsh hurting, it could get very ugly very early Saturday. The key for the Zips is to get back quickly on defense, stop CSU's transition game, and force them to play in a set offense that does not suit them as well.

This is where you are wrong. This team can still play in the half court, they are a fast team on defense, not offense. They run their sets, they work inside out and they have guys that can create and attack and they got guys that can shoot.

This is a very completely team. The only thing that do not do well is stay out of foul trouble. They pressure like crazy, but they can foul.

This game isn't going to be close. Akron doesn't have the guard play to match up. I can see this one getting ugly, but I am going to say it's 72-56

[B4110]

Rough start to a still productive year. This team is going to mature and continue to show signs of who they will be. The Cleveland State game is the fist step. I expect a close game. Zips win in the end.

[B4110]

I placed a vote for what I wanted to happen.. Zips realize what's at stake. Focus on beating CSU, and take game #1 of the NE Ohio crown (YSU and K.e.n.t up next).

Realistically? ...I think it's a double-digit loss. This team has no leader, but full of ego. That combination = sloppy, selfish play. Something drastic needs to happen for things to start turning in the right direction. WHO'S GOING TO STEP UP?!

I think the team will make a turnaround and emerge as the team we expected from the beginning. The leadership is going to come from younger players I believe. CSU will be the start of a new identity coming. Tree is playing and I believe he will ultimately lead this team. His presence seems to instill confidence in his teamates. Move past these stumbling blocks and rest assure WE are rooting for the best team in the MAC. GO ZIPS!!!!!!

[gczip22]

Want a good example of why this team is in big trouble?

I wrote a blog post calling out the zips for lack of leadership and pride (BEFORE the MTSU game) and i received a hate-filled "rebuttal" from one of their grad assistants. He spent easily an hour on a two-page thing. It just shows how we complain and make excuses rather than go out and get it done. I have half a mind to put the whole thing up here but I don't want to out the guy and do any more harm to this program.

Saturday will be a great test to see if we really have anything in the way of heart or character...and it wont be about winning or losing, just the effort.

Would you want really want him to agree with you that there's no pride/leadership? And how exactly does a member of their staff defending their players mean that this team is in big trouble?

C'mon now...listen - go here (http://zipsnation.org/forums//index.php?showtopic=24982), take a few deep breaths, and relax.

No, my biggest issue is that this defense of the team was the biggest showing of team pride that i've seen all year....and it came from a grad assistant.

And disagreeing is one thing, writing an essay on why i'm an asshole is ridiculous. I just think it's a good example of where this team is as a unit. Someone needs to man up and take responsibility. And trust me, i'm very calm and relaxed. I have plenty of faith in Keith Dambrot getting these guys ready eventually. Problem is, if we keep tanking it and don't figure it out sooner rather than later, we can say 'bye-bye' to the first round bye in the MAC tourney.

I know I know, "we've been in this situation before"...not exactly. This team is different from the other early season slumps. These guys are losing the ENTIRE game, not just for stretches of each game. They are being out-hustled and out-played by teams on equal or lower talent levels. I can handle a team losing with some effort, i can't respect a team that goes down with a whimper and beats themselves. I already had to watch a team this fall do that for 12 games.

We haven't started MAC play and you're worried about losing a 1st round bye? It's a marathon, not a sprint. If they start playing .500 ball within the conference, I'll start worrying with you. Until then, I think you're overreacting.

No one called you any names in the response, much less an asshole...you presented an argument on what you thought was wrong with the team...you were presented a counter-argument on why you were wrong...you were given statistical data to prove you were wrong, you were given basketball philosophy to prove you were wrong....in no point of the letter were you called any names

If you'd like to refute that this isn't true, I'll gladly go over the letter with you myself...it wasn't hate-filled, it was fact driven and honest...most of all it was PRIVATE...but as was said in the letter, before you make things public, be sure what you're saying is true and correct

[BirdZip]

I think I might know who wrote the letter...

[GoZips]

No one called you any names in the response, much less an asshole...you presented an argument on what you thought was wrong with the team...you were presented a counter-argument on why you were wrong...you were given statistical data to prove you were wrong, you were given basketball philosophy to prove you were wrong....in no point of the letter were you called any names

If you'd like to refute that this isn't true, I'll gladly go over the letter with you myself...it wasn't hate-filled, it was fact driven and honest...most of all it was PRIVATE...but as was said in the letter, before you make things public, be sure what you're saying is true and correct

Based on what I know; gczip22 probably has the most accurate "read" on the situation.

It is time to stop the rumors, guessing, second guessing and fear mongering.

Coach Dambrot has enough on his plate without Akron kin back biting him.

Good news is that Tree might play Saturday. No guarantees on this; just a hunch.

[Doug Snyder]

No one called you any names in the response, much less an asshole...you presented an argument on what you thought was wrong with the team...you were presented a counter-argument on why you were wrong...you were given statistical data to prove you were wrong, you were given basketball philosophy to prove you were wrong....in no point of the letter were you called any names

If you'd like to refute that this isn't true, I'll gladly go over the letter with you myself...it wasn't hate-filled, it was fact driven and honest...most of all it was PRIVATE...but as was said in the letter, before you make things public, be sure what you're saying is true and correct

Based on what I know; gczip22 probably has the most accurate "read" on the situation.

It is time to stop the rumors, guessing, second guessing and fear mongering.

Coach Dambrot has enough on his plate without ZipsNation kin back biting him.

Good news is that Tree might play Saturday. No guarantees on this; just a hunch.

Hunch: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hunch

noun

5. a premonition or suspicion; guess

Sorry GoZips... it was there...had to take it

I get what you mean though...let's leave this issue die. It serves no ones best interest. If RootForRoo44 still has an issue...he can discuss it in person with the GA. Both will be better for it and hopefully both will learn from it.

Go Zips!!!