UAZip0510 Posted March 21, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2012 No Dave, I never said it was ridiculous to have a goal to make the Sweet 16. I said it was ridiculous for someone to somehow claim that the 2012 Zips almost reached that goal. When did I claim that? The only thing I said is that the 1 point loss leaves us to wonder what might have been. You're twisting my words. Let's go back to my original, exact quote: "If Walsh's jumper went in, could this have been us? Hopefully that thought makes Dambrot, his players, and his coaching staff hungrier than they've ever been before to get a 2nd chance and finish the job this time. This team has just as much, if not more talent than OU. The 2012-2013 NCAA Tournament representative might be decided by who works the hardest this offseason." I didn't say they would have reached the Sweet 16. I didn't say they would have even gotten out of the first round. Most importantly, I never said they were close to reaching the goal of the Sweet 16. I said that it would have been possible for the Zips to have a chance to do what OU has done had Walsh's jumper gone down won the game for Akron. I then said that I hope missing the opportunity at trying to do what OU has done drives the players and coaches this offseason. Seeing as how defeating OU would have given Akron the chance to do what OU has done, what is so ridiculous about those statements? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Zip Posted March 21, 2012 Report Share Posted March 21, 2012 @UAZips0510 by your logic our football team has the chance to win the National Championship this year. With the basketball team why stop at the Sweet 16 why not the National Championship. How does the saying go....If "ifs and buts" were candy and nuts we'd all have a Merry Christmas. This team came up short when it counted. This was not about a missed jumper this game was about plenty of more failed/missed opportunities. The turnovers were unacceptable. The team then proceeded to prove exactly what kind of team they were (not the team you are suggesting by the way) by losing the first game in the NIT. I'd find it a lot easier to agree with you if this team went on to play in the NIT Champinoship or something along those lines but this team couldn't beat a team that has never been to the NCAA tournament. It is time to stop making excuses for this team and treat them like men. They failed at their mission to get to the NCAA tournament and then they bowed out in the first game of the Not In Tournament tournament. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave in Green Posted March 21, 2012 Report Share Posted March 21, 2012 When I look back on this season as a whole, I see the promise of better things for the Zips. But the promise wasn't fully realized this season, which ultimately resulted in disappointment for all of us. I see a lot of the promise reflected in some of the observations here and a lot of the disappointment in others, and I understand where each is coming from because I've felt them both at various times. When I think of this season from a mostly negative point of view, it makes me feel depressed about the thought of next season being similar. When I focus more on the positive than the negative, the promise of what these Zips could be makes me feel good about next season. So I choose to focus more on the positive while understanding that others choose to look at it more from the opposite point of view. No one is going to change my outlook, and I'm not going to try to change anyone else's outlook. The world would be a boriing place if we all saw and intepreted things the same way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UAZip0510 Posted March 21, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2012 @UAZips0510 by your logic our football team has the chance to win the National Championship this year. With the basketball team why stop at the Sweet 16 why not the National Championship. How does the saying go....If "ifs and buts" were candy and nuts we'd all have a Merry Christmas. This team came up short when it counted. This was not about a missed jumper this game was about plenty of more failed/missed opportunities. The turnovers were unacceptable. The team then proceeded to prove exactly what kind of team they were (not the team you are suggesting by the way) by losing the first game in the NIT. I'd find it a lot easier to agree with you if this team went on to play in the NIT Champinoship or something along those lines but this team couldn't beat a team that has never been to the NCAA tournament. It is time to stop making excuses for this team and treat them like men. They failed at their mission to get to the NCAA tournament and then they bowed out in the first game of the Not In Tournament tournament. Except that it's not like that in any way, shape, or form. Again, read what I wrote: "If Walsh's jumper went in, could this have been us? Hopefully that thought makes Dambrot, his players, and his coaching staff hungrier than they've ever been before to get a 2nd chance and finish the job this time. This team has just as much, if not more talent than OU. The 2012-2013 NCAA Tournament representative might be decided by who works the hardest this offseason." Things I Did Say - They were a a shot away from winning the MAC Title, which is a fact, considering they lost by 1 point and a field goal is worth 2 points. - Had they won the MAC Title and qualified for the tournament, they would have had the opportunity to possibly advance, which is the same opportunity each of the 68 teams that qualify share. Another fact. - That I hope the missed opportunity drives them this offseason. Things I Didn't Say - The Zips deserved to beat OU. - The Zips would have won a 1st round NCAA Tournament game - The Zips would have made the Sweet 16 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Zip Posted March 21, 2012 Report Share Posted March 21, 2012 The Zips have the opportunity to win every game, they have the opportunity to win the NCAA championship...opportunity and reality are the not even close unfortunately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UAZip0510 Posted March 21, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2012 When I look back on this season as a whole, I see the promise of better things for the Zips. But the promise wasn't fully realized this season, which ultimately resulted in disappointment for all of us. I see a lot of the promise reflected in some of the observations here and a lot of the disappointment in others, and I understand where each is coming from because I've felt them both at various times. When I think of this season from a mostly negative point of view, it makes me feel depressed about the thought of next season being similar. When I focus more on the positive than the negative, the promise of what these Zips could be makes me feel good about next season. So I choose to focus more on the positive while understanding that others choose to look at it more from the opposite point of view. No one is going to change my outlook, and I'm not going to try to change anyone else's outlook. The world would be a boriing place if we all saw and intepreted things the same way. I'm with you 100%. We're obviously all disappointed in the end result. Instead of stewing over what things that went wrong this year that cannot be changed, I choose to look forward (hence the thread title) and discuss what this team needs to do to make sure this same disappointment doesn't happen again next year. In a weird way, it's my way of "getting over" this pain of how this season ended. So about 2012-2013...can we please get back to that disussion? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UAZip0510 Posted March 21, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2012 When I look back on this season as a whole, I see the promise of better things for the Zips. But the promise wasn't fully realized this season, which ultimately resulted in disappointment for all of us. I see a lot of the promise reflected in some of the observations here and a lot of the disappointment in others, and I understand where each is coming from because I've felt them both at various times. When I think of this season from a mostly negative point of view, it makes me feel depressed about the thought of next season being similar. When I focus more on the positive than the negative, the promise of what these Zips could be makes me feel good about next season. So I choose to focus more on the positive while understanding that others choose to look at it more from the opposite point of view. No one is going to change my outlook, and I'm not going to try to change anyone else's outlook. The world would be a boriing place if we all saw and intepreted things the same way. I'm with you 100%. We're obviously all disappointed in the end result. Instead of stewing over what things that went wrong this year that cannot be changed, I choose to look forward (hence the thread title) and discuss what this team needs to do to make sure this same disappointment doesn't happen again next year. In a weird way, it's my way of "getting over" this pain of how this season ended. So about 2012-2013...can we please get back to that disussion? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UAZip0510 Posted March 21, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2012 The Zips have the opportunity to win every game, they have the opportunity to win the NCAA championship...opportunity and reality are the not even close unfortunately. OK Big Zip...sounds good. Back to the original discussion now. Concerning 2012-2013, who, aside from OU, do you guys think is our main threat in the MAC? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UAZipster0305 Posted March 21, 2012 Report Share Posted March 21, 2012 Back to the original discussion now. Concerning 2012-2013, who, aside from OU, do you guys think is our main threat in the MAC? Canada, hands down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Class of 82 Posted March 21, 2012 Report Share Posted March 21, 2012 OK Big Zip...sounds good. Back to the original discussion now. Concerning 2012-2013, who, aside from OU, do you guys think is our main threat in the MAC? Buffalo losing Watt and Filzen will be a far different team, but they should still be pretty good. With all due respect to DJ Cooper, I think Rian Pearson may be the best player in the league so I have to believe Toledo could be a factor. If K-ent reloads with a couple of stud junior-college mercenaries, as I expect them to, they might also surprise. I know they will be playing us tough in any case. Ohio is going to be the favorite to win the MAC next year, with Akron right there and very capable of being the spoiler. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltopper Posted March 21, 2012 Report Share Posted March 21, 2012 If K-ent reloads with a couple of stud junior-college mercenaries, as I expect them to, they might also surprise. I know they will be playing us tough in any case. Word on the street is that Can't is not going to be signing anymore JC players for quite a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valpo Zip Posted March 21, 2012 Report Share Posted March 21, 2012 So about 2012-2013...can we please get back to that disussion? Miami, WMU, CMU are a mess. NIU, EMU, Ball state: not enough talent. But making the best of what they have. Can't and Buffalo will be rebuilding. Decent but not contenders. Akron, Ohio, and Toledo: Contenders. BG: have no idea where to classify this team. As far as the contenders go: Ohio: if Groce, Cooper, and every one else return, this is their conference to lose. In the case if Groce leaves, they're just another contender depending on who replaces him. If Cooper leaves (wishful thinking), the bobcats fall back to the rebuilding category with Can't and Buffalo. Akron: Great talent, great depth, but so they were for a while. Somehow, however, they always find a way to under achieve. Toledo: depending on their incoming class and the off season development of their current players, watch out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burrdie Posted March 21, 2012 Report Share Posted March 21, 2012 I can hear the frustration of the zips fans loud and clear. But the season is over and now we need to start thinking positively about next season, what is done is done. Personally, I think we should ALL attend the dinner for this great team on April 12, I know I will be there. I don't think that negative thoughts are really good karma. Let's look forward to a great season with great players and give them our positive karma. We need to move on, at least that is how I see it and the way I am handling it. My heart went out to the players at the Q and NW, let's chalk it up to a learning experience to make them stronger and better. Go Zips! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burrdie Posted March 21, 2012 Report Share Posted March 21, 2012 This is my screen saver, my support to this team Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave in Green Posted March 21, 2012 Report Share Posted March 21, 2012 The Zips return a solid, proven, 7-man rotation anchored by 3 seniors (Zeke, Q, Gilliam) and 2 juniors (Rico, Walsh). Those experienced players are backed by 2 talented and athletic sophomore bigs with a full season's experience (Tree, Harney). There's also a 3rd sophomore big with a year's experience (Egner). I count these 3 as sophomores with the understanding that Tree and Harney will likely earn a 5th year of eligibility, and Egner will be successful in getting a medical redshirt and a 5th year of eligibility. Add to that a 6-3 guard with 6-9 wingspan who at least has a partial season of college experience (Ibitayo), and the Zips will be 9-deep in players who are all familiar with the Zips system. Even if none of the freshmen play a single minute, the Zips are deep enough in experienced talent to win both MAC championships and win games in the NCAA tournament. Doesn't mean they will. But the potential is there for these talented players with another year of experience to be even better next season. And while potential doesn't win championships, teams without potential aren't even in the discussion. It takes potential plus hard work and execution to win big games and championships. As far as I know, the top 7 returning players are generally well thought of by most Zips fans. Assuming they all raise their level of play another notch next season, I don't expect we will have a situation as we did with Nitro this season where he appeared to lose confidence, lose his game, and lose the support of the fans. The one thing I would like to see is a tougher physical fitness program for all the Zips players focusing on endurance. I want to see them run back and forth up and down the court on both offense and defense, and after an extended run of that see the other teams' players gasping for breath and not the Zips. OU returns all their players and will be the MAC favorites. If OU improves as much or more than the Zips improve, the Zips will likely be runners-up again next season. The key to next season is for the Zips to improve more as individual players, to mesh better as a team, and to focus more on the type of game it will take to beat OU. The Zips need to develop an attitude that they are better than the Bobkitties, they need to get a chip on their shoulder to prove it, and then they need to go execute. Other teams in the MAC would have to improve a lot to challenge the Zips or OU next season. It could happen, but I don't see it right now. Some teams might surprise during the regular conference season. But the cream usually rises to the top at the Q. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UAZip0510 Posted March 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2012 Bleacher Report named Zeke as one of the Top 25 seniors heading into 2012-2013. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FromdaBurgh Posted March 26, 2012 Report Share Posted March 26, 2012 Bleacher Report named Zeke as one of the Top 25 seniors heading into 2012-2013. SWEET!!!! Lets be about it Zeke!! Time to UP ur game! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDZip Posted February 5, 2013 Report Share Posted February 5, 2013 I know its a bit of sacrilege to look too far ahead but I'm quite hopeful for this team. Realistically, if the Zips make the tourney, they will be likely be no better than an 11 seed and certainly no worse than a 14. So since seeds 11 and 14 & 12 and 13 play in the same cities there are only 8 possible places the Zips could play. Four great places Philadelphia Dayton Detroit Lexington Ok, but would prefer closer Austin Kansas City A little less desirable San Jose Salt Lake Would be nice to be in a place with as many Zips fans as possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mivid12 Posted February 5, 2013 Report Share Posted February 5, 2013 I know its a bit of sacrilege to look too far ahead but I'm quite hopeful for this team. Realistically, if the Zips make the tourney, they will be likely be no better than an 11 seed and certainly no worse than a 14. So since seeds 11 and 14 & 12 and 13 play in the same cities there are only 8 possible places the Zips could play. Four great places Philadelphia Dayton Detroit Lexington Ok, but would prefer closer Austin Kansas City A little less desirable San Jose Salt Lake Would be nice to be in a place with as many Zips fans as possible. Detroit and great in the same sentence....i'll pass.....i'd go to austin in a heartbeat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave in Green Posted February 5, 2013 Report Share Posted February 5, 2013 The Detroit site is not in Detroit. It's the Palace of Auburn Hills, a nice facility comparable to the Q in an upscale area 30 miles north of Detroit. I've spent a lot of time up in that area, and can assure you that it would be a great place to see the Zips play. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z.I.P. Posted February 5, 2013 Report Share Posted February 5, 2013 I just checked out tix prices for the closest site to Z.I.P., Hewlett-Packard Arena, San Jose. $182/all session ticket. Is that three games? V. Steep, IAC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zip Watcher Posted February 5, 2013 Report Share Posted February 5, 2013 I just checked out tix prices for the closest site to Z.I.P., Hewlett-Packard Arena, San Jose. $182/all session ticket. Is that three games? V. Steep, IAC. That should be 6 games in 3 sessions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z.I.P. Posted February 5, 2013 Report Share Posted February 5, 2013 That should be 6 games in 3 sessions. Okay -- Right, gotcha. The best available tix were already in the nosebleed section -- which makes it better to get them through the team, if/when needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skip-zip Posted February 6, 2013 Report Share Posted February 6, 2013 The Detroit site is not in Detroit. It's the Palace of Auburn Hills, a nice facility comparable to the Q in an upscale area 30 miles north of Detroit. I've spent a lot of time up in that area, and can assure you that it would be a great place to see the Zips play. Agreed. Auburn Hills is really nice. So is the Palace. Although it's only a short drive from Detroit, it seems like a world away. That would be awesome to be within 4 hours. I think a lot of people would make that trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akronzips71 Posted February 6, 2013 Report Share Posted February 6, 2013 I hold out hope for Philadelphia. I could make it there to watch the Zips in person for the first time since 1972. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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