Akron in Diamond Head Classic

[Z.I.P.]

Where in the world is GoZips? I cannot believe he AND DaveinGreen have given Z.I.P. the scoop on the biggest news of the year (at least excepting the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson).

Here's part of what this morning's Honolulu Star-Advertiser says, quoting our coach: "We are very excited to be in an ESPN-owned tournament for a second-consecutive season. The Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic is a great tournament and once again consists of a very strong field. Like the Puerto Rico Tip-Off last season, playing in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic will allow our fans to travel to a beautiful location and see the Zips play against high-quality competition."

Congratulations coach.

The other teams in the event are George Mason, Boise State, Iowa State, Oregon State (possibly followed by the coaches vacationing bro-in-law), Saint Marys and South Carolina. All good competition. I know Dave, Cap'n and the rest of the gang will not want to miss out on a chance to follow the team to Waikiki Beach and UH-Manoa. Let's start our travel plans here.

[GoZips]

Hey, displaced Buttercup, we have to toss you a bone now and then.

It was a three way race for spot in one of three holiday tournaments. First was Anaheim, the one Dambrot really wanted,

but, they took a different team. Then Charleston tourney had an opening. Again, your coach wanted this easy travel.

But, all those candles I lit and beads through my fingers and the good Lord heard my prayer. You know that Hawai'i is the

only tournament I wanted all a long. I will see you at Christmas. This will be my second Christmas in Hawai'i.

Folks if you love celebrating Christmas, Hawai'i is the place to be. Kameamea Blvd. will be festooned in lights that will

dazzle your eyes. Hawai'i is predominately Catholic and they love to celebrate Christmas. It is a treat not to be missed.

I will begin making travel plans immediately. I love Hawai'i. And, I love my long lost pseudo bra as well.

aloha ... !!!!

[Hilltopper]

Apparently we are now know as TBA.

Diamond Head Classic

[MDZip]

Apparently we are now know as TBA.

Diamond Head Classic

Yeah, "The Bad Asses".

[ZachTheZip]

Finally, we're in a tournament where every potential opponent has name value.

[Dave in Green]

@Z.I.P., I thought you were in charge of Hawaiian news. The news hasn't even reached the online edition of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser yet, and they don't sell print editions in Green. Besides, I've been a little distracted by an overnight burglary at my wife's shop. I've never picked up so many pieces of shattered safety glass (from the front door) in my life. Hawaii would be fun if I can pull all the money together to get me and my wife over there. Since the Zips continue to have difficulty finding quality OOC opponents who will schedule them, a tournament loaded with quality opponents is the next best option for OOC SOS. This looks like a good one.

[Kangaroo Craig]

As someone who calls Temecula, CA their home, I would have loved the Anaheim site just 65 miles up the road. Maybe 2014 for that one?

[Z.I.P.]

It was a three way race for spot in one of three holiday tournaments. First was Anaheim, the one Dambrot really wanted,

but, they took a different team. Then Charleston tourney had an opening. Again, your coach wanted this easy travel.

But, all those candles I lit and beads through my fingers and the good Lord heard my prayer. You know that Hawai'i is the

only tournament I wanted all a long. I will see you at Christmas. This will be my second Christmas in Hawai'i.

Folks if you love celebrating Christmas, Hawai'i is the place to be. Kameamea Blvd. will be festooned in lights that will

dazzle your eyes. Hawai'i is predominately Catholic and they love to celebrate Christmas. It is a treat not to be missed.

I will begin making travel plans immediately. I love Hawai'i. And, I love my long lost pseudo bra as well.

aloha ... !!!!

Gozips is right on with his statement -- provided that, as I believe is the case -- Buddhism and Mormonism are branches of the Roman Catholic faith. Pretty sure the Italians and Thais I know voted for Mitt Romney. However, I must provide geographic support to the gentleman from Wadsworth, when he refers to the street fronting the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, the famous Pink Palace the sure-fire home base for all Zips-related resort holiday merriment. That would be Kalakaua Avenue. Gozips is going to be in hot water with the alumni association of Kamehameha Schools, which includes close members of the Z.I.P. family. I think he will have to buy them all dinner at Haili's Hawaiian Foods, on Palani Street.

[GoZips]

Gozips is right on with his statement -- provided that, as I believe is the case -- Buddhism and Mormonism are branches of the Roman Catholic faith. Pretty sure the Italians and Thais I know voted for Mitt Romney. However, I must provide geographic support to the gentleman from Wadsworth, when he refers to the street fronting the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, the famous Pink Palace the sure-fire home base for all Zips-related resort holiday merriment. That would be Kalakaua Boulevard. Gozips is going to be in hot water with the alumni association of Kamehameha Schools, which includes close members of the Z.I.P. family. I think he will have to buy them all dinner at Haili's Hawaiian Foods, on Palani Street.

See how foggy my memory is these days? Oddly, I originally wrote Kalakaua and then changed it, I got it confused with

Kapahulu Blvd. where Ono Hawai'ian Food restaurant is (was?) and the Honolulu Zoo (world famous and worth the time to see).

Brudda, Ono's was the one place in Hawai'i that KD really raved about. I hope they are still in business. We are coming out

regardless.

[plowerman78]

here is the press release from Hawaii http://hawaiiathletics.com/news/2013/5/7/M...KzSVAyA.twitter

[Z.I.P.]

See how foggy my memory is these days? Oddly, I originally wrote Kalakaua and then changed it, I got it confused with

Kapahulu Blvd. where Ono Hawai'ian Food restaurant is (was?) and the Honolulu Zoo (world famous and worth the time to see).

Brudda, Ono's was the one place in Hawai'i that KD really raved about. I hope they are still in business. We are coming out

regardless.

Well, I didn't make the trip to Ono's. The only Ono's I've been to is in the mall food court and I wouldn't give it a plug nickle. The one down Kapahulu way is very near Haili's Hawaiian Foods -- which is perhaps the best local food joint on the island. It's gotten more world press than probably any restaurant in the islands, and is not to be missed if you want real traditional island food.

There is a tournament banquet, but I think it's limited to the teams. In 1990 (91?), Coleman Crawford's team took a trip to Germaine's Luau on the Leeward (West) coast of O'ahu. They had a great time except that it went down into the 50s that evening, and they didn't bring any jackets! Watching Coleman do the hula was the highlight of the trip -- since as I've said before, Akron managed to lose twice, despite leading both games with under a second to go in regulation. I'm trying to remember -- has Akron actually won a game here? Did they go winless last time also, in 2001?

The press release today said this: Overall, the Zips are 4-1 against teams in the field, going 2-0 against George Mason, 1-0 against Saint Mary's and 1-1 against Boise State. I cannnot remember us ever playing either St Mary's or Boise State. When were those games? Huggins era?

[ZZZips]

Michael Beaven post on the Zips Blog on Ohio.com

http://bit.ly/135SXEn

[legendofzippy]

Finally, we're in a tournament where every potential opponent has name value.

I thought the same thing. Puts us in a good light! Should be a great early season test for our PG's.

[LZIp]

I think I'd equate it as having about the same talent as the Puerto Rico tip-off.

[Dave in Green]

The PR tournament was pretty loaded with NC State, Oklahoma State, Tennessee, UMass and Providence, and only two teams outside the top 100 (Penn State and UNC Asheville). The Hawaiian tournament looks to be a little short of that, but still not bad.

[GoZips]

The PR tournament was pretty loaded with NC State, Oklahoma State, Tennessee, UMass and Providence, and only two teams outside the top 100 (Penn State and UNC Asheville). The Hawaiian tournament looks to be a little short of that, but still not bad.

Dave, is this your excuse to your wife about why you wont be taking her to Hawai'i?

[Z.I.P.]

Dave, is this your excuse to your wife about why you wont be taking her to Hawai'i?

No, they gotta guard their household against the roving bands of looters in Greensburg. And who likes poi, anyway?

[Z.I.P.]

Comments from today's Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Columnist Dave Reardon writes, regarding the Diamond Head Classic first round matchups:

With the announcement this week of the pairings for the Diamond Head Classic, the interesting possibility of the president attending the tournament resurfaced. Last year, when it was announced that Oregon State would be in this December's field, someone wondered aloud if coach Craig Robinson would still have his job in 2013-14. Normally that'd be a good question since he has just one winning season in five years with the Beavers. But then again, he is the president's brother-in-law.

Oregon State drew Akron in the first round. Smart choice by the organizers, since if Barack Obama is even rumored to show up at the Stan Sheriff Center, you're gong to sell a lot of tickets regardless of the teams' marquee value, or lack thereof.

University of Hawaii Athletic Director Ben Jay said he sees the possibility as an opportunity. 'I am anticipating that the president will come for the game', he said. 'I have aready started talking to local agencies for what to do. Obviously we won't talk about specific security measures, but I've met with the chief of police and the FBI and my next call is to the Secret Service.'

Well, that sounds like the University of Hawaii is taking the Obama opp very seriously. But, now tell me, Zips fans, is that comment about the team's marquee value a dig at Akron's perceived image, or what? I think every Zips fan better get their tickets ASAP! The travel itinerary and options are now posted on Gozips.com!

[taxpayer]

The Zips do not have much of a name outside of our region. Remember, the last time anyone saw us or heard of us it was the unmerciful shellacking VCU put on us. No one outside of Akron cares why we suffered such a beating so the lack of name recognition will continue until the Zips take down some big named teams. Last year was a very good step considering the winning streak and the regular season's final. I'll continue to marvel at the team's accomplishment at the MAC tourney and keep that experience in my mind as I still attempt to forget Abreu's actions and the food poisoning disaster before VCU.

[zipdiehard]

I'm surprised no one else posted this. Appears the Beavers may be a little short when we meet them.

Suspended

[Z.I.P.]

I'm surprised no one else posted this. Appears the Beavers may be a little short when we meet them.

Suspended

Wow! Sounds like their top two players. Robinson better find a way to make them eligible. Hey -- Call Can't State for advice!

[MDZip]

Wow! Sounds like their top two players. Robinson better find a way to make them eligible. Hey -- Call Can't State for advice!

Probably suspended indefinitely until the season. Doesn't sound like it was a compliance paperwork violation or something serious like that.

[Z.I.P.]

Hey! The Diamond Head Classic has updated their website no the dawn of another basketball season. http://espnevents.com/diamond-head-classic/teams/

And the good news is, if you look at the roster, Zeke (and Rico and Brian W.) will be BACK for 2013-14! Guess the perogies didn't go down well! Well, I can assure Zeke he won't find any on this island! lol

[Zipmeister]

Comments from today's Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Columnist Dave Reardon writes, regarding the Diamond Head Classic first round matchups:

With the announcement this week of the pairings for the Diamond Head Classic, the interesting possibility of the president attending the tournament resurfaced. Last year, when it was announced that Oregon State would be in this December's field, someone wondered aloud if coach Craig Robinson would still have his job in 2013-14. Normally that'd be a good question since he has just one winning season in five years with the Beavers. But then again, he is the president's brother-in-law.

Oregon State drew Akron in the first round. Smart choice by the organizers, since if Barack Obama is even rumored to show up at the Stan Sheriff Center, you're gong to sell a lot of tickets regardless of the teams' marquee value, or lack thereof.

University of Hawaii Athletic Director Ben Jay said he sees the possibility as an opportunity. 'I am anticipating that the president will come for the game', he said. 'I have aready started talking to local agencies for what to do. Obviously we won't talk about specific security measures, but I've met with the chief of police and the FBI and my next call is to the Secret Service.'

Well, that sounds like the University of Hawaii is taking the Obama opp very seriously. But, now tell me, Zips fans, is that comment about the team's marquee value a dig at Akron's perceived image, or what? I think every Zips fan better get their tickets ASAP! The travel itinerary and options are now posted on Gozips.com!

FINALLY, I have a legitimate reason for not taking the wife to Hawaii for the Diamond Head Classic.

[Dave in Green]

@Zipmeister, don't give up on the Diamond Head Classic just because President Obama might show up. I understand that a conservative theater owner in Honolulu is planning to counter the possible appearance of the current POTUS by scheduling the most extensive Ronald Reagan film festival ever, featuring every movie in which the ex-POTUS ever appeared:

Love Is on the Air, Sergeant Murphy, Swing Your Lady, Accidents Will Happen, Cowboy from Brooklyn, The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse, Boy Meets Girl, Girls on Probation, Brother Rat, Going Places, Secret Service of the Air, Dark Victory, Code of the Secret Service, Naughty but Nice, Hell's Kitchen, The Angels Wash Their Faces, Smashing the Money Ring, Sword Fishing, Brother Rat and a Baby, An Angel from Texas, Murder in the Air, Knute Rockne All American, Tugboat Annie Sails Again, Alice in Movieland, Santa Fe Trail, The Bad Man Gilbert, Million Dollar Baby, International Squadron, Nine Lives Are Not Enough, Recognition of the Japanese Zero Fighter, Kings Row, Juke Girl, Mister Gardenia Jones, Desperate Journey, Beyond the Line of Duty, Cadet Classification, The Rear Gunner, For God and Country, This Is the Army, Target Tokyo, The Fight for the Sky, The Stilwell Road, Wings for This Man, Stallion Road, That Hagen Girl, The Voice of the Turtle, John Loves Mary, Night Unto Night, The Girl from Jones Beach, The Hasty Heart, It's a Great Feeling, Louisa, The Big Truth, Storm Warning, The Last Outpost, Bedtime for Bonzo, Hong Kong, The Winning Team, She's Working Her Way Through College, Tropic Zone, Law and Order, Prisoner of War, Cattle Queen of Montana, Tennessee's Partner, Hellcats of the Navy, The Young Doctors, Heritage of Splendor, and The Killers.