2014-2015

[UAZip0510]

Should Be Easy - UMBC, Bryant, APB, Western Illinois, Bluffton, Coppin State

Expect to Win - USC, Middle Tennessee, Marshall, Western Michigan, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, at Northern Illinois, Ball State, at Bowling Green, Buffalo, Can't State, at EMU, Miami (OH, at Miami (OH)

Toss-Ups - at Penn State, at ND State, at Toledo, at Western Michigan, at Ohio, Toledo, at Buffalo, Ohio, at Can't State, Drexel/Miami, Nov 23rd game

In my eyes there are 20 wins on the schedule with 11 on the schedule that I can see go either way.

[Dave in Green]

I stumbled across a Sporting News pre-season college basketball magazine at the store and read what it had to say about the Zips. They had several quotes from Coach Dambrot, including his concern about how bad the assist-to-turnover ratio was last season. The story mentions that Noah Robotham (who they list at 6-1) is mature beyond his age and runs the team very smoothly while Antino Jackson (5-11) is really quick but may need to add strength.

Now the interesting part: Remember how GoZips has been telling us how well BJ Gladden (6-6) can play the point? The story notes that BJ is an outstanding ball handler who could well start the season running the point from the forward position until one of the true PGs proves he can handle the job at the college level. Coach Dambrot is directly quoted comparing the situation to his high school coaching days when he had LeBron running the team as a point forward. It sounds like high praise for a redshirt freshman. BJ could develop into quite a player over the next four seasons.

[Dave in Green]

More Zips basketball news: The new roster is now up on gozips.com and there are some minor items to report. First, the official roster confirms that Noah is 6-1 -- a little taller than the PGs who've been running the Zips over the past few years. Also, Tree is still listed at 6-7, 235 lb, not the 6-8, 250 that GT optimistically reported back in July. I don't see any changes in anyone's height or weight from last season, so they've all apparently stopped growing.

Only two players on the roster are listed as pure forwards -- Tree and Kwan. BJ is listed as a wing/forward and Jake and Reggie are still listed as wings. Pat and Big Dog are of course the two centers and the rest are listed as guards. Jimond Ivey is the only player listed without a uniform number, adding credence to the suspicion that he may not be playing this season.

With Steve McNees and Brian Walsh moving on from their graduate assistant positions, two news ones have been named: Cameron Black and Marcus Smith. Cam played center for Bowling Green the past four seasons after graduating from Kent_Roosevelt HS. At one time he was interested in playing for UA and was seen at the JAR prior to ending up at BGSU.

Marcus comes to UA from Seton Hill, where he was a graduate assistant. He has a really intriguing background, including strong Ohio recruiting ties, that's outlined in detail on the Seton Hill website. Instead of trying to paraphrase it all here, I think everyone would find it worthwhile to read everything about Marcus at this link. He's not your typical graduate assistant.

[LZIp]

I'm not sure getting drilled by by 20 at Kansas is going to be the difference between this team making a run or not. You're not going to get many teams in the 30-60 range that want to play you. So you're left with good mid-majors and low-end BCS teams, which is what this schedule features.

Whomever holds the position that Akron plays "nobody" because they don't want to needs to investigate the number of teams that turn Akron down year after year.

I think experience against playing against top teams (who they would be playing in the tourney as a low seed) can't be a bad thing. In your post above, I noticed you didn't list any games as "probable losses". I kind of see it as a disservice to the team if we aren't giving them real tests. I see it as very important to have a game or two like that in the OCC, especially with how meaningless the OOC is in basketball compared to something like football. I wonder if OU fans/players would have rather played Coppin St or OSU last season. Same can be said for Toledo and Kansas. You learn more from losing than you do from winning.

About to go on a little GP1-esque off topic rant. Back in high school I played football and my class was pretty good. We lost something 9 game in our HS career (5 of them my freshman season). We played in a weak conference, but would blow teams out 40+ to nothing 6 or 7 games a season. We played maybe 1 or two challenging games per regular season, and won only 1 playoff game in 4 seasons. Looking back, I wish we would have played tougher teams in the regular season to help prepare us more for the post season. We would have been better conditioned as well as better overall from the experience of playing top quality teams. I would have rather went 7-3 or 8-2 and have some post season success than to go 10-0 and lost a close first round game because we weren't used to the big games.

As for the teams that turn us down, you can only do so much investigating, especially at a school who isn't really under the microscope like UA. You seem to be in the know, so would you mind sharing some of the teams who turn us down and give important details. Ex- Pitt turning us down because they don't want to do a home and home is understandable. Pitt turning us down to even come play at their place is something I could take issue with and see your point, but looking at prior year MAC team OOC opponents, I don't see that being the case.

More Zips basketball news: The new roster is now up on gozips.com and there are some minor items to report. First, the official roster confirms that Noah is 6-1 -- a little taller than the PGs who've been running the Zips over the past few years. Also, Tree is still listed at 6-7, 235 lb, not the 6-8, 250 that GT optimistically reported back in July. I don't see any changes in anyone's height or weight from last season, so they've all apparently stopped growing.

Only two players on the roster are listed as pure forwards -- Tree and Kwan. BJ is listed as a wing/forward and Jake and Reggie are still listed as wings. Pat and Big Dog are of course the two centers and the rest are listed as guards. Jimond Ivey is the only player listed without a uniform number, adding credence to the suspicion that he may not be playing this season.

With Steve McNees and Brian Walsh moving on from their graduate assistant positions, two news ones have been named: Cameron Black and Marcus Smith. Cam played center for Bowling Green the past four seasons after graduating from Kent_Roosevelt HS. At one time he was interested in playing for UA and was seen at the JAR prior to ending up at BGSU.

Marcus comes to UA from Seton Hall, where he was a graduate assistant. He has a really intriguing background, including strong Ohio recruiting ties, that's outlined in detail on the Seton Hall website. Instead of trying to paraphrase it all here, I think everyone would find it worthwhile to read everything about Marcus at this link. He's not your typical graduate assistant.

Thanks for sharing, Dave. Excited to have some new blood in the program.

[Dave in Green]

LZip, you quoted my last post just before I edited it. I accidentally typed Seton Hall out of habit and then corrected it to Seton Hill. Obviously a big difference there. But I do like his support staff experience with the USA Olympic team. It's also interesting that two ex-Zips players were replaced by two former players with no prior connection to the Zips program.

[Hilltopper]

I think experience against playing against top teams (who they would be playing in the tourney as a low seed) can't be a bad thing. In your post above, I noticed you didn't list any games as "probable losses". I kind of see it as a disservice to the team if we aren't giving them real tests. I see it as very important to have a game or two like that in the OCC, especially with how meaningless the OOC is in basketball compared to something like football. I wonder if OU fans/players would have rather played Coppin St or OSU last season. Same can be said for Toledo and Kansas. You learn more from losing than you do from winning.

About to go on a little GP1-esque off topic rant. Back in high school I played football and my class was pretty good. We lost something 9 game in our HS career (5 of them my freshman season). We played in a weak conference, but would blow teams out 40+ to nothing 6 or 7 games a season. We played maybe 1 or two challenging games per regular season, and won only 1 playoff game in 4 seasons. Looking back, I wish we would have played tougher teams in the regular season to help prepare us more for the post season. We would have been better conditioned as well as better overall from the experience of playing top quality teams. I would have rather went 7-3 or 8-2 and have some post season success than to go 10-0 and lost a close first round game because we weren't used to the big games.

As for the teams that turn us down, you can only do so much investigating, especially at a school who isn't really under the microscope like UA. You seem to be in the know, so would you mind sharing some of the teams who turn us down and give important details. Ex- Pitt turning us down because they don't want to do a home and home is understandable. Pitt turning us down to even come play at their place is something I could take issue with and see your point, but looking at prior year MAC team OOC opponents, I don't see that being the case.

Thanks for sharing, Dave. Excited to have some new blood in the program.

LZip, I think I can give you some answers. KD is doesn't think there is much to gain from agreeing to play at Pitt or another team of their caliber without a return game of some kind. The odds of us winning at Pitt or on the road at any high major aren't great. If we are going to play them he would much rather it be on a neutral court or a least get a commitment to play a return game at the JAR or someplace like the Q. As far as your comments about your high school experiences, it is not a valid comparison. Your high school team didn't have to go out and recruit players. The Zips are not going to get any 4 star players but we do have a chance at 3 star players. Those kids are not interested in going to play for a loser or even a mediocre .500 team. They want to play for a winner and have a chance to go to the Big Dance. None of them realistically have a chance to play in the NBA so they are happy to look back 10 years later and know they were a winner. Playing a schedule that includes several un-winnable games does not accomplish anything IMHO. There are no such things as moral victories or learning experiences in that kind of scenario.

[LZIp]

Agree to disagree then. Also, while it may end the 21 game/season streak or whatever it is, one game against a good major program won't make them a mediocre or .500 team.Just did a quick look, and it appears programs we aspire to be like (VCU, Creighton, etc) still cant even get big time opponents to come to their place. Its just unrealistic expectations. I even looked at Stephen F. Austin and they went to Texas last season. If you want it, you have to go out and get it. Just my two cents.

[LZIp]

My research has inspired me to do some more research regarding other mid-major OOC schedules, specifically mid-majors who have made runs in the NCAA tournament runs the past few seasons (SFA, FGCU, Dayton,Mercer, Davidson...the list could go on and on). You'll find at least 1 thing in common between all of them..they all played at least 1 really good team in the OOC. Coincidence? I'm not so sure. You can't convince me that going on the road for big games doesn't help prepare you for the NCAA tourney regardless of the outcome.

[Dave in Green]

The simple reality is that the Zips have won 21 or more games for 9 consecutive seasons. Trading one cupcake home game per season for one road game against a virtually unbeatable opponent (Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, Michigan State, etc.) at worst would have changed that to winning 20 or more games for 9 consecutive seasons. There's no way that would have cost the Zips a single recruit. On the other hand, it may have better prepared them to win a close regular season game or two and maybe pull a first-round NCAA tournament game upset against a tough opponent.

I have to believe that telling a recruit they're going to get a shot at playing against a Duke/North Carolina/Kansas/Michigan State is going to be more persuasive than saying you've never won fewer than 21 games vs. 20. We're not talking about a major scheduling change here. We're talking about a small tweak with more upside than downside. We're talking about trading a single home cupcake game for a single road game against a big-name opponent that every HS kid dreams about playing for or against.

Think Bigger should be more than a single season marketing slogan.

[UAZip0510]

There is a lot of positive buzz around Robotham, Antino, and BJ...excited to see what they can do.

[GP1]

I think you are right. In fact, long term it can eat away at a program. 20+ win seasons look great on recruits' marketing pieces. The attraction of winners is the most important thing a program can do.

With that said, DiG is correct in that one game like that a year wouldn't be overly detrimental to the program and might add a little flavor to recruitment. Some names that come to mind are WVU, Cincy, Michigan, Georgetown, Marquette, Maryland, Boston College....why not some ACC schools...Wake, NC State, UVA, GA Tech, Miami (always a nice trip in December), etc. The one thing I hope is this is the last year for Penn State because there is nothing attractive about that game.

[zen]

Just one thought. I see people quantifying the detriment of a loss to a high major as a record issue only, but I wonder if it could be more damaging to perception and possibly recruiting to lose by 20+ points to a team that gets national attention. Not saying it has to play out that way, but it's a risk/reward debate. You might pull out the great win against a major, and garner positive attention from that, but what is more likely to happen is a loss. By itself, not a bad thing for arguments stated above, but if the loss is resounding, then people will have the perception cemented that Akron is not a big boy program.
For that reason, I tend to agree with the argument that it's high risk versus reward proposal to take only an away game with a high major.

[Dr Z]

Some names that come to mind are WVU, Cincy, Michigan, Georgetown, Marquette, Maryland, Boston College....why not some ACC schools...Wake, NC State, UVA, GA Tech, Miami (always a nice trip in December), etc. The one thing I hope is this is the last year for Penn State because there is nothing attractive about that game.

Yes to all, except WVU, I still have terrible memories from that trip. I almost put it out of my mind...

[Dave in Green]

Realistically, even if UA grovelled and begged, the odds of getting picked to play at Duke, North Carolina, Kansas or Michigan State level teams would be small. The teams GP1 named are more realistic. If UA tried hard enough, they could probably schedule an added major a year on the road

In 2011 the Zips got rave reviews for beating Mississippi State in Starkville. That team featured no less than three current NBA players -- Philadelphia 76er forward Arnett Moultrie and Utah Jazz guards Rodney Hood and Dee Bost. Even undrafted head case Renardo Sydney was an immensely talented player on that team. For pure individual talent, that's probably the best team the Zips ever beat.

Win or lose, just give us one more of those efforts every season.

[Captain Kangaroo]

Realistically, even if UA grovelled and begged, the odds of getting picked to play at Duke, North Carolina, Kansas or Michigan State level teams would be small. The teams GP1 named are more realistic. If UA tried hard enough, they could probably schedule an added major a year on the road

We've already played @ North Carolina (Hipsher era). K.e.n.t is playing at Kansas.

If we wanted to play such marquee road games, it wouldn't be too difficult to arrange.

[zipnetter55]

I recognize the problem with scheduling a major,but why not an away at Dayton and the return on a neutral site? Also, how about the Missouri Valley conference- Geno Ford at Bradley and K.D. are friends,so start there- then perhaps Creighton or Witchita St- away and neutral site to begin with. Also Iona,Murray St. or U.Mass. One of them should bite.

[Zipmeister]

I recognize the problem with scheduling a major,but why not an away at Dayton and the return on a neutral site? Also, how about the Missouri Valley conference- Geno Ford at Bradley and K.D. are friends,so start there- then perhaps Creighton or Witchita St- away and neutral site to begin with. Also Iona,Murray St. or U.Mass. One of them should bite.

Why neutral sites?

[Districtballer]

Agree to disagree then. Also, while it may end the 21 game/season streak or whatever it is, one game against a good major program won't make them a mediocre or .500 team.Just did a quick look, and it appears programs we aspire to be like (VCU, Creighton, etc) still cant even get big time opponents to come to their place. Its just unrealistic expectations. I even looked at Stephen F. Austin and they went to Texas last season. If you want it, you have to go out and get it. Just my two cents.

FWIW, VCU has a home-and-home with UVA (who was a 1-seed last year) and they will be coming to our place this year. We also start a home-and-home with Cincinnati this year, they'll be coming to our place next year.

Toledo will be coming to the Siegel Center as part of a preseason tourney, and Northern Iowa is being bought to come to our place this year as well. It takes success on a national scale over a number of years to build that, but it can definitely come. It's usually the last thing to come around though. The perception that you aren't a bad loss but rather a great opportunity is a tough mountain to climb.

[Dave in Green]

We've already played @ North Carolina (Hipsher era). K.e.n.t is playing at Kansas.

If we wanted to play such marquee road games, it wouldn't be too difficult to arrange.

I finally had a chance to talk with Coach Dambrot about this at some length and get his philosophy on scheduling. Calling up a specific school like North Carolina or Kansas and trying to schedule a game in the next year or two wouldn't be so easy because they tend to schedule games further in advance. But it's true that it wouldn't be too difficult to arrange marquee road games against different big-name schools if you called a number of them and tried to schedule several years in advance.

But that's not Coach Dambrot's scheduling philosophy, so it's not likely to happen no matter how much some fans might want it. His scheduling philosophy includes playing some high majors, but it's based on what he thinks his current players have a reasonable chance of winning. For example, in a season like this one where the Zips may be relying more on unproven underclassmen, he'd likely schedule a little less tough than when he had a proven veteran team. The type of tournaments the Zips have been entering in recent years offer opportunities to play high majors on neutral courts where the Zips have a better chance of winning.

The disagreements we fans have about the Zips scheduling is not unique. The same discussions go on within the Zips coaching staff. They all have different opinions on OOC scheduling. Coach Dambrot considers all of the different opinions before making his final scheduling decisions. He doesn't take these decisions lightly. He's looked at all the same data we fans have and more. He's thoroughly analyzed what other schools with similar resources and similar talent levels have tried and what they've accomplished. He understands why some fans disagree with his philosophy and that all coaching decisions are debatable, but sincerely believes that what he's doing is the right thing for UA.

[ZachTheZip]

He understands why some fans disagree with his philosophy and that all coaching decisions are debatable, but sincerely believes that what he's doing is the right thing for UA.

Then he can't complain when the stands are empty because the opponents aren't exciting to watch.

[Dave in Green]

Then he can't complain when the stands are empty because the opponents aren't exciting to watch.

Name some exciting opponents who would agree to play the Zips at the JAR. Coach Dambrot is not opposed to scheduling home and away series with quality programs like Middle Tennessee. Not many good mid-majors will agree to come to Akron. No high majors will agree to come to Akron.

[akronzips71]

After the Pitt game the other day it will get harder to schedule majors in any sport. We are supposed to lose and build up their record, not make them look bad.

[Valpo Zip]

Name some exciting opponents who would agree to play the Zips at the JAR. Coach Dambrot is not opposed to scheduling home and away series with quality programs like Middle Tennessee. Not many good mid-majors will agree to come to Akron. No high majors will agree to come to Akron.

No one is expecting high majors to do a home and home with us. I am not expecting to see Duke or Kentucky at the JAR any time soon (or ever). But you make it look as if the only two choices we have are either Duke or Bluffton college!!!!

Teams from the A-10, Horizon, MVC, all complain about the same scheduling issues and that no one will have a home and home with them. Why don't we consistently have a few of them on our schedules?

[Hilltopper]

No one is expecting high majors to do a home and home with us. I am not expecting to see Duke or Kentucky at the JAR any time soon (or ever). But you make it look as if the only two choices we have are either Duke or Bluffton college!!!!

Teams from the A-10, Horizon, MVC, all complain about the same scheduling issues and that no one will have a home and home with them. Why don't we consistently have a few of them on our schedules?

The only way most of those teams will come to the JAR is if we pay them. The basketball program has had their budget cut for at least the last 5 years. KD be lives that the money he does have is better spent on amenities that will help recruiting. Things like the player lounge. Until football starts to pull their weight and start paying their way, things are going to be the same.

[Dave in Green]

No one is expecting high majors to do a home and home with us. I am not expecting to see Duke or Kentucky at the JAR any time soon (or ever). But you make it look as if the only two choices we have are either Duke or Bluffton college!!!!

Teams from the A-10, Horizon, MVC, all complain about the same scheduling issues and that no one will have a home and home with them. Why don't we consistently have a few of them on our schedules?

Read my post more carefully. In addition to saying no high majors will agree to come to Akron, I also said that not many good mid-majors will agree to come to Akron. Coach Dambrot told me of one specific good mid-major who some on this forum would consider easy to schedule a home and away series with because they previously played at the JAR, but now absolutely refuses to come to Akron and will only play the Zips at their place. He won't do that because he recruits against this team and it would send the wrong message to recruits.

Coach Dambrot typically has a fairly tough OOC road schedule and wants to offset that with a mix of different strength OOC home games each season. Middle Tennessee and Marshall are the two strongest this season. UMBC, Bryant, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Western Illinois, Blufton and Coppin State are lesser challenges. But they fit with his philosophy of scheduling less tough OOC opponents in seasons when less experienced underclassmen will be playing significant minutes for the Zips.

As for A-10, Horizon and MVC teams complaining that they can't get home and away series with quality opponents, you'd need to ask each one of them if they'd do it with UA. The Zips coaching staff has already spoken with some of them and gotten turned down.