2023-24 Season

[Zippy87]

We have the full schedule and final roster. Hopefully no major preseason injuries impact us like losing Dawson last year.

 

I'm fascinated to see who gets minutes and how they're divided up.

 

Freeman, Ali, Hunter, and Tribble will play a lot. They may manage Dawson's minutes a bit early on, but he'll play a lot too. I'd assume Thornton and Scott didn't transfer here to sit. Nate Johnson was 6th in MPG and started a few, so I'd expect him to play. 

 

That leaves:

 

Tavari Johnson - averaged 15 MPG and started 9 games. I viewed him as a potential transfer last spring because there's so many backcourt players on the roster. The talent is there, though. 

 

Amani Lyles - Didn't play a ton last year. Would love to see him add to our frontcourt depth.

 

Darrion Baker - Most freshmen are redshirt candidates, but Baker doesn't seem like a typical freshman. Will be watching this one closely.

 

Ryan Prather Jr - Already used his redshirt. Good size for a guard and was an excellent scorer in HS. 

 

Marvin Musiime-Kamali - Defensive-juggernaut in HS. Guessing he's a redshirt as a freshman.

 

[RoyalBlu]

If this is official, it seems Ali Ali does not have to sit out as a second-time transfer, which is great news for the Zips.

 

[LZIp]

The hype is as highest as it’s ever been going into a season since I’ve been a Zips fan. Do we live up to it? Can’t wait to watch the team this season.

 

Also, I recall there being some thought this could be Groce’s “last ride” with the amount of talent we have and with what we lose after the season. With promising young players like Baker and now Young..looks to me like we’re just planning to keep reloading! (I have no inside knowledge).

[Illini Zip]

5 hours ago, LZIp said:

...looks to me like we’re just planning to keep reloading!

Sounds like a good plan to me. 👍

[LoyalZIP]

Could be a special year, just gotta be careful of the expectations as a Zips fan. Opening in South Dakota is a hell of a challenge, and this board will probably melt down if there’s a bad showing out there. 
 

I’m hoping the previously stated Ali status is true. I heard today that it wouldn’t be determined until closer to the season. Anyway, I feel with all the guys transferring now and getting waivers, there’s no reason Ali shouldn’t be able to play this year. There are guys on their 6th, 7th, 8th years playing without having to sit out.

[LZIp]

3 minutes ago, LoyalZIP said:

Could be a special year, just gotta be careful of the expectations as a Zips fan. Opening in South Dakota is a hell of a challenge, and this board will probably melt down if there’s a bad showing out there. 
 

I’m hoping the previously stated Ali status is true. I heard today that it wouldn’t be determined until closer to the season. Anyway, I feel with all the guys transferring now and getting waivers, there’s no reason Ali shouldn’t be able to play this year. There are guys on their 6th, 7th, 8th years playing without having to sit out.

they are cracking down on transfers for sure. A lot of crying this year about a former Kent St wr not being given eligibility at UNC.

 

To me, Ali's case is a little more straight forward. He used his one time transfer already, and should be able to use his grad transfer option now. I don't know all the facts, but on its face, it seems pretty cut and dry.

[RoyalBlu]

15 hours ago, LoyalZIP said:

Could be a special year, just gotta be careful of the expectations as a Zips fan. Opening in South Dakota is a hell of a challenge, and this board will probably melt down if there’s a bad showing out there. 
 

I’m hoping the previously stated Ali status is true. I heard today that it wouldn’t be determined until closer to the season. Anyway, I feel with all the guys transferring now and getting waivers, there’s no reason Ali shouldn’t be able to play this year. There are guys on their 6th, 7th, 8th years playing without having to sit out.

True ... but ... as I understand it the key to a second - third- fourth- transfer and immediate eligibility is to already graduate. And it's my understanding Ali (when he transferred back to Akron) had not graduated. Has he graduated since then? I don't know. If he has, he should be eligible. If he has not, then he has to appeal, and that is not an automatic yes ...  If he graduates at the semester break, will he be eligible then?

 

I have no answers, just questions.

 

PS ... With or without him, this should be a MAC/NCAA contender.

[ZippyRulz]

1 month to SD St.

[Sergeant Zip]

Preseason Mid Major Top 10 (Akron at #8) from the Athletic 

 

One quote from the article:

 

Groce says this is the deepest team he’s had in his seven years at Akron, and it’s certainly the oldest he will ever coach. The best part, he says, is that the veterans only care about each other and about winning. Can this last dance lead to a spot in the Big Dance? Groce is simply trying to enjoy each step.

 

“We’ve got a culture that’s unbelievable right now,” he says. “We think we have a special team and a special chance to do something significant with our group.”

[RoyalBlu]

Not to be a debbie downer, as it's hard to disagree with Groce and what any reasonable MAC fan can see as well... but I just don't think the schedule - while solid - reflects the expectations inside and outside the program. It doesn't take much (see Portage Co. last season) to take a couple of chances on the road with a team like this to try and hit a home run. Worst case scenario, strength of schedule doesn't dry up even with a loss, as long as Zips hold serve where expected.  And even quality losses  (5-points or less) have shelf life, nationally, as the season wears on. Evidence: There are still national references to NCAA Tournament loss to UCLA from two years ago when talking about this team.

 

Again, Solid schedule to be sure ... but a one-bid schedule IMO without running the MAC Tournament table.

 

[Let'sGoZips94]

On 10/9/2023 at 5:21 PM, RoyalBlu said:

Not to be a debbie downer, as it's hard to disagree with Groce and what any reasonable MAC fan can see as well... but I just don't think the schedule - while solid - reflects the expectations inside and outside the program. It doesn't take much (see Portage Co. last season) to take a couple of chances on the road with a team like this to try and hit a home run. Worst case scenario, strength of schedule doesn't dry up even with a loss, as long as Zips hold serve where expected.  And even quality losses  (5-points or less) have shelf life, nationally, as the season wears on. Evidence: There are still national references to NCAA Tournament loss to UCLA from two years ago when talking about this team.

 

Again, Solid schedule to be sure ... but a one-bid schedule IMO without running the MAC Tournament table.

 

 

I don't think the schedule is a negative reflection of the program's expectations at all. In fact, the schedule says - at least to me - that Groce & co. expect Akron to be a top end mid major. It's a very competitive schedule, even with the fallout from the Mexico tourney we were supposed to be in. 

 

PCCC played a difficult schedule last year. That prepared them so well, they were blown out by Indiana in the first round of the tourney. The difference between Akron & PCCC last year was roster experience/talent, not schedule difficulty difference. 

 

The MAC is a one-bid league unless one of the teams has 2-3 losses max and loses late in the MAC tourney. Schedule hardly matters. 

[Akron1]

 

 

 

Monday, October 30th  6:30 - 8pm at James A. Rhodes Arena $10

 

https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=15f5f567-3d64-4483-aa0a-ec96e4536ab8&envId=p-UMe-qg1RCU-VaHO2Nu8s5A

 

 

[RoyalBlu]

1 hour ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

I don't think the schedule is a negative reflection of the program's expectations at all. In fact, the schedule says - at least to me - that Groce & co. expect Akron to be a top end mid major. It's a very competitive schedule, even with the fallout from the Mexico tourney we were supposed to be in. 

 

PCCC played a difficult schedule last year. That prepared them so well, they were blown out by Indiana in the first round of the tourney. The difference between Akron & PCCC last year was roster experience/talent, not schedule difficulty difference. 

 

The MAC is a one-bid league unless one of the teams has 2-3 losses max and loses late in the MAC tourney. Schedule hardly matters. 

Everything you say is true ... except for one thing. The schedule hardly matters WHEN YOU LOSE. But if you play a top end schedule, AND WIN one or two of those top end games, you now stand a legit chance at being an at-large. MAC teams that have put themselves in that position (UB most recently) have won the MAC Tournament, keeping the MAC one-bid. That does not diminish the fact UB was primed to be an at-large, if needed.

Again, not saying the schedule is bad. Far from it, and we have seen much worse over the years. Just saying not giving this team A CHANCE to make a splash in non-conference in my mind is a missed opportunity. We're only talking 1/2 games.

[RoyalBlu]

2 minutes ago, RoyalBlu said:

Everything you say is true ... except for one thing. The schedule hardly matters WHEN YOU LOSE. But if you play a top end schedule, AND WIN one or two of those top end games, you now stand a legit chance at being an at-large. MAC teams that have put themselves in that position (UB most recently) have won the MAC Tournament, keeping the MAC one-bid. That does not diminish the fact UB was primed to be an at-large, if needed.

Again, not saying the schedule is bad. Far from it, and we have seen much worse over the years. Just saying not giving this team A CHANCE to make a splash in non-conference in my mind is a missed opportunity. We're only talking 1/2 games.

 

2 minutes ago, RoyalBlu said:

Everything you say is true ... except for one thing. The schedule hardly matters WHEN YOU LOSE. But if you play a top end schedule, AND WIN one or two of those top end games, you now stand a legit chance at being an at-large. MAC teams that have put themselves in that position (UB most recently) have won the MAC Tournament, keeping the MAC one-bid. That does not diminish the fact UB was primed to be an at-large, if needed.

Again, not saying the schedule is bad. Far from it, and we have seen much worse over the years. Just saying not giving this team A CHANCE to make a splash in non-conference in my mind is a missed opportunity. We're only talking 1/2 games.

And just to be clear, gaining an a-large can be done WITH THIS SCHEDULE.  But it means almost exclusively running the non-conference slate (and MAC slate), and then have most of those non-con teams in turn win/contend in their respective leagues. (I think Portage did this the year they were a No. 8 seed). But to me this scenario is much harder to do and is predicated on the ability of multiple other teams to step up as well. IMO, winning 1/2 PC games in non-conference, when you have a quality coach like Groce and a senior-laden team like this one, would be an easier challenge.

[Let'sGoZips94]

1 hour ago, RoyalBlu said:

Everything you say is true ... except for one thing. The schedule hardly matters WHEN YOU LOSE. But if you play a top end schedule, AND WIN one or two of those top end games, you now stand a legit chance at being an at-large. MAC teams that have put themselves in that position (UB most recently) have won the MAC Tournament, keeping the MAC one-bid. That does not diminish the fact UB was primed to be an at-large, if needed.

Again, not saying the schedule is bad. Far from it, and we have seen much worse over the years. Just saying not giving this team A CHANCE to make a splash in non-conference in my mind is a missed opportunity. We're only talking 1/2 games.

 

Allegedly they had a P5 on the schedule and something happened with the tournament, so they had to pivot. It takes 2 to tango, and I'm not real sure too many P5s were looking for a last second add to their schedule to risk a potential upset. 

 

My point is I don't think it's right to use the schedule as the barometer for the program's expectations. 

 

My biggest gripe are the two non D1 matchups, but ce la vie. The rest will be fun. 

[RoyalBlu]

2 hours ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

Allegedly they had a P5 on the schedule and something happened with the tournament, so they had to pivot. It takes 2 to tango, and I'm not real sure too many P5s were looking for a last second add to their schedule to risk a potential upset. 

 

My point is I don't think it's right to use the schedule as the barometer for the program's expectations. 

 

My biggest gripe are the two non D1 matchups, but ce la vie. The rest will be fun. 

My last thought ... Hope I didn't mislead. I'm not saying the schedule is indicative of 2023-24 expectations. I am saying, with expectations this justifiably high, why not take a couple of shots at an upset. (BTW, to your point, the selection committee will say in March, to somebody but not necessarily the Zips, why didn't you play a 'tougher' schedule instead of 2 non D1s. Effectively measuring what is a very creditable UA schedule by the fact it does not have any P5s on it.

Is that right? No

Is that reality? Yes.

[Let'sGoZips94]

2 hours ago, RoyalBlu said:

My last thought ... Hope I didn't mislead. I'm not saying the schedule is indicative of 2023-24 expectations. I am saying, with expectations this justifiably high, why not take a couple of shots at an upset. (BTW, to your point, the selection committee will say in March, to somebody but not necessarily the Zips, why didn't you play a 'tougher' schedule instead of 2 non D1s. Effectively measuring what is a very creditable UA schedule by the fact it does not have any P5s on it.

Is that right? No

Is that reality? Yes.

 

I misread your post as "a reflection of the expectations", and missed the "not a reflection", meaning you think it's light compared to where the program itself wants to be. My apologies. 

 

Your points are valid. I hope we go out and dominate the games we do have. It's a solid schedule. Will be even better when we find out who the second Sun Belt squad is. 

[Zippy87]

Should we be worried that Ali hasn't been in any of the media day photo shoots? (From what I've seen)

[zippy5]

Hmm I don't see him in any of the recent insta posts on the team page. Hope everything is good 

[clarkwgriswold]

22 days to opening day.  It can't get here fast enough, especially with the misery that is Zips football.

 

Some things I am looking forward to seeing: 1) the offense often running through Enrique in the high post along with Enrique's improved shooting; 2) how the team uses its depth, especially at guard.  I really think Shammah Scott can be a difference maker; 3) the development of Darrion Baker- this kid can be a beast inside which will free up Enrique when they are on the floor together.

[Let'sGoZips94]

There he... Nope. No Ali Ali. 🤔

 

Maybe just the guys who haven't bailed on the program before?

 

[mrelegazna]

On 10/9/2023 at 4:21 PM, RoyalBlu said:

 

 

Again, Solid schedule to be sure ... but a one-bid schedule IMO without running the MAC Tournament table.

 

 

Like I said in an earlier post, I also lament that there are no high majors on this schedule, so we agree there.  But the Can't schedule last season notwithstanding, it's not an automatic thing that surefire tourney-destined high majors are willing to schedule us.

 

On the other hand, we have ZERO teams scheduled outside of the top 200 at barttorvik.com (Kenpom rankings aren't out yet I don't think) except our opening round Cayman opponent. Instead, we loaded up on teams that are MAC-level and slightly better. I would rather have this schedule than one where we swap in, say, Michigan State and UNC but also swap out a couple for Chicago State and Utah Tech.  We already know beating teams like Mississippi State doesn't really move the needle.

 

I love that.  It's a steady diet of teams that are MAC level or slightly better, and that should have us greatly prepared for the conference season

At any rate, the only way a MAC school is going to get an at-large is if they run the table in non-con against mid- and low- majors, and Akron has never been able to do that. Indeed, Buffalo 2018 is the only example of any MAC school doing it that I can think of. 

 

While you may be right that losing to a Top 30 team might not count against you, you would have to beat everyone else either way. The committee has shat on mid-majors for like 20 years now.  They will say, "Yes, team X beat Texas, but they lost to Gardner-Webb so ackshually they don't deserve a bid."  Hell, the *NIT* is loathe to take on mid-major at-larges, and seeds them way too low IMO when they do.

 

To go undefeated against every team roughly at or near your average conference skill level all year is INCREDIBLY hard. That's why it's so rare. Even that Buffalo team laid an egg against Northern Illinois.  So what I'm trying to say is, the at-large talk is very, very hypothetical/academic, and, IMO, doesn't hinge on whether we got that one annual-top-4-seed-tournament-team on the schedule.

[RoyalBlu]

46 minutes ago, mrelegazna said:

 

Like I said in an earlier post, I also lament that there are no high majors on this schedule, so we agree there.  But the Can't schedule last season notwithstanding, it's not an automatic thing that surefire tourney-destined high majors are willing to schedule us.

 

On the other hand, we have ZERO teams scheduled outside of the top 200 at barttorvik.com (Kenpom rankings aren't out yet I don't think) except our opening round Cayman opponent. Instead, we loaded up on teams that are MAC-level and slightly better. I would rather have this schedule than one where we swap in, say, Michigan State and UNC but also swap out a couple for Chicago State and Utah Tech.  We already know beating teams like Mississippi State doesn't really move the needle.

 

I love that.  It's a steady diet of teams that are MAC level or slightly better, and that should have us greatly prepared for the conference season

At any rate, the only way a MAC school is going to get an at-large is if they run the table in non-con against mid- and low- majors, and Akron has never been able to do that. Indeed, Buffalo 2018 is the only example of any MAC school doing it that I can think of. 

 

While you may be right that losing to a Top 30 team might not count against you, you would have to beat everyone else either way. The committee has shat on mid-majors for like 20 years now.  They will say, "Yes, team X beat Texas, but they lost to Gardner-Webb so ackshually they don't deserve a bid."  Hell, the *NIT* is loathe to take on mid-major at-larges, and seeds them way too low IMO when they do.

 

To go undefeated against every team roughly at or near your average conference skill level all year is INCREDIBLY hard. That's why it's so rare. Even that Buffalo team laid an egg against Northern Illinois.  So what I'm trying to say is, the at-large talk is very, very hypothetical/academic, and, IMO, doesn't hinge on whether we got that one annual-top-4-seed-tournament-team on the schedule.

 

Your point ... is on point. Bowling Green, 2002 I believe beat Michigan and had a strong non-con record, but lost three games to Kent (E8) and was snubbed for an at-large. In the Bracket Buster years I believe Miami defeated a top tier Mid-Major (can't remember who) and was snubbed. So there truly is no guarantee teams like 2018 Buffalo would have gotten an at-large if needed, based on NCAA selection history. ... What would be interesting, however, is seeing what happens when 2 or more MAC teams pull off non-con upsets then rank in Top 60 or so KenPom going into the MAC Tournament.  Would that be enough to get that second bid?

[Zippy87]

On 10/12/2023 at 1:58 PM, Akron1 said:

 

 

 

Monday, October 30th  6:30 - 8pm at James A. Rhodes Arena $10

 

https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=15f5f567-3d64-4483-aa0a-ec96e4536ab8&envId=p-UMe-qg1RCU-VaHO2Nu8s5A

 

 

Has anyone ever attended one of these? Curious what to expect.

[Hilltopper]

11 hours ago, Zippy87 said:

Has anyone ever attended one of these? Curious what to expect.

Food and a cash bar. A chance to mingle with the players and coaching staff in a relaxed atmosphere.  A short program to introduce everybody. Usually a trivia game by the players about Zips related subjects. Overall an enjoyable event.