Staying Close to John Groce - Coach-related News and Views

[akzipper]

3 hours ago, Zippy87 said:

 

All of this history is probably why Groce is underrated nationally. Still, given UA’s status as a MAC dynasty, it would come as no surprise if Groce were to receive another shot to lead a major program. Speculation has already been swirling about Groce, whose contract with Akron is scheduled to run until June 30, 2035, becoming a candidate at Cincinnati, Butler and Boston College.

Groce called his Akron predecessor Keith Dambrot “a legend” when Dambrot announced his retirement as Duquesne’s coach in 2024. Groce inherited an excellent program from Dambrot. Since then, Groce has elevated it and surpassed Dambrot’s three trips to the NCAA Tournament with the Zips.

If this iteration of March Madness proves to be Groce’s last hurrah with Akron, it’s been a great run, one worthy of love from Zips fans.

 

I was pretty angry when Dambrot left. Somehow we landed a better coach.

 

It will be hard to replace Groce. But I like to think we are strong enough as a program that the culture can continue going forward. 

Edited 4 hours ago by akzipper

[ZippyRulz]

Somebody had the chance to title this thread Staying Close to the Vest, and fumbled 😉 

 

Even with the NIL money, JG has to be feeling somewhat ceilinged at Akron. He is still young enough to want another crack at a P4 IMO.

Edited 1 hour ago by ZippyRulz

[Let'sGoZips94]

18 minutes ago, ZippyRulz said:

Somebody had the chance to title this thread Staying Close to the Vest, and fumbled.

 

Even with the NIL money, JG has to be feeling somewhat ceilinged at Akron. He is still young enough to want another crack at a P4 IMO.

 

He won 3 tourney games at Ohio. If anything, JG probably wants to break whatever glass ceiling is over this program because he can. 

[ZippyRulz]

That was pre NIL. The climb has become a lot steeper. One wonders what TT's budget is now(?)

[Let'sGoZips94]

7 minutes ago, ZippyRulz said:

That was pre NIL. The climb has become a lot steeper. One wonders what TT's budget is now(?)

 

I don't know that it has. This tournament is proof of that so far. 

[kreed5120]

5 minutes ago, ZippyRulz said:

That was pre NIL. The climb has become a lot steeper. One wonders what TT's budget is now(?)

You don't have to wonder. Estimated figures are out there. I think Texas Tech was around $10.5 million if I remember correctly. I imagine $3-$4 million of that went to Toppin who obviously didn't play.

 

You can still win as a mid-major. The margin of error is just very small. It requires a great gameplan and even better execution. 

[Zippy87]

Groce will certainly have some tempting offers. Butler is the one to watch, IMO.