clarkwgriswold Posted April 8 Report Share Posted April 8 1 hour ago, kreed5120 said: I don't think that comment changes much. He was going to replace Gray in the lineup, which is still what I see likely happening. Akron will almost certainly start 3 guards, 1 wing, and 1 big. It's an improvement in size over the 4 guards and 1 big lineup we deployed last year. Agreed. I was just pointing it out as some believed he would be more of a "big" than a perimeter guy. I think he ends up being the guy on the other team's second big when needed, just like Gray. I'll sure miss Gray. That kid was gritty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72 Roo Posted April 8 Report Share Posted April 8 Having Evan is good, but make no mistake we still need another big if we are going to win outside the MAC. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWAkron Posted April 8 Report Share Posted April 8 36 minutes ago, 72 Roo said: Having Evan is good, but make no mistake we still need another big if we are going to win outside the MAC. they extended Groce's contract until 2035. Maybe by then he will find a viable and serviceable back up big. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Let'sGoZips94 Posted April 8 Report Share Posted April 8 1 hour ago, zippy5 said: I don't think there are any promises. Maybe Shammah beats Young out for a spot, maybe he doesn't. May the best man win Helluva problem to have, having 3-4 start-worthy point guards. 38 minutes ago, 72 Roo said: Having Evan is good, but make no mistake we still need another big if we are going to win outside the MAC. False. Need to play better defense, make our shots, and out-effort the opponent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akzipper Posted April 8 Report Share Posted April 8 Kent State extended a mediocre coach and got a wave a media praise and recognition. At least 20 articles I've counted that covered it. Akron gave the MAC coach of the year a 10 year extension and not a peep. Makes sense. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Let'sGoZips94 Posted April 8 Report Share Posted April 8 3 minutes ago, akzipper said: Kent State extended a mediocre coach and got a wave a media praise and recognition. At least 20 articles I've counted that covered it. Akron gave the MAC coach of the year a 10 year extension and not a peep. Makes sense. From the sounds of it, the extension was kept quiet by design. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kreed5120 Posted April 8 Report Share Posted April 8 Just now, akzipper said: Kent State extended a mediocre coach and got a wave a media praise and recognition. At least 20 articles I've counted that covered it. Akron gave the MAC coach of the year a 10 year extension and not a peep. Makes sense. I think they added 4 or 5 years to his existing deal. Also, it appeared to be intentionally meant to stay silent by both Groce and the University at the time. Likely because it wasn't long ago Akron said they needed to do another round of budget cuts. It's not a great look giving your highest paid employee a raise while eliminating programs and other jobs. The ABJ would eat that up even though Groce is worth the money. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zippy5 Posted April 8 Report Share Posted April 8 Hope it came with a juicy buyout figure 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illini Zip Posted April 8 Report Share Posted April 8 59 minutes ago, Blue & Gold said: Fair given the way Shammah has developed & the sacrifice he made coming off the bench this past season. I do think there will be an open competition all Summer long. But I would like to see Shammah get the nod to start for this very reason. He would have started on most MAC teams and could have started for the Zips as well. I feel similarly about Amani. It’s his time to shine too. Especially, if he takes another step forward during the offseason. That said, there is something to be said for veteran leadership being on the floor at all times. Also, something @clarkwgriswold pointed out was that Young and Shammah do play well together. Finally, I can’t imagine how emotional it will be for the Mahaffey parents to see their sons out there together for the first time. They probably get all choked up just thinking about the money they will save on gas alone. As of today, my starting lineup would be thus: Tavari Shammah Nate Amani Okonkwo Second wave has countless possible variations: Young/Perkins Eric Hardman Evan/MMK Brisco I do subscribe to the 4 guard/big and 3 guard plus a wing/big theories. But I am suggesting starting the game with Amani playing a stretch 4 role. He can run the court just fine. How many times did we see him chase down and block from behind on an opponent’s fast break. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kreed5120 Posted April 8 Report Share Posted April 8 I think way too much stock gets placed on who starts. I feel what's more important is who Groce has in to close out games and how many minutes everyone logs. My guess is he'll ride the hot hand. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zippy87 Posted April 8 Author Report Share Posted April 8 2 hours ago, 72 Roo said: Having Evan is good, but make no mistake we still need another big if we are going to win outside the MAC. I agree, but think that big may be Brisco. The fact that he stayed and that they didn't go after an external big tells me they believe in him. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkwgriswold Posted April 8 Report Share Posted April 8 5 hours ago, Blue & Gold said: Something to keep in mind. When I posted on X about Shammah being 6th Man of the Year, his father replied something along the lines of, "He's not planning on being the 6th man next season. Fair given the way Shammah has developed & the sacrifice he made coming off the bench this past season. So next year I'd anticipate a starting lineup of Tavari 5-11 Nate 6-3 Shammah 6-2 Evan 6-6 Okonkwo 6-8 Essentially Shammah (6-2) will replace Wilson (6-2) and Evan (6-6) will replace Gray (6-3) Gray was strong as an ox & I loved having him for a year but I think adding Evan on the W will make this a much stronger defensive lineup. Given the lack of other bigs, neither developing a consistent outside shot and their trouble in guarding on the perimeter, I don't see them playing Okonkwo and Lyles together much, if any. Lyles can hit an occasional open three but he's not a floor stretcher. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kreed5120 Posted April 8 Report Share Posted April 8 37 minutes ago, clarkwgriswold said: Given the lack of other bigs, neither developing a consistent outside shot and their trouble in guarding on the perimeter, I don't see them playing Okonkwo and Lyles together much, if any. Lyles can hit an occasional open three but he's not a floor stretcher. If they did it would probably only be situational and for limited minutes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illini Zip Posted April 8 Report Share Posted April 8 2 hours ago, clarkwgriswold said: Given the lack of other bigs, neither developing a consistent outside shot and their trouble in guarding on the perimeter, I don't see them playing Okonkwo and Lyles together much, if any. Lyles can hit an occasional open three but he's not a floor stretcher. I guess I’m a little more bullish on Amani. He seemed to be shooting pretty well from deep before he got hurt. I don’t know what happened thereafter. I will concede that in order to play on the perimeter Amani probably needs to improve his handle a bit and a lack of lateral quickness would hurt him with certain defensive assignments at the 4 spot. Maybe I am just having a hard time excepting so much of Groce’s offense is shelved having 5 guys on next years roster between 6-6” and 6-8”, none of them being a serious threat away from the rim. You all know what Xerius and Hunter added to the team, but consider a 6-9” big who can pass and shoot well from the free throw line area. Such a player is an absolute zone killer in this offense. Anyway, I am choosing to hope someone emerges from the off-season with more to offer and today my money is on Amani. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltopper Posted April 8 Report Share Posted April 8 I just got off the phone with Amani. He is excited about next season and ready to put in the work to take his game to the next level. He is a great kid and a perfect fit for Akron. I would expect his offensive game to take a step forward next season. 8 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zippy5 Posted April 8 Report Share Posted April 8 I see Amani taking a big step forward. This was his first year of real PT and he looked like a new player. Has to be a big confidence boost for an off-season of work 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoopsFan03 Posted April 8 Report Share Posted April 8 It will be interesting how the playing time shakes out. Nate, Tavari, Scott, Okonko, Lyles and Young will be major contributors. I don't know anything about last year's redshirts. I assume Evan will start. I like Marvin a lot but I don't see him or Hardman playing much. And.. There is still an open roster spot right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Let'sGoZips94 Posted April 9 Report Share Posted April 9 (edited) I'm curious to see where Amani improves his game the most. Is it his 3P shot to become more of a stretch 4? Is it his post play? I really do think Brisco becomes a threat in the post next year. What's odd is he has so little film/highlights, but he has solid size, seemingly quite athletic, and spent a year developing under Dustin Ford who is arguably one of the best assistant coaches in the country. Edited April 9 by Let'sGoZips94 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZipsBBjunkie Posted April 9 Report Share Posted April 9 Would love to see Dustin up for and winning some of the assistant coach awards and rising star lists handed out/ complied each year! Obviously nice for him to be under the radar, but the guy deserves his flowers. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZipsFan31 Posted April 9 Report Share Posted April 9 (edited) I think Amani and Scott deserve to start but I think for synergy… Scott is the perfect 6 man. He comes in and can play the 1 or 2 and be steady as steady can be. And Amani took a giant step forward last off season is the sky is the limit this offseason. But Okonkwo is still there and he will improve too. With Evan not being a proven shooter I suspect Groce starts a shooter at the 3. I think Bowen is the best choice. Starting 5 Tavari Nate Bowen Evan Jimmy But it really is all about who ends the game and I think Scott and Amani will both end most games. Edited April 9 by ZipsFan31 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zippy87 Posted April 9 Author Report Share Posted April 9 1 hour ago, ZipsFan31 said: I think Amani and Scott deserve to start but I think for synergy… Scott is the perfect 6 man. He comes in and can play the 1 or 2 and be steady as steady can be. And Amani took a giant step forward last off season is the sky is the limit this offseason. But Okonkwo is still there and he will improve too. With Evan not being a proven shooter I suspect Groce starts a shooter at the 3. I think Bowen is the best choice. Starting 5 Tavari Nate Bowen Evan Jimmy But it really is all about who ends the game and I think Scott and Amani will both end most games. I can't find the tweet but Shammah's dad replied to someone on Twitter and insinuated that Shammah is expected to start next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoyalBlu Posted April 9 Report Share Posted April 9 While it is clearly early ... It looks like Ohio has gotten better with two portal bigs. Seems like Miami will be a bit better just based on so many returnees and experience. Obviously Akron. After that, Toledo still searching for portal help. So is BG and Kent. No clue about UMass. But after that, doubt there is much of a potential threat in the MAC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kreed5120 Posted April 9 Report Share Posted April 9 (edited) 11 hours ago, RoyalBlu said: While it is clearly early ... It looks like Ohio has gotten better with two portal bigs. Seems like Miami will be a bit better just based on so many returnees and experience. Obviously Akron. After that, Toledo still searching for portal help. So is BG and Kent. No clue about UMass. But after that, doubt there is much of a potential threat in the MAC. UMass has lost 8-9 players to the portal. They did just bring in a top 100 JUCO rated player to replace some of the production lost. I'm sure they will be active and add more. Their fan base doesn't seem to believe they will compete with Akron this coming year, but that it will be a top 4 MAC team. Miami has their 2nd best player and 2 additional rotational players in the portal. They still haven't added anyone. I think for them it's too soon to tell. They could be improved if Craft decides to return. Otherwise they will have to replace 26ppg, 9 rpg, and 5 assists from the loss of Craft, Potter, and Cooper. Ohio is losing AJ Clayton to graduation and Elmore James to the portal. That roughly offsets what they've added in the portal. I think they would still need to add another piece, which is certainly possible, in order to see meaningful improvement. Kowalchoke has had luck both raiding other MAC rosters and finding guys at the D2 level in prior years. I think they will be about on par with what they were this year. Edited April 9 by kreed5120 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kreed5120 Posted April 9 Report Share Posted April 9 For those interested, I found this elsewhere on the internet. It lists all the incoming and outgoing transfers for the MAC, including player stats. It was probably last updated 2-3 days ago as I see Vanderjagt listed for Toledo, but not Ohio's transfers. I'm sure it will be fully updated soon. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1_KQr_u9-3pHbYajqHmII1vuwYWZJLmw2UImJrAsiIIM/htmlview?pli=1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoyalBlu Posted April 10 Report Share Posted April 10 13 hours ago, kreed5120 said: For those interested, I found this elsewhere on the internet. It lists all the incoming and outgoing transfers for the MAC, including player stats. It was probably last updated 2-3 days ago as I see Vanderjagt listed for Toledo, but not Ohio's transfers. I'm sure it will be fully updated soon. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1_KQr_u9-3pHbYajqHmII1vuwYWZJLmw2UImJrAsiIIM/htmlview?pli=1 Great find, interesting website!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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