2024-25 Post Mortem and Looking Ahead to 2025-26

[Let'sGoZips94]

Akron just got a commitment for the 2025 class from a 6'8" Serb. Is someone departing that we aren't aware of?

[Zippy87]

1 hour ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

Akron just got a commitment for the 2025 class from a 6'8" Serb. Is someone departing that we aren't aware of?

 

If he's eligible this year - and I believe he is - I think someone has to go.  

 

 

[RoyalBlu]

2 minutes ago, Zippy87 said:

 

If he's eligible this year - and I believe he is - I think someone has to go.  

 

 

I have no clue who it is ... but since he's a big ... guessing he will replace a big???

[Let'sGoZips94]

25 minutes ago, RoyalBlu said:

I have no clue who it is ... but since he's a big ... guessing he will replace a big???

 

He's a 6'8" guard/forward. Think Ali Ali but a better shooter. 

Edited August 9 by Let'sGoZips94

[clarkwgriswold]

Sounds like John's trip to Europe was fruitful.  Anybody have more details?

[clarkwgriswold]

Ognjen Stankovic, 6'8" wing.  Represented Serbia in 16u, 17u and 20u FIBA games.  Has played 50 games on the Adriatic League over the last 2 seasons 

 

I haven't been this excited since Taylor Currie.

 

Edited August 9 by clarkwgriswold

[clarkwgriswold]

Some video -

https://youtu.be/VGIhM-8-Iow?si=SW4YG4p16q

 

https://youtu.be/2Zv11wsbJCQ?si=zbm0_YVdVACPG6QMx2jNlu

Edited August 9 by clarkwgriswold

[Let'sGoZips94]

 

[Zippy87]

I believe someone had previously mentioned the possibility of Connor playing elsewhere before he announced he was returning. Maybe he got an opportunity to play somewhere else?

[clarkwgriswold]

36 minutes ago, Zippy87 said:

I believe someone had previously mentioned the possibility of Connor playing elsewhere before he announced he was returning. Maybe he got an opportunity to play somewhere else?

He doesn't use a scholarship, so I doubt it is him.  Maybe a redshirt?

[clarkwgriswold]

Looks like the Nikola Cvetinović Serbian connection paid off.

[kreed5120]

1 hour ago, clarkwgriswold said:

He doesn't use a scholarship, so I doubt it is him.  Maybe a redshirt?

 

That doesn't matter anymore. Starting this year the scholarship cap was increased from 13 to the roster size cap of 15.

[Illini Zip]

If his highlights are any indication, he could be the zone-buster I have been pleading for. He looks to have a sweet stroke. Now if he is efficient at the top of the key, can drive to the hoop and can pass in traffic…we just might have a missing piece. 

[clarkwgriswold]

They lost the MAC POY and improved, at least on paper.

[RoyalBlu]

2 hours ago, clarkwgriswold said:

They lost the MAC POY and improved, at least on paper.

 

I'm guessing the shooting has improved ... not sure yet if the team improved, particularly on defense. Time will tell.

 

[Let'sGoZips94]

2 hours ago, RoyalBlu said:

 

I'm guessing the shooting has improved ... not sure yet if the team improved, particularly on defense. Time will tell.

 

 

We'll be quite a bit bigger while maintaining a high level of athleticism. I expect our defense to be the same if not improved. Quite frankly, I think we're even more athletic this year. If everything comes to fruition with this Serb get, Akron will be scary. 

[Let'sGoZips94]

8 hours ago, Zippy87 said:

I believe someone had previously mentioned the possibility of Connor playing elsewhere before he announced he was returning. Maybe he got an opportunity to play somewhere else?

 

If Connor is moving on to play somewhere else, we owe him big time for opening this roster spot. 

John: "Son, you know I love you right?"

Connor: "Yes dad. I love you, too."

John: "Awesome. Now get the hell out of here. I have a 6'8" Serbian sniper - basically the next Nikola Jokic - ready to commit and need the roster spot."

 

(how that conversation went - probably)

Edited August 10 by Let'sGoZips94

[Illini Zip]

Watching the highlight videos I see a pretty versatile defender too. On occasion we come across a team with a very big point guard. It’s hard for Tavari and Young to hold off 6-5, 6-6 players from getting a head of steam. Marvin and this guy look to have the lateral quickness and size to make life difficult for them.

 

Edit: Even though we haven’t seen Eric Mahaffey, I imagine he will be able to help guard these big point guards as well. 

Edited August 10 by Illini Zip

[ZipsFan31]

I would imagine he will be playing the 4 (in a 4 guard line up) but that will give us the size that we need and give us a chance against P4 teams 
 

[clarkwgriswold]

14 hours ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

We'll be quite a bit bigger while maintaining a high level of athleticism. I expect our defense to be the same if not improved. Quite frankly, I think we're even more athletic this year. If everything comes to fruition with this Serb get, Akron will be scary. 

It seems odd that they lost their tallest player (Okonkwo) and got bigger, but it works out that way.

[GP2]

I am excited to watch this team! I wish we could just skip football season and go straight into basketball season.

[NWAkron]

On 8/9/2025 at 4:29 PM, clarkwgriswold said:

Looks like the Nikola Cvetinović Serbian connection paid off.

Yes, Clark, has anyone see him on campus?

[clarkwgriswold]

3 hours ago, NWAkron said:

Yes, Clark, has anyone see him on campus?

He was here for Streamer University, incognito.

[Blue & Gold]

When do we normally see the schedule released?

[Zips1991]

1 hour ago, Blue & Gold said:

When do we normally see the schedule released?

Ironically, according to archived stories on GoZips.com, last year the non-conference schedule was released on August 12th. And then the conference schedule was released on August 14th.