MAC 2025-26 SZN

[kreed5120]

3 minutes ago, clarkwgriswold said:

Regardless of how earnest Miami's efforts were in creating a challenging schedule, they've clearly benefited from the eventual result.  To their credit, it's tough to go undefeated even against a weak schedule as there are always down nights.  The Zips have certainly told us how difficult it is to find quality opponents over the years.

 

Another aspect of their schedule that many seem to overlook is how it prepared them for the month of March.  Facing tough competition steels you for high pressure tournament games.  They have not had that experience and it may well come back to bite them.

 

I'm similarly worried given how few close games we've played and won this year.

[NWAkron]

5 minutes ago, kreed5120 said:

 

I'm similarly worried given how few close games we've played and won this year.

I know.  Zips tried to make the games closer at the end but all the fans got upset because they weren't putting their foots on the opponents necks.

[exit322]

On 3/3/2026 at 9:29 PM, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

They won't end up in the NIT if they finish the regular season undefeated. The only hope for that is a loss to Ohio on Friday. Otherwise, at worst, they'll be in Dayton which, in fairness to college basketball, is where they belong no matter what. 

And if somehow they end up in the NIT, they won't be on the road.

[1981 grad]

I have been a member of this board for years and in the past we would always have discussions about whether Akron could get an at large bid.  We would then lose on the road to a terrible MAC team and end of discussion.  But this week Akron had been mentioned numerous times in relationship to March madness in the national media.  Why, because the discussion revolves around whether Miami, the only undefeated team in the nation, should get an at large bid if they do not win the conference championship.  And the argument set forth by national commentators is that they are not even the best team in the MAC because the Zips had a better schedule and have been blowing out teams in the MAC.  Lets enjoy the national attention!!!    

Edited 5 hours ago by 1981 grad

[kreed5120]

30 minutes ago, 1981 grad said:

I have been a member of this board for years and in the past we would always have discussions about whether Akron could get and at large bid.  We would then lose on the road to a terrible MAC team and end of discussion.  But this week Akron had been mentioned numerous times in relationship to March madness in the national media.  Why, because the discussion revolves around whether Miami, the only undefeated team in the nation, should get an at large bid if they do not win the conference championship.  And the argument set forth by national commentators is that they are not even the best team in the MAC because the Zips had a better schedule and have been blowing out teams in the MAC.  Lets enjoy the national attention!!!    

A rising tide lifts all ships.

[Let'sGoZips94]

33 minutes ago, 1981 grad said:

I have been a member of this board for years and in the past we would always have discussions about whether Akron could get and at large bid.  We would then lose on the road to a terrible MAC team and end of discussion.  But this week Akron had been mentioned numerous times in relationship to March madness in the national media.  Why, because the discussion revolves around whether Miami, the only undefeated team in the nation, should get an at large bid if they do not win the conference championship.  And the argument set forth by national commentators is that they are not even the best team in the MAC because the Zips had a better schedule and have been blowing out teams in the MAC.  Lets enjoy the national attention!!!    

 

And take advantage of it. No letdowns next week.

[Let'sGoZips94]

Was looking at EvanMiya today and found it interesting that Akron has the top 3 rated BPR players in the MAC.

 

Akron is also the 56th rated team according to their metrics, with Miami OH being 70th.

[Let'sGoZips94]

Crazy how long 15 years ago really was. 

[kreed5120]

15 minutes ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

Crazy how long 15 years ago really was. 

Honestly, a win might save Boals job. It would be that big of a win for OU.

[MDZip]

Lots and lots of attention being focused on the MAC right now. I love it, especially because everybody is talking about Akron really being the team people should be paying attention to. 

 

CBS Sports discussion on Miami's at large chances since they think Akron will win the tournament.

 

 

And an article on bid stealers since they make the argument if Akron beats Miami, Miami might still be an at-large team so that would be a bid stealer. Although that's not a huge upset because Akron's pretty damn close to being tournament worthy on their own. 

 

Zips are the face of the article. 

 

Edited 3 hours ago by MDZip

[kreed5120]

19 minutes ago, MDZip said:

 

 

 

And an article on bid stealers since they make the argument if Akron beats Miami, Miami might still be an at-large team so that would be a bid stealer. Although that's not a huge upset because Akron's pretty damn close to being tournament worthy on their own.  

 

 

Had Akron beat Yale and Miami we would probably be in a similar spot to where Belmont is at currently. Solidly on the bubble line.

[MDZip]

1 hour ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

Was looking at EvanMiya today and found it interesting that Akron has the top 3 rated BPR players in the MAC.

 

Akron is also the 56th rated team according to their metrics, with Miami OH being 70th.

Nice find on this one. Five Akron players in the top 12 in the MAC, they also have an offensive adjustment metric where Akron still has five players in the top. And Tavari is listed at number 34 in the entire country in that metric. 

[Let'sGoZips94]

39 minutes ago, MDZip said:

Lots and lots of attention being focused on the MAC right now. I love it, especially because everybody is talking about Akron really being the team people should be paying attention to. 

 

CBS Sports discussion on Miami's at large chances since they think Akron will win the tournament.

 

 

The last thing said in that video clip: "Just about the only good thing going for them (Miami OH) is the 0 in the loss column." 🤣

 

The 54.3% in that graphic is really significant and they also said in the video that on a neutral court, they have Akron at 59% chance to win vs. Miami OH. 

 

Chickenhawks fans must hate that. 

[MDZip]

On 3/3/2026 at 2:00 PM, Captain Kangaroo said:

Whomever our Promotions Director is will not be working in the Atlanta Hawks organization any time soon.

I think I might have the perfect guy for the Hawks to hire though - Cal State Bakersfield's assistant basketball coach faces a hefty rap sheet of 11 criminal and misdemeanor charges, including felonies such as pimping. 😳

[Let'sGoZips94]

4 minutes ago, MDZip said:

I think I might have the perfect guy for the Hawks to hire though - Cal State Bakersfield's assistant basketball coach faces a hefty rap sheet of 11 criminal and misdemeanor charges, including felonies such as pimping. 😳

 

"(laughs in mob) I invented the pimp game." - Rick Pitino (probably)

[Zippy87]

Who do we think gets hardware next week for individual awards?

 

I think Tavari gets Player of the Year. I don't think there's been a more complete player or anyone more valuable to his team than TJ. He'll obviously be 1st Team All-MAC. 

 

Amani probably gets All-MAC 2nd or 3rd Team. Shammah may get 3rd or Honorable Mention. 

 

Shammah may win 6th Man of the Year again. Evan should be in consideration for Defensive Player of the Year and 1st Team All-Defense. I would think Eric would get 1st Team All-Freshman. 

 

Alrhough Groce is the best coach in the MAC, Steele will get Coach of the Year. 

[Zippy87]

3 hours ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

Crazy how long 15 years ago really was. 

 

OU's spring break is next week. Hopefully the students show up for this one before taking off for the beaches. OU can be a tough place to play when the students show up like they're capable of. 

[kreed5120]

26 minutes ago, Zippy87 said:

Who do we think gets hardware next week for individual awards?

 

I think Tavari gets Player of the Year. I don't think there's been a more complete player or anyone more valuable to his team than TJ. He'll obviously be 1st Team All-MAC. 

 

Amani probably gets All-MAC 2nd or 3rd Team. Shammah may get 3rd or Honorable Mention. 

 

Shammah may win 6th Man of the Year again. Evan should be in consideration for Defensive Player of the Year and 1st Team All-Defense. I would think Eric would get 1st Team All-Freshman. 

 

Alrhough Groce is the best coach in the MAC, Steele will get Coach of the Year. 

 

I think TJ, Suder, and Gillespie are 3 locks for 1st team All-MAC. There is a lot of competition for those last 2 spots.

 

TJ I have to think gets POY.

 

If I had to guess Gillespie gets DPOY. Evan should receive votes.

 

Scott certainly is in the running and perhaps favorite for 6th man. Not 100% certain who all qualifies.

[Let'sGoZips94]

 

Skaljac did an interview yesterday in a full brace/soft cast. Interesting.

[Zippy87]

1 minute ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

Skaljac did an interview yesterday in a full brace/soft cast. Interesting.

 

It was wrapped pretty heavily last game, too. 

[Let'sGoZips94]

Just now, Zippy87 said:

 

It was wrapped pretty heavily last game, too. 

 

Groce sat Eric. I hope Steele keeps playing Skaljac - that won't heal fully in time for the tourney.

[MDZip]

15 minutes ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

Skaljac did an interview yesterday in a full brace/soft cast. Interesting.

I do not. A good coach for sure. Top 10 in the nation? Not a chance. His half brother is a better Coach. 

[kreed5120]

3 minutes ago, MDZip said:

I do not. A good coach for sure. Top 10 in the nation? Not a chance. His half brother is a better Coach. 

 

That's what happens with today's sports analysis. Just a bunch of over reactions and hot takes to generate views and interactions.

 

He's never even made the tournament, let alone won a tournament game. That's with him coaching 4 years in the Big East. He's a good coach, but not sure how anyone can remotely think he's in the top 10.