The Dustin Ford Era

[Zips1991]

3 minutes ago, Blue & Gold said:

 

Oh, that's not exciting. But I suppose you gotta fill the roster and he's got experience in the MAC at least.

[Let'sGoZips94]

1 minute ago, Zips1991 said:

Oh, that's not exciting. But I suppose you gotta fill the roster and he's got experience in the MAC at least.

 

If I'm not mistaken, he's the biggest player in the MAC at the moment. The board has been clambering to get bigger down low and we did that. My excitement isn't exactly through the roof but I see the vision. Believe in Ford & his staff - he has earned that over that the last 9 years of developing undersized big men into All-MAC caliber players. 

[Zips1991]

The amount of trophies on the stage is ridiculous. We're blessed. 😇

[Let'sGoZips94]

Walter Offutt is really good friends with our new assistant Josh Jones from NDSU. Offutt was so key for Groce/Ford at OU. Suckeyes transfer if I'm not mistaken. 

 

Jay Shunnar is the Associate HC. Former Assistant at North Texas, played at Toledo, and spent time with Cleveland State, Butler, Michigan, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

 

Morrow, Weigand, & May round out the staff. 

[Let'sGoZips94]

A guy Ford is personally recruiting will be on campus today. Interested to see if that info gets out. 

[Zips1991]

2 minutes ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

A guy Ford is personally recruiting will be on campus today. Interested to see if that info gets out. 

I'm wondering if it's in addition to Burton? I assume so.

[Let'sGoZips94]

4 minutes ago, Zips1991 said:

I'm wondering if it's in addition to Burton? I assume so.

 

Would have to imagine.

[Zippy87]

6 minutes ago, Zips1991 said:

I'm wondering if it's in addition to Burton? I assume so.

 

I took it as a different player, as he also mentioned getting a commitment this morning earlier in his press conference. 

[Zips1991]

1 minute ago, Zippy87 said:

 

I took it as a different player, as he also mentioned getting a commitment this morning earlier in his press conference. 

Oh okay, I missed the beginning of the press conference. Thanks!

[kreed5120]

I can see it interpreted both ways as he also stated he couldn't mention the new commit by name. Either way it's evident the job isn't finished on the recruiting trail. 

[Zippy87]

Ford mentioned the program needing to do a better job of making meaningful connections to the community. They also said they'll be having a golf outing again. 

[Let'sGoZips94]

6 minutes ago, Zippy87 said:

Ford mentioned the program needing to do a better job of making meaningful connections to the community. They also said they'll be having a golf outing again. 

 

September 21st I believe is the date they said. 

[Reslife4Life]

6 minutes ago, Zippy87 said:

Ford mentioned the program needing to do a better job of making meaningful connections to the community. 

This came off from a very direct question from Jim Clark, long time Akron radio broadcaster. "I was at the championship game against toledo, 12k fans and maybe 10k were akron fans. How do we get them to come out on a Tuesday night against Eastern Michigan". Its nice to hear the stuff we discuss about in here ad nauseam being brought up in public

[HoopsFan03]

1 hour ago, clarkwgriswold said:

Mahaffeys are at the presser.

Keeping Eric would be huge. 

[kreed5120]

1 minute ago, HoopsFan03 said:

Keeping Eric would be huge. 

 

His presence I'm not sure indicates much either way. Antino I remember attended Groce's press conference and then still transferred elsewhere. 

[Let'sGoZips94]

2 minutes ago, HoopsFan03 said:

Keeping Eric would be huge. 

 

Maybe that's the recruit who will be on campus and is personally being recruited by Dustin.

[kreed5120]

9 minutes ago, Reslife4Life said:

This came off from a very direct question from Jim Clark, long time Akron radio broadcaster. "I was at the championship game against toledo, 12k fans and maybe 10k were akron fans. How do we get them to come out on a Tuesday night against Eastern Michigan". Its nice to hear the stuff we discuss about in here ad nauseam being brought up in public

 

It does already seem Dustin has tried to be more engaging with fans on social media compared to Groce. Another sign is starting the golf event back up. 

[Zippy87]

1 hour ago, clarkwgriswold said:

150 or so people.

 

Both Mahaffeys present.

 

Obviously doesn't mean Eric is staying, but it's good to hear and I hope it means he is considering returning. Were any other past or current players in attendance? 

[kreed5120]

33 minutes ago, Zippy87 said:

Ford mentioned the program needing to do a better job of making meaningful connections to the community. They also said they'll be having a golf outing again. 

 

Golf outing seems like a great way of attracting new people or re-engaging some who had interest before, but lost interest. It's pretty easy to get a friend or associate who enjoys golf to be your 4th to fill our your scramble.

 

Also, maybe a way of attracting some more local business to get more involved.

Edited 2 hours ago by kreed5120

[Let'sGoZips94]

3 minutes ago, kreed5120 said:

 

Golf outing seems like a great way of attracting new people or re-engaging some who had interest before, but lost interest. Also, maybe a way of attracting some more local business to get more involved.

 

I didn't realize they stopped doing the golf outing. Not doing a golf outing at the peak of golf popularity is certainly a choice.

[Zips1991]

4 minutes ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

I didn't realize they stopped doing the golf outing. Not doing a golf outing at the peak of golf popularity is certainly a choice.

I thought Covid had killed it, but based on the question, it sounded like it had been longer than that. They said it had been since the Dambrot days.

[kreed5120]

2 minutes ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

I didn't realize they stopped doing the golf outing. Not doing a golf outing at the peak of golf popularity is certainly a choice.

 

Not to mention these type of events really appeal to upper middle class and the wealthy. Even if the event itself doesn't make program changing money, perhaps the relationship building leads to more premium tickets getting sold or corporate sponsors.

[Hilltopper]

27 minutes ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

Maybe that's the recruit who will be on campus and is personally being recruited by Dustin.

Nope

[kreed5120]

2 minutes ago, Hilltopper said:

Nope

 

Are you able to confirm or deny if this player is separate from this morning's earlier commit?

[Zips1991]

Realistically, I need to wait until we see the full roster. But I'm just gonna say that if we keep Eric, we're winning the MAC again. 😅