The Dustin Ford Era

[Zippy87]

My primary concern is that the majority of the roster was somewhere else last year. Two of the reasons we have been so successful are player development and a winning culture passed down from class to class. Freeman to Lyles. Castaneda to Tribble to Johnson. We don't really have any of that going into next year. The other thing we just don't know is how these guys will play in big games. 

 

I think we'll be OK, because I think every other MAC team took a step back and are dealing with the same issues. But I think it takes some blue and gold colored glasses to believe we'll be better than any of the previous three years. I'd love to be wrong, though. 

[Zippy87]

1 hour ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

I used to think that, but diving into the stats - especially his shooting volume - has changed my tune. Not to mention his 4 pts in the NCAAT was rough. Very much appreciate everything he did for the program, but the reality of his impact is a little overblown. He was much better at the being of the season than the end. 

 

Since joining the MAC, LCJ is the only guard who scored more points in a Zips uniform than Tavari. TJ is also 4th all-time in assists. Part of three MAC Champions, and last year doesn't happen if he follows Nate in the portal. I agree his last game was disappointing, but he had a major impact as a Zip. 

[Let'sGoZips94]

18 minutes ago, Zippy87 said:

 

Since joining the MAC, LCJ is the only guard who scored more points in a Zips uniform than Tavari. TJ is also 4th all-time in assists. Part of three MAC Champions, and last year doesn't happen if he follows Nate in the portal. I agree his last game was disappointing, but he had a major impact as a Zip. 

 

Basketball 101 says points isn't the most important statistic for a PG. How does he set up the offense? How does he get his teammates involved? Does the ball move around when he's the floor general or does it die in his hands?

 

When you take the most shots in the entire conference, you should score a lot of points. 

 

Now, him being 4th all time in assists is a better measuring stick, but all too often we saw him go LeBron/MJ iso on offense or take ill-advised shots in the paint, especially the second half of the season. Once we went away from All Gas No Brakes, his game shifted and the offense sputtered. 

 

Hard to say if last year happens if he's not here. The what if game can be played all day. Fact is he was and we 3Peated. 

 

Now he's not here and we will see who steps up into what roles. Prior to 2025-26, nobody knew if TJ was capable of being an All MAC PG. A lot of those question marks are surrounding this team right now with so many new pieces.

 

I do not understand the negative outlook on next season. We won the MAC in 2024, lost an NBA player to the NBA draft, proceeded to win another MAC Title, lost the MAC POTY to Kansas State, and proceeded to win yet another MAC Title. Whatever formula Wentz & the staff have cooking deserves our trust. They've earned it. Ford hasn't been the HC but he has been the right hand man the entire time. For as many games as we won last season, there were a lot of complaints about our lapses and weaknesses, particularly on defense and in the post. We've solved those on paper. We're much, MUCH taller and deeper at the taller positions. Can we execute? We shall see, but the blueprint is in place to be a top, if not THE top team in the MAC again and our size/athleticism should match up better with out of conference opponents. 

 

Trust Ford, his staff, and Wentz. 2 of those guys especially have earned it. Go Zips.

[zippy5]

I won't stand for TJ slander

[ZipsFan31]

 TJ, Amani, and Scott all deserve flowers. They are all timers. I think we assembled a good roster of guys. Now it will be up to Ford and the staff to Gel the team and build an offensive identity. As there is no clear order of who will be the leaders. I assume that will get worked out in summer works outs 

[Zippy87]

32 minutes ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

Basketball 101 says points isn't the most important statistic for a PG. How does he set up the offense? How does he get his teammates involved? Does the ball move around when he's the floor general or does it die in his hands?

 

When you take the most shots in the entire conference, you should score a lot of points. 

 

Now, him being 4th all time in assists is a better measuring stick, but all too often we saw him go LeBron/MJ iso on offense or take ill-advised shots in the paint, especially the second half of the season. Once we went away from All Gas No Brakes, his game shifted and the offense sputtered. 

 

Hard to say if last year happens if he's not here. The what if game can be played all day. Fact is he was and we 3Peated. 

 

Now he's not here and we will see who steps up into what roles. Prior to 2025-26, nobody knew if TJ was capable of being an All MAC PG. A lot of those question marks are surrounding this team right now with so many new pieces.

 

I do not understand the negative outlook on next season. We won the MAC in 2024, lost an NBA player to the NBA draft, proceeded to win another MAC Title, lost the MAC POTY to Kansas State, and proceeded to win yet another MAC Title. Whatever formula Wentz & the staff have cooking deserves our trust. They've earned it. Ford hasn't been the HC but he has been the right hand man the entire time. For as many games as we won last season, there were a lot of complaints about our lapses and weaknesses, particularly on defense and in the post. We've solved those on paper. We're much, MUCH taller and deeper at the taller positions. Can we execute? We shall see, but the blueprint is in place to be a top, if not THE top team in the MAC again and our size/athleticism should match up better with out of conference opponents. 

 

Trust Ford, his staff, and Wentz. 2 of those guys especially have earned it. Go Zips.

 

I don't have a negative outlook at all. It would be pretty hard to not take a step back from a 29-win team who went 17-1 in conference. I think we'll be good. I think we'll contend in the MAC. But I don't expect a team as good as last year, and that's OK. 

 

 

[kreed5120]

8 minutes ago, Zippy87 said:

 

I don't have a negative outlook at all. It would be pretty hard to not take a step back from a 29-win team who went 17-1 in conference. I think we'll be good. I think we'll contend in the MAC. But I don't expect a team as good as last year, and that's OK. 

 

I think it's possible to be argued that we can become as good or better in March, but I'm with you we will almost certainly take a step back during the regular season, particularly November/December. It will take us some time to be firing on all cylinders. Last season it just took us 1 half of basketball to work out the kinks. That's not going to happen this year.

[clarkwgriswold]

15 hours ago, 1981 grad said:

Did Hardman sign with another team?

I suspect the brakes on anything happening with Bowen will be on until the NCAA grants him another year of eligibility.

[NWAkron]

https://akronzippedup.substack.com/?utm_campaign=pub&utm_medium=web

 

A superb edition of Zipped Up!  Lots of good stuff.  Clears up a few things for me.

[Westie]

Coach Ford was having breakfast locally today with Coach Dambrot, moles say.

 

Would have been fun to eavesdrop on that chat. 

[1981 grad]

9 hours ago, clarkwgriswold said:

I suspect the brakes on anything happening with Bowen will be on until the NCAA grants him another year of eligibility.

Thanks, I thought that was a done deal.  His failure to sign now makes sense.  It is weird in that before the college money, players could not wait to make money and left college early.  Now they want to stay in college to make more money than they ever could as a pro.

[ZipForNow]

16 hours ago, 1981 grad said:

Thanks, I thought that was a done deal.  His failure to sign now makes sense.  It is weird in that before the college money, players could not wait to make money and left college early.  Now they want to stay in college to make more money than they ever could as a pro.

I would be interested to see what Zips go on to earn as pros. What do those contracts that Castaneda, Isaiah Gray, etc. look like? How much do Zips make as pros vs. what they get through NIL? Doesn't pretty much everyone go on to play pro ball somewhere?

[kreed5120]

14 minutes ago, ZipForNow said:

I would be interested to see what Zips go on to earn as pros. What do those contracts that Castaneda, Isaiah Gray, etc. look like? How much do Zips make as pros vs. what they get through NIL? Doesn't pretty much everyone go on to play pro ball somewhere?

 

I feel it's telling more and more international players are coming to America now that NIL is a thing. Earnings very widely my league. There are probably only a few international leagues paying better than college basketball. 

[ZipForNow]

Akron Zipped up has a new post: https://akronzippedup.substack.com/p/in-the-blink-of-an-eye-a-new-era

[Let'sGoZips94]

Now that the roster is set, keep your heads on a swivel for schedule announcements. Curious to see what type of schedule gets put together. 

[clarkwgriswold]

11 hours ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

Now that the roster is set, keep your heads on a swivel for schedule announcements. Curious to see what type of schedule gets put together. 

Dustin was responsible for scheduling under JG.  I wonder who will take this on under Dustin.

[kreed5120]

29 minutes ago, clarkwgriswold said:

Dustin was responsible for scheduling under JG.  I wonder who will take this on under Dustin.

 

I would guess Shunnar since he's the associate head coach. The role Dustin had prior.

[Let'sGoZips94]

59 minutes ago, kreed5120 said:

 

I would guess Shunnar since he's the associate head coach. The role Dustin had prior.

 

Could also see Morrow. 

 

Regardless, we have some nice experience on the staff with a variety of connections around the country.