The Season That Was

[GoZips]

I wonder how many folks realize just how close the Zips were to the prize.A few breaks, a few less injuries, a couple of youngsters stepping up a tad better and the scenario changes in a truly positive direction.The Zips were close, really close to kicking the door down. In fact, they were so close that people beyond the local world now recognize Akron as a player. CoachDambrot and his staff have elevated this program to a level where the goal is in sight. That goal being to be the Gonzaga of the East. The NIT performance surelysells the program far better than Cant's "one and done" did for them.A comment a UMass fan made to me toward the end of the Akron-UMass game was, "how on Earth did you guys lose to Cant State"? The several UMass fans I talkedwith were impressed and encouraging. They all would love to see a series between the two schools. I think that so would we.Two notes about the UMass game. UMass has their pep band play when the opponent is attempting to inbound the ball. Nasty. It even cost the Zips a timeout (to whichtheir fans loudly cheered). The UMass announcer drones on with game statistics while an opposing player is attempting free throws. Of course, he is silent when their player was at the line. Nasty.UMass was truly the best opponent Akron faced all season. They really are an excellent team. The Zips gave an excellent account of themselves. Notice that UMassused the same spirited blitz tactic to over come a twenty-two point deficit at Syracuse. UMass has a lot of talented athletes. Hats off to the Zips for standing up.In my limited understanding I saw this as the best season by an Akron team since the team that went to the NCAA's in the late eighties.Congratulation to coach Dambrot, his staff and especially to the players for a wonderful, fulfilling season.