When Will the 2008-09 Schedule Be Out?

[GoZips]

I heard that the basketball schedule is almost complete.One game I am keenly interested in is a road game up in Warwick, Rhode Island . The Zips have a home and home series with the URI Rams scheduled. First game is on the road in early January, 2009. The Rams come to Akron in 2010.This game will be the final out of conference "tune up" game for both teams. That's respect.

[Blue & Gold]

Thanks for the info. I'm all for scheduling as many A-10 opponents as possible. That's right in our class. More specifically, IMO we're stronger than 1/2 of the A-10 and right about even w/ the top 1/2 of the A-10 - Temple, UMass, Rhody, St. Joe's, Dayton & Xavier.

[ZachTheZip]

Any word about that supposed top opponent we might play at the Q?

[skip-zip]

Please...just upgrade the schedule, and I will be happy. I'm tired of this 23 year NCAA drought. We must give ourselves a change to get into the tourney without winning the MAC tourney.

[joshgozips]

Rumor is that the game at the Q is with some team that wears red and gray in Columbus. Seriously.

[GoZips]

Unless there is a miracle ... the game with the big time opponent to be played in the Q has evaporated.The big time opponent offered Akron six available dates, later reduced to three. Danny Ferry arranged the to make the Q available those dates. The so called big timeopponent now tells the coaching staff that those dates are not suitable to them. So, no game at the Q this year. The late addition of a series with URI replaces thebig name opponent. Overall, the composite RPI rating of the Zips out of conference opponents is a bit improved over last year. The OOC RPI is actually lower (better) than the in conferencegames. Based on 2007-08 RPIs the OOC RPI projects at 148 while the MAC conference projects at 166. This is merely a projection and does not include the gamesto be played in the exempt tournament. Akron does not know two of the three opponents. Since the tournament will be at Eastern Kentucky (RPI 255), you canfigure out that EKU is one of the opponents. One nice thing about the exempt tournament is that because of its format Akron will get to play 15 OOC games plus 16MAC games for a 31 game regular season.The Zips will face four high mid-major opponents in VCU, URI, Dayton and Winthrop. One high major, Mississippi State, will be an away game.

[Z.I.P.]

Overall, the composite RPI rating of the Zips out of conference opponents is a bit improved over last year. The OOC RPI is actually lower (better) than the in conferencegames. Based on 2007-08 RPIs the OOC RPI projects at 148 while the MAC conference projects at 166. This is merely a projection and does not include the gamesto be played in the exempt tournament. Akron does not know two of the three opponents. Since the tournament will be at Eastern Kentucky (RPI 255), you canfigure out that EKU is one of the opponents. One nice thing about the exempt tournament is that because of its format Akron will get to play 15 OOC games plus 16MAC games for a 31 game regular season.

EASTERN KENTUCKY???????????Wow, the UA Ohana has got to be glad Coach Dambrot has passed up the Rainbow Classic opening for this dream trip to Coal Country!!!! I expect GameChgr 54's mom is glad though that the trip can wait till her pride 'n joy hits the hardwood. Seriously, folks, its time to start looking at a ZipTrip to the Pacific, before the rest of our airlines shut down!

[Captain Kangaroo]

Here's OU's OOC schedule for comparison:Home games -Holy CrossBucknellSt Francis-NYRoad/neutral -@George Mason@Marshall@Delaware@Xavier@ Louisville, Indiana State, Northern Arizona (UL tournament)@Bracket buster

[GoZips]

EASTERN KENTUCKY???????????Wow, the UA Ohana has got to be glad Coach Dambrot has passed up the Rainbow Classic opening for this dream trip to Coal Country!!!! I expect GameChgr 54's mom is glad though that the trip can wait till her pride 'n joy hits the hardwood. Seriously, folks, its time to start looking at a ZipTrip to the Pacific, before the rest of our airlines shut down!

Hawai'ian Blessed Zipper Dude, I will ask coach D just for you as to when we can expect a trip to Ono's. Coach D does love eating at Ono's.Think about this: seven freshman, ten out thirteen either freshmen or sophomores. The team schedule is designed to bring the kids up to speed by playing softiesearly and slowly getting to the tough opponents. That's why playing at VCU will be the eighth game of the OOC season and URI the last OOC game.KD is promising very difficult opponents the following two years. I know a couple of the potential opponents and I concer with his statement. KD wants to playa major-major opponent at the Q each season. It remains to be seen if this happens. No promnises from me. I am just a fan.

[GoZips]

Cap'n, excellent and informative post.OU's home schedule is definitely in the soft catagory unless they add some "meat". Will OU be hosting Xavier next year? That would be an excellent "get".George Mason is the return game for last season's Bracket Buster. Marshall is a logical regular home-n-home series for OU. It would seem that Delawareis a home-n-home. Delaware is a rapidly improving mid-major. The Louisville tourney will be a chance to get their brains beat out early.Overall, I predict that this schedule is not going to please rabid Bobcat fans.

[Zip_ME87]

Unless there is a miracle ... the game with the big time opponent to be played in the Q has evaporated.The big time opponent offered Akron six available dates, later reduced to three. Danny Ferry arranged the to make the Q available those dates. The so called big timeopponent now tells the coaching staff that those dates are not suitable to them. So, no game at the Q this year. The late addition of a series with URI replaces thebig name opponent. Overall, the composite RPI rating of the Zips out of conference opponents is a bit improved over last year. The OOC RPI is actually lower (better) than the in conferencegames. Based on 2007-08 RPIs the OOC RPI projects at 148 while the MAC conference projects at 166. This is merely a projection and does not include the gamesto be played in the exempt tournament. Akron does not know two of the three opponents. Since the tournament will be at Eastern Kentucky (RPI 255), you canfigure out that EKU is one of the opponents. One nice thing about the exempt tournament is that because of its format Akron will get to play 15 OOC games plus 16MAC games for a 31 game regular season.The Zips will face four high mid-major opponents in VCU, URI, Dayton and Winthrop. One high major, Mississippi State, will be an away game.

That's too bad about the opponent at the Q; KD was excited about it. But, screw them. I used to be a big fan of theirs, but I'm finally sick of them and their wanting to control everything. I think a better opponent for us would be West Virginia...even if we'd have to play them at the Q. I'd love to establish a good rivalry with our former coach.

[Captain Kangaroo]

That's too bad about the opponent at the Q; KD was excited about it. But, screw them. I used to be a big fan of theirs, but I'm finally sick of them and their wanting to control everything. I think a better opponent for us would be West Virginia...even if we'd have to play them at the Q. I'd love to establish a good rivalry with our former coach.

I agree with that 100%. And Huggins would come to The Q too (he ain't comin' to the JAR).

[FromdaBurgh]

That's too bad about the opponent at the Q; KD was excited about it. But, screw them. I used to be a big fan of theirs, but I'm finally sick of them and their wanting to control everything. I think a better opponent for us would be West Virginia...even if we'd have to play them at the Q. I'd love to establish a good rivalry with our former coach.

I agree with that 100%. And Huggins would come to The Q too (he ain't comin' to the JAR).

Now come on Zip Nation....WVU?? No, no, no....PITT!! Give Zeke the chance to jam the darn ball DOWN THEIR THROATS!!! Now that would be a game worth coming too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dr Z]

Give Zeke the chance to jam the darn ball DOWN THEIR THROATS!!!

He'll get his chance...first round in the NCAA tourney.

[Captain Kangaroo]

Now come on Zip Nation....WVU?? No, no, no....PITT!! Give Zeke the chance to jam the darn ball DOWN THEIR THROATS!!! Now that would be a game worth coming too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There's no way Pitt plays the Zips. They backed out of a game this season for fear of losing....they certainly won't play us now that the program continues to progress.As hard as Akron is recruiting WPa talent, and as successful a program as we've become, Pitt will avoid us like the plague.I'd LOVE to see Pitt vs. the Zips, but I agree with Dr. Z -- the only chance we have to meet Pitt is in the NCAA tourney.

[GoZips]

Playing West Virginia this year at home might happen. Due to unforeseen circumstances a team that the Zips scheduled for a home-n-home series was suppose to playin Akron this year. They want out of the contract. Apparently they are willing to pay a substantial penalty and give us a home game next season. They will not geta home game per the penalties in the contract. This leaves an open home date that was suppose to have been filled. This team is NOT any one I have previously mentioned. The Zips may have to buy a home game.Problem is that most schools have already filled their schedule.There is a silver cloud will a black lining hanging near by. A high major-major is willing come to the JAR this year as part of a home-n-home deal. Problem is that theAkron coaching staff view this as two loses. They are probably right considering the high major that made the offer. Perhaps the follow up return game could be putoff until 2010-11 season. The Zips should be competitive with anyone then.Forget PITT. They will not play Akron in the foreseeable future. Certainly not as long as rubber band legs Jamie Dixon is the head coach.

[UAZipster0305]

So what if these two games against the high major are almost guaranteed losses? Our aspirations are to play in the NCAA Tournament and unless we win the National Championship (no, I'm not suggesting we will), our last loss of every season should be against a high major level team. We might as well be prepared as best as possible for that kind of game, so we can potentially pull a few upsets along the way. It will make league play seem easier too.Scheduling a big name school at home would be great for building community support as well. No one wants to show up for a game around the holidays against Niagra (as our previous attendance records demonstrate), but schedule UNC and the place will likely be sold out.

[GoZips]

Coach Dambrot and his staff have carefully crafted schedules that have raised expectations. In four seasons Dambrot's Zips worst season was a 19-10 record. Eachseason the team has improved. They certainly know what they are doing. Geting their butts kicked at home is not exactly a fine means to improve their post seasonchances.Losing on the road to a UNC may pump up one's RPI. Losing to the same UNC at home only helps the strength of schedule. The said high major is not UNC. Purdue played in the JAR a few years back. Akron barely managed to put just over 4,000 souls in the seats. Akron is not yet a household name that causes peopleto rush out and buy season tickets. This high major is not likely to generate any more ticket sales than playing Toledo or any other MAC West team. Akron fans arenot sufficiently knowledgeable to appreciate a high major with an excellent recent performance record unless said team is a high profile easily recognized name.In KD I trust.

[UAZipster0305]

Coach Dambrot and his staff have carefully crafted schedules that have raised expectations. In four seasons Dambrot's Zips worst season was a 19-10 record. Eachseason the team has improved. They certainly know what they are doing. Geting their butts kicked at home is not exactly a fine means to improve their post seasonchances.Losing on the road to a UNC may pump up one's RPI. Losing to the same UNC at home only helps the strength of schedule. The said high major is not UNC. Purdue played in the JAR a few years back. Akron barely managed to put just over 4,000 souls in the seats. Akron is not yet a household name that causes peopleto rush out and buy season tickets. This high major is not likely to generate any more ticket sales than playing Toledo or any other MAC West team. Akron fans arenot sufficiently knowledgeable to appreciate a high major with an excellent recent performance record unless said team is a high profile easily recognized name.In KD I trust.

Please send me a private email as to who this high major is since it's not UNC.

[RootforRoo44]

Purdue played in the JAR a few years back. Akron barely managed to put just over 4,000 souls in the seats. Akron is not yet a household name that causes peopleto rush out and buy season tickets. This high major is not likely to generate any more ticket sales than playing Toledo or any other MAC West team. Akron fans arenot sufficiently knowledgeable to appreciate a high major with an excellent recent performance record unless said team is a high profile easily recognized name.In KD I trust.

If anyone from the Big Ten came to the JAR today, i GUARANTEE YOU it would sell out. That was a few years back, that means nothing. The Zips are becoming more of a "household name" and any bigtime opponent would bring many out to the JAR, certainly more than any MAC west team. You would have to be a fool to think it wouldn't be a big event.

[BirdZip]

I cannot tell you how valuable it is to know that an unnamed school may play us on an unspecified date (barring an unforeseen circumstance, of course).

[ZipBox]

I cannot tell you how valuable it is to know that an unnamed school may play us on an unspecified date (barring an unforeseen circumstance, of course).

I have an opinion on those types of posts too, but I can't tell you what it is.

[GoZips]

Well, now the saga of the defecting opponent can be told. A replacement game has been obtained. What happened was that Illinois-Chicago Circle had contracted withthe Zips to play a home and home series with the first game scheduled at Akron. UIC dropped the Akron game in favor of home game this year. That little move costUIC a fair amount of cash AND next year's game will be played in Akron. Akron will not make a trip to UIC. This move has some what soured relations between the two programs.Backing out by UIC left Akron one game short on their schedule. There is a good and a bad to this. The Zips wanted an opponent of the same caliber as UIC. But, theoffers they were getting came from upper tier schools. If this team were primarily juniors and senior rather than freshmen and sophomores the Zips coaches wouldaccept. But, the upper tier schools would not be offering if that were the case. So, a mid-level opponent needed to be found. and, the Zips now have that opponent.The down side is that this year's game will be played on the road at UNC-Greensboro. Next season UNC-G comes to Akron. The good part is that the Zips will haveone more home game next season than they had planned on.The rest of the schedule is complete except for two opponents the Zips will play in the Eastern Kentucky exempt tournament. Akron will face Mississippi State in the first round and EKU in the second round. That is my understanding at this point. EKU has not named the other schools as of yet. Be patient. In KD I trust.

[LosAngelesZipFan]

EKU has a tournament? Does anyone know anything about the dynamics arounding holding a tournament? I would think this would be a great way to leverage LeBron-- make it the King James Nike Pre-Season Classic to benefit his foundation. Akron is always the host school, though maybe part of the tournament is played at the Q. LeBron leverages his relationships with top-tier coaches to get a Duke, Memphis, etc., secure ESPN coverage, and his partners sponsor it. Could you expand it by having Akron and Can't co-host (maybe each has a bracket of 4 teams that then play through to a championship at the Q). Setting aside the irony of LeBron hosting a college tourney, is this type of thing impossible to pull off? Seems like it could be a potent profile-raiser and great for the economy.

[scottditzen]

EKU has a tournament? Does anyone know anything about the dynamics arounding holding a tournament? I would think this would be a great way to leverage LeBron-- make it the King James Nike Pre-Season Classic to benefit his foundation. Akron is always the host school, though maybe part of the tournament is played at the Q. LeBron leverages his relationships with top-tier coaches to get a Duke, Memphis, etc., secure ESPN coverage, and his partners sponsor it. Could you expand it by having Akron and Can't co-host (maybe each has a bracket of 4 teams that then play through to a championship at the Q). Setting aside the irony of LeBron hosting a college tourney, is this type of thing impossible to pull off? Seems like it could be a potent profile-raiser and great for the economy.

It's exactly this type of outside the box thinking that we need right now.