There are plenty of easy Akron-related predictions one could make (ex: the soccer team winning the MAC).  But predictions are supposed to be bold, so here goes: 2018 will belong to the Zips men's basketball program. As of this writing, Akron is struggling a bit.  Their win over Concord Friday night snapped a three game losing streak, as they came home from the Diamond Head Classic in Hawaii with great memories but no wins to show for it.  The Zips stand at a respectable 7-5, but without a true signature win (Fort Wayne is their only win against a team with a winning record, and Fort Wayne is not what we'd call a signature win).  They are also 0-5 away from James A Rhodes Arena. Of course, conference play is what matters most in the MAC, a league with a ton of parity right now.  Aside from Central Michigan (10-2), all other MAC teams are within 3 games of each other in terms if overall record.  Kent State is the only team with a losing record at 6-...

In 2001, the Akron men’s basketball program was an average one, at best.  Dan Hipsher, who would lead the Zips as head coach for eight seasons, had a few decent squads but couldn’t get his team past the MAC Tournament Quarterfinals.  His teams didn’t qualify during his first two seasons and went 1-7 in the Tournament during the rest of his tenure.  It had been fifteen years since the Zips took on Michigan in their last NCAA Tournament appearance, and it didn’t look like Akron was anywhere near getting back to that point.  It was in 2001 that Akron hired Keith Dambrot as an Assistant Coach.  Dambrot came from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, where he coached the LeBron James-led Irish to consecutive state championships.  Ironically, due to James’ star-power, Dambrot’s Irish arguably had a bigger fan following than the Zips at that time.  It was a hire that received very little attention outside of the city of Akron. In 2003-2004, Dambr...

Male Athlete of the Year - Joao Moutinho, Men's Soccer The Akron Soccer Star Factory hasn't lost a step. First Team All-American, First Team All-MAC, MAC Freshman of the Year, Hermann Trophy semifinalist, #1 in the TopDrawerSoccer Freshmen 100 and TopDrawerSoccer Freshman of the Year are all great ways to describe Akron's Defensive stalwart Joao Moutinho. Joao ran a sensational freshman campaign and quickly established himself as a dominant presence in Akron's midfield before being pulled into the back-line to solidify a defensive unit that would hold opponents to 12 shutouts and post a perfect 12-0 at home. Moutinho has established himself as a star for Akron and Zips fans will hope Joao elects to stay in school a few years before, inevitably, going pro. Female Athlete of the Year - Danielle Nicholson, Women's Golf Coming off a freshman campaign where she won the Mid-American Conference individual title, Nicholson followed it up with a big sophomore season,...

In December 2011, Akron made a big splash by hiring Terry Bowden to become its next head coach.  He replaced Rob Ianello, who was fired on November 26 after compiling a 2–22 record in two seasons.  Bowden was seen as a splashy hire by the Zips, and everyone was thrilled to see "Bowden Ball" on its way to Akron.  In 2012, the Zips struggled, going 1-11 in Bowden's first season.  Ianello didn't leave Bowden much to work with initially, so it was understood by most that a rebuild would take some time. 2013 saw some improvement.  The Zips almost pulled off a huge upset of Michigan in Ann Arbor (and probably should have won - referees missed a blatant pass interference call on the final play).  They finished 5-7, which was a huge improvement from previous years.  Year 3 of Bowden's tenure produced another 5-7 team, and Bowden was given a vote of confidence with a two-year extension.  That move looked great in 2015, as the Zips went 8-5...

The Akron Zips have already won in Boca Raton, Florida.   Oh, you didn’t know that? Well, if you’re scrambling to find the score of the game, don’t.  The contest hasn’t finished yet.  Actually, it hasn’t even started.  However, Akron can consider themselves victors already. The Zips will have a fiercely contested bowl game versus Florida Atlantic University on Tuesday,  December 19, 2017.   The perception is that Akron is underdogs in this game to the Owls.  Big underdogs.  Perception, however, can be misleading. The perception going into this season was Akron wasn’t going to play in a bowl game.  The perception was they weren’t going to win the MAC East.   According to many media members‘ preseason polls, Akron wouldn’t finish second or even third in the East.   One prominent Ohio publication didn’t have Akron receiving a single first place vote.  Ohio, Miami and Bowling Green combine...

Recently, we interviewed President Matthew Wilson on the future of the University of Akron, the biggest challenges we face, his athletic background, and much, much more.  We hope you enjoy, and thank you to President Wilson for taking the time to answer our questions. Q: As 2017 will soon come to a close, what are your proudest accomplishments for the University of Akron this year? Helping get UA back on track and moving in the right direction in terms of student satisfaction, community engagement, fundraising, and financial performance. The elimination of our $30 million projected operating deficit and $12 million addition to our reserves was nothing short of remarkable.  The collective efforts of everyone were greatly appreciated.  Also, it has been wonderful seeing folks take note of the successful outcomes of our students.   Q: What are you most excited about heading into 2018? Continuing to assist the students is first ...

Here is an overview of where the Akron Zips Men's basketball team stands over the next few years.  We'll update it as players graduate, commit, and transfer.