For John Groce, however, a stroll down the 2022 memory lane may illuminate a proven path back to the NCAA Tournament in 2024." Today, competitors adapt, players change and the game itself continuously evolves. "As a coach, it’s not always wise to look backwards and fixate on what worked in the past. However, there are some déjà vu vibes brewing with this 2024 rendition." Usually, it’s a stretch to draw parallels between teams two years apart. "The 2022 NCAA Tournament appearance is still fresh in the minds of Zip nation. Again, no other MAC players made the cut. They have Enrique Freeman as their #4 Mid-Major player to watch. They have the Zips #4 in their preseason mid-major top 25. I'm probably biased since they are very high on the Zips, but it seems like, somehow, they put in the homework on all 360+ D1 teams. The "Field of 68" puts out an incredible comprehensive preview almanac. Standing 6-9 and having just turned 19 years old in late January, Bates' tough shot-making prowess and overall scoring instincts hold some appeal, but he plays such a losing brand of basketball on both ends of the floor, making him a relatively tough sell. - Jonathan Givony This probably wasn't what NBA scouts or Bates envisioned when he elected to transfer from Memphis last spring, and he has work ahead of him now to be a sure-fire draft pick if he enters. Bates had some moments, dropping a combined 66 points against South Carolina and Michigan, but was more or less a net negative in conference play He posted a paltry 49% true shooting percentage with far more turnovers than assists and while being a sieve defensively, often looking like he was barely trying while playing selfish basketball. They could have at least read what seems to be a pretty accurate pre-draft review.īates wasn't able to get Eastern Michigan into the MAC tournament, as his team went 5-13 in conference play and 8-23 overall, meaning his season ended March 3. Then again many NBA 2nd round picks are wastes. You can mask those things in the regular season. Also, his style of play doesn't really preach giving 100% effort on defense every possession. Tod IMO has ridden his starters too hard over the years and just hasn't had the depth to keep players fresh. When you're asked to win 3 games in 3 days and your best player is north of 300lbs, that becomes a lot more challenging. We won the MAC regular season title by 3 full games. In a scenario where you only need to play 2 games a week and there are 3-4 days off between games, that Akron team was clearly the best in the MAC. Let's take that Big Dog and Cheatham team as a prime example. I think some just don't realize what it takes to win in January or February is different than what it takes to win in March. He just seems like a good regular season coach who just doesn't know how to win in March. One would think by dumb chance he would have at least lucked into one by now. He's been a D1 coach for 21 years and has never made an NCAA Tournament. I wonder if he could become a "Mitch Cronin" and blossom with a bigger conference and budget?
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