The unofficial online home for fans of the Kent State University Golden Flashes. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

I dedicate this thread to a tough, rough and tumble group of guys who outperformed by all estimations. Heck of a season. 10 new faces and one lone senior, rod we'll miss you man!

Geno Ford = impressive back to back MAC COY

Justin Greene MAC POY and looking to improve to new levels is 11-12

Porinni is solid, the new "rock" MAC DPOY

Holt really showed this year

Guyton- pretty good considering suspension, probably not the easiest thing to go through. MAC Sixth Man

Manns- Drove me crazy, but honestly has come a long way. Need to soften his hands

I am really excited about Eric Gaines. Unbelievable athleticism.

Henniger seems to fit on the floor. Had some nice plays this year.

What an exciting season for ksu hoops. It's been fun to see a glimpse of what 2011-2012 will bring.

Here's to off-season health and continued team meshing and a mindset for individual workouts that everyone develops their game more and rises to new levels not just for themselves, but for the other 14 guys in the locker room.

I really hope the marketing dept gets it together. It should be so easy to Sell-out the MACC for more than just Akron. And not so much a g.a. sellout, but the student sections should be completely filled at all games.

Only 7 months til november...

I am so proud of these guys!

Great season!

They did us all proud and showed what Kent State is all about.

Hard work and perseverance.

Well done men!

Already looking forward to next year.

Thank you Rod! You are a the ROCK!

Kent State Basketball 2010-2011
"It is amazing what can be accomplished when nobody cares who is getting the credit"

-unkown

It was, in the final analysis, another terrific season.

Certainly, there is reason to be optimistic about next season, but one never knows what the future may bring. The only thing I can say with any degree of certainty is that Rod Sherman will be missed.

Yes over my years I've learned an optimistic ending to a season does not mean anything for the next year. Each year is almost a fresh start. Just think if we would have followed up the Akron loss by being blown out by St. Mary's (certainly possible). The board would have a totally different tone to it. Sometimes a key loss early can really change a season. If you remember we won a lot of close games early when we were not playing very well. Had we lost them a totally different attitude would have taken hold. That's what makes sports interesting. The games are not played on paper.

(03-22-2011 10:49 PM)7links Wrote:  Geno Ford = impressive back to back MAC COY

Deserves major kudos for his game plan against Colorado (maintaining a slower pace). The Flashes put on an offensive clinic in the second half, moving the ball around the perimeter and attacking with guard penetration or throwing it into Greene and letting him take it to the basket or kick it out to an open guard.

(03-22-2011 10:49 PM)7links Wrote:  Justin Greene MAC POY and looking to improve to new levels is 11-12

Liked seeing Greene not trying to force shots when the defense collapsed on him and passing to a wide-open guard. Being able to do that effectively makes him a tougher matchup for opponents and the Flashes much tougher to defend.

(03-22-2011 10:49 PM)7links Wrote:  Porinni is solid, the new "rock" MAC DPOY

Porrini's sort of hybrid of Shaw and Huffman. He has that Shaw-like tenacity on the defensive end and is at his best on offense when driving to the basket. Like Huffman, he's good at making the shot or drawing a foul.

(03-22-2011 10:49 PM)7links Wrote:  Holt really showed this year

Holt has probably impressed me the most this season. He looks like a completely different player. His development was a big reason why KSU did so well.

(03-22-2011 10:49 PM)7links Wrote:  Guyton- pretty good considering suspension, probably not the easiest thing to go through. MAC Sixth Man

Has a little Jay Youngblood in him with the inside-out game.

(03-22-2011 10:49 PM)7links Wrote:  Manns- Drove me crazy, but honestly has come a long way. Need to soften his hands

The player who most drove me crazy. I expected him to have more of defensive presence in the middle, but many times he looked lost on the court or was completely out of position. To Manns' credit, he looked much better at the end of the season, especially on the boards.

(03-22-2011 10:49 PM)7links Wrote:  I am really excited about Eric Gaines. Unbelievable athleticism.

I can't wait to see what type of player he develops into.

(03-22-2011 10:49 PM)7links Wrote:  Henniger seems to fit on the floor. Had some nice plays this year.

Really like what I've seen from Henniger, particularly his aggressive play. Not sure what his ultimate contribution will be in the coming seasons, but it'll be fun to watch his development.

(03-23-2011 08:59 AM)burden Wrote:  Yes over my years I've learned an optimistic ending to a season does not mean anything for the next year. Each year is almost a fresh start. Just think if we would have followed up the Akron loss by being blown out by St. Mary's (certainly possible). The board would have a totally different tone to it. Sometimes a key loss early can really change a season. If you remember we won a lot of close games early when we were not playing very well. Had we lost them a totally different attitude would have taken hold. That's what makes sports interesting. The games are not played on paper.

I find it interesting that Akron's big win didn't translate into anything for the Zips during the postseason, while the Flashes turned a tough loss into an incredible positive that likely will carry over into next season. Reminds me of that disappointing loss to OU in the 2000 MAC tourney that was followed by a run in the NIT and then a second-round NCAA tourney appearance the next season. In a few years from now, I wonder what MAC fans, in general, will remember about the 2011 postseason.

Of course, everyone would prefer to have won the MAC tourney and gone to the NCAA as about a 14 seed. But we made a lot out of what we had. Akron lost to a sleepwalking ND team by 13 who then proceeded to get stomped on Sunday. Not much to take away when you lose by double digits to an underachieving 2 seed who immediately got bounced themselves.

On the other hand we bounced back and have been getting good publicity (to say nothing of the obvious experience we take from the NIT run).

Here is what is being said nationwide today from the game story on AP and ESPN:

Quote:The Golden Flashes, who have only one senior on the roster, have looked impressive in the NIT, knocking off Saint Mary's and Fairfield on the road. They've logged more than 8,000 miles and played in three different time zones in an effort to make their first NIT trip to Madison Square Garden.

It's been a solid season for the Golden Flashes as they became the first Mid-American Conference team in more than two decades to capture back-to-back outright regular-season titles. They captured plenty of awards as well, including MAC player of the year (Greene), coach of the year (Geno Ford), defensive player of the Year (Michael Porrini) and sixth man of the year (Carlton Guyton).

"Colorado is just a little bit deeper and a little bit better," Ford said. "If it was a neutral court game, maybe we could have pulled it out. On the road, we just weren't quite good enough to get it done."

It was great being the only game on last night. Got a lot of highlights and people who probably never would have seen us.

We got more than I ever expected from the NIT. Last night was great exposure, primetime on ESPN and the only show in town.

If I had a choice, I’d prefer a NCAA run. Bet you would, too. However, those who think that all the pub their team gets from an NCAA “one and done” is good and preferable to an NIT run, read the enclosed column from The Chicago Tribune. Talk about snarky towards Akron.

All Pub Isn't Good Pub

The only negative aspect of the way Kent State's post-season unfolded was losing to Akron, of all teams, in the MAC tournament championship. I felt all along the it would be better to be in the NIT than be a 15 or 14 seed. The problem, of course, was that they had to lose in the MAC tournament for that to happen. It was great that they did play for the MAC championship, and lost a nail-biter, but I would rather it had been to Western Michigan than Akron. I could envision Kent State having a chance to win in the NIT, but I just couldn't see this team, this year, beating a 2 or 3 NCCA seed. Of course, ND looked underwhelming, but then again Kent State would have probably actually played someone better than ND by getting a 14 seed instead of a 15!

A few thoughts on players returning for next season:

Greene and Porrini:
I would imagine that these two are your team leaders next season. I say this knowing nothing about the personalities and only using what I see on the court as my reference. But what a strong nucleus they should provide. Greene earned MAC POY honors. We saw glimpses of what his game can become playing next to an improved Manns and assuming another "four" steps in right away and gets some attention from opposing defenses.
As for Porrini, any added quickness and ball handling ability that he can gain in the offseason will make him a nightmare for the opposition. His guts and instinct are unique. I remember Reghi saying "I would not want to play against Michael Porrini." I tend to agree.

Randal Holt:
Its hard not to tip your cap to Holt. Early in the year I really did forget that this was his first "healthy" season as a Golden Flash. He developed not only into a reliable scoring threat but also into a guy that seemed committed to defending. Now that Randal Holt has a healthy season under his belt and seems to have matured, I think 2011-2012 could be special for Holt. I look for Holt to add some strength to his frame in the offseason and come into next year with renewed confidence.

Guyton:
From where I was sitting, there were times when he looked like the best player on the floor, at least at the offensive end. Early on I was fooled into thinking that he was a one trick pony. When he returned he showed the ability to create his own shot. Maybe the knock on him is that at times he rushed jumpers early in shot clocks, but when he is hot its hard to tell him to pass it up. To me, if Guyton's only improvement is on the defensive end, we have a legitimate MAC POY candidate in him to go along with Greene.

Manns:
I look forward to seeing what this year taught him not only from a basketball standpoint but also from a mindset perspective. It is easy to forget that these players are kids, and yes I do consider 20-22 year olds to be kids. Manns came in with high expectations. Maybe that wasn't fair. But when you look at the finished product from this season, its hard not be impressed with where he finished. There is no doubt that at times he was a liability on defense, but maybe we notice that so often because Geno Ford clearly asks a ton from his kids on defense. IMO defense is one of the things that sets Kent State apart from so many teams year in and year out.
If Manns gets stronger (I didn't say bigger, but STRONGER) and commits to playing high energy defense I think you've got a formidable piece under the basket.

Gaines:
To be honest, I think an elevated role that leads to more minutes will be enough for Gaines to succeed next season. I am glad Kent State has him for 3 more years. Here is a kid with the potential to be another one of those defenders that sets KSU apart.

Henninger and Leonard:
It may not be fair to group these guys together, but they are both freshman returning at the same position. Obviously for Henninger another summer of lifting weights can only help him on the glass and in the paint. If he is a role guy off the bench next year who has a few big games, he has made the right step IMO.
Leonard is an interesting one. Obviously the coaches saw enough in Leonard to keep him "in the mix" even if his minutes deteriorated as the year dragged on. But seeing how Kent State has always valued that "stretch four" there is reason to believe that he is a big part of the plan next season.

Johnson:
I hope he sticks around and gets a shot next season. I can only imagine how frustrating this year must have been for him. He should have three years left and with his size I would figure there is going to come a time when his name is called.

To the people who post on this board:
This site is one of my daily stops, some days multiple times. I truly respect the way all of us enter into discussion about these student athletes and coaches. It is mostly positive and never personal. It is the way it should be.
Its been said on Carducci's blog that Kent State Basketball is a well-kept secret around the athletic landscape of NE Ohio. I agree with this 100%. One of the things that makes it great is that the fans (at least here) have better things to do than rip other players (let alone our own), schools, coaches and PEOPLE. As my man Reghi says...we bring it strong! GO FLASHES!

(03-23-2011 01:22 PM)FlashFan Wrote:  We got more than I ever expected from the NIT. Last night was great exposure, primetime on ESPN and the only show in town.

If I had a choice, I’d prefer a NCAA run. Bet you would, too. However, those who think that all the pub their team gets from an NCAA “one and done” is good and preferable to an NIT run, read the enclosed column from The Chicago Tribune. Talk about snarky towards Akron.

All Pub Isn't Good Pub

But, in fairness, all Chicago sportswriters are snarky. That's all they do. I blame it on Jay Mariotti, who's personal fights with Ozzie Guillen propelled him into an unfortunate spotlight by being a no-talent hack who is just obnoxious. Sort of like Jim Rome. Now all these wannabes feel they have to copy him to be a star in that arena. It's spilled over to smaller town papers. Sheldon Ocker is just a punk moron that covers the Indians. We all have so much respect for the deep thoughts of Elton Alexander.

There just aren't writers like Hal Lebowitz anymore. David Carducci is the type of writer that there should be more of, but instead we get monkeys with typewriters thumbing through thesauruses for new ways to insult the teams they are covering and the fans that are reading their columns.

(03-23-2011 04:11 PM)fallsdog Wrote:  A few thoughts on players returning for next season:

Greene and Porrini:
I would imagine that these two are your team leaders next season. I say this knowing nothing about the personalities and only using what I see on the court as my reference. But what a strong nucleus they should provide. Greene earned MAC POY honors. We saw glimpses of what his game can become playing next to an improved Manns and assuming another "four" steps in right away and gets some attention from opposing defenses.
As for Porrini, any added quickness and ball handling ability that he can gain in the offseason will make him a nightmare for the opposition. His guts and instinct are unique. I remember Reghi saying "I would not want to play against Michael Porrini." I tend to agree.

Randal Holt:
Its hard not to tip your cap to Holt. Early in the year I really did forget that this was his first "healthy" season as a Golden Flash. He developed not only into a reliable scoring threat but also into a guy that seemed committed to defending. Now that Randal Holt has a healthy season under his belt and seems to have matured, I think 2011-2012 could be special for Holt. I look for Holt to add some strength to his frame in the offseason and come into next year with renewed confidence.

Guyton:
From where I was sitting, there were times when he looked like the best player on the floor, at least at the offensive end. Early on I was fooled into thinking that he was a one trick pony. When he returned he showed the ability to create his own shot. Maybe the knock on him is that at times he rushed jumpers early in shot clocks, but when he is hot its hard to tell him to pass it up. To me, if Guyton's only improvement is on the defensive end, we have a legitimate MAC POY candidate in him to go along with Greene.

Manns:
I look forward to seeing what this year taught him not only from a basketball standpoint but also from a mindset perspective. It is easy to forget that these players are kids, and yes I do consider 20-22 year olds to be kids. Manns came in with high expectations. Maybe that wasn't fair. But when you look at the finished product from this season, its hard not be impressed with where he finished. There is no doubt that at times he was a liability on defense, but maybe we notice that so often because Geno Ford clearly asks a ton from his kids on defense. IMO defense is one of the things that sets Kent State apart from so many teams year in and year out.
If Manns gets stronger (I didn't say bigger, but STRONGER) and commits to playing high energy defense I think you've got a formidable piece under the basket.

Gaines:
To be honest, I think an elevated role that leads to more minutes will be enough for Gaines to succeed next season. I am glad Kent State has him for 3 more years. Here is a kid with the potential to be another one of those defenders that sets KSU apart.

Henninger and Leonard:
It may not be fair to group these guys together, but they are both freshman returning at the same position. Obviously for Henninger another summer of lifting weights can only help him on the glass and in the paint. If he is a role guy off the bench next year who has a few big games, he has made the right step IMO.
Leonard is an interesting one. Obviously the coaches saw enough in Leonard to keep him "in the mix" even if his minutes deteriorated as the year dragged on. But seeing how Kent State has always valued that "stretch four" there is reason to believe that he is a big part of the plan next season.

Johnson:
I hope he sticks around and gets a shot next season. I can only imagine how frustrating this year must have been for him. He should have three years left and with his size I would figure there is going to come a time when his name is called.

To the people who post on this board:
This site is one of my daily stops, some days multiple times. I truly respect the way all of us enter into discussion about these student athletes and coaches. It is mostly positive and never personal. It is the way it should be.
Its been said on Carducci's blog that Kent State Basketball is a well-kept secret around the athletic landscape of NE Ohio. I agree with this 100%. One of the things that makes it great is that the fans (at least here) have better things to do than rip other players (let alone our own), schools, coaches and PEOPLE. As my man Reghi says...we bring it strong! GO FLASHES!

Just as an FYI, it is my understanding that Manns will be graduating this year and to return will have to enroll in graduate school. I guess what I am saying is that it is a somewhat fluid situation and may or may not return.

(03-23-2011 04:11 PM)fallsdog Wrote:  A few thoughts on players returning for next season:

Greene and Porrini:
I would imagine that these two are your team leaders next season. I say this knowing nothing about the personalities and only using what I see on the court as my reference. But what a strong nucleus they should provide. Greene earned MAC POY honors. We saw glimpses of what his game can become playing next to an improved Manns and assuming another "four" steps in right away and gets some attention from opposing defenses.
As for Porrini, any added quickness and ball handling ability that he can gain in the offseason will make him a nightmare for the opposition. His guts and instinct are unique. I remember Reghi saying "I would not want to play against Michael Porrini." I tend to agree.

Randal Holt:
Its hard not to tip your cap to Holt. Early in the year I really did forget that this was his first "healthy" season as a Golden Flash. He developed not only into a reliable scoring threat but also into a guy that seemed committed to defending. Now that Randal Holt has a healthy season under his belt and seems to have matured, I think 2011-2012 could be special for Holt. I look for Holt to add some strength to his frame in the offseason and come into next year with renewed confidence.

Guyton:
From where I was sitting, there were times when he looked like the best player on the floor, at least at the offensive end. Early on I was fooled into thinking that he was a one trick pony. When he returned he showed the ability to create his own shot. Maybe the knock on him is that at times he rushed jumpers early in shot clocks, but when he is hot its hard to tell him to pass it up. To me, if Guyton's only improvement is on the defensive end, we have a legitimate MAC POY candidate in him to go along with Greene.

Manns:
I look forward to seeing what this year taught him not only from a basketball standpoint but also from a mindset perspective. It is easy to forget that these players are kids, and yes I do consider 20-22 year olds to be kids. Manns came in with high expectations. Maybe that wasn't fair. But when you look at the finished product from this season, its hard not be impressed with where he finished. There is no doubt that at times he was a liability on defense, but maybe we notice that so often because Geno Ford clearly asks a ton from his kids on defense. IMO defense is one of the things that sets Kent State apart from so many teams year in and year out.
If Manns gets stronger (I didn't say bigger, but STRONGER) and commits to playing high energy defense I think you've got a formidable piece under the basket.

Gaines:
To be honest, I think an elevated role that leads to more minutes will be enough for Gaines to succeed next season. I am glad Kent State has him for 3 more years. Here is a kid with the potential to be another one of those defenders that sets KSU apart.

Henninger and Leonard:
It may not be fair to group these guys together, but they are both freshman returning at the same position. Obviously for Henninger another summer of lifting weights can only help him on the glass and in the paint. If he is a role guy off the bench next year who has a few big games, he has made the right step IMO.
Leonard is an interesting one. Obviously the coaches saw enough in Leonard to keep him "in the mix" even if his minutes deteriorated as the year dragged on. But seeing how Kent State has always valued that "stretch four" there is reason to believe that he is a big part of the plan next season.

Johnson:
I hope he sticks around and gets a shot next season. I can only imagine how frustrating this year must have been for him. He should have three years left and with his size I would figure there is going to come a time when his name is called.

To the people who post on this board:
This site is one of my daily stops, some days multiple times. I truly respect the way all of us enter into discussion about these student athletes and coaches. It is mostly positive and never personal. It is the way it should be.
Its been said on Carducci's blog that Kent State Basketball is a well-kept secret around the athletic landscape of NE Ohio. I agree with this 100%. One of the things that makes it great is that the fans (at least here) have better things to do than rip other players (let alone our own), schools, coaches and PEOPLE. As my man Reghi says...we bring it strong! GO FLASHES!

Hard to add to this analysis as it is well thought out and well written. I would not be surprised to see either Henniger or Leonard red shirted. If it is done, I think that the player will be given the option with a good dose of an explanation of the benefits to the player. Red shirting in the second year is not as common as doing so in the first year, but we needed them this year. Neither will be a started next year, but could be a starter for 3 years starting 2 years from now. That could help us and help the player.

(03-23-2011 09:39 PM)bopol Wrote:  

(03-23-2011 01:22 PM)FlashFan Wrote:  We got more than I ever expected from the NIT. Last night was great exposure, primetime on ESPN and the only show in town.

If I had a choice, I’d prefer a NCAA run. Bet you would, too. However, those who think that all the pub their team gets from an NCAA “one and done” is good and preferable to an NIT run, read the enclosed column from The Chicago Tribune. Talk about snarky towards Akron.

All Pub Isn't Good Pub

But, in fairness, all Chicago sportswriters are snarky. That's all they do. I blame it on Jay Mariotti, who's personal fights with Ozzie Guillen propelled him into an unfortunate spotlight by being a no-talent hack who is just obnoxious. Sort of like Jim Rome. Now all these wannabes feel they have to copy him to be a star in that arena. It's spilled over to smaller town papers. Sheldon Ocker is just a punk moron that covers the Indians. We all have so much respect for the deep thoughts of Elton Alexander.

There just aren't writers like Hal Lebowitz anymore. David Carducci is the type of writer that there should be more of, but instead we get monkeys with typewriters thumbing through thesauruses for new ways to insult the teams they are covering and the fans that are reading their columns.

Don’t disagree, bopol. Pretty obvious that I’m no Zips fan, and even I thought his comments were uncalled for. My point was that the idea that “all pub is good pub” in the NCAA isn’t so. This column is Exhibit A.

Overall, the debate over an appearance in the NCAA or NIT is silly. Better to invest the energy in how the MAC gets to be a multiple bid NCAA league, with a team or two good enough to show in the NIT. To focus the fight on one seat for each is small thinking, IMO.

(03-23-2011 10:28 PM)dannyb73 Wrote:  

(03-23-2011 04:11 PM)fallsdog Wrote:  A few thoughts on players returning for next season:

Greene and Porrini:
I would imagine that these two are your team leaders next season. I say this knowing nothing about the personalities and only using what I see on the court as my reference. But what a strong nucleus they should provide. Greene earned MAC POY honors. We saw glimpses of what his game can become playing next to an improved Manns and assuming another "four" steps in right away and gets some attention from opposing defenses.
As for Porrini, any added quickness and ball handling ability that he can gain in the offseason will make him a nightmare for the opposition. His guts and instinct are unique. I remember Reghi saying "I would not want to play against Michael Porrini." I tend to agree.

Randal Holt:
Its hard not to tip your cap to Holt. Early in the year I really did forget that this was his first "healthy" season as a Golden Flash. He developed not only into a reliable scoring threat but also into a guy that seemed committed to defending. Now that Randal Holt has a healthy season under his belt and seems to have matured, I think 2011-2012 could be special for Holt. I look for Holt to add some strength to his frame in the offseason and come into next year with renewed confidence.

Guyton:
From where I was sitting, there were times when he looked like the best player on the floor, at least at the offensive end. Early on I was fooled into thinking that he was a one trick pony. When he returned he showed the ability to create his own shot. Maybe the knock on him is that at times he rushed jumpers early in shot clocks, but when he is hot its hard to tell him to pass it up. To me, if Guyton's only improvement is on the defensive end, we have a legitimate MAC POY candidate in him to go along with Greene.

Manns:
I look forward to seeing what this year taught him not only from a basketball standpoint but also from a mindset perspective. It is easy to forget that these players are kids, and yes I do consider 20-22 year olds to be kids. Manns came in with high expectations. Maybe that wasn't fair. But when you look at the finished product from this season, its hard not be impressed with where he finished. There is no doubt that at times he was a liability on defense, but maybe we notice that so often because Geno Ford clearly asks a ton from his kids on defense. IMO defense is one of the things that sets Kent State apart from so many teams year in and year out.
If Manns gets stronger (I didn't say bigger, but STRONGER) and commits to playing high energy defense I think you've got a formidable piece under the basket.

Gaines:
To be honest, I think an elevated role that leads to more minutes will be enough for Gaines to succeed next season. I am glad Kent State has him for 3 more years. Here is a kid with the potential to be another one of those defenders that sets KSU apart.

Henninger and Leonard:
It may not be fair to group these guys together, but they are both freshman returning at the same position. Obviously for Henninger another summer of lifting weights can only help him on the glass and in the paint. If he is a role guy off the bench next year who has a few big games, he has made the right step IMO.
Leonard is an interesting one. Obviously the coaches saw enough in Leonard to keep him "in the mix" even if his minutes deteriorated as the year dragged on. But seeing how Kent State has always valued that "stretch four" there is reason to believe that he is a big part of the plan next season.

Johnson:
I hope he sticks around and gets a shot next season. I can only imagine how frustrating this year must have been for him. He should have three years left and with his size I would figure there is going to come a time when his name is called.

To the people who post on this board:
This site is one of my daily stops, some days multiple times. I truly respect the way all of us enter into discussion about these student athletes and coaches. It is mostly positive and never personal. It is the way it should be.
Its been said on Carducci's blog that Kent State Basketball is a well-kept secret around the athletic landscape of NE Ohio. I agree with this 100%. One of the things that makes it great is that the fans (at least here) have better things to do than rip other players (let alone our own), schools, coaches and PEOPLE. As my man Reghi says...we bring it strong! GO FLASHES!

Just as an FYI, it is my understanding that Manns will be graduating this year and to return will have to enroll in graduate school. I guess what I am saying is that it is a somewhat fluid situation and may or may not return.

Good for Manns to graduate in 4 years with a transfer inbetween. I hope he stays, but I'm glad that he has the degree coming.

Manns better come back or I might personally track him down and drag him back. My number 1 dream scenario is for him to outplay Marshall next year. I'm sure he can neutralize him but I am hoping for more.

By the way Elton is at it again. With Akron graduating 3 key players and maybe losing a 4th he called Akron the clear favorite for next year. I guess no one pays any attention to the regular season anymore. They might as well just call them warm-up games. He said Kent would be a contender but with Marshall Akron is a clear favorite. See what I mean. A couple games at the end of a season change opinions so much it's stupid.

Which begs the question on why you read Elton.

Listen if the dude picked stocks, I'd short the stocks he likes.

If he were covering science, he'd claim the Einstein was wrong on relativity.

If he covered politics, he'd pick John McCain and John Kerry to win.

If he covered show business, he'd say Charlie Sheen was the poster boy for clean living.

Because he covers the MAC and 95% of the people that read what he writes takes his words as gospel. They don't know any better and don't take or have the time to educate themselves. I read him to see what the "conventional wisdom" is in the marketplace (and I use the term "conventional wisdom" as a derogatory reference. It means a superficially arrived at conclusion).

My neighbor reads the PD sports, he will say to me that Akron is the clear frontrunner next year based upon what he read. I will try to educate him otherwise, but he will still walk away with what he read in the paper as carrying more weight than what I verbally say.

Well, you can't really help anyone who is so stupid that they read the PD and take what they say for gospel, because that is a terrible newspaper in almost every way.

Listen, the dude's a joke. I can't figure out how he manages to turn on his computer, much less know the 26 letters of the alphabet to put together words. But the whole PD is joke and I wish that paper would just tank so there might be someone with some fresh blood to cover the Cleveland area in all aspects (sports, politics, local news, national news) instead of the same old drivel that comes from all of their writers.