menu
Logo
person
Bobcat Attack Menu
Logo
person
Ohio Basketball Topic
Topic: Akron studying arena changes
Page: 2 of 3
HeHateMiami
General User
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Mason, OH
Post Count: 492
mail
HeHateMiami
mail
Posted: 2/16/2012 11:07 PM
settings_applications edit_note
Donuts wrote:expand_more
To just come out of nowhere and say he doesn't associate with Akron and doesn't help them is flat out wrong. It's also flat out wrong to say there is no way he will help them take on a project that would require a lot of funds.


SBH has lots of opinions. Perhaps you should get a billboard for your counter-argument. I hear he responds well to those.
bornacatfan
General User
Member Since: 8/3/2006
Post Count: 5,752
mail
bornacatfan
mail
Posted: 2/16/2012 11:15 PM
settings_applications edit_note
SBH wrote:expand_more
OK, so you want to change the argument again?

The point made near the top of this thread was that Lebron is or will be a source of significant funds for the construction of a new arena or the rebuilding of the JAR. (I think they will redo the existing building, by the way).
I countered that he is not a source of funds or fundraising. Never has been. Hasn't given a dime, hasn't offered to raise money.  Hasn't even given a dime to the high school that gave him free tuition for four years.  That's my argument. Giving of himself is not in Lebron's DNA.  Whatever.  A co-worker's wife is an with the Cavs.  Cavs employees  could tell you stories about that creep that would turn your stomach.

Does his "halo" somehow help Akron?  I suppose it does - I never claimed otherwise.  And I'm sure it has maybe helped them sign a player or two.  But will it fund  new building?  Nope.  They'll just issue more debt - something Akron does with great aplomb.  Take a look at their debt ratio someday and you'll see what I mean. They're not so much interested in educating students as they are buying real estate, accepting anyone with a pulse into their programs and collecting tuition and parking fees.  Outside of a few programs, the school is a joke.

As for Schmidt...the dude pledged money and reneged.  That's just not honorable.  Sorry if you disagree.


Really that is how we got here? Perhaps you should see who changed what. Geez

bornacatfan wrote:expand_more
Where does Akron get the $ to do all of this??? They've had a ton of new construction on their campus for the last decade.


Pretty sure they can find ways to attract donors past the LeBron connection. Tressel being hired can't hurt donations.

Seeing the benefits of the King james Tourneys and Elite Hoops summits with recruits being able to see the campus and facilities. ?


There was no implication LeBron had donated anything. My point had to do with his association with the program and use of his name by Akron to generate interest in their programs....the halo generated is indeed perception at its best and begs the question who is the real whore of Akron. .... I am sorry you inferred that from the statement. I made..... I think they do a good job at Akron associating names with the programs to generate income and now includes Tressel even though he has defined duties that clearly seperate him from athletics in order that they do not incur kick in NCAA penalties. That said, his name there has created a buzz...... Sorry you were mislead by my statement and chose to take this in a whole different direction.
Last Edited: 2/16/2012 11:16:20 PM by bornacatfan
JSF
General User
Member Since: 1/29/2005
Location: Houston, TX
Post Count: 6,580
mail
JSF
mail
Posted: 2/16/2012 11:28 PM
settings_applications edit_note
HeHateMiami wrote:expand_more
To just come out of nowhere and say he doesn't associate with Akron and doesn't help them is flat out wrong. It's also flat out wrong to say there is no way he will help them take on a project that would require a lot of funds.


SBH has lots of opinions. Perhaps you should get a billboard for your counter-argument. I hear he responds well to those.


Heh heh.
MedinaCat
General User
MC
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Lakewood, OH
Post Count: 750
person
mail
MedinaCat
mail
Posted: 2/17/2012 8:13 AM
settings_applications edit_note
For what its worth, the City of Akron in conjunction with U of A commissioned Osborne Engineering to develop plans a few years ago for an arena that would be used by Zippy.  Can't offer a direct link, but if you follow the link below, then click the "indoor" button then "Akron Arena" you can see the concept. 

http://www.osportsarch.com/Portfolio.aspx
SBH
General User
SBH
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,679
person
mail
SBH
mail
Posted: 2/17/2012 9:01 AM
settings_applications edit_note
Donut:  I've lived in Akron all my life.  I know a member of the Board of Trustees for the university quite well.  I know several faculty members of St. Vincent St. Mary high school very well.  I had the "pleasure" of working with Lebron's "people" in trying to do a fundraiser for a local Catholic charities organization.  A friend of our family is an executive with the Cavs.  My father was an editor with the Akron Beacon Journal for 40 plus years and I speak with reporters there on almost a weekly basis through my job and other activities. I'm guessing I have a lot more experience with Lebron than you do.

And if anyone really believes a Lebron "connection" (however tenuous) will help raise funds from NE Ohioans and/or local corporations, you really have no idea how many people he has burned over the years around here nor do you understand the general feeling among Northeast Ohioans about him.

I am waiting, Donut, for insight to your legitimate claims to insider knowledge.
 
Mark Lembright '85
General User
ML85
Member Since: 8/22/2010
Location: Highland Heights, OH
Post Count: 2,460
person
mail
Mark Lembright '85
mail
Posted: 2/17/2012 9:33 AM
settings_applications edit_note
The scope of new construction Akron's had over the last decade or so has to be over a quarter of a billion dollars, conservatively. They've built a new student center, several large dorms, a giant indoor fitness center/fieldhouse, a football stadium and much more. I can't think of another state university that's built their campus up as much in that period of time.

Even with all of that, Ohio still has the most beautiful all around campus in Ohio! It could use some touching up....
SBH
General User
SBH
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,679
person
mail
SBH
mail
Posted: 2/17/2012 10:32 AM
settings_applications edit_note
It's closer to a half-billion bucks.  Although the city would like the university to partner in a downtown arena for basketball and hockey, the university wants to do its own thing if it can.  That's why I think they will end up gutting the JAR and rebuilding it, holding size to under 7K but dramatically improving the environment,


Mike Johnson
General User
Member Since: 11/11/2004
Location: North Canton, OH
Post Count: 1,757
mail
Mike Johnson
mail
Posted: 2/17/2012 1:22 PM
settings_applications edit_note
Mark Lembright '85 wrote:expand_more
The scope of new construction Akron's had over the last decade or so has to be over a quarter of a billion dollars, conservatively. They've built a new student center, several large dorms, a giant indoor fitness center/fieldhouse, a football stadium and much more. I can't think of another state university that's built their campus up as much in that period of time.

Even with all of that, Ohio still has the most beautiful all around campus in Ohio! It could use some touching up....


Agreed, Mark.

I've walked a hundred or more campuses from coast to coast and to me Ohio's campus is one of the 5 most beautiful.  Cutler, Wilson and McGuffey as the anchor; all the red brick with white trim, gables, pinnacles, columns; steep hills, countless trees, the river...

Others on my list of the most beautiful: Virginia, William & Mary, Stanford, Idaho.

Any other bobcatattackers have their most beautiful choices?
bobcatsquared
General User
B
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 5,849
person
mail
bobcatsquared
mail
Posted: 2/17/2012 2:34 PM
settings_applications edit_note
Mike,
      I remember driving to South Bend, where an older brother was a student, as a young child and my dad offering a nickel to first one in the car to see the Golden Dome. I still get chills the instant I see the dome as I approach the campus of Notre Dame. Have only been to a small fraction of the nation's campuses, but I can't imagine too many able to equal the feeling I get when walking around the ND campus on a fall Saturday.
Last Edited: 2/17/2012 2:36:00 PM by bobcatsquared
DelBobcat
General User
Member Since: 8/27/2010
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Post Count: 1,135
mail
DelBobcat
mail
Posted: 2/17/2012 2:45 PM
settings_applications edit_note
Mike Johnson wrote:expand_more
The scope of new construction Akron's had over the last decade or so has to be over a quarter of a billion dollars, conservatively. They've built a new student center, several large dorms, a giant indoor fitness center/fieldhouse, a football stadium and much more. I can't think of another state university that's built their campus up as much in that period of time.

Even with all of that, Ohio still has the most beautiful all around campus in Ohio! It could use some touching up....


Agreed, Mark.

I've walked a hundred or more campuses from coast to coast and to me Ohio's campus is one of the 5 most beautiful.  Cutler, Wilson and McGuffey as the anchor; all the red brick with white trim, gables, pinnacles, columns; steep hills, countless trees, the river...

Others on my list of the most beautiful: Virginia, William & Mary, Stanford, Idaho.

Any other bobcatattackers have their most beautiful choices?


Delaware's campus is pretty but to me it feels sterile. They've constructed a lot of new buildings using Georgian architecture, trying to create the feel that OHIO has maintained through the preservation of real historical buildings.

Penn's campus is beautiful. An oasis in the middle of a bustling metropolis. Feels very "Ivy League" when walking down Locust Walk.

I am not impressed with Rutgers. The main street area (can't remember the name?) in New Brunswick is nice but the campus is too big and spread out.

I agree with you on Virginia and William & Mary. Both are very beautiful.

Villanova is pretty too. Feels very high class and fits in well with that whole vibe on the Main Line.

Below are pictures of Locust Walk on the Penn Campus, the new Penn Park on the western bank of the Schuylkill River, University of Delaware's "Laird Campus" residence halls, and University of Delaware's main green, respectively.



Delaware
Donuts
General User
D
Member Since: 9/22/2010
Post Count: 734
person
mail
Donuts
mail
Posted: 2/17/2012 3:35 PM
settings_applications edit_note
SBH wrote:expand_more
King James tourney has moved to Las Vegas.  He has no connections with Akron and has not donated any money.


This is what you originally said. Here's just one of many things I could cite to prove you are wrong yet again.

http://blog.cleveland.com/sports/2008/06/akrons_mens_bask...

Never claimed to have insider knowledge. However, I do have eyes and can see the Lebron James gear Akron has worn. I can read about the events he has put on at Akron. I can read what the head coach at Akron has to say about the man with "no connections to Akron."

That's really cool though that you have your Akron resume all built up. Maybe you should run for mayor.
SBH
General User
SBH
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,679
person
mail
SBH
mail
Posted: 2/17/2012 4:05 PM
settings_applications edit_note
You counter with a four year old article.  A lot has changed for Mr. James since 2008. He's a pariah in NE Ohio. Whatever halo he has left will have little pull from a fundraising standpoint. Certainly not going to help fund a 30-40 million arena.  The taxpayers will end up somehow footing a good portion of that bill.  

Mr. James has moved his tourney from Akron and indicated that it will continue to move around, so Akron is not likely to get it back.  Fact.  He has donated not a red cent to the school.  Fact.  He no longer hangs out in Akron or at Zips games.  Fact.  Let's end it there.
Last Edited: 2/17/2012 4:09:45 PM by SBH
Robert Fox
General User
RF
Member Since: 11/17/2004
Location: Knoxville, TN
Post Count: 2,039
person
mail
Robert Fox
mail
Posted: 2/17/2012 4:36 PM
settings_applications edit_note
After visiting both campuses, I have to give a nod to West Point and the Naval Academy. Both campuses are very pretty, and Annapolis is a great college town.
Bhugh24
General User
B24
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 50
person
mail
Bhugh24
mail
Posted: 2/17/2012 4:41 PM
settings_applications edit_note
SBH wrote:expand_more
He no longer hangs out in Akron or at Zips games.  Fact.  Let's end it there.


This is just a minor point, but I wanted to post, because I hate when people use the "Fact." construct in arguments, especially when statements are not easily verifyable points, like the above...

 

Lebron was in the Akron U weight room with Kevin Durant in Decmeber during the lockout. There was a whole video online about it. Over the summer he worked out in St. V's gym on a number of occasions.

I have no reason to not believe your "facts" about him never giving money - I have heard the rumors of his cheapness at restaurants and other places many times (I am from the Akron area as well). And am not trying to reopen the debate you are having, because to me, both sides are probably correct -

1) Lebron doesn't give any money and won't help fundraise anything significant (or at all) for Akron U.
2) Lebron's association with Akron has a positive affect on the basketball program. He still tweets about Dambrodt being his best coach, still tweets about 330 pride, still tweets about Akron when do well, like when they won the soccer national championship. To high school basketball players twitter is powerful influence.

 

OU_Country
General User
Member Since: 12/6/2005
Location: On the road between Athens and Madison County
Post Count: 8,401
mail
OU_Country
mail
Posted: 2/17/2012 4:42 PM
settings_applications edit_note
SBH wrote:expand_more
Let's end it there.


Sounds like a great plan.  Then we can get back to discussing Ohio and MAC basketball.
bornacatfan
General User
Member Since: 8/3/2006
Post Count: 5,752
mail
bornacatfan
mail
Posted: 2/17/2012 4:51 PM
settings_applications edit_note

OH Jeez.

Did you not read that the Tourney  and the Elite Skills camp are 2 different entities. The Tourney has been and will be in Akron this year. THe Indiana Elite , Long Island Lightning, Spiece Heat, Boo Willims teams a ll have Akron as where they are going to be on their schedules. THey are taking money and registrations is OPEN for 2012.

Fact and a picture.....you can listen as well as you choose to hear and see.



 

Last Edited: 2/17/2012 4:56:20 PM by bornacatfan
DelBobcat
General User
Member Since: 8/27/2010
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Post Count: 1,135
mail
DelBobcat
mail
Posted: 2/17/2012 4:56 PM
settings_applications edit_note
SBH wrote:expand_more
He no longer hangs out in Akron or at Zips games.  Fact.


I already posted that he goes to Akron practices. I know someone on the team and I've seen him post several Fbook statuses about hanging out with Lebron and a few pictures. Fact.
SBH
General User
SBH
Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 4,679
person
mail
SBH
mail
Posted: 2/17/2012 5:03 PM
settings_applications edit_note
Borna:  You are right, of course, about the tourney vs. skills program.  Interesting to note that the sessions are held not only at the JAR, but now also  at every public high school gym in the city plus KSU's MACC center.  Are you thinking his halo will help fund a new gym for Kent too?







Donuts
General User
D
Member Since: 9/22/2010
Post Count: 734
person
mail
Donuts
mail
Posted: 2/17/2012 5:11 PM
settings_applications edit_note
SBH wrote:expand_more
You counter with a four year old article.  A lot has changed for Mr. James since 2008.


Sorry, I thought you could actually put it together that the article just showed the beginning of the clothing relationship. Considering they still have a "Dressed By Lebron" link on their basketball page, this relationship doesn't look to be sour. Of course, endorsing an Adidas school's basketball team that is in the MAC was all Nike. I'm sure Lebron was against the idea. He probably charges them double too because he's so cheap.

http://gozips.com/sports/mbkb/nike
anorris
General User
Member Since: 7/7/2010
Location: Bristol, CT
Post Count: 2,262
mail
anorris
mail
Posted: 2/18/2012 2:22 AM
settings_applications edit_note
OU_Country wrote:expand_more
...we can get back to discussing Ohio and MAC basketball.
I want to get back to discussing other lovely college campuses.  I haven't been to a ton (Kent, Miami, Wooster, Marshall, Ohio State, Central Connecticut State, Quinnipiac, UCONN, and Yale), but of all of them I was most impressed, not surprisingly, by Yale (especially architecturally).  UCONN and Miami (the physical campus, not so much the people) were both decent, but I think Ohio compares quite nicely to all of them.

Yale has a couple of Georgian-style buildings in their quad area that really gave me a pang of longing for Athens:

Mark Lembright '85
General User
ML85
Member Since: 8/22/2010
Location: Highland Heights, OH
Post Count: 2,460
person
mail
Mark Lembright '85
mail
Posted: 2/18/2012 9:16 AM
settings_applications edit_note
anorris wrote:expand_more
...we can get back to discussing Ohio and MAC basketball.
I want to get back to discussing other lovely college campuses.  I haven't been to a ton (Kent, Miami, Wooster, Marshall, Ohio State, Central Connecticut State, Quinnipiac, UCONN, and Yale), but of all of them I was most impressed, not surprisingly, by Yale (especially architecturally).  UCONN and Miami (the physical campus, not so much the people) were both decent, but I think Ohio compares quite nicely to all of them.

Yale has a couple of Georgian-style buildings in their quad area that really gave me a pang of longing for Athens:



Speaking of Ivy League schools, am I the only one that thought that in the opening scenes of Harvard in the movie the Social Network that Harvard looks a lot like Ohio?  I thought the architecture was very similar.  Oh well, it's probably just me...

Anyway, go Ohio today against UNC-Ashville!!
Brian Smith (No, not that one)
General User
BSNNTO
Member Since: 2/4/2005
Post Count: 3,057
person
mail
Brian Smith (No, not that one)
mail
Posted: 2/18/2012 9:54 PM
settings_applications edit_note
UVA is my favorite campus I've visited. It's hard to compete with Jefferson designing your campus.

William & Mary is another favorite, despite being situated in the middle of a tourist trap.




RSBobcat
General User
Member Since: 8/23/2010
Location: Columbus, OH
Post Count: 4,504
mail
RSBobcat
mail
Posted: 2/18/2012 10:18 PM
settings_applications edit_note
bornacatfan wrote:expand_more
King James tourney has moved to Las Vegas. He has no connections with Akron and has not donated any money.


This tourney is on several high level summer ball schedules. Did they move it? NOthing worse than getting to Akron from Long Island, Baltimore, Indiana etc and having nothing to do.

PDF of The facilities used by the teams in 2011 from far and wide who visited the area for the KIng James Tourney..... Pretty sure most of those 500 plus teams that show up annually get on campus at one time or another. Like the tourneys at IU, Carolina, NC State etc that host tourneys the players all get to see the arenas and facilities. Cant convince me there is no benefit

The Elite Camp is moved to take place at while he is there preparing for the Olympics
So - they get to see Akron (the city) - not sure that's a plus.....could likely be more a nail in a coffin
GoCats105
General User
GC105
Member Since: 1/31/2006
Location: Seattle, WA
Post Count: 7,823
person
mail
GoCats105
mail
Posted: 2/18/2012 11:58 PM
settings_applications edit_note
ts1227 wrote:expand_more
There are many high school gyms in the area that are way better than the JAR.


Really, besides Barberton I can't think of any.  I suppose you will have to define "way better."


Barberton is tiny for their school size and ungodly sterile (it's mostly grey, with some purple trim), from what I recall from regionals in HS.

The only thing that made it seem cool back then was they had a hanging scoreboard and hoops that actually were freestanding.


I'd take the Canton Memorial Fieldhouse before the JAR any day, and twice on Sunday.
Monroe Slavin
General User
MS
Member Since: 12/21/2004
Location: Oxnard, CA
Post Count: 9,121
person
mail
Monroe Slavin
mail
Posted: 2/20/2012 2:36 AM
settings_applications edit_note
SBH has lived in Akron his whole life.  That explains a lot, especially vitriol.

The loser definitely contributed this to Cleveland:  Game Five He Quit.
Last Edited: 2/20/2012 2:44:42 AM by Monroe Slavin
Showing Messages: 26 - 50 of 53
reply
vertical_align_top
vertical_align_center
vertical_align_bottom
add_comment
chevron_backward
chevron_forward
MAC News Links



extra small (< 576px)
small (>= 576px)
medium (>= 768px)
large (>= 992px)
x-large (>= 1200px)
xx-large (>= 1400px)