Dambrot staying, strengthening schedule

Men's basketball

Terry Pluto wrote a really good column about Keith Dambrot and how the Zips coach has handled the past 10 days.

Here's the Cliff's Notes:

1. Dambrot is taking the Zips to a tournament in Alaska (no, not the big one in Alaska). But still, some high-majors will be there. Also expect home games against Temple and St. Louis and road games against Clemson, Mississippi State or a Big Ten school. From my conversation with him, also expect road games against solid mid-majors from the Missouri Valley Conference.


2. Dambrot isn't leaving anytime soon. He felt like it for a few days, then decided to let this week motivate him, not scare him away. The public support for the team has been phenomenal.


3. Dambrot thinks the Zips can be even better next year.

Speaking of public support, UA is throwing a Celebration Night for the Zips on Monday evening at Rhodes Arena. It starts at 7 and fans will receive free pizza and pop. Players will sign autographs, too.

I really hope people show up. It's hard enough to get fans to come to a game against St. Francis. This is a pep rally for a team that won't play for another eight months.