Fifth Day of Preseaon Men's Basketball Practice

[GoZips]

After a light "shoot around" morning session, KD and company turned up the wick

for the afternoon session.

A lot of running, shooting and defensive drills. Go hard, go often. Everyone expected

to be able to bury three balls in the new scheme. The kids go to the rim just fine. Now

staff working on making the players comfortable with shooting from anywhere.

News flash: Zeke Marshall scores THREE consecutive treys in open shooting.

Run, run, run till they drop all session. A load of huffing and puffing.

Single session Saturday morning at eleven if you care to drop by. Seats on the floor

available. No charge.

Understand this: The purpose of this preseason is to gain experience and practice

sessions playing as a team. It is NOT to sweep through Canada beating up on lesser

competition. There will not be any practices once the team leaves for Canada.

Play games, eat well, and sight see are the orders of the day.

Blake has sore ankle. Zeke played a little gimpy late in the day.

Competition is fierce. These guys KNOW they are going to have a great season.

They believe. Do you?

[Blue & Gold]

Thanks for the update! I'm going to try and hit a practice next week.

Zeke hit a 3 when I went to see him play in the King James Classic. I believe that was the summer before his senior year of high school. He's extremely coordinated.

[Dr Z]

...new scheme.

New scheme? Can you elaborate on what you mean by that?

[Quickzips]

News flash: Zeke Marshall scores THREE consecutive treys in open shooting.

News flash: Zeke Marshall needs to worry about being able to consistently finish at the rim before we start trying to make him into a 3 point shooter. We are going to have plenty of guys who can take long jump shots.

[skip-zip]

News flash: Zeke Marshall scores THREE consecutive treys in open shooting.

News flash: Zeke Marshall needs to worry about being able to consistently finish at the rim before we start trying to make him into a 3 point shooter. We are going to have plenty of guys who can take long jump shots.

I was kinda thinking that too. I'm all for developing guys into "complete players". But, long range shooting isn't something I see as suddenly emerging as an effective part of his game when he is already in his Junior year of college. I can't recall...have we ever even seen the guy taking anything close to a jump shot more than maybe a handful of times? Even from as far away as the foul line? I'd be absolutely shocked if he starts firing 3-pointers at any time in the next 2 years.

GoZips...I believe. I believe that this year's team might be able to win 20+ games, be one of the 5 or so contenders in the MAC at the end of the season, be somewhere near the 100 mark in RPI, and have a chance to play in the big dance....if some of the new guys can make significant contributions. Anything more will truly be an unexpected surprise to me.

[ZachTheZip]

GoZips...I believe. I believe that this year's team might be able to win 20+ games, be one of the 5 or so contenders in the MAC at the end of the season, be somewhere near the 100 mark in RPI, and have a chance to play in the big dance....if some of the new guys can make significant contributions. Anything more will truly be an unexpected surprise to me.

And I believe the team could do that even if we didn't have any newcomers contributing to the team. Are you expecting Abreu or McClanahan or others to take a major step back?

[Derrt]

Zeke has a post game so I'm glad he is able to shoot the 3 now. The paint will open up for easy back door cuts (pause).

Hopefully the Zips will not live and DIE by the trey ball this year.

5000 G

[Quickzips]

Zeke has a post game so I'm glad he is able to shoot the 3 now. The paint will open up for easy back door cuts (pause).

Hopefully the Zips will not live and DIE by the trey ball this year.

5000 G

Zeke's post game has been erratic at best over the last two years. He rushes shots far too often and is far to quick to go to finess hook shots. He's looked tenative and shaky on the block for most of his two years here and has never shown the ability to consistently finish a layup around the rim. Those issues need to be resolved first. Having a C who can shoot the 3 ball is a luxury, not a necessity.

[Dave in Green]

Zeke is not a project. Zeke is on the verge of demonstrating that he can be a complete college center with NBA potential.

If he develops a decent outside shot along with improving his ability to finish at the rim, he would become a huge offensive weapon for the Zips.

Not only that, it would also greatly increase his chances of having an NBA career.

I'm all for what the coaches are doing, not only for the Zips' sake the next two seasons but for Zeke's longterm future.

[Dave in Green]

Hilltopper and I have decided to head up to this morning's practice, as we just can't resist the opportunity to see the Zips' new designated 3-point shooter in action. We also heard a rumor that the coaches are going to let Rico play a little center and practice power slams.

[skip-zip]

GoZips...I believe. I believe that this year's team might be able to win 20+ games, be one of the 5 or so contenders in the MAC at the end of the season, be somewhere near the 100 mark in RPI, and have a chance to play in the big dance....if some of the new guys can make significant contributions. Anything more will truly be an unexpected surprise to me.

And I believe the team could do that even if we didn't have any newcomers contributing to the team. Are you expecting Abreu or McClanahan or others to take a major step back?

Then I guess I should be asking a similar question to you. Do you expect guys like Abreu and McClanahan to take a major step forward and fill the shoes of McNees/Roberts/McKnight? If so, then of course you would feel that we could equal last year's success, and I would agree with you. But, I believe we are going to need some major contributions from some new guys to reach that level or better.

And in reference to Abreu and McClanahan, where exactly are they? Have we seen enough consistent play from either of them to indicate which "step" they are at? What they both showed us the first half of the season vs. the second half of the season should make anyone pretty confused as to where they might be headed from here. As I predicted, we relied heavily on our seniors for that stretch run to a MAC title last year. Who is going to emerge as being capable of filling their shoes is anyone's guess at this point. This team has more uncertainty than any Zips team I've seen in recent memory.

[jjackson123]

What time wil they be practicing Sunday if at all?

[mes102]

What time wil they be practicing Sunday if at all?

I heard 9:30am...Talked to GoZips today at practice, and it sounds like tomorrow is open again. Double check with him though...

On today, I was really impressed. GoZips is saying this could be a Sweet 16 team. What I saw today, I think we could be better than that. The team is already better than the team last year, and we're only in August. Another point, I'm not going to be missing the seniors from last year( no offense, all great players, but the practice made me forget them). Then, I realized Nik isn't here yet either. Is there anyway we can substitute football for fall basketball? Because this team's limit is too high in the sky for me to see right now. I seriously don't see a team in the MAC that can beat us. Maybe if we have an off night and it's on their home floor, or they play lights out, we might lose. But I guarantee no 20-30 point losses to Ohio this year.

[Hilltopper]

Dave and I attended this mornings practice. Got to speak to KD a little and he is thrilled that the Serb is playing in the World games. It gives the Serb a chance to play against a high level of competition and it gives the Zips a chance to let the new guys get some playing time. I was impressed by the amount of time in practice they spent on running the offense. Heard coach tell them all that if you're open shoot the ball, but you gotta take shots you can make. As far as the new players; Deji Ibitayo is way bigger than he looks on video with really long arms. Same thing with Blake Justice, who showed a sweet jump shot. KD got on Chauncey Gilliam for passing up a couple of open shots, reminding him what a good player he is. Gilliam can definitely find open shots. Brian Walsh is a very athletic guard. He was banging under the basket for rebounds with the big guys. Nick Harney is very smooth and very long. Demetrius Treadwell was as advertised. Very strong under the basket, not afraid to muscle up shots against Zeke. The thing that really stood out with this group was how fast and athletic everyone of them was. After seeing these guys today, I can see why Euton left, he had no chance of playing this year. By the looks of things we are going to be able to run and push the tempo more than any Zips team that I have ever seen. Every one of the returning guys looked bigger, stronger and more confident. Its a great time to be Zips basketball fan.

[GoZips]

Sunday practice begins at 9:30 AM. Stop by; you will enjoy the treat.

Today, Saturday, the kids had their sixth day of ever tougher drills.

This team is so athletic and skilled they will be a tough out on any team's schedule.

Forget the nonsense of criticizing Zeke or any other Zips player. Open your mouth

after you see them work out.

This team is talented and deep at every position. They will be a joy to watch

and even travel to away games to watch. These Summer practice sessions are

giving the coaches time to weld together one damn tough team.

They have it all in size, speed, athleticism, attitude, experience, desire,

comraderie. This is a unique team of special players who are bonding and

developing. I do not expect any flat spots this coming season.

I think now that those of you watched Saturday's practice understand now why

I am so high on this team. All of you were all smiles and I could see the excitement

in your eyes.

Best of all, potential future players are learning what is happening and interest

in being a part of the future is on a lot of young players minds.

[mes102]

Sunday practice begins at 9:30 AM. Stop by; you will enjoy the treat.

Today, Saturday, the kids had their sixth day of ever tougher drills.

This team is so athletic and skilled they will be a tough out on any team's schedule.

Forget the nonsense of criticizing Zeke or any other Zips player. Open your mouth

after you see them work out.

This team is talented and deep at every position. They will be a joy to watch

and even travel to away games to watch. These Summer practice sessions are

giving the coaches time to weld together one damn tough team.

They have it all in size, speed, athleticism, attitude, experience, desire,

comraderie. This is a unique team of special players who are bonding and

developing. I do not expect any flat spots this coming season.

I think now that those of you watched Saturday's practice understand now why

I am so high on this team. All of you were all smiles and I could see the excitement

in your eyes.

Best of all, potential future players are learning what is happening and interest

in being a part of the future is on a lot of young players minds.

I totally agree. Dambrot was even yelling at his staff for not getting on the court and being ready fast enough. He didn't want to waste one second of that practice. The highlight moment of the practice was when Abreu passed it for an alley oop to Egner for a slam. Also, the funny moment of the practice had to be Abreu vs Zeke. After one of the screens set by Zeke, somehow Abreu got "stuck" guarding Zeke while Zeke was posting up down low. Let's just say it didn't go well for Alex...

I'll be there tomorrow and then head over to the women's soccer scrimmage to check on the stadium and how the Lady Zips look this season...

[zippyfan34]

Sunday practice begins at 9:30 AM. Stop by; you will enjoy the treat.

Today, Saturday, the kids had their sixth day of ever tougher drills.

This team is so athletic and skilled they will be a tough out on any team's schedule.

Forget the nonsense of criticizing Zeke or any other Zips player. Open your mouth

after you see them work out.

This team is talented and deep at every position. They will be a joy to watch

and even travel to away games to watch. These Summer practice sessions are

giving the coaches time to weld together one damn tough team.

They have it all in size, speed, athleticism, attitude, experience, desire,

comraderie. This is a unique team of special players who are bonding and

developing. I do not expect any flat spots this coming season.

I think now that those of you watched Saturday's practice understand now why

I am so high on this team. All of you were all smiles and I could see the excitement

in your eyes.

Best of all, potential future players are learning what is happening and interest

in being a part of the future is on a lot of young players minds.

I totally agree. Dambrot was even yelling at his staff for not getting on the court and being ready fast enough. He didn't want to waste one second of that practice. The highlight moment of the practice was when Abreu passed it for an alley oop to Egner for a slam. Also, the funny moment of the practice had to be Abreu vs Zeke. After one of the screens set by Zeke, somehow Abreu got "stuck" guarding Zeke while Zeke was posting up down low. Let's just say it didn't go well for Alex...

I'll be there tomorrow and then head over to the women's soccer scrimmage to check on the stadium and how the Lady Zips look this season...

Glad its open tomorrow. Bringing my wife and my son and he will get to see his first live action Zips event ever.

[Blue & Gold]

I can't make practice on Sunday. Does anyone know the time of either Monday's or Tuesday's practices?

[Dr Z]

I haven't been this excited for a season since the '87 Tribe

[zippyfan34]

My mom had the biggest crush on Cory Snyder!

[akzipper]

I don't want to be a buzzkill, but remember how that season turned out? the Indians finished dead last sadly.

Also, we were all overhyped for the Zips 2009 football season too, and that ended with a terrible record and JD getting fired. Also what happened the last time we made the tourney? We were supposed to be amazing the next year after adding Zeke and didn't even get in.

No offense but there's only so much faith you can put into the opinions of people on message boards. We are all Zips fans and tend to be overly optimistic about our teams, but really we don't work for ESPN or are pro scouts. We can't really judge talent by watching a few practices and reading analysis on here. I love that people are excited, but be realistic. We'll be lucky to make the tournament, and even if we did I can't see us going past the first round.

[mes102]

Why don't you come to the intrasquad practice tomorrow then? I'm sure you haven't seen this team yet. At first, I didn't think that either. But watching them, there is no way they can't be THAT good. Your opinion is what the players are thinking. But yet Dambrot and his staff can see this team can go far if they can work together and believe how good they really are.

You have to look at it a different way too. We expected a lot this past season from the men's soccer team, and they came through. We've had high expectations in the past for the men's soccer team, and didn't come through. Give this team some time, it's only August. I like what I see, and I guess if you want to say it; Yes, I'm drinking the Blue & Gold kool-aid...

oh yeah,

[Dr Z]

I don't want to be a buzzkill, but remember how that season turned out? the Indians finished dead last sadly.

Do you think I picked the image at random?

[GoZips]

I stated this before and I will restate it now. If you have not seen this team practice

do NOT criticize them. You are talking out the wrong hole. You are going to flat out

enjoy this coming season.

Thus far, I have spoken to MES, Dave In Green, Hilltopper and several coaches

from other schools while attending practice. No one, and I mean NO ONEis selling

this team short.

All this said; here is today's news: KD was on a holy terror after entertaining prospective

recruits Friday and Saturday. He was wound tighter than a Saturday night tick on a

hound dog's back. KD laid into several and all the players for sloppiness, give a crap

attitude, and lazy play. KD was on the war path. These kids know they are talented.

They still need to bond and knock that silly pudding face off their mugs.

Leaders are emerging. Not time to say who they are; so, don't ask me.

Positions are also shaping up. Again, don't ask.

Come see for yourself.

Monday's practice begins at 9:30 AM. There might be an intra-squad scrimmage; take the hint.

[zippyfan34]

All this said; here is today's news: KD was on a holy terror after entertaining prospective

recruits Friday and Saturday. He was wound tighter than a Saturday night tick on a

hound dog's back. KD laid into several and all the players for sloppiness, give a crap

attitude, and lazy play. KD was on the war path. These kids know they are talented.

They still need to bond and knock that silly pudding face off their mugs.

We ended up making it and just sat in the upper reserved section since the baby was asleep when we first got there. We stayed until about 11 and KD was definately on the warpath. Good thing our son can't repeat what he hears yet.

2 players who stuck out to me are Q and his improved shot and I think Chauncey is going to be good for us. It's tough to make any accurate predications after watching 1.5 hours but with Chauncey's 3 point shooting that might allow us to redshirt Justice. It could be similar to Mclanahan's freshman year where KD plans to redshirt and if he feels we need that outside shooting punch he will not be afraid to burn it after the season starts. I think Blake can definately help this year but there are only a certain amount of minutes to go around. He is going to be a good one when it is all said and done.