FromdaBurgh

Zipwatcher....I want you to know that Ezekiel LOVES THIS QUOTE!!! It brought tears to his eyes (from laughing soooo freakin hard). Thank you all for supporting him and embracing him as you have. Keep it up...remember...he can't sign a LOI until November. WAY COOL DUDE....You have to make this a HUGE SIGN for him...he will love it. This is Zeke's kind of humor!!!! PS: Zeke says you watch to much Pulp Fiction...

DRUM ROLL PLEASE........................................Welcome the Newest member to the ZIP FAMILY....Ladies and Gentlemen:ZEKE IS A ZIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEP YA HEARD ME RIGHT!! ZEKE HAS VERBALLED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON!!!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT ZIP NATION:Please stay tuned for a very special announcement to be announced today around 12NOON.Talk with you all then... :blink:

I'm not sure if it is a "skills camp" or not. Was told that LBJ had some sort of event in June.

Don't worry GoZips....MY LIPS ARE SEALED!! HE! HE! HE! It is tantalizing and a lot of fun. I can't wait for the coaching staff to reveal the opponent. Well..here are some updates: Sean Miller called me yesterday and declared that he was offering Zeke a scholarship and he showed up to see Zeke practice yesterday but I heard he left earlier..because guess who was on the premises...COACH BOALS!! Oh and check this out---Dixon showed up at 6:39 (when practice started at 5pm) and was told by Zeke's high school coach..that practice was over.. F-U-N-N-Y..Hey speaking of Dixon..EVERYBODY check out this article in our local paper... You are going to find some VERY INTERESTING comments about Pitt and their coaching staff.Zeke is getting ready for the Western PA Regionals---which will determine if they make it to Nationals in FL!! I heard that Zeke may be up on campus during LeBron's camp (don't know the details--but will let you know as soon as I find out). Well, Zip Nation---I'll holla back at you all real soon. Don't stop talking...I LOVE to read your commentaries...

WELL...WELL..WELL... do have I have some updates for you all...Zeke's high school basketball coach called me yesterday and said (and I'm quoting here..) "I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE HECK ZEKE DID THIS WEEKEND IN AKRON...BUT MY PHONE HAS BEEN RINGING OFF THE HOOK". He told me that schools like Arizona, Ohio State, Xavier, Central Michigan and Pitt called him. It is very, very interesting that the same people who talked all that trash about Zeke...he's to skinny, he can't play any offensive...he needs to get bigger...BLAH..BLAH..BLAH!!!! now are chasing after him...BUT FEAR NOT ZIP NATION....you guys are HIS ABSOLUTE FAVORITE. Oh and if I didnt tell you, he took an "unofficial" visit on Sunday before we came home. It was a very, very productive visit. Psstt...guess what Zip Nation...I know who the Zips will be playing at Quicken Arena... Hey..check this out...Zeke was named as one of the Top 5 Performers at the Jamfest this weekend:http://bwi.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=802461A-N-D I just found out that Zeke has been invited to the Bob Gibbons NBA Top Performers camp in North Carolina in June. :blink: That is absolutely amazing...UNFORTUNATELY..he won't be able to accept the invitation because we have a VERY IMPORTANT family event taking place that week...but HEY...what an invitation. Well...AK-Rowdies and Zip Nation I'll keep you all updated on the "Adventures of da Game-Changer".HOLLA BACKZeke's Mom

It was a pleasure meeting ALL OF U GUYS this weekend. There is none like the ZIP NATION...you showed the Big Guy much love and for that I am greatful, as is he!!! I'll HOLLA back real soon.PeaceZeke's Mom

THE BIG GUY HAS A PIC ON RIVALS...AND AN INTERESTING SNIPPET ON SCOUT...Here are the links:http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=801904**make sure you scroll down to about mid way on this page to see the pic and then scroll down until you see the title: HI..MY NAME ISSince I don't have a subscription to Scout...I couldn't get to the write up on Zeke on that site...but my son sent it to me via email here it is:Mac Irvin’s team didn’t need Crandall Head as much in its upset over the Atlanta Celtics because guards Tony Nixon and Terry Johnson were dialed in from downtown. … We weren’t there but apparently Zeke Marshall held a block party and scored a ton of points. Could this be the breakout? … Brandon Paul is a serious athlete. …

No more games Zip Nation. The Storm was eliminated yesterday with that loss at the 2:40 game. HOWEVER...Zeke will be on campus this morning for an "UNOFFICIAL VISIT".

Well Zip Nation...WE LOST the 2:40 game to New York Gauchos by...are u ready...21!!! OUCH!!! We just lost it..Zeke did what he could do but unfortunately it wasn't enough.Once again...our outside shooters were runnin and gunnin and the Gauchos was HITTIN E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. It was a pleasure meeting Blue & Gold and always good seeing ZipWatcher again. Zeke is talkin with Coach Boals on the phone right now. I think, I think, I think...we are having an "unofficial" visit with the coaches at 11:00 AM (for those of you who pray...pray, pray, pray)--never know what might be said during this visit. It was an awesome run. I love Akron and we love you all too. Stay tuned ladies and gentlemen I'll let you know what happens. Talk with ya later...PEACEZeke's Mom

Good Morning Zip Nation....Well, the pizza guy didn't get to our hotel room until 11:45PM!! :blink: Although Zeke didn't care...food is food no matter what time it came..he was sooo happy and dug right in to the bread sticks...HOWEVER..momma is tryin to lose some weight and what does it look like for me to be sitting in bed, writing this blog while eating a slice of delicious Domino's pizza??? What did u say: "An U of A student.... You guys are a riot...so anyway...of course my daughter woke both me and her daddy up at 7am to GO SWIMMING...are u kidding me SMILE:) My husband decided to go and check out the articles about last nights game and low and behold Rivals had a very interesting one about the Storm vs Florida game last night. Of course there focus was on the kid who just verballed to Louisville...but this is what he said about Zeke:"Buckles found an area to attack against the Storm as he constantly challenged Zeke Marshall, a 7-footer. Buckles attacked the big man from the perimeter and had relative success.Marshall isn't one to look past either. He was beaten by Buckles several times with the dribble drive but he also showed some flush on the offensive end. He scored on three straight possessions by playing up to his size and length. Marshall scored with some one-handers in the paint and was good on the pick and pop on the baseline. He blocked two shots in that span and ran the floor for the reward.Marshall's game is a flush here and a flush there. The finish product is not in the near future and that is part of the intrigue with the big man. He lacks great strength but there is something about his game that will have the high-majors following him around this weekend."Ok..Zip Nation..it is now 7:42 am and my daughter is about to put me on the firing line if I don't get my behind dressed for the pool...so I'm O-U-T!! Hey...NOW YA COME BACK....YA HEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GOOD EVENING AK-ROWDIES AND ZIP NATION FANS....Well, we just finished our first game and unfortunately we lost to the Florida Rams. It wasn't a pretty game at all. As a matter of fact, the Pgh Storm played its worse game EVER....but the BIG GUY..did very well inspite of it all. He had 14 pts...6 rebounds and about 6 blocks. It was unfortunate because we have the talent to beat that team...however we just couldn't pull it out. Zeke was happy to be on campus and it felt SOOOOOOO right being here. For those of you who came out to check him out...THANK YOU SOOO MUCH. Hey.... too the 2 guys who walked out of the Rec Center with us...thanks for introducing yourselves and for coming over from the basketball banquet (which by the way..I heard was very, very nice) it was a pleasure meeting you both. Zeke is laying in the bed, waiting for his pizza from Domino's (at 11:25pm)--but we did say we wanted to put weight on him. He was a little disappointed over the loss but he was more offended because he said that the players from the Florida Rams...did nothing but talk **** the entire game..and Zeke H-A-T-E-S that. Well, ladies and gentlemen...the pizza guy is here so (sing with me....) Now its time to say goodbye to all my family....Z-I-P-P-Y...AK-ROWDIES...We love u...Zip Nation, we love Zip Nation!!!! OK...so I won't quit my day job (oh my bad...I don't have a day job--LOL See you all tomorrow at 12NOON.Peace Out...Zeke's Mom

OK Zip Nation and AK-Rowdies...here is the lowdown on this weekend's playing schedule for Zeke and the Pgh Storm.As you all know we play tonight at 8:40 at the Rec Center and tomorrow at 12 noon also at the Rec Center.Here is the rest of the breakdown...1) IF they come in 1st place (win both games) then they will play again at 2:40 at the Rec Center (court 2);2) IF they come in 2nd place (1-1 win) then they will play at 2:40 at Green H.S. (court 3);3) IF they come in 3rd place (0-2) then they will play at 4pm at the Rec Center (court 1);AFTER these games are played then all remaining games including the Championship will be played at U.A. either at the JAR, Rec Center or Memorial (wherever that is???)How awesome...Zeke will actually get to play on his FUTURE home court... OOOOpppss...DID I SAY THAT!!! LOL!See you all tonight. HOLLA LOUD and HOLLA PROUD..."Welcome home Zeke"!!!!

WELL SAID...Zip Watcher...WELL SAID!!!!!!!!Zeke is soooo looking forward to playing on the UA campus. We are all excited about coming to Akron. Come on ZIP NATION...show ya love! Wave, smile and let the Big Guy know that you want him in the Zip family.See ya Friday nite.Zeke's Mom!!!

OK..Ladies and Gentlemen:I'll try to address as many of the questions as possible. Yes, we recognized the Zip fans when they came in... THANKS AGAIN Guys it really was a pleasure meeting you all and Zeke was soooo touched by you all. As for the game today...WE WERE OFF, OFF, OFF. Our outside shooters were having a really bad game, CBiz doubled down on Zeke and they kept him off of the offensive boards so we were not able to get second chance shoots. CBiz also had 3 big guys and our boys weren't able to match up with them. It wouldn't have been so bad if our shooters were on point, but we couldn't buy a basket. They played hard...but unfortunately they seem to lose "something" when they have to come up against a team who has "size". Zeke did his part as best he could...he stayed out of foul trouble, made his presence felt on the defensive end...but he couldn't be everywhere...and the other guys couldn't or wouldn't play Storm defense like they should have. They are playing in the Jamfest...our first game is Friday @ 6:30pm - Pete Ctr main floor. No coaches are allowed in this game...AND they will be playing against a team from (I believe) NC who have a 7'0; 6'8 and I think a 6'9 player. Again, our issue will be being able to handle those other big guys. Our second game is at 8:30 am- Sat @ Trees Hal (I believe we are playing against a team from NY). We will be playing in the King James tourney also...as I know it we are in (what they call the Top 48 Elite--which include the top 48 teams (this is by invitation only). I do know that those games will be played at either the JAR or Can't State main gym. The schedule is due out by the 20th. In the meantime...Zeke is working with a nutritionist and I am trying to get a personal trainer to work with him as well. Zip fans....keep showing the big guy much love...u never know what may happen during the KJ tourney... Holla Back...yaZeke's Mom

Good Evening Zip Nation....I want you all to know that U GUYS ARE DA BOMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you soo much for coming out and supporting Zeke and the Pgh Storm. Yesterday was awesome for them...but we crashed and burned today. Nevertheless....you all coming out and supporting him was absolutely WONDERFUL!! Now, for those unfortunate souls who missed it this weekend...they won both games on Sat. 44-89 first game and 34-89 second game. HOWEVER...this afternoon they lost by 14 (I don't remember THAT score UUugghh). You Zip fans are something special and I want you all to know that Zeke was and is always so touched by your love, compassion, ferver and support for him and for U of A!! OK..ladies and gentlemen....mom is sleepy and I got a crazy week. Next up...Pitt Jamfest this Fri - Sun. I'll keep you all updated on what happens. PEACE OUT!!!!Zeke's Mom

Greetings Zip Nation:Just want the family to know that ZEKE IS RANKED #61 (4 STARS) in Scout's Top 100 for the Class of 2009.Check out the link fam:http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p...=88&yr=2009Holla back Zip Nation........... Zeke's Mom

Greetings Zip Nation:For those who are stuck on the "we need someone ranked too be a recruit" well check this out..ZEKE IS RANKED #61 (4 STARS) in Scout's Top 100 for the Class of 2009.Check out the link fam:http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p...=88&yr=2009Holla back Zip Nation........... Zeke's Mom

We look forward to seeing you all this weekend...GO PITTSBURGH STORM in ZIPNATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!PeaceZeke's Mom...

Zeke, myself and the rest of his family look forward to seeing you all as well. Thank you so much for supporting him and the Pgh Storm. Give us a wave and shout it loud...ZIP NATION IN DA HOUSE!!!! See ya Saturday....PEACEZeke's Mom

Don't get me wrong....I TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY agree with what the Moderator is doing.....it can be sooo frustrating however, when you have to suffer for the faults and screw ups of others! But be that as it may....I appreciate everything the ZN is doing and I know deep, deep, deep down inside that you all love my son, truly care about Zeke and ultimately are true UA supporters and fans..and at the end of the day...that is all that really matters.PEACE OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good question..Inquiry minds want to know....Uh..Uh...speak up I CAN'T HEAR U!!!! Because I don't look good talking to myself...everyone already think I'm A LOOPY NUT JOB

GOOD AFTERNOON ZIP FANS!!!!!!!!!!!! Here is a Zeke update. He played in his first AAU Tournament in VA and the team went 2-1. They unfortunately were knocked out of the championship game..because the team they lost to DC Assault went undefeated. Everyone was still in their "high school team" frame of mind and although they won 2 games...they actually could have beat DC Assault...but they got intimidated. OK..OK...so you all don't want to hear my sideline commentary ...but are actually wondering how Zeke played. He played well. Don't have the stats right now....didn't get a chance to talk with the coach. I should, however, have them Tuesday. MDZip...I would LOVE to hear your opinion on how he did (especially because you saw the 2nd game). He was certainly a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end...and he made his presence known on those offensive boards. Still a lot of work ahead of us...but nothing but an UPSIDE.Well ladies and gentlemen...I just got off the road and I am t-i-r-e-d!!!!!!!!!!! I know you all are being very, very careful with what you say on here...and I want you ALL to know that I am soooo very, very greatful that you care enough to be certain not to cross the NCAA fine line on communication. PS...what a bunch of "tight wads" those guys are....geez. Talk about being "ANAL RETENTIVE". MOMMA OUT....PEACE ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would love to see KD recruit a player that is ranked top 150 in the entire country, then Akron would truly dominate. Having a recruit that is one of the best in your state, doesn't necessarily mean he is a high impact player. The crop of players at that position could be particularly weak in that state during that year. I would also like to KD recruit a player hat is ranked in the nations top 20 at their respective positions.Well Ziplockbag....I guess you never took the time to check out my son Zeke Marshall 09 recruit..WHO by the way sir...has a 3 star ranking on Scout.com and is listed 19 in the 2009 class at the Center position. So having said all of this---you MAY want to rethink that above statement or perhaps do a "little more research" before blasting the recruiting efforts of UA. He is not ranked on Rivals (although they have a very interesting article about him on their site). And if I may say this...you might want to consider this has well....why only go after the "so called" highly ranked players? Consider the fact that Zeke is not blown up on the "scout" sites yet he is considered a major recruit for his class..AND RIVALS NOR SCOUT had ANYTHING...now say with me...NOTHING to do with it. I personally like it when a kid is not considered by "scouts" and "rivals" and places like that to be so important or worth their attention...although they are excellent players..why do I say this...because it provides a better opportunity for UA and other mid major schools to get top quality athletes without having to fight the "bigger" schools for them. Zeke LOVES being under the radar...less scrutiny from the "so-called" super intelligent, all knowing scouts and more of an opportunity to look at and really consider schools LIKE AKRON. Take a deep breathe ziplockbag and hold on...because it is getting ready to get (as my beautiful daughter says--CRACK-A-LACKIN) Sweet! I love that: "CRACK-A-LACKIN"! That's hilarious! CRACK-A-LACKIN-AKRON! We know Zeke is the real-deal and we think he'd look beautiful in blue & gold!!! "Humpty Hitchens with the ball at the top of the key; passes over to Roberts; Roberts back to Humpty; Humpty drives the lane and dishes off to Zeke; SLAM WITH THE RIGHT HAND!!! TWO POINTS! The Mid-American Conference trembles at the sound of Zeke's name! The crowd is going crazy, crying out 'ZZZZZZZZZZZEKE!!!'"I LOVE IT "BLUE AND GOLD". Sounds like a game plan to me...!!!!

I would love to see KD recruit a player that is ranked top 150 in the entire country, then Akron would truly dominate. Having a recruit that is one of the best in your state, doesn't necessarily mean he is a high impact player. The crop of players at that position could be particularly weak in that state during that year. I would also like to KD recruit a player hat is ranked in the nations top 20 at their respective positions.Well Ziplockbag....I guess you never took the time to check out my son Zeke Marshall 09 recruit..WHO by the way sir...has a 3 star ranking on Scout.com and is listed 19 in the 2009 class at the Center position. So having said all of this---you MAY want to rethink that above statement or perhaps do a "little more research" before blasting the recruiting efforts of UA. He is not ranked on Rivals (although they have a very interesting article about him on their site). And if I may say this...you might want to consider this has well....why only go after the "so called" highly ranked players? Consider the fact that Zeke is not blown up on the "scout" sites yet he is considered a major recruit for his class..AND RIVALS NOR SCOUT had ANYTHING...now say with me...NOTHING to do with it. I personally like it when a kid is not considered by "scouts" and "rivals" and places like that to be so important or worth their attention...although they are excellent players..why do I say this...because it provides a better opportunity for UA and other mid major schools to get top quality athletes without having to fight the "bigger" schools for them. Zeke LOVES being under the radar...less scrutiny from the "so-called" super intelligent, all knowing scouts and more of an opportunity to look at and really consider schools LIKE AKRON. Take a deep breathe ziplockbag and hold on...because it is getting ready to get (as my beautiful daughter says--CRACK-A-LACKIN)