dboze

Another new player to watch that the coaching staff likes is Quincy Diggs. Nice mid-range game and can finish at the rim. He should get minutes at the small forward position w/ Brett McKnight. I believe that a few of the new players are going to step up this season.

With 14 more days to the 1st Official Practice for the Zips 2010 - 2011 season, is it too early to begin talking about the upcoming season?

I just read this post stating that Coach Lamont Paris has accepted an Assistant Coach position with the Wisconsin Badgers...Can anyone confirm this?? Bo Ryan picks Coach Paris

I was on Campus yesterday and was told by the coaching staff that Cedric Middleton is going to Finland to play basketball on the same team as Jeremiah Woods. Good luck Cedric!!

Walsh is a GREAT addition and a friend of Zeke's. He and Walsh played against each other in AAU ball (both with the PA Storm organization) and in WPIAL Section play. In 2007-2008, Walsh was the PA Gatorade Player of the Year. Check out his Xavier Profile Page for more details... Brian Walsh Background....

Sorry this is old...but fyi: MAC Conference now has a Basketball Blog - MAC Basketball Blog

Yes, that is it. The weight that he has gained is ALL MUSCLE. He still looks like he has 5% body fat. Don't worry about his agility. He made a spin dribble move that I've never seen him do. Seems to have gotten stronger & faster.

Zeke has gained 17 pounds since the beginning of the last season. He's really hitting the weights this summer. He came to Akron around 210 and is now up to 227. His goal is to get to at least 235 + by the begining of the season.

Don't think we've necessarily lost Ennis yet at this point. Kid seems like he's had a good summer and there has been more attention on him lately. Sounds like he's just looking to see what other kind of opportunities may have opened up for him based on that. I guess you can't really blame him. Hopefully he finds his way back to Summit County Ohio. If he breaks a commitment, I blame him. If you don't intend to keep your commitments, don't make them. There used to be a thing called honor. I agree. Don't commit unless you are willing to keep the commitment. Zeke committed to Akron and followed through regardless of what 'bigger' schools called.

Yes, Quincy is on campus and rooming with Zeke for the Summer.

Here are a few on my thoughts: 1) Unless we can find a defender that can lock down opposing Guards/shooters, we won't have much success in conference & tournament play. 2) Humpty and Ronnie Steward are Point Guards. McNees and Roberts are Shooting Guards. PERIOD. 3) Our Post guys (Zeke, Nick, Brett, etc.) need to become our go-to-guys so that the 3-point shooters can get better looks. 4) Our 3 point shooters need to become more consistent with the open looks. 5) The Freshmen need to be Ready to Go from Game 1. We need their offensive abilities but they must also quickly become good College Level defenders. We don't need Scorer that cannot Defend. 6) Better/Tougher scheduling. Enough said... Overall, I believe that next year's team has great potential. But there is a lot of work to be done...

Jimmy Conyers - First Team All MAC Brett & Chris McKnight received Honorable Mention All MACZeke Marshall - All Freshmen TeamMAC Sports Article

Jimmy Conyers wins MAC Defensive Player of the YearMAC Sports Award Article...

I agree. Even with the refs, Zeke is leading the MAC in blocked shots...BLOCKED SHOTS## Player-Team Cl G Blocks Avg/G------------------------------------------------ 1.MARSHALL, Zeke-UA........ FR 26 45 1.73 2.LAWSON, Donald-WMU....... SR 25 38 1.52MAC 2010 Season Stats

Z -- Zipped shut: Akron is the overwhelming favorite to win the Mid-American Conference title for the second straight year. The Zips return four starters and all but one player from, last season’s team that went 23-13 and lost to Gonzaga in the first round of the NCAA tournament. That and Akron welcomes four-star recruit Zeke Marshall, a 7-footer who could be a star right awayhttp://collegechalktalk.com/general/2009-1.../11.2.09_a_to_z

According to the scouts, "he's a legit 7 feet".And as I recall Gamechanger posting, he's up to about 230?I would need a ladder to get an accurate measurement. He does look pretty solid. Keep up the good work packing on those pounds!Zeke is actually closer to 7' 1" (7'0" 3/4 - this was a measurement in Coach D's office). He working really hard in the weight room. This picture was taken about 2 weeks ago after a workout.....

The loss of scholarships will affect the 2010 season. The 2009 players have already signed their letters of intent.

I totally agree. Players are usually more interested in who is the Head Coach and the overall University. Assistants come and go and you don't see players attempting to transfer. With the success of KD, I believe we still have a shot at getting Payne.

Roundball Classic ReviewNo doubt McKeesport's Zeke Marshall has the most potential of any player in the Roundball. He's 7 feet. He still has a ways to go offensively, but his shotblocking ability is tremendous. He had to have a triple double with points, rebounds and blocks. One of the best parts of the game was the first few minutes when Morgan was doing some damage on the inside, but Marshall also kept blocking his shot.Marshall is headed to Akron. He turned down scholarship offers from a few ACC, Atlantic 10 and Big East schools. But I think he might have made the right choice. Players in the Mid-American Conference aren't exactly slouches. If Marshall adds more weight, muscle and improves offensively, he could have a nice career. Of course, he also needs to have the work ethic to improve.

I watched Payne play on Sunday. This kid is long, athletic, and active on the boards. I see why the is rated #11 in the country. He made a TRUE believer out of me. This kid has TONS of potential and would be an excellent additions to the Zips. He plays above the rim and can step out and shoot the three ball.FYI - A. Payne was however held to 0 points and 1 rebound in the Championship game.

I watched Payne play on Sunday. This kid is long, athletic, and active on the boards. I see why the is rated #11 in the country. He made a TRUE believer out of me. This kid has TONS of potential and would be an excellent additions to the Zips. He plays above the rim and can step out and shoot the three ball.

I saw Zeke at the Roundball Classic Banquet in Beaver Falls on Friday. He went 7 for 20 (35%) in the 3-point shootout that was held on Wednesday. Not bad for a 7-footer......

Please remember the desires of A. Payne 1) Wants to play at a smaller school (versus OSU, Kentucky, Louisville, etc.) 2) Wants to stay in Ohio 3) Wants to play his freshman year 4) Does not want to go to a school that includes any of his Ohio Red teammates. He does not want to play in there shadows. He is still scheduled for his unofficial during the LBJ. Just like Zeke, the reports can't be used as a barometer to which way a player is leaning in his decision.

Yahoo Sports: Miller Leaving for Arizona.... All I can say is that this Kid is a lot closer to chosing Akron than what the media states. Don't be surprised if he signs. People said the same thing about Zeke Marshall..oh yeah..I DO BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE ZEKE...lol

Based on reports that Payne wants to go to a smaller school, I don't believe it has any impacts. Kentucky doesn't fit the profile of the type of school he's looking to attend.