UAZip0510

Written by a Cleveland writer the day after The Decision: "Because, plain and simple, being a fan of a loser means more than being a fan of a winner. It takes a bigger person. It takes a better sports fan. Even though every loss, every bad break, every pang of heartache feels like a step backward, it's really just another plank in the path toward something no Yankees fan, no Cowboys fan, no Lakers fan will ever feel: a championship that erases eons-long suffering. A championship paid for with blind, oft-thankless loyalty. A championship that its fan base truly earned through unwavering devotion to a seemingly hapless cause. No, it hasn't materialized yet -- but it's coming. Oh, man, is it coming. And it's financed in moments like Thursday night's. Trust me."

Just a blog, but I agree with a lot of what he says: http://www.fearthesword.com/2013/3/20/4126...n-zeke-marshall

I should note that I do think Zeke will eventually make an NBA roster. I just don't think he gets drafted...he MIGHT sneak in the end of the 2nd Round, but I doubt it. He'll likely start in the D-League, develop his body/game further, and make it to the League in a year or two.

You're correct here. It's not his size, it's his inability to use it effectively (at an NBA-quality level that is). He also doesn't have the motor and/or consistent mid-range jumper the successful players on that list have.

As a sophomore Melo was the defensive anchor of a 34-3 Syracuse team that was ranked #1 in the nation at the end of the regular season and earned a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Before he was ruled ineligible for the Tournament, Syracuse was the favorite to win it all. He's only 6 months older than Zeke. He has an NBA frame, which Zeke does not. Zeke is nothing like Melo.

This is pretty spot on. Draft Express is the site to watch - they'll have the best insight as the draft draws closer. I hope I'm wrong, but I see Zeke going undrafted and starting in the D-League for Canton.

Fab Melo won Big East Defensive POY as a sophomore and has 20 pounds on Zeke.

Chauncey offered the following on Twitter this morning: "It's gotta be easier to get up for games at the high major level. Try playing in the JAR on winter break."

Random Thought: What if Alex is cleared or gets probation and his way of making amends to Zips Nation, his teammates, and his coaches is giving up his scholarship and playing his senior year as a walk-on?

Obviously, we still don't know all of the details surrounding this case. Let's say Abreu avoids jail time and is a free man by this summer (if he's in jail, he's obviously not returning). Simple poll question: Would you take Alex back as an Akron Zip?

Bold Prediction: Zeke Marshall, who we all thought would be drafted, will not get selected. Demetrius Treadwell, two summers from now, WILL get drafted.

The craziest part about Diggs' situation is that he wasn't even permitted to continue his coursework. How many UA students have criminal charges that DO stick and aren't dismissed? Are they booted from taking classes for an entire year? No doubt this was a political move...the sad part is a young man's future was put into the middle of petty politics. I echo your sentiment that it would be great to see Q get redemption next year - both on and off the court.

At this point it's pretty clear Diggs got screwed.

Unless it turns out Alex was innocent - highly unlikely - I don't want him back. This is coming from someone who cinsidered AA their favorite Zip prior to all of this. I really hope to see Diggs back though. His off-court issues have seemed to serve as an eye-opener for him. A Forsythe/Tree/Kretzer/Diggs/Evans starting unit is as good, if not better than what we put out there in our last games.

I know Zeke is going to be preparing to take his shot at the NBA now, but I really hope to see he and his family around the program still. It'd certainly help recruiting to see a former Zip currently in the NBA at the JAR :-)

After tonight's game, I want to look forward...so let's talk about the 2013-2014 season. There are several questions heading into this offseason: 1) Who is the Point Guard? Alex Abreu seems unlikely to return. Carmelo Betancourt is back, but still has a long way to go. Nyles Evans will be here, but who knows how he'll fit. Quincy Diggs is a possibility, but is he a full-time PG? Speaking of... 2) Will Quincy return? In losing Zeke, Walsh, and Gilliam, it'd be huge for Akron to have Diggs return. He's great on defense, a go-to scorer, and would be fun to watch alongside Treadwell. All indications are that he'll be back, but if he is... 3) Who might leave the team? My money is on Blake Justice, with Deji as another possibility. Deji at least got some PT though, which makes me think Blake is the odd man out. 4) Will any of the freshmen make a major impact? McAdams, Betancourt, Kretzer, and Forsythe all played major roles on this year's squad. Will any of the incoming four have as much of (or even more of) an impact next season? 5) How good will the Zips be? A lot depends on the answers to the previous four questions, but I'd expect them to be the pre-season MAC favorite. Ohio loses Cooper, Offutt, Keely, and Baltic. Can't loses Evans and Holt. Akron will be a different team next year, but still should remain the cream of the crop in the conference. My Projected 2013-2014 Lineup C-Forsythe/Johnson PF-Treadwell/Cheatham SF-Kretzer/Harney SG-Diggs/McAdams PG-Evans/Betancourt

Akron has more size and athleticism than Butler.

DistrictBaller: Care to give us a scouting report? We know about "havoc" but how about more details? Thanks!

We still can In all seriousness, I don't like playing VCU either...I cheer for them in every game they don't play against UA.

I wouldn't say we have no chance. It isn't a great matchup, but it's winnable. Carmelo is actually better in the open court as opposed to a half-court style of offense.

It looks like the Rams start 4 players listed as guards: F-Reddic - 6'9", 235 G-Graham - 6'5", 215 G-Theus - 6'3", 200 G-Brandenberg - 6'2", 180 G-Daniels - 6'4", 200 G-Weber - 6'3", 165 G-Johnson - 6'3", 195 F-Guest - 6'8", 210 VS C-Marshall - 7'0", 235 F-Treadwell - 6'7", 225 F-Gilliam - 6'5", 230 G-Walsh - 6'5", 200 G-Betancourt - 5'11", 175 G-Harney - 6'7", 210 F-Kretzer - 6'7", 210 F-McAdams - 6'7", 200 C-Forsythe - 6'11", 240 No doubt we have the size advantage, but they excel at pressure defense which will present a huge challenge to Betancourt/Harney/Walsh.

Curious to hear DistrictBaller's thoughts

@JSF - Your thoughts on the "Zeke's a Bitch" chant from the OU students?

I saw that one too...also love the discussion of firing Christian already

Treadwell only played one year of high school basketball. He's in year #2 at Akron, with 2 years remaining. He's leaps and bounds better than last year, and progressively improved as this season went on. While Zeke Marshall was incredible in over the past two nights, Treadwell was the MVP. Next year with Marshall and (likely) Abreu gone, this will become Treadwell's team. I'm curious what others think...how good can Treadwell be next year, and by the time he's a senior?