UAZip0510

They get him the ball plenty. The problem is when opposing bigs are physical with Zeke.

Got an open look at a three...

2012-2013 will not depend on Zeke. He's going to average around 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game. He'll dominate some games, he'll disappear in others. Zeke is what he is, Alex Abreu is going to be a stud and will be the leader of this team, Quincy Diggs will bring energy and scoring, and Brian Walsh is going to be a premier outside scoring threat. These things are givens to me. These are the "X-Factors" for how far we go next season: 1) How much Demetrius Treadwell, Nick Harney, and Chauncey Gilliam improve from now until next November. 2) How much of an impact Carmelo Betancourt and/or Reggie McAdams have.

I know this was an attempt at being humorous but I think you've confused me with someone else in this thread.

I respectfully disagree. We are maxed out right now because we haven't won an NCAA Tournament game, and don't have many major regular season wins either. Die-hard fans appreciate what the Zips have done during Dambrot's tenure, and know that elevating a program doesn't happen overnight. However, most people in and outside of Ohio see Akron as a team that's good enough to compete in the MAC but not good enough to compete with the "big boys". A decent mid-major, but not After Akron defeated Mississippi State to start the season, the Akron community was absolutely buzzing about the win and how this might be the year the Zips not only get back to the tournament, but also make some noise once there. In their first game, 3,292 showed up at the JAR for a matchup against Hiram, a Division III cupcake opponent. The Zips lost their next two games against Valpo and Duquesne before coming home to face Detroit. 2,585 fans showed up for the matchup against the Titans, an NCAA Tournament team. Simply put, Akron needs to defeat a few top teams to earn the same respect that Ohio and Can't State get in Ohio and nationwide. Bobcat fans weren't just excited Saturday because they had a shot at the MAC Title. They also knew and believed that if they did win, they'd have a chance to make some noise in the NCAA Tournament, because they've done so before. We haven't...and until we do, we are indeed maxed out. It has nothing to do with our football program, and everything to do with our reputation not only nationally, but locally as well.

I appreciate your support of your friend or family member. Chauncey is one of my favorite Zips players, and I do see him stepping up big time next season. With that being said, I think a C- is fair for a guy who played inconsistently all season. We can agree to disagree.

It does make you wonder if we would have won 2-3 more of those non-conference tilts.

You probably just started the 5435943th OSU-related debate on this forum, but I think you're right. I know a lot of people who follow OSU all year long, but only follow Akron when they play Can't and when they're in the MAC Tournament. I don't know what the answer to that is...I really don't. But it's certainly the reality. On a side note I don't like Michigan, but it's because of Cavaliers-Pistons and Indians-Tigers, not Ohio State-Michigan. I'll still cheer for the Wolverines though. Screw OU.

No way Cooper leaves. He's just cocky enough to think he's an NBA Draft Pick. Anyhow, I was discussing the possibility of anyone leaving our squad, not theirs.

...and give OU an edge in recruiting. Go Blue.

Look, people are just disappointed. Nobody is tearing down the Zips. We have high expectations for the Akron Zips basketball program. That's a good thing. I don't want our players, coaches, or fans to ever not be disappointed in making the NCAA Tournament. So yes, 24 hours after our team lost a heart-breaking game to a hated rival that crushed many of our hopes of the Zips making some noise in the NCAA Tournament, it's a little hard to get excited about the NIT. If that makes me an idiot, so be it. Does that mean I won't be tuning in Tuesday night? Not at all. Does that mean that a nice NIT run wouldn't be awesome? Of course not. We all care about the Zips and want to see them do well...we wouldn't be posting on a site called "Zips Nation" if we didn't. After a loss like last night's, some of us just take a little bit longer than others to move on from it. Nothing more, nothing less. Now can we all come back together and get ready to kick Northwestern's ass Tuesday night?

Found an interesting link concerning Betancourt: http://www.boricuasballers.com/index.php?o...king-like-a-pro Betancourt, a former member of the Puerto Rico Junior National Teams, decided to do a Prep year in order to get stronger and polish a few areas of his games; he decided to do so at CJEOTO a Prep school in New Jersey. Carmelo was not completely satisfied with his experience, had already been cleared by the NCAA Clearing House and wanted to work on his game full time, so he decided to head back to his home town in Guaynabo during the middle of the fall semester. The risky decision made by Carmelo is not one that any athlete can do, since it requires a lot of discipline and mental toughness to be able to monitor your workouts and motivate yourself day in and day out. The Akron coaching staff provides him with different weekly workouts and Betancourt follows them step by step. A typical week for Carmelo consists of two a days, six days of the week and a weight room visit four to five days of the week. During his morning workout Carmelo works on his ball handling, passing, defense, speed and agility, as well as making 500 shots before he leaves the gym. Then he heads to the weight room to complete the sets and reps that are in his workout packet. After doing his first two workouts, Betancourt goes home and relaxes for a few hours before heading back to the gym and working on his game once again. When asking Carmelo about his conversations with the coaches at Akron, as well as his progress, he stated the following; “The coaching staff is very eager to get me on campus already. They are expecting big things from me and want me to be ready to play key minutes for them as a freshman. Coach keeps emphasizing the importance of me knocking down the three-point shot consistently, something that I have been working on. As for the workouts, I am already seeing results. I’m up to 179 lbs., decrease my body fat percentage, and have increased my stamina as well as my speed. ” We also asked Betancourt if he felt that he made the best decision by heading back home to work out; here is his response; “No doubt, like I stated before I feel stronger and my shot is falling consistently. I’m ready to get on the floor, win some games and ignite Zips Nation.” Betancourt is expected to play some minutes as the backup PG to Alex Abreu as well as play alongside his fellow Puerto Rican. This will make them one of the smallest backcourts in the country when both of them are on the floor; but they will also be one of the toughest ones as well. Carmelo and Alex are both very quick and aggressive guards who swarm the opposing guards with tough full-court man to man defense. Make sure you add Akron to your list to watch and pay close attention to this backcourt combination in the Mid-American Conference during the 2012-2013 season.

On a side note, aside from Michael Green has anyone heard about any players leaving the program? The only possibility I could see is Blake Justice. I don't see him getting significant playing time anytime in the near future.

Looks like OU might have a new transfer coming in: http://www.athensohiotoday.com/blogs/bobca...1871e3ce6c.html If you're not aware, Green is a forward who is transferring from Missouri. Mizzou confirmed he was leaving the program and said it would release him from his scholarship on Jan. 3. Green, a long, athletic, 6-foot-8, 220-pounder from Toronto, played little for the Tigers throughout the non-conference schedule and averaged 3.0 points and 3.1 rebounds this season. Green was unable to crack into Missouri coach Frank Haith's seven-man rotation. The Tigers, a top-10 team this season, added three front-court players during the NCAA's early signing period. Green played at United Faith Christian Academy in Charlotte, N.C. during his prep days and signed with Missouri in November 2009, but suffered a ruptured Achilles' tendon the following January. Green had surgery and was still not at full strength when Mizzou started the 2010-11 season. Green took a redshirt during the 2010-11 season, and was listed as a redshirt freshman prior to leaving the club in early January. So where does Ohio fit it in? Green was on campus in Athens last weekend, and caught the Bobcats' win over UNC Asheville last Saturday night from the front row behind the Ohio bench. Ohio coach John Groce, per NCAA regulations, can't comment publicly on a potential recruit or transfer until they have signed. The Bobcats currently have one open scholarship -- it became free when guard Joe Mitchell left the program prior to fall quarter 2011 -- and could in theory add Green in time for the start of spring quarter. Because Green left prior to the winter grading period, he would be eligible starting in Jan. 2013. Is Green on his way to Athens? I haven't yet been able to track down Green for confirmation, but a source close to the situation indicated that Green would in fact be joining the Bobcats. Again, this hasn't been confirmed with Green himself but from what I understand Green will be with Ohio starting this spring. Green was supposed to make a final decision by Wednesday, and was reported to be trying to decide between Ohio and Valpo. As a player, Green fits the mold of what Groce typically looks for in a forward. He was athletic and explosive prior to his injury, and should be able to run the floor in Ohio's up-tempo style. Similar in build to former Bobcat DeVaughn Washington and current Ohio players TyQuane Goard and Ivo Baltic, Green should have a chance to play right away.

The game was pretty much back and forth until 5-6 minutes left. Both teams were making plays and hitting shots. Why were OU fans noisy the whole time, but Akron fans only the last couple of minutes? Is it possible that our players started tightening up because it still feeling like they were in Athens? Just thinking out loud.

I agree with just about everything you say. I bolded the only things I have some disagreement on. First, I haven't seen 100% clarification on the basket interference rule. We know with 100% that no player touched the ball, and that an OU player touched the ball after it first hit the rim. If, according to the rule book, that should have resulted in Akron being awarded a field goal and/or technical free throws (both of which I've heard), then I absolutely would have wanted them to call it that way. A rule is a rule. Ohio was able to hold off Buffalo the Friday night in part because of a flagrant foul based on a technicality. Again, if the correct call was to award the Zips a basket or a free throw, we should have received a basket or a free throw. I'm still waiting for 100% clarification on this. Second, I don't know where this myth was created that Zips fans, players, and coaches only care about the MAC Tournament. Akron set its schedule up in a way that would have allowed them to be considered for an at-large bid. Had we defeated a few more of Valpo, Duquesne, CSU, VCU, ORU, Middle Tennessee, and West Virginia, we would have been there. Keith Dambrot and the athletic department STILL tried pushing for an at-large bid until the Oral Roberts loss. It just wasn't in the cards this year. Hopefully we have a similarly difficult schedule next year and, now that we have gelled, hit the ground running next November.

These grades are obviously opinion-based. I also factored in expectations and experience. For example, I'm not saying a player with a "B" is necessarily better than a player with a "C", just that they fulfilled expectations of their role on the team better. Coaching Staff - B+ - With a loss in the MAC Championship game, they couldn't receive an "A", but that doesn't take away from the continued excellence of this group. Another 20+ win season (7th straight), another MAC Title game (6th straight), and the MAC Regular season championship, which, although isn't the prize we wanted, is still a good accomplishment. The staff, working with the 16th youngest D1 team in the nation, had to change their own ways to adapt to their players, and will have to continue to do so moving forward. Keith Dambrot is an excellent coach, an outstanding person, and a wonderful representative of our university and program. It put a smile on my face to hear him say he wasn't going anywhere last night in yesterday's postgame. Now they have to work this offseason to figure out how to get this team over the hump - winning more important non-conference games so they're a legitimate at-large possibility. On a side note, the work that Rick McFadden has done recruiting cannot be discounted. He played a major role in bringing Abreu, Treadwell, Harney, and Walsh to Akron, and continues to be important to this team as both a coach and a recruiter. Overall, our coaching staff did an excellent job this season. I'm excited to see what they can do with what will arguably be the most athletically gifted Zips roster in Zips history next season. Zeke Marshall - Grade: B - I'll just re-post what I said in another thread. I think we need to stop expecting Zeke to be the savior of this program and accept him for what he is - an outstanding defensive player that can dominate on certain nights and be non-existent on others. He's never going to dominate consistently. He's not going to be a reliable scorer on offense. He's not going to be a 1st round pick in the NBA. That's just the reality of the situation. That's not to say he won't help us in a big way next year - having a seven footer out there is always a big advantage. I just think it's time to bring down our expectations a bit. Statistically, he'll probably provide something similar to what John Edwards gave Can't State in his senior season - 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 2-3 blocks per game. Edwards 2003-2004 (Senior) - 26 MPG, 13 PPG, 53 FG%, 67 FT%, 7 RPG, 3 BPG Marshall 2011-2012 (Junior) - 26 MPG, 10 PPG, 53 FG%, 70 FT%, 5 RPG, 3 BPG Considering Zeke made marginal improvements in scoring (9 PPG to 10 PPG) from his sophomore to junior year, I think Edwards' statistical production is a fair assessment of what we'll see from Zeke. If you remember Can't State's team that year, Edwards was an extremely important part of that team - so this isn't a knock on Zeke. He just wasn't "the man", and I think it's time we start realizing that Zeke might not be either. That role may go to Alex Abreu, who I thought was the Zips' MVP this season. We all love Zeke. He is a special player in that he is not only an exceptional basketball player, but he's also a great human being and an accomplished student-athlete. He's an excellent role model for our university and our basketball program, and we'll miss him when he's gone. Maybe we just need to accept that Zeke is Zeke, and that's probably not going to change. It might be easier on both us and Zeke moving forward. Nik Cvetinovic - Grade: C+ - Nikola will go down as one of the most colorful personalities we've ever had in this program. He was a valuable player for all four years of his career, with four trips to the MAC Title game and two trips to the NCAA Tournament during that time. He also joined the 1,000 point club, an outstanding accomplishment. With that being said, I can't call Nik's senior season anything but a disappointment. He regressed statistically, butted heads with the coaching staff and other players early in the year (including one instance where an assistant coach sent him back to the locker room in the middle of a game), and was inconsistent all year. He also ended his MAC career with a dud last night against OU. I'm not sure Nik was ever cut out for the "senior leader" role, and I think the added responsibility affected his game in a negative way. With that said, Cvetinovic represented us well and I wish him the best of luck in returning home to Serbia. Chauncey Gilliam - Grade: C- - At times, Chauncey seemed to be his own worst enemy. He seemed to lack confidence in taking open looks and being aggressive to the hoop and played inconsistent all season. It seemed like he was starting to find his groove a bit toward the end of the year, especially in the two games against Can't State. That gives me a lot of hope for next season. I absolutely LOVE Gilliam's fire and intensity. If he can channel that energy, be aggressive to the hoop, improve his defense, and have confidence in his shot, he will be an important "glue guy" next season. Brian Walsh - Grade: B+ - I love Brian Walsh's game. He brings energy, plays good defense, stays aggressive, and doesn't shy away from taking open looks. He was deadly from deep, shooting .455 on the season (42nd in the nation). Him stepping up was especially important with the dreadful season Brett McClanahan had. I'm excited to have him for two more seasons...I think he'll continue to get better and become one of the important leaders on this team. Brett McClanahan - Grade: D- - Wow...what heck happened to McClanahan this season? I'm not sure if it was the Zips changing their style of play, off-the-court issues we don't know about, or mental quicksand, but an important piece to last year's MAC championship not only failed to create an impact this season, but he actually hurt us when he was on the floor at times. His PPG dropped from 10 to 4, FG% from 42 to 30, 3PT% from 39 to 29, FT% from 89 to 62...just incredible. The only reason McClanahan still gets a passing grade is because he did give us two decent and one really good season and represented the Zips well on and off the court. But man oh man, what a nightmare of a senior season. Quincy Diggs - Grade: B - I'll admit to be a little bit biased on this one, as "Q" is one of my favorite Zips. He was MAC 6th Man of the Year and provided energy off the bench. He also stepped up and took charge of the offense at various times throughout the year when it became too stale. He still has mental lapses, which will hopefully improve next season. He had an excellent MAC Tournament, stepping up when it was most important. Quincy will be interesting to watch as a senior. He has the potential to be an elite player in the MAC. If the Zips can establish an effective backup point guard between Ibitayo and Betancourt, it should help as well, keeping Diggs at his natural position for the entire game. Demetrius Treadwell - Grade: B+ - At one point early in the season, there were rumblings that Treadwell was on the verge of quitting the team. When he was arrested in late November, some - including myself - wondered if he'd make it through the season. The fact that he didn't quit and stuck with it and that Keith Dambrot stuck by him may change the course of the Zips basketball program...and Treadwell's entire life. Treadwell, who will hopefully be here for three more seasons, was extremely raw early in the season. Part of his problem was mental, part of it was lack of fundamental experience. He's still raw and still makes mental mistakes, but he gradually improved over the course of the season, both on and off the court. He eventually became an important role player, providing the Zips with toughness and rebounding down low. The sky is the limit for this kid. He'll turn 21 this November, but his 6'7", 225 lb frame makes him appear much older. His raw talent and athleticism is unlike any other Zips player in recent memory. It will all come down to how bad Tree wants this, and how much work he's willing to put in over the offseason. He has all the makings of a star in this league. Nick Harney - B- - Like Treadwell, Harney is extremely raw, but also extremely talented. He took over a few games (Can't State at home), giving us a peek at what kind of potential he has. With his size and athleticism, he has the potential to be a special player. His post moves seemed to improve toward the end of the season, but he'll need to improve his ball handling skills and body control when making his move. Like Treadwell, Harney's potential will be up to Harney. He, like Treadwell, has the potential to be a star in the MAC. Alex Abreu - Grade: A - Make no mistake - this is Alex Abreu's team. His early-season suspension was disappointing, but it also seemed to make him re-evaluate himself and what he needed to do to become the leader of this squad. Alex's all-around game improved tremendously, just look at the statistics: 2011-2012 - 30 MPG, 10 PPG, 5 APG, 2 SPG, 47 FG%, 44 3PT%, 82 FT% 2010-2011 - 20 MPG, 7 PPG, 4 APG, 1 SPG, 38 FG%, 38 3PT%, 74 FT% Factor in that it was sophomore season and that he played through much of it at less than 100% and his improvements become even more impressive. Abreu also stepped up when it mattered most, hitting big shot after big shot in the MAC Tournament. After a full offseason of conditioning and coming back at 100% next season, I cannot wait to see what Abreu does. I think he will be our breakout player of the 2012-2013 season. Incomplete - Deji Ibitayo, Josh Egner, CJ Oldham, Kyle Peterson Team Grade: B - MAC Regular season champions, another MAC Tournament Championship game, but just a little short of what our expectation should be every single year - reaching the NCAA Tournament. Hopefully they make some noise in the NIT, but even an NIT Championship will fall short of that expectation. Here's to hoping the Zips come back hungrier, stronger, and better overall next year. Like this season, they'll again have the talent to not only win the MAC, but also make noise in the NCAA Tournament. Next year they just need to finish the job. Call me a homer, but I think they will, and we'll be dusting off our Dancin' shoes in March of 2013. GO ZIPS!!!!!!!!

I think we need to stop expecting Zeke to be the savior of this program and accept him for what he is - an outstanding defensive player that can dominate on certain nights and be non-existent on others. He's never going to dominate consistently. He's not going to be a reliable scorer on offense. He's not going to be a 1st round pick in the NBA. That's just the reality of the situation. That's not to say he won't help us in a big way next year - having a seven footer out there is always a big advantage. I just think it's time to bring down our expectations a bit. Statistically, he'll probably provide something similar to what John Edwards gave Can't State in his senior season - 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 2-3 blocks per game. Edwards 2003-2004 (Senior) - 26 MPG, 13 PPG, 53 FG%, 67 FT%, 7 RPG, 3 BPG Marshall 2011-2012 (Junior) - 26 MPG, 10 PPG, 53 FG%, 70 FT%, 5 RPG, 3 BPG Considering Zeke made marginal improvements in scoring (9 PPG to 10 PPG) from his sophomore to junior year, I think Edwards' statistical production is a fair assessment of what we'll see from Zeke. If you remember Can't State's team that year, Edwards was an extremely important part of that team - so this isn't a knock on Zeke. He just wasn't "the man", and I think it's time we start realizing that Zeke might not be either. That role may go to Alex Abreu, who I thought was the Zips' MVP this season. We all love Zeke. He is a special player in that he is not only an exceptional basketball player, but he's also a great human being and an accomplished student-athlete. He's an excellent role model for our university and our basketball program, and we'll miss him when he's gone. Maybe we just need to accept that Zeke is Zeke, and that's probably not going to change. It might be easier on both us and Zeke moving forward.

At worst I think it was 50/50, at best 60/40 Akron. I don't think we were outnumbered though. They were just much vocal.

Unfortunately, a good number of my friends (Zips alumni) follow the Zips closely for two games in March, and a third if that 2nd game is successful. I'm not sure what the reason is. A few possible thoughts: 1) Winning an NCAA Tournament game would "legitimize" the Zips in a lot of casual fans' eyes. Can't has done it. Miami has done it. OU has done it. Cleveland State has done it. We haven't yet, and I think that matters quite a bit to the casual fan. 2) We have never been a flashy team. Over the past few years, we have been a winning program, but quite often the wins have come with slow-paced, half-court, defensive battles. Fans like winning, but the love fast-paced, high-flying basketball. Who knows, that's something we may add with guys like Treadwell and Harney. 3) The northeast Ohio sports fan mentality. No matter what is currently happened, in the back of your head you're wondering what will go wrong. Our fans hoped to win last night. Ohio's expected to win. 4) The student section has leveled off. The AK-Rowdies made a mistake years back when they tried to make a group with low membership exclusive. For awhile it was very "clique-like", which drove many students away. Once new leadership realized this, it was too late...the damage was already done. According to a quick look at our Wikipedia page, around 24,000 undergraduates attend the University of Akron. However, most nights, we can't even fill the two sections behind the basket. I'm not sure what the fix is here, but it's time to get creative. Offering pizza and "Roo-Rewards" isn't cutting it. Something needs to be done to increase student involvement. Just a few thoughts off the top of my head. I agree there is definitely an issue though.

And so it begins... I'll say this for the 4738534th time. Feel free to question Dambrot's game plan...feel free to question scheduling, recruiting, substitution patterns, or whatever else fans can freely question about a coach. But it is inexplicable to me how anyone could question Keith Dambrot's desire to win. Did you see him when the Zips were down 1 with OU brining the ball down? Dambrot was in a defensive stance, chopping his feet, screaming at our players. My wife and I have even joked that we're worried he might want a win so bad that he'll go out and steal the ball. I get that fans will always question a coach. I don't get how anyone can question Dambrot's desire to win.

We're talking about this year and next, correct? What they did against Brett McKnight and Steve McNees has nothing to do with what happened this year or what will happen next year, especially considering how different this team is from previous years. I realize OU has been a bad matchup for us. I was the one that started the thread a few months back pointing that out. But if we're looking at this year, no, they aren't dominating us. We beat them at home. They beat us at home. They beat us on a neutral court by one point. They return everyone, we return all but one important rotation player (Sorry Brett). On a neutral court, the teams are about as even as it gets, and I expect it to be the same next year.

It was back and forth but if anything, I felt like Akron had control of the game until about the 6-7 minute mark.

...read it again. They beat us in a game that was played in our style....by one point. Again, I'm not sure how that means we haven't proven we can beat them when A) We already did once, The game yesterday could have easily swung the other way. No doubt the Bobcats will be the team for us to beat next year, but I think we're overrating how good they are because of leftover emotion from last night. Our teams are about even, and should there be a rematch next year, it will likely be decided by less than 4 points.

I don't understand how we haven't proven we can beat them. We did once already, and yesterday's loss was a one point game. You're talking like they are head and shoulders above us and it's just not true.