hoopster

Well written and well thought out. I could not have stated it any better. You are right on. Thanks, Dave in the Green!!!

Couple of thoughts on the topic: First comments on Miami game: They played a lot more zone than the Zips have seen in awhile. This was in order to offset the inside presence of the Zips. Do not be surprised if the Zips see more zone to take away the BIGS. Also, give Charlie credit, he took his post away from the basket which puts Zeke in a defensive disadvantage where Zeke had to guard on the perimeter. Second, team personnel: The discussion keeps going around and around on who should be playing and when. Most of you understand how KD thinks and recognize his accomplishments. There is a rhyme and reason for everything. Working day and in day out with the team gives the staff more of an insight than just the couple of practices or games that we listen or watch. I would like to share a quick story. When driving through a little town I came to a train crossing and while waiting for the train I was pondering some issues with my own basketball program. When the train finally left, there is front of me was a billboard from a local businessperson and across the sign were these three words, "LOYALTY, TRUST AND COMMITMENT". Pretty much a good mantra for anyone working with relationships. There has been some bumps in the road this year but speaking of trains, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it is NOT another train. New players have to mature and blend together, just look at VCU last year, and George Mason some years back. Hopefully there has been some life lessons learned this year. Speaking of transfers, Humpty left two years ago and the Zips won MAC tourney and played in the NCAA's. It is part of the business. I agree the the previous bloggers about the best is yet to come. Go ZIPS!!!

Well I have read many entries over the years many referring to History(wins/losses. etc.), some Math (Statistics), many on English (grammar and subject matter). That being said, there is not much discussion on Chemistry. Chemistry defined - the way two individuals relate to each other; "their chemistry was wrong from the beginning -- they hated each other"; "a mysterious alchemy brought them together" When it comes to team sports, chemistry negates talent everytime. The hardest job of any leader is to get all those involved on the same page. This team as talented as everyone says they are, does not have good team chemistry. When putting many new players into the mix especially those who have come from a previous program, it is a challenge to get them to buy into what is best for the group. Over the past couple of years there has been a large nucleus to depend on. It is easier to blend in a few new faces as compared to many. Someone previously went through the roster of new faces, they must have been a good Science student in school. Until everyone believes in each other and not into themselves, it will be a struggle. Making the extra pass, giving your body for that loose ball or rebound, making that "ah" play that helps build the chemistry. As KD mentioned on the post MTSU game interview, there are other issues being thrown into the mix. Distractions do have an effect on the team chemistry. Trust on and off the court are big issues. Leadership comes from the PG, i.e., McNees, Roberts, et al. Right now Zips lack that leadership. Yeah, senior leadership is lacking as well but two voices trying to convince many new faces to understand the "Akron way" makes it tough. When you have players who are full of themselves not listening to the advice of staff or current players it is tough to build that chemistry. Zeke has come a long way in three years and could be a big solution to leadership. Nik and Brent are trying to find their game. Now that they are being relied upon to be more of an offfensive threat than in years past they have confidence issues as well. KD is right when he said that it will all come together. There will be a point where they will either get on the bus and play their role or they will be sitting at the bus stop waiting for the next bus. Transfers transfer for a reason, with a new start comes a new beginning. Akron has provided that new beginning for those transfers, how they use that opportunity will depend on their success and the team. Something that no one has mentioned was the words of Walsh after the Detroit victory. Brian mentioned learning alot from sitting from behind the bench. How he and the other redshirts became closer. Nowhere in his comments did he mention Zeke, Nik, or Brent. That said alot to me about the team chemistry. Think about team chemistry, Butler University comes to the forefront. Everyone plays their role, knows what to do. How many talented teams can you come up with that did not win championships? UNC struggled last year with Drew as their PG, when Roy switched to Marshall they clicked. Morgan Wootten, Hall of Fame Coach from DeMatha HS once said, "every beautiful garden needs someone to pull the weeds", right now there are to many wanting to enjoy the beauty without "pulling the weeds". There are three chapters to a basketball season: 1) pre-season to blend and determine those who can contribute, 2) conference schedule, 3) post-season to see if it has all come together. Chapter One is just about completed. Chapter Two is in the planning stages. The practices are the labs, the games are the lab tests. The right chemical solution has not been perfected but still in the process. Let's hope that the Chemistry lessons become more sweet smelling and not stink bombs.

Nik has been selected to represent his country in upcoming World University Games hosted by China.