lumberjack

Just my opinion...Don't want to fight

You don't take out a guy with hot hand... KD finish the game with same players to close out that has failed in pass. My confidence in him is slipping...This tells me he is incapable to change for the better. Although big win for Akron... Please tell me this is a joke? Man this is a finicky fan base. We just pulled off a convincing win on the road against a really quality opponent and people are calling for the coaches head. Unbelievable. No joke and you do remember the same tactic didn't work against Valpo, Duquesne, and VCU. Ok maybe brilliant 1 out of three. Be for real...By the way I love KD as a person. I'm just very honest in my opinion..

You don't take out a guy with hot hand... KD does. Always has. I've been perplexed by that and posting about it on ZNO for years. No one on ZNO gets it either. At least I've never received a decent explanation for why he does that. If you know Chauncey, do us all a favor and ask him why. I know I'd like to know. Chauncey would like to know as well...lol

You don't take out a guy with hot hand... KD finish the game with same players to close out that has failed in pass. My confidence in him is slipping...This tells me he is incapable to change for the better. Although big win for Akron...

You don't take out a guy with hot hand...

You guys like Nik as do I. I felt he played out of his game and when he does that it hurts the team. A few other players turned the ball over but the process of trial and error should be over in terms of personnel. The team is going into MAC play and small details such as personnel down the stretch in my opinion should be ironed out by now. Its not rocket science as the coach has tapes and several eyes and ears via of his assistants. In my experience there are winners and losers and you can't teach either. Some things you just know...Several other games were lost in similar manner putting confidence in players who does not want to win at all cost and losing is not an option. Winners at all cost are the type of players I would have on the floor. Are the zips looking to do the same thing over and over expecting to receive different results? Logically I think not!!!

I don't care what any of you say, the reason for this loss falls on the shoulders of KD. For some reason that I can't understand, why he relies on a certain personnel whom can't produce down the stretch. The best players should be in the game at clutch time and he wants to go with the vets. When certain players are in the game you can guarantee the loss because of non athleticism speed and agility against solid program teams. Akron will lose a few more games if he doesn't change that philosophy. My comment about the Serb should not have been handling the ball and shooting 3's. He also made too many turnovers against the full court press. He was in my opinion awful and should be one that should have been on the bench. Joining him on the bench should be Bret M for similar reasons.

The biggest threat the zips face in the MAC are themselves...

I agree Chauncey played pretty bad tonight. Maybe he had a fight with his girl..His mind surely was not on basketball!!!

He was probably just listening to Frenchy and Dunn. What problem I had was he had a hat on as well. He clearly did not look like a professional. It's not a huge deal but I would have liked him to show some respect towards his teammates and the program. A hat as well? Well, that settles it....someone call the cops. How is listening to music and wearing a hat not respectful to his teammates? Yikes, did it turn into the 1950s in here again? On top of it all, he was wearing neither a tie nor a sportcoat. In all seriousness, slightly older folks are generally dismayed at how casual our society has become. I don't think it's either here nor there, but I see this attitude in church as well. The younger folks dress very casually, whereas the older folks still dress-to-kill; of course they say they're just showing respect to the Lord by dressing to the nines. It's a generational thing. I seriously doubt Harney was intending any sort of disrespect in sporting an iPod & hat. I was just happy to see he could hold the baskeltbal with 2 hands and his pants did not fall down. My standards have dropped quite a bit in this area. It seemed that Harney was trying not to be noticed. He did not come off as disrespectful. From my perspective...he seems like a good kid. This is my take: Our society has become very opinionated about everything. Forget what Harney did (headsets/hat on at game) and just for a minute put yourself in his shoes. He's a young who made a mistake on top of a mistake and has to deal with it all. Also college is designed to teach one to know what is appropriate and what’s not. This is an urban kid who main focus was trying to eat and survive having the opportunity to better himself going to college. I say its hard for him to be forced to sit on that bench probably humiliated and wondering what people are thinking about him and what is being said. This is not a communist nation but democratic (live and let live). I think we would be better as fans, society, and world if we stop forcing people to live for what we think. So Harney had on headsets on the bench. He's under a lot of pressure and all we should think about is how will he contribute to the team when he return and most of all how we will receive him when he return. I say lets be positive and encourage all these young men to do the right thing and stop being so overly critical for small insignificancies (If not for grace). In addition we need to remember all the dumb stuff we did while in college that we learned from. Oh and by the way God wants your heart not your clothes.

I just want the team to play well as a whole...I'm starting to understand what Akron basketball is all about. Tonight as a team they played well as one unit...

His name is Chauncey with an u between the a and the n...Just in case you wanted to know...

Hit the nail on the head with a lot of the problems with these two this year. In past years we could play the scrappy, slow it down style of play that these two are best suited for. This year, having Nik and Brett in the lineup is like trying to driver a Ferrari down the road with a big sheet of ply-wood sticking up from out of the roof. What is most puzzling to me though is that Nik's inside game seems to have regressed a lot. I don't know if it is a by-product of him trying to become a better perimeter shooter or what. I've watched far too many times this year where his moves in the post have been so painfully slow that he's gotten shots rejected by defenders coming from far away on the weak side. As far as the zone/man defense goes, if you all remember back to last season we started to turn things around when we started switching defenses up and playing a little zone mixed in with some man. Often times we would switch from zone to man mid-possession. That is what I would like to start to see from this years team. Play enough zone throughout the course of the game to keep teams off balance and limit some of the foul trouble for Zeke. I liked the ferrari plywood analysis...lol I think "change" makes some people uncomfortable. To go from non athletic to being athletic it becomes realistic when player realizes that he can't keep up. For that reason they feel uncomfortable. So what do you do let them stay in the game or move towards "change"? I say move towards "change" because this is where the depth of the post conference season lies. The deeper the Zips go in NCAA the more money for the school and program. Also with "change" Akron is potentially a top 40 team nationally.

This is so true and thanks...

I understand we want to protect Zeke and keep him in the paint. Here are some things to consider: 1. A good man to man is the more difficult defense to beat. 2. To be fair to Zeke...he needs to learn to play man to man if he is going to succeed at the next level. 3. When Zeke goes for the block on shots 6-8 feet or more from the rim...he is out of position to get a rebound. If we don't get the rebound and the other team puts it back in from close range...we lose the impact of Zeke altering shots. We need a coordinated effort and strong play form Tree and the Serb to be really good and effective. We should get better as the team gets to know each other and they learn what to exect from KD and their teammates. I think mixing zone and help schemes are beneficial and KD will know whenis the right time. But I think this team is not as experienced or does not have as high of "basketball IQ" as past teams. That will dictate going a little slower as guys learn the system playing with each other and understanding their roles. The good thing is we have lots of solid players and they are good guys who have the ability to learn. Now..we will see about their desire over the next few months. I disagree, this team has very high IQ but is a little young and lack time playing together...

+1. Though I tell myself there is probably an X's & O's reason that's above my head as to why Zeke runs out there, it, none-the-less infuriates me to see him put into a position where he is continuously exploited by the quick little guards up top. Just STAY NEAR THE PAINT, Zeke! To my simplistic way of thinking, running Zeke out beyond the 3-point line just isn't the best way to use his God-given strengths. In fact, it really puts him at a distinct disadvantage. For crying out lous, KEEP HIM DOWN LOW, KD! However, since this is so painfully obvious to me (a basketball 101 guy) I figure there just has to be a higher basketball I.Q. reason for it. If i may I would like to comment on the hi low defense Zeke Marshall faces. First I must admit that I agree that Zeke should stay in the post but this is easier said than done. Different teams and the type of offenses they run forces Zeke out and has nothing to do with KD. On pick and rolls you want to force the ball around the outside parameter as oppose to letting the guard to penetrate the defense. On a pick which is designed by opponents to bring a strong defender out (Zeke) of the block allows the guard to penetrate the paint. Problem is in ideal situations you want the big man to switch to stay in the paint but there are two problems with that: # 1 being usually a guard who is very quick and explosive and come off the pick can do major damage to the defense if he is allowed to turn the corner and penetrate the defense. And if Zeke doesn't step up then who else will be in that place at that particular time to do so? Secondly, usually the guy setting the pick is the big man played by Zeke that can fake the pick up top and break for the basket looking for a backdoor pass or alley. If it is not guarded on the side of caution the back door is opened all night long.. So now to my point; in an ideal world Zeke can stay in the paint mainly in a zoned defense but is very unlikely due to the fact the defense and offense changes on both ends almost every time down the floor. So Zeke has no other choice but to play defense as it is handled to him. Fortunately for us APB had a smaller lineup and Zeke could play more conservatively...

Dave in Green I have to agree with this post 100%. This was no accident in the game yesterday or a game of circumstance. Gilliam rightfully earned the right to be on the floor and especially when it counts. This is a long season and only time will tell which and how things will go. I do know that Gilliam loves to win at all cost. And he never thinks that its to late to come back from behind. Thanks for paying attention and getting back to making a comment on last weeks post. I'm sure in time it will be obvious who need and should be on the floor during clutch time...

Good points!!!

Thanks for the overview for the offense. I have to respect that KD has multiple 20+ win seasons and his system works for him in pass but I must point out the team was non athletic in seasons pass. When you have a very athletic team with high IQ you don't need all these systems in place to be successful. In my opinion I believe in teaching a few offensive plays and add on as time goes on but not all at one time You teach the player to recognize situations and not be a drone depending on one offensive play or another. In terms of looking for the inside or low post as 1st option every game every time all opponents will figure this out and prepare to disallow it (mix it up). I believe you take what is given using offense set-ups as models and not templates for running the offense. Players who can play recognize what options to run like this team and forcing issues (overly structured offense) only further complicate the team offensively in other words "not letting the game come to them". DON'T FORCE THE OFFENSE!!! Looking at KS and CS. they play good defense but are allowed flexibility on offense tailored based on personnel. This team should be allowed to play above the rim on offense and with a 7 footer and other support bigs underneath, they will be there to offer insurance that can make a play for all put backs. But whom am I...Just someone who has been playing, analyzing and observing team sets for more than 40 years. Again thanks for the offensive physiological structure I really appreciate it.

When I hear KD talk about "Akron basketball," this policy of giving it all on the defensive end of the floor is what I think he's referring to. KD always says "it starts on the defensive end". I think he expects defensive effort and smart play within the system. From what I see....Gilliam seems lost at times and presses and forces some shots. He does not seem to move well without the ball...but I am not sure what is expected of him with the guys they have on the floor with him. I can guarantee KD will never be playing like the old Loyola and UNLV style. Gilliam should have done his homework if he does not like the "defense first" style of play. I hope we do not lose him and he starts to get some rhythm and more PT soon. He seems like a good kid and has talent. But this is a young team with some undisciplined guys who need special attention...we can't afford to have a bad attitude in the locker room. I'm not sure what you meant by this comment to this post but if I interpret right you are saying what you think you observed and this is not fact. In your opinion you may be correct in your own mind but I assure you this is not the case in terms of Gilliam being lost Now you may be correct in that the shot selection may be questionable and he is struggling a little but that is part of the game. I don't think speculative judgements clarify how someone feels or doesn't feel if a person is unhappy. You don't understand that coaches find players and not the other way around. Players don't just get to choose where they will play or school they want to go to unless you are in the top 25. Coaches camp out in front of the homes of these players and promise the world and don't deliver and it happens all the time (not saying this is Gilliam's case). Although I have a lot of experience 1st hand I'm always looking to learn about a new system, thats why I enquired about "Akron's". Sometimes a situation can be can be good and sometimes it can be bad for players and has nothing to do with researching a school prior to going there. In terms of attitude in the locker room there is no evidence of it there or anywhere. Being dogmatic and making assumptions is not healthy discussion. Sharing constructive thoughts on the other hand is... You seem very close to Gilliam...probably a family member. I normally do not engage in back and forth debate and would never with anyone as close to a player as you are with CG. I have the highest hopes for CG and think all the guys on this team are "good guys". This is a unique team in that regards. Go Zips!!! Close enough...

When I hear KD talk about "Akron basketball," this policy of giving it all on the defensive end of the floor is what I think he's referring to. KD always says "it starts on the defensive end". I think he expects defensive effort and smart play within the system. From what I see....Gilliam seems lost at times and presses and forces some shots. He does not seem to move well without the ball...but I am not sure what is expected of him with the guys they have on the floor with him. I can guarantee KD will never be playing like the old Loyola and UNLV style. Gilliam should have done his homework if he does not like the "defense first" style of play. I hope we do not lose him and he starts to get some rhythm and more PT soon. He seems like a good kid and has talent. But this is a young team with some undisciplined guys who need special attention...we can't afford to have a bad attitude in the locker room. I'm not sure what you meant by this comment to this post but if I interpret right you are saying what you think you observed and this is not fact. In your opinion you may be correct in your own mind but I assure you this is not the case in terms of Gilliam being lost Now you may be correct in that the shot selection may be questionable and he is struggling a little but that is part of the game. I don't think speculative judgements clarify how someone feels or doesn't feel if a person is unhappy. You don't understand that coaches find players and not the other way around. Players don't just get to choose where they will play or school they want to go to unless you are in the top 25. Coaches camp out in front of the homes of these players and promise the world and don't deliver and it happens all the time (not saying this is Gilliam's case). Although I have a lot of experience 1st hand I'm always looking to learn about a new system, thats why I enquired about "Akron's". Sometimes a situation can be can be good and sometimes it can be bad for players and has nothing to do with researching a school prior to going there. In terms of attitude in the locker room there is no evidence of it there or anywhere. Being dogmatic and making assumptions is not healthy discussion. Sharing constructive thoughts on the other hand is...

I agree with you on this about seeing more of Gilliam. He's getting very frustrated and finding it hard putting on a zips uniform. He feels starting to feel less than a significant player. This is bad news. Gilliam looks like he's got as much scoring potential as anyone on our roster, but confidence is so important & I wouldn't want Gilliam to begin to doubt himself. No good playing tight. Confidence is one thing which he doesn't lack in most cases (he lives for the big game). He can change games but is not getting the opportunity to prove himself. He likes high pressure games and he want to win at all costs. There is one thing he's having a hard time understanding along with me and that is trying to understand what is called "Akron Basketball". Let the best players play regardless of transfer, freshman, walk on, etc. This is a different team who is very athletic with plenty of ego. Let them let it loose on the court... He always looks ready to go...I thought before the season and still think he'd be an important part of this team. Maybe he'll get some PT during the stretch of home games in December and get his chance. Lets hope so otherwise he may be considering a change...

My starting line-up would be: Zeke Alex Harney Gilliam Diggs I like Nick but he is not athletic and this is why he shouldn't start. Gilliam and Diggs will pose a tandem threat scoring from the wing. Let the team beat the defense back down the floor and this is why there was so much success in Canada. Bring Tree in for Zeke and Nick in for Harney. From the backcourt sub in Walsh for Gilliam and Nitro for Diggs. I watched the team run over the summer and those 5 give had real chemistry. This group engaged in high flying dunks, alley's, long range and short perimeter shooting etc. It was electrifying to watch.

I agree with you on this about seeing more of Gilliam. He's getting very frustrated and finding it hard putting on a zips uniform. He feels starting to feel less than a significant player. This is bad news. Gilliam looks like he's got as much scoring potential as anyone on our roster, but confidence is so important & I wouldn't want Gilliam to begin to doubt himself. No good playing tight. Confidence is one thing which he doesn't lack in most cases (he lives for the big game). He can change games but is not getting the opportunity to prove himself. He likes high pressure games and he want to win at all costs. There is one thing he's having a hard time understanding along with me and that is trying to understand what is called "Akron Basketball". Let the best players play regardless of transfer, freshman, walk on, etc. This is a different team who is very athletic with plenty of ego. Let them let it loose on the court...

I agree with you about seeing more of Gilliam. He's getting very frustrated and finding it hard putting on a zips uniform. He's starting to feel less than a significant player.