For Those Who Hate Elton Alexander...

[Captain Kangaroo]

...word on the street is he will be the basketball beat writer for CSU this season. No word on the PD's coverage of the Zips and the MAC in 2009-10.

[ZachTheZip]

The only way we're getting coverage in the PD now is if we get matched up with CSU in the Bracketbuster.

[Dr Z]

I'll really miss him. If you told me Rasor was now covering CSU, then I would be miffed.I learn stuff reading Rasor, I don't learn anything but EA's crummy opinion. I'm pretty sure I can live w/o that.

[Zip Watcher]

I will miss EA as the Zips beat writer in the PD. Last season he was pretty reliable .. went to a few road games and the Zips coverage was better than in years past. He called the shot midway through the year that the Zips were the best team.Last year, by itself, was better coverage from the PD than in a long time.

[ZachTheZip]

It's almost like this was in response to our concerns

[Dave in Green]

EA has the most interesting piece of info I've seen yet about this year's team -- Nitro is locked in as the starting 2. Interesting that KD says Nitro's the most improved player. Makes you wonder whether burning the redshirt last year was worth it. He seemed to be lost at times, but did contribute to getting the Zips into the NCAA tournament. Now here he is the starting 2, but with only 3 years of eligibility left instead of 4. Any football lessons to be learned here?

[Hilltopper]

EA has the most interesting piece of info I've seen yet about this year's team -- Nitro is locked in as the starting 2. Interesting that KD says Nitro's the most improved player. Makes you wonder whether burning the redshirt last year was worth it. He seemed to be lost at times, but did contribute to getting the Zips into the NCAA tournament. Now here he is the starting 2, but with only 3 years of eligibility left instead of 4. Any football lessons to be learned here?

, .Who cares? I want to win today, not next year, maybe.

[Roo]

There isn't going to be any reporter giving us coverage that probably isnt already known news to those on this board. We get the scoop before the paper does, atleast the PD even has somebody covering the Zips. Any exposure this program can get, the better. He seems to do a pretty good job of getting coverage out, where is the beef?

[Quickzips]

EA has the most interesting piece of info I've seen yet about this year's team -- Nitro is locked in as the starting 2. Interesting that KD says Nitro's the most improved player. Makes you wonder whether burning the redshirt last year was worth it. He seemed to be lost at times, but did contribute to getting the Zips into the NCAA tournament. Now here he is the starting 2, but with only 3 years of eligibility left instead of 4. Any football lessons to be learned here?

I'm quite interested in this. I had assumed most of the offseason that Roberts would continue to be our starting 2. Any word on what is going on there? I mean we gave the kid a scholarship and everything now? Is Daryl's head not on straight again? Is Brett just stepping up that much?On a side note. If Brett really is picking it up a lot this offseason I certainly am happy about that. Having Brett as the starting 2 certainly adds some size to our starting lineup. Our PG's are still on the smallish side, but when you consider we would be trotting out at 6'4" SG, a 6'5" or 6'5" (Conyers or B.McKnight) SF, a 6'8" PF (C.McKnight) and hopefully a 7'0" C (Zeke). That is a unit that can at least match up size wise with most teams across the country. I've always felt like one of the big things that holds us back when taking on a team like a Pitt or a Texas A&M. Now I don't feel nearly as concerned with that.

[GoZips]

I spoke with EA Saturday afternoon during team practice. He said that he has been assigned to cover CSU. He does not know who, if anyone, is covering the Zips.Oddly, he was waiting to interview KD after the practice. There was a lengthy article in the PD Saturdaymorning. Would love to know what follow on questions EA had for KD.

[Hilltopper]

I think Nitros rise to the top might have something to do with defense. The Zips need a shutdown defender to replace Linhart. One of the reasons the Zips were so sucessful last season was Nates ability to shut down the other teams best scorer. In the MAC, most of teams best players are either a 2 or 3 and Nitro matches up well size wise at 6-4. McClanahan has the size and the athletic ability to be that type of defender.

[Dave in Green]

I sure hope McClanahan can do many of the things that Linhart brought to the Zips. He was a heck of an all-around HS athlete in Nitro, WV, so the Nitro nickname is a natural, and would be really appropriate if he delivers.

[K-Roo]

Looks Like Elton reads ZipsNation.....oh.. and nice update on nate Linhart in Austria....Go Panthers!Panthers Nate ProfileElton Article"Just an FYI: In a recent blog we reported that, after the first weekend, Zeke Marshall does not look like a starter. Somehow, in various chatrooms, that has been equated to mean Zeke Marshall does not look like a player. There is no question the 7-0, 215-pound center can play. But after the first weekend of practice, he was not ready to start. Nothing more, nothing less. Those who covet instant information should take it in the context it is given. Basketball season does not start for another month. A lot can change, although a jump in weight for Marshall is probably not one of them. Shy of sudden interest in a redshirt year, he is going to play. To say he can expect to be physically tested, does not mean the highly-recruited Marshall won't be better skilled or more polished than his veteran Mid-American Conference opponents. But if the one - and perhaps only - advantage MAC opposition will have over him is experience and sinew, wouldn't you expect them to use it? Three of the returning MAC East division centers were on teams that won 19 or more games last season. Another anchored a team that won 17. If Marshall is going to be Freshman of The Year in the MAC, he will certainly earn the honor. The Zips scrimmage themselves Friday. The Zeke Marshall story could be completely different by then. Whatever the case may be, this is going to be a three- or four-year journey for the Zips. However good Marshall will ultimately be, it's not going to happen in a week or even a month, and probably not a year. However, he will get there."

[g-mann17]

Looks Like Elton reads ZipsNation.....oh.. and nice update on nate Linhart in Austria....Go Panthers!Panthers Nate ProfileElton Article"Just an FYI: In a recent blog we reported that, after the first weekend, Zeke Marshall does not look like a starter. Somehow, in various chatrooms, that has been equated to mean Zeke Marshall does not look like a player. There is no question the 7-0, 215-pound center can play. But after the first weekend of practice, he was not ready to start. Nothing more, nothing less. Those who covet instant information should take it in the context it is given. Basketball season does not start for another month. A lot can change, although a jump in weight for Marshall is probably not one of them. Shy of sudden interest in a redshirt year, he is going to play. To say he can expect to be physically tested, does not mean the highly-recruited Marshall won't be better skilled or more polished than his veteran Mid-American Conference opponents. But if the one - and perhaps only - advantage MAC opposition will have over him is experience and sinew, wouldn't you expect them to use it? Three of the returning MAC East division centers were on teams that won 19 or more games last season. Another anchored a team that won 17. If Marshall is going to be Freshman of The Year in the MAC, he will certainly earn the honor. The Zips scrimmage themselves Friday. The Zeke Marshall story could be completely different by then. Whatever the case may be, this is going to be a three- or four-year journey for the Zips. However good Marshall will ultimately be, it's not going to happen in a week or even a month, and probably not a year. However, he will get there."

Thanks for the apology EA

[Zip Watcher]

Looks Like Elton reads ZipsNation.....oh.. and nice update on nate Linhart in Austria....Go Panthers!Panthers Nate ProfileElton Article"Just an FYI: In a recent blog we reported that, after the first weekend, Zeke Marshall does not look like a starter. Somehow, in various chatrooms, that has been equated to mean Zeke Marshall does not look like a player. There is no question the 7-0, 215-pound center can play. But after the first weekend of practice, he was not ready to start. Nothing more, nothing less. Those who covet instant information should take it in the context it is given. Basketball season does not start for another month. A lot can change, although a jump in weight for Marshall is probably not one of them. Shy of sudden interest in a redshirt year, he is going to play. To say he can expect to be physically tested, does not mean the highly-recruited Marshall won't be better skilled or more polished than his veteran Mid-American Conference opponents. But if the one - and perhaps only - advantage MAC opposition will have over him is experience and sinew, wouldn't you expect them to use it? Three of the returning MAC East division centers were on teams that won 19 or more games last season. Another anchored a team that won 17. If Marshall is going to be Freshman of The Year in the MAC, he will certainly earn the honor. The Zips scrimmage themselves Friday. The Zeke Marshall story could be completely different by then. Whatever the case may be, this is going to be a three- or four-year journey for the Zips. However good Marshall will ultimately be, it's not going to happen in a week or even a month, and probably not a year. However, he will get there."

Giving credit where credit is due .. I think this is a very good response from EA, and I echo his sentiments. It's really to the point. This guy is pretty in touch with UA hoops and sees the potential where some of our fans even don't. Nice posting.I still say it's better to have EA as the Zips beat reporter for the PD than to have someone new. Even though he was technically the MAC reporter .. the Zips coverage in the PD was pretty good last season. B) B) Go Zips!

[Dave in Green]

Well, I don't think I misinterpreted EA's remarks on Zeke. Let's take them one by one:Yet based on the first weekend of his Division I basketball education, Marshall is not even close to being a starter. That's typical for almost any freshman, and by itself not alarming.I have no problem at all with that.The key will be how much Marshall assimilates over the next few weeks, learning plays both offensively and defensively. That will be paramount because he is not physically ready to display all of his talents. That is the curse Akron gets for landing the coveted center.I can't argue with that, other than the fact that if getting Zeke is a curse, I hope the Zips are similarly cursed every year. Had Marshall opted for a major college hoops program in the Big East or the Big Ten, he most assuredly would redshirt his first season.There's some truth in this, though it depends on the current competitiveness of the team, who they currently have playing at center and how the coaching staff evaluated the player's performance up to the season's first game.In reality, Marshall should do the same at Akron, although external pressures are already high to play him now.That's the statement that I questioned when I said I was surprised that EA recommended redshirting him in the MAC so quickly. Fact is, most college freshmen could develop more weight, muscle, coordination, experience and maturity by redshirting. On the other hand, a top 100 HS basketball recruit should be able to contribute immediately to a college team, especially a team that is not already a powerhouse loaded with all-star talent at all positions and/or a team playing in a weaker conference.So I can understand how someone might recommend the Zips redshirt a player like Zeke. But I also think that KD is the best positioned person in the world to make that call, and I don't think he will see redshirting as the best strategy for either Zeke or the team by the time the first game rolls around. I just have a hunch from all I've seen and heard about Zeke that he will adapt more quickly than some observers might think.

[Z.I.P.]

In reality, Marshall should do the same at Akron, although external pressures are already high to play him now.That's the statement that I questioned when I said I was surprised that EA recommended redshirting him in the MAC so quickly. Fact is, most college freshmen could develop more weight, muscle, coordination, experience and maturity by redshirting. On the other hand, a top 100 HS basketball recruit should be able to contribute immediately to a college team, especially a team that is not already a powerhouse loaded with all-star talent at all positions and/or a team playing in a weaker conference.So I can understand how someone might recommend the Zips redshirt a player like Zeke. But I also think that KD is the best positioned person in the world to make that call, and I don't think he will see redshirting as the best strategy for either Zeke or the team by the time the first game rolls around. I just have a hunch from all I've seen and heard about Zeke that he will adapt more quickly than some observers might think.

I hate to say it, but I was thinking -- or should I say "fearing" -- exactly what Elton wrote. The last post player to make a mark in the MAC in his freshman season was at OU about a decade ago. I imagine he's still in the NBA. Can anyone remind me of his name. Columbus Eastmoor I think. The problem is not just that we are banking so much on our Super Frosh, but that if he can't deliver, there is little in reserve. Can you see Bardo playing 30 minutes a game in the league? Neither can I.

[Zip Watcher]

I hate to say it, but I was thinking -- or should I say "fearing" -- exactly what Elton wrote. The last post player to make a mark in the MAC in his freshman season was at OU about a decade ago. I imagine he's still in the NBA. Can anyone remind me of his name. Columbus Eastmoor I think. The problem is not just that we are banking so much on our Super Frosh, but that if he can't deliver, there is little in reserve. Can you see Bardo playing 30 minutes a game in the league? Neither can I.

How exactly is there "little in reserve" when ALL of the players that split the minutes at the 4 and 5 spots are BACK this season? No one on the team played 30 mpg last year, not even Linhart. His minutes at the 3 need to be filled, but if B. McKnight / McClanahan & Conyers split that up .. Marshall theoretically has to fill B.McKnights minutes / production levels for the time he spent at the 4 last year. Nikola will undoubtedly play more minutes than last year also.I don't see Bardo playing 30 minutes / game .. and I also don't envision any scenario where that would be required or even possible.Also, the last post player to make an impact in the MAC as a Freshman was in 2004-05. Leon Williams. Won the MAC title .. went dancing. Had a great freshman season and really impacted the play of OU that season. Was woefully under utilized in his remaining time at OU .. and they didn't return to the title again. The beauty of this situation is this: To be successful, the Zips don't NEED Zeke to come in and be the second coming of Lew Alcindor, with lots of scoring production and playing 30+ minutes a game. They need Zeke to grasp the team defense quickly. Play good backend help defense, be a shot blocker and help KD and the rest of the team extend the defensive pressure at the perimeter. If he's back there to clean up some mistakes by filling the lane defensively, our ball pressure can be even better than it was last year.He does that, and averages 3 points a game .. the Zips will be a good team this year.Now if Zeke combines the D with solid rebounding and a good sense of getting the ball out of there to start the break .. then the Zips could be a very good team, as they will be able to further leverage their depth as they run up the floor on more fast breaks.Next, if Zeke defends well, rebounds well .. and adds something to the half court offense by being the weak side guy to Brett, Chris & Nik to clean up misses and expose double teams (that Nik should be able to draw) .. the team will have taken a step forward from where they were last season.Finally .. if the big guy develops his own post moves and is a threat himself in the half court .. with a sense of how to find the open guy when doubled .. the Zips are a top 25 team.The great thing here is that he's got the team around him that he does .. and he doesn't need to try and be Alonzo Mourning or Bill Walton. The Zips won the league last year by being the best at TEAM BASKETBALL .. not by having one or 2 great players that lit it up. The last time the Zips had a guy score 20ppg was also the last time the Zips really stunk up the joint and there was a coaching change.Coincidence .. I think not. B) B) Go Zips!!!

[Dave in Green]

Adding to what Zip Watcher just posted, the team aspect is incredibly important here. The Zips should be significantly improved in the backcourt. Not only is everyone back, a year older and more experienced, but adding Steward to the mix is an intangible that could potentially produce unexpectedly positive results.Similarly, all but one of the frontcourt players are back, and it would be a big surprise if any of them have not improved over last season.All of the above may not make up for the loss of a key player like Linhart. But the point is that this season's team, even not counting Zeke, should at least be close in overall performance to what they were last season, though perhaps in a different way.This is all to say that the Zips should be capable of at least matching last season's performance even if Zeke isn't a dominant player from his first game. That takes a lot of pressure off of Zeke from having to carry the team. It might even be a psychological boost to everyone if Zeke does not start from the first game, but slowly builds into a starter. That tells the rest of the team that they have a big responsibility in what the team achieves, and it tells Zeke that the weight of the world is not on his shoulders.The important thing is not how Zeke starts the season, but how he finishes. We all know how the MAC works. If you want to go to the NCAA tournament, the season record is not that important. You just have to peak at MAC tournament time.So Zeke has the entire season to grow into the kind of player who can make the Zips even better this season, and perhaps a lot better. No one really knows yet. But it's going to be a lot of fun to watch.

[Hilltopper]

Remember just a year ago, many thought it would be very difficult to replace Wood, Dials and Middleton? at best we could expect a rebuilding year. Zips ranked dead lastOur Head trainer was leaving because things were so bad.Ray Eady to leaveI expect C Mcknight and Conyers to step up like the seniors they are and others to show the kind of progress that KD needs to keep us a 20+ game winner and competing for the MAC title. This is why I love college BB, its always changing.

[MDZip]

Our Head trainer was leaving because things were so bad.Ray Eady to leave

Even more suspicious, that was the last time ZNO member "hoopla" was ever heard from. Maybe he took a better position on another board.