Zips piss down their leg

[skip-zip]

Sometimes, these things are not easy to explain. Often, it's his chemistry with the team. Or, maybe it's a trust thing. But, towards the latter part of last season we started playing better basketball with McNees in the game. And our coach seemed to go to the McNees/Roberts combo much more often, even before the MAC tourney. And those two guys have since emerged as the guards to get the majority of playing time this year. Humpty's role seems to be going in the direction that I always felt it would. He's going to be that spark plug guy who comes off the bench to try to score some points. Maybe (for my fellow old timers) a role similar to what Vinnie Johnson played on the great Pistons teams in the 80s. It might not be the end of Humpty's chances to possibly become a 30 minute per game "floor general" type of player. But, I don't see it happening again until possibly when Steve graduates. I still believe that Steward will fit the "offensive quarterback" mold better than anyone on our team.

[Zip Watcher]

The plan going into this game was to try and slow the tempo down and make Rhode Island play at a pace they aren't comfortable with. It wasn't quite a Charlie Coles style slow down game, but we certainly didn't want to get into a track meet with this team. Pushing the ball up court all game would have played right into Rhode Island's hands.

What game were you watching? It was totally the opposite?! Our plan was to beat their press...to attack, and push the ball up the court. We sliced them up when we got into a "track meet." We were HIGHLY successful. It wasn't until Rhode Island slowed the game down and turned it into a half court affair that we struggled.

I agree with both of you .. it may be a manner of semantics about who had the ball.When the Zips had the ball and pushed the tempo .. they were very successful.but at the same time ...When the Rams had the ball and the Zips were able to slow them into half court sets .. they were also successful. If I'm an A10 coach, I'd be looking to push the ball against the Rams and force them to play offense in the half court. URI was not very good at all in the half court for much of the night when they didn't get to the rim in the first 15 seconds of the shot clock or so. Until they hit those 2 big threes late in the game .. they really weren't able to convert on many jumpshots.

[GoZips]

I now realize that a few of you folks have a fixation of some sort that Steve McNees walks on water.Truth is, he doesn't. Steve is an excellent basketball player especially when he plays with in his abilities.When he forces things, things go bad. I am pleased that one other poster saw what I have seen fromSteve for three years. He goes into a mindless dribble until he turns over the ball mode. When he doesnot do that he runs the show effectively. Passable at the point, not great. Perhaps it is not fair of me to refer to the excessive dribbling as mindless. Steve is at his best when he operates as a shooting guard. He gets good looks, squares up and knocksdown a lot of shots. Frankly, he is capable of turning the three ball into a high percentage shot.But, not after dribbling and dribbling and dribbling and then lofting a desperation shoot from mid court.In Steve's defense when he runs the point, as one poster noted, his team mates do not "flassh up" tocreate a passing option. They do not set their floor spacing well. This needs fixed.Did anyone hear any of our players calling out switches, plays, anything last night? Quieter than a tomb.

[GoZips]

One thing about last night really pleases me. We are all frustrated and P.O.d because we now have proof that ourZips are a pretty darn good team. To say they are pushing the Top Twenty-Five envelope is no exagreation.These kids are a darn good squad. Better even than we dared hope.Playing second and third tier teams was frustrating because they were not capable of pushing our kids to the extentthat they needed in order to develop. Rhode Island, a near Top Twenty-five team themselves had the benifit goinginto last night's game of playing a better schedule. Their skills were better honed than ours.Frustrating because we can now guage just how good the Zips are and can be. Pre-season favorites to win the MACis no longer a speculation. Rather, it was an accurate early assessment. It is a goal these kids should obtain. Now,let us enjoy the ride.

[zippy5]

we're gonna rip on McNees for going 2-11 last night? he chucked up 5 3's in the last 30 seconds with multiple guys in his face. only the first of those 5 shots actually meant something..

[Captain Kangaroo]

Winthrop was just a little more talented than the Zips and pulled away at the end. Gonzage was more talented than the Zips and pulled away at the end. I'm sure there are other examples. No worries here.

Yes there are other examples...Dayton, VCU, Nevada, hell...go back to Xavier if you're an old-timer. Look at the recent MAC Tourney losses to Western Michigan, Toledo, Miami and K.e.n.t.. Look at the pattern of those losses, in addition to the Winthrop loss...or even Austin Peay. The Zips always seem to find a way to pull off the "come-from-ahead loss" in these crucial games. Many held at home, or 40 minutes from campus. Like Lakers HC Pat Riley trademarked "Three-peat," Dambrot should trademark "Crapped Down Our Leg." Every time we play these games, it's "Groundhog Day."If you have no worries, you really aren't a huge Zips hoops fan. Your heart isn't in it. Your bar is low.Leaving the JAR after yet another leg-crapping flat-out sucked.

[Quickzips]

Winthrop was just a little more talented than the Zips and pulled away at the end. Gonzage was more talented than the Zips and pulled away at the end. I'm sure there are other examples. No worries here.

Yes there are other examples...Dayton, VCU, Nevada, hell...go back to Xavier if you're an old-timer. Look at the recent MAC Tourney losses to Western Michigan, Toledo, Miami and K.e.n.t.. Look at the pattern of those losses, in addition to the Winthrop loss...or even Austin Peay. The Zips always seem to find a way to pull off the "come-from-ahead loss" in these crucial games. Many held at home, or 40 minutes from campus. Like Lakers HC Pat Riley trademarked "Three-peat," Dambrot should trademark "Crapped Down Our Leg." Every time we play these games, it's "Groundhog Day."If you have no worries, you really aren't a huge Zips hoops fan. Your heart isn't in it. Your bar is low.Leaving the JAR after yet another leg-crapping flat-out sucked.

On this we can agree captain. I don't even remember the drive home last night. I was so pissed from watching that again. It really was like Groundhogs Day. I'm not going to give up on this program, but I wanted to get really excited about our team yesterday and it didn't happen. Instead it was another opportunity lost.In response to GoZips, no, I don't believe Steve McNees walks on water. Far from it. If you look at my posts from the last couple of years I have been quite critical of Steve at many points. For most of his time here he has been a one dimensional player. He could hit those catch and shoot 3's with the best of them, but when it came to making a shot that wasn't a 3 or trying to run the offense he was utterly ineffective. That wasn't the Steve I saw last night. A year or two ago, in a game like that he would have had at least 5 turnovers, no assists and wouldn't have even scored. Last night, contrary to what some people thought they saw, he didn't register a turnover, dished out 3 assists, and as I pointed out, could have gotten more if his teamates would have helped him out, and actually knocked down a couple of his 3's. Was it a great performance from Steve? No. But some people on here have made it out that he was the reason we lost that game. That is as far from the truth as it could be.

[Zipmeister]

One thing about last night really pleases me. We are all frustrated and P.O.d because we now have proof that ourZips are a pretty darn good team. To say they are pushing the Top Twenty-Five envelope is no exagreation.These kids are a darn good squad. Better even than we dared hope.Playing second and third tier teams was frustrating because they were not capable of pushing our kids to the extentthat they needed in order to develop. Rhode Island, a near Top Twenty-five team themselves had the benifit goinginto last night's game of playing a better schedule. Their skills were better honed than ours.Frustrating because we can now guage just how good the Zips are and can be. Pre-season favorites to win the MACis no longer a speculation. Rather, it was an accurate early assessment. It is a goal these kids should obtain. Now,let us enjoy the ride.

Yes things are looking good. The Zips are now rated as the best team in over 93% of Ohio (82 of 88 counties) by Sagarin. Team National RankDayton 36Cinn. 48Xavier 50tOSU 58WSU 85K.SU 98OU 114Zips 131MU 170CSU 194BG 196YSU 241UT 302

[g-mann17]

Winthrop was just a little more talented than the Zips and pulled away at the end. Gonzage was more talented than the Zips and pulled away at the end. I'm sure there are other examples. No worries here.

Yes there are other examples...Dayton, VCU, Nevada, hell...go back to Xavier if you're an old-timer. Look at the recent MAC Tourney losses to Western Michigan, Toledo, Miami and K.e.n.t.. Look at the pattern of those losses, in addition to the Winthrop loss...or even Austin Peay. The Zips always seem to find a way to pull off the "come-from-ahead loss" in these crucial games. Many held at home, or 40 minutes from campus. Like Lakers HC Pat Riley trademarked "Three-peat," Dambrot should trademark "Crapped Down Our Leg." Every time we play these games, it's "Groundhog Day."If you have no worries, you really aren't a huge Zips hoops fan. Your heart isn't in it. Your bar is low.Leaving the JAR after yet another leg-crapping flat-out sucked.

Quick question...If we beat Rhode Island, do we get in the Dance if we don't win the MAC tournament?Just curious, because the last time we had an outstanding record (26-7) we didn't get an invite to anything.The season has been and will continue to be "Win the MAC Tournament". Until we get a couple other "high talent stars" around Zeke and can compete with the 10 - 25's is it really "season lost" or "program not improving" because we lost to a team that has 1 loss and more talent?

[Captain Kangaroo]

Quick question...If we beat Rhode Island, do we get in the Dance if we don't win the MAC tournament?Just curious, because the last time we had an outstanding record (26-7) we didn't get an invite to anything.The season has been and will continue to be "Win the MAC Tournament". Until we get a couple other "high talent stars" around Zeke and can compete with the 10 - 25's is it really "season lost" or "program not improving" because we lost to a team that has 1 loss and more talent?

That logic is bizarre.This season is absolutely in no way, shape or form solely about winning the MAC Tournament.Why but season tickets to see the Zips? Who cares...the season is only about the MAC Tourney? Right?Why listen to the Zips on the radio? Who cares...the games through early-March are entirely irrelevant? Right?It is funny...in Dambrot's pre-game interview he stated -"This game is key to our post-season aspirations." Play the tape. He said it, not me. He knows what he's talking about.Instead of answering the question of whether or not we'd have received an NCAA bid if we'd have beaten URI, answer this question - "How would beating an upper-tier A-10 team have looked to the NIT selection committee?" Pretty damn good. If we'd have had a win like that when we were 26-7, we'd have been in the NIT, instead of watching it on TV.How would it have looked to the ESPN Bracket Buster committee if we'd have beaten an upper-tier A-10 team? Pretty damn good.How would it have looked to Joe Akron for the Zips to have won their 7th straight game, having beaten an upper-tier A-10 team for win #11? Pretty damn good.For all you attendance grousers, look at the above. Learn something. Quit parroting your tired old diatribe. There's a reason we get 3k. We don't do the things required to get 4k. Or 5k. We schedule mediocre-ly, and the few marquee games we get...we lose.How many years will the Zips be the team losing to someone with "X losses, and more talent"? When does it change? When do we turn into the team that makes the halftime adjustments necessary to build on our 2nd half leads, rather than squander them with our on-court anxiety attacks?I don't buy that Rhode Island is so much more talented than the Zips. We had then by 9 points with 15 minutes remaining. We had the lead for 75% 0f the game. If URI is so great...so much more talented than the Zips...how is that possible? I'll tell you - Rhode Island has poise. We don't. Rhode Island has an assassin's mentality. We don't. Look at Jimmy Conyers. He's playing with confidence. He's playing well. How did he play without confidence? He was terrible. His individual story is emblematic of the entire Zips team.The Zips team loses confidence in the 2nd half, and has become - The Kings of the Come-From-Ahead Loss. The Zips have the talent to compete with almost anyone. But not the swagger, poise or confidence. Until proven otherwise - Crapped Down Our Leg™

[Zipmeister]

Quick question...If we beat Rhode Island, do we get in the Dance if we don't win the MAC tournament?Just curious, because the last time we had an outstanding record (26-7) we didn't get an invite to anything.The season has been and will continue to be "Win the MAC Tournament". Until we get a couple other "high talent stars" around Zeke and can compete with the 10 - 25's is it really "season lost" or "program not improving" because we lost to a team that has 1 loss and more talent?

That logic is bizarre.This season is absolutely in no way, shape or form solely about winning the MAC Tournament.Why but season tickets to see the Zips? Who cares...the season is only about the MAC Tourney? Right?Why listen to the Zips on the radio? Who cares...the games through early-March are entirely irrelevant? Right?It is funny...in Dambrot's pre-game interview he stated -"This game is key to our post-season aspirations." Play the tape. He said it, not me. He knows what he's talking about.Instead of answering the question of whether or not we'd have received an NCAA bid if we'd have beaten URI, answer this question - "How would beating an upper-tier A-10 team have looked to the NIT selection committee?" Pretty damn good. If we'd have had a win like that when we were 26-7, we'd have been in the NIT, instead of watching it on TV.How would it have looked to the ESPN Bracket Buster committee if we'd have beaten an upper-tier A-10 team? Pretty damn good.How would it have looked to Joe Akron for the Zips to have won their 7th straight game, having beaten an upper-tier A-10 team for win #11? Pretty damn good.For all you attendance grousers, look at the above. Learn something. Quit parroting your tired old diatribe. There's a reason we get 3k. We don't do the things required to get 4k. Or 5k. We schedule mediocre-ly, and the few marquee games we get...we lose.How many years will the Zips be the team losing to someone with "X losses, and more talent"? When does it change? When do we turn into the team that makes the halftime adjustments necessary to build on our 2nd half leads, rather than squander them with our on-court anxiety attacks?I don't buy that Rhode Island is so much more talented than the Zips. We had then by 9 points with 15 minutes remaining. We had the lead for 75% 0f the game. If URI is so great...so much more talented than the Zips...how is that possible?Crapped Down Our Leg™

Yes, and how come when you pour cream into coffee it rises to the top rather than actually being on top 100% of the time?

[zipsbandman]

We have good MAC players, but we pretty much have to play our A game for 40 minutes to have a shot at legitimate teams. We just don't have the athleticism which has pretty much been a constant for zips basketball over the years. This isn't the soccer team. It's MAC basketball. What did you guys really expect?

[Quickzips]

Fact is the Zips weren't getting an NCAA at-large bid the minute our OOC schedule came out. Unless Drake, Niagra and Valpo magically started pushing for a top-25 ranking and the rest of our schedule majorly over-performed it wasn't going to happen. Win or lose over URI our NCAA tournament scenario's weren't going to change. You can debate whether or not that game will make a difference with the NIT, CBI, etc. committees. Quite frankly, I don't care. Those tournaments would be a step back for the Zips this year. We've been to the dance now, that has to be not only the goal but the expectation every year. Improvement this year would have been winning games like NC State, Texas A&M and Rhode Island, going undefeated or damn close to it in conference play and winning an NCAA tournament game or two. So far the Zips have struck out in all of those opportunities, mostly of their own doing.I agree with Cap'n. Rhode Island was not exactly a superior team to the Zips. They are built differently, that is for sure. And they run a different style on offense and on defense than the Zips do. But they aren't superior. That team was ripe for the pickings for the Zips and we crapped/pissed down our legs like we've done so many times before.

[g-mann17]

I don't buy that Rhode Island is so much more talented than the Zips. We had then by 9 points with 15 minutes remaining. We had the lead for 75% 0f the game. If URI is so great...so much more talented than the Zips...how is that possible?Crapped Down Our Leg™

Because they were able to execute their adjustments and we weren't. They have players that can play pressure defense and half court defense, they have players that make 80% of their free throws and they can turn 16 turnovers into 21 points while we have players that can make 61% of their free throws and we can turn 10 turnovers into 8 points.If we were able to average the same 1.3 points per turnover, we would have won. We hit 6 more free throws, we win. If the goal is post season tournament, then we will end up in the Crappy Team Invitational or whatever other dumb "Joe Akron doesn't care about doesn't even end up on TV tournament". Why? Because we will have 20+ wins and we were a Big Dance team last year, someone will invite us just for that.To me, and the only way to get the media to pay attention, is get in the Big Dance. No one cares about the NIT, CIT or whatever other tournament there is. Right now our ticket to the Big Dance is MAC Tournament Champs.You complain about attendance 3000 in a 5000 Arena. I believe I saw where OSU was only pulling in a 59% house for some games. We are above 60% and we do get a packed house for Can't. The attendance issue has more to do with selling the program (I received 9 post cards about Football (season ticket holder don't really need to know about it), I've gotten one about Basketball, and 2 e-mails). I see an ad in the Beacon and on the Digital Billboard on the way home, that's pretty much it.Why didn't I get a full schedule in the mail (I'm a Z-Fund contributor and Football Season Ticket Holder) why did I not receive a call from the Ticket office "Hey, we notice you are a big fan of Zips sports, can we interest you in season tickets for Men's or Women's basketball or a 3, 6, or 9 game package?" Leg work is what fills a stadium or arena. That and relentless winning and media exposure.

[zippyman23]

I don't really see it as crapping down our leg. We played very well for period in the first half, but URI was more consistent throughout the game. Breaking it down into ten 4-minute games (TV timeout-TV timeout) which many coaches do, URI won 6-2-2. 1st half1) URI2) Tie3) UA4) UA5) URI2nd half1) URI2) URI3) URI4) Tie5) URI

[zippy5]

There were three major contributing factors to tonight's hurtful loss.1) Turnovers. Probably the number one culprit. We simply have to do a much better job of taking care of the ball. This means playing under control, not helter-skelter. For heaven's sake, let's get this right: Steve McNees is a dandy two guard (shooting guard). He is a mediocre point. Ronnie Steward simply needs more minutes.2) Free throw shooting. The statistics don't tell the story since we consistently miss the front end of one-n-ones. This has to be fixed. Certain players shoot free throws like they just don't care. They should be glad they don't play for me. Because I would have them so far down on the bench that they would never see the light of day. If you can't bother to make free throws you should NOT be on the floor.3) Officiating. These clowns were from Mars. And, sorry previous poster, they were not bad both ways. They were far more biased against Akron than they were against Rhode Island. It was not only the bad calls; it was also the inexcusable "no calls" that kept Rhode Island from getting blown out of the (sic) gym. A prime example was official stopping play to admonish two players when the Zips were in the midst of a hot streak. That sure helped Rhode Island. There were several other situations that benefited Rhode Island. How the hell do you miss a player standing on the end line with the ball and not call him out of bounds. Oh, I see, that would have meant giving Akron possession. We cannot fix the ref crap. We will have to play through it again this year, The coaching staff can fixthe free throw shooting and ball handling. Here is a tip for you fans: count how often Steve McNeesturns the ball over as the point guard when he fails to distribute the ball and goes into "mindless ribble" mode. McNees is a shooting guard; not a point guard.I am not blaming Steve. He is not the problem. He is part of the problem. There are others that approach free throw shooting like they were taught as small children that making free throws just isn'tfair to the other team. Screw the other team. Make the free throws. Its like finding twenty dollar bills.Again tonight we saw Nikola drive to the basket. Just not often enough. It the guards are afraid to penetrate give the ball to Nic. It is wonderful to see a big man able to drive to the basket. He deserves more minutes.Hey, coaches, this last comment is for you. Remember the old adage that teams that press do not like being pressed? Well, Rhode Island is no exception. When we put full court pressure on them the onlything that saved them were their friends the refs. Put pressure on the ball. Have the nads to trust your kids.

I'll agree COMPLETELY. I believe i saw ONE time the entire night where their bench was upset about a call. I could count 20+ where there were calls that were made or not made that absolutely shocked me. I think i'm going to nominate those refs as "Worst Officiating Crew In JAR History".The worst part is, after playing 5 on 8 for the entire night against a very good team all we had to do was just make a few darn free throws and we win. That's too bad. Though i have to say anyone who thinks that URI is better than us is crazy, we had them on the ropes and they got bailed out over and over again tonight. If we can get a decent officiated game and make free throws we will finish very strong this season.

I have yet to see you not blame a loss on the refs. they must really hate akron haha.

[Captain Kangaroo]

I don't really see it as crapping down our leg. We played very well for period in the first half, but URI was more consistent throughout the game. Breaking it down into ten 4-minute games (TV timeout-TV timeout) which many coaches do, URI won 6-2-2. 1st half1) URI2) Tie3) UA4) UA5) URI2nd half1) URI2) URI3) URI4) Tie5) URI

We had a 9-point lead in the 2nd half and blew it. Like we do every time. Even the Tasmanian Devil can't spin that fact hard enough to make anyone believe otherwise.

[Captain Kangaroo]

I don't buy that Rhode Island is so much more talented than the Zips. We had then by 9 points with 15 minutes remaining. We had the lead for 75% 0f the game. If URI is so great...so much more talented than the Zips...how is that possible?Crapped Down Our Leg™

Because they were able to execute their adjustments and we weren't. They have players that can play pressure defense and half court defense, they have players that make 80% of their free throws and they can turn 16 turnovers into 21 points while we have players that can make 61% of their free throws and we can turn 10 turnovers into 8 points.If we were able to average the same 1.3 points per turnover, we would have won. We hit 6 more free throws, we win.

Making free throws is all about confidence and poise. Teams that are poised don't make stupid turnovers.We didn't lose because of lack of talent. We lost because our talent...well...it doesn't know what it takes to win these games.Per Cvetinovic - “We had them on the ropes. In the second half, we got anxious and didn't execute the plays.”

[g-mann17]

I don't buy that Rhode Island is so much more talented than the Zips. We had then by 9 points with 15 minutes remaining. We had the lead for 75% 0f the game. If URI is so great...so much more talented than the Zips...how is that possible?Crapped Down Our Leg™

Because they were able to execute their adjustments and we weren't. They have players that can play pressure defense and half court defense, they have players that make 80% of their free throws and they can turn 16 turnovers into 21 points while we have players that can make 61% of their free throws and we can turn 10 turnovers into 8 points.If we were able to average the same 1.3 points per turnover, we would have won. We hit 6 more free throws, we win.

Making free throws is all about confidence and poise. Teams that are poised don't make stupid turnovers.We didn't lose because of lack of talent. We lost because our talent...well...it doesn't know what it takes to win these games.Per Cvetinovic - “We had them on the ropes. In the second half, we got anxious and didn't execute the plays.”

Per the stats...FT% 1st Half 50%; 2nd Half 67%.Rhode Island Pts/TO 1st Half 13; 2nd Half 8Appears to me, the Zips handled the ball better and shot from the line better (and more often) in the second half.As far as "having them on the ropes". I believe Foreman once had Ali "on the ropes" how'd that work out for him?

[Captain Kangaroo]

I don't buy that Rhode Island is so much more talented than the Zips. We had then by 9 points with 15 minutes remaining. We had the lead for 75% 0f the game. If URI is so great...so much more talented than the Zips...how is that possible?Crapped Down Our Leg™

Because they were able to execute their adjustments and we weren't. They have players that can play pressure defense and half court defense, they have players that make 80% of their free throws and they can turn 16 turnovers into 21 points while we have players that can make 61% of their free throws and we can turn 10 turnovers into 8 points.If we were able to average the same 1.3 points per turnover, we would have won. We hit 6 more free throws, we win.

Making free throws is all about confidence and poise. Teams that are poised don't make stupid turnovers.We didn't lose because of lack of talent. We lost because our talent...well...it doesn't know what it takes to win these games.Per Cvetinovic - “We had them on the ropes. In the second half, we got anxious and didn't execute the plays.”

Per the stats...FT% 1st Half 50%; 2nd Half 67%.Rhode Island Pts/TO 1st Half 13; 2nd Half 8Appears to me, the Zips handled the ball better and shot from the line better (and more often) in the second half.

Were you there, or did you only look at statistics and the box score? Did you see when the score got close, late, that both McKnights hoisted airballs? Did you see McKnight's and Cventinovic's missed free throws?If you honestly believe that the Zips shot better and handled the ball better in the second half, you must have had WAY too many beers before the game.Having a team down 9 points in the second half, in your house, is "having them on the ropes." Subsequently losing by 5 is a choke job.

[Quickzips]

The dangers of making judgments just based on the box score. It doesn't give you a good feel for the game and how eached missed free throw and turnover affected it. The Zips might have had a better FT shooting percentage in the 2nd half, but a large part of that was that Roberts went to the line twice (once for 3 shots after being fouled on a 3 point attempt) and Conyers once. Those are our best FT shooters, and all of those FT's came early in the half. Late in the half we sent Cvetinovic (probably our worst FT shooter) and Brett McKnight to the line. Those were the clutch situations, where we really needed the points desperatly to keep up with Rhode Island's run. That is where we shot our worst from the FT line. As far as points off of turnovers, just the simple fact that we turned the ball over is enough of a plus for Rhode Island. It means the Zips didn't score, and likely didn't even get a shot off on that particular possession. If they get out on the break and score themselves based on the turnover it is pretty much just gravy. Rhode Island didn't get as many points off turnovers in the second half, but I can guarantee you that they got more key turnovers at critical times from the Zips in the second half.

[RootforRoo44]

There were three major contributing factors to tonight's hurtful loss.1) Turnovers. Probably the number one culprit. We simply have to do a much better job of taking care of the ball. This means playing under control, not helter-skelter. For heaven's sake, let's get this right: Steve McNees is a dandy two guard (shooting guard). He is a mediocre point. Ronnie Steward simply needs more minutes.2) Free throw shooting. The statistics don't tell the story since we consistently miss the front end of one-n-ones. This has to be fixed. Certain players shoot free throws like they just don't care. They should be glad they don't play for me. Because I would have them so far down on the bench that they would never see the light of day. If you can't bother to make free throws you should NOT be on the floor.3) Officiating. These clowns were from Mars. And, sorry previous poster, they were not bad both ways. They were far more biased against Akron than they were against Rhode Island. It was not only the bad calls; it was also the inexcusable "no calls" that kept Rhode Island from getting blown out of the (sic) gym. A prime example was official stopping play to admonish two players when the Zips were in the midst of a hot streak. That sure helped Rhode Island. There were several other situations that benefited Rhode Island. How the hell do you miss a player standing on the end line with the ball and not call him out of bounds. Oh, I see, that would have meant giving Akron possession. We cannot fix the ref crap. We will have to play through it again this year, The coaching staff can fixthe free throw shooting and ball handling. Here is a tip for you fans: count how often Steve McNeesturns the ball over as the point guard when he fails to distribute the ball and goes into "mindless ribble" mode. McNees is a shooting guard; not a point guard.I am not blaming Steve. He is not the problem. He is part of the problem. There are others that approach free throw shooting like they were taught as small children that making free throws just isn'tfair to the other team. Screw the other team. Make the free throws. Its like finding twenty dollar bills.Again tonight we saw Nikola drive to the basket. Just not often enough. It the guards are afraid to penetrate give the ball to Nic. It is wonderful to see a big man able to drive to the basket. He deserves more minutes.Hey, coaches, this last comment is for you. Remember the old adage that teams that press do not like being pressed? Well, Rhode Island is no exception. When we put full court pressure on them the onlything that saved them were their friends the refs. Put pressure on the ball. Have the nads to trust your kids.

I'll agree COMPLETELY. I believe i saw ONE time the entire night where their bench was upset about a call. I could count 20+ where there were calls that were made or not made that absolutely shocked me. I think i'm going to nominate those refs as "Worst Officiating Crew In JAR History".The worst part is, after playing 5 on 8 for the entire night against a very good team all we had to do was just make a few darn free throws and we win. That's too bad. Though i have to say anyone who thinks that URI is better than us is crazy, we had them on the ropes and they got bailed out over and over again tonight. If we can get a decent officiated game and make free throws we will finish very strong this season.

I have yet to see you not blame a loss on the refs. they must really hate akron haha.

I can tell you weren't at the game. haha

[GP1]

If you have no worries, you really aren't a huge Zips hoops fan. Your heart isn't in it. Your bar is low.

Guilty.Does anyone watch Mad Men? There was a scene last season when the young red haired girl, Peggy, was trying to explain to Don an Aqua Net commercial she designed. She kept saying, "Then this happens...then this happens.....then this happens." Don looks at her and say, "Everytime you say 'then this happens' you lose me."Maybe the Zips problem is this simple, and I have been saying it for years. They play a defensive game. When you play an offensive game it is very simple. You focus on putting the little orange ball through the little orange ring. Outscore the other team and you win. When you play a defensive game, it sounds like Peggy..."You focus on double teams in the post, then the ball is thrown in, then you double team, then you hope the guy takes a bad shot, then you rebound, then you get the ball down court, then..." This logic assumes all of that is going to happen and then the guy with the ball on the offensive end is actually able to make a shot. In reality, they guy was brought here to focus on defense and not shooting.Defense can win a lot of regular season games when the competition ranges from very good to very bad. With defense, we should be able 100% of the games against the average to bad teams. Beat 50% of the good teams and the next thing you know you have 20 wins. We need teams that can outscore the good teams in critical situations. "But GP1, are you saying defense isn't important?" No, I'm just saying offense is critical in high profile games when things are close. In a close game, points become more important than defense. Points force the other team to match you shot for shot and it puts pressure on them.

[Dr Z]

Maybe the Zips problem is this simple, and I have been saying it for years. They play a defensive game. When you play an offensive game it is very simple. You focus on putting the little orange ball through the little orange ring. Outscore the other team and you win.

+.5I have to think about this one for awhile... Is this why I enjoyed Huggins teams?...hmmmm

[Quickzips]

If you have no worries, you really aren't a huge Zips hoops fan. Your heart isn't in it. Your bar is low.

Guilty.Does anyone watch Mad Men? There was a scene last season when the young red haired girl, Peggy, was trying to explain to Don an Aqua Net commercial she designed. She kept saying, "Then this happens...then this happens.....then this happens." Don looks at her and say, "Everytime you say 'then this happens' you lose me."Maybe the Zips problem is this simple, and I have been saying it for years. They play a defensive game. When you play an offensive game it is very simple. You focus on putting the little orange ball through the little orange ring. Outscore the other team and you win. When you play a defensive game, it sounds like Peggy..."You focus on double teams in the post, then the ball is thrown in, then you double team, then you hope the guy takes a bad shot, then you rebound, then you get the ball down court, then..." This logic assumes all of that is going to happen and then the guy with the ball on the offensive end is actually able to make a shot. In reality, they guy was brought here to focus on defense and not shooting.Defense can win a lot of regular season games when the competition ranges from very good to very bad. With defense, we should be able 100% of the games against the average to bad teams. Beat 50% of the good teams and the next thing you know you have 20 wins. We need teams that can outscore the good teams in critical situations. "But GP1, are you saying defense isn't important?" No, I'm just saying offense is critical in high profile games when things are close. In a close game, points become more important than defense. Points force the other team to match you shot for shot and it puts pressure on them.

I disagree. Focusing entirely on offense is a bad way to try and go about winning championships. You want the prime example, and I know it is from the NBA so spare me the lecture on that, but look at the Phoenix Suns. They have tried for years to more or less ignore the defensive end of the things in order to focus more on offense. It has netted them exactly zero championships. Coaches often say that offense comes and goes. A guy can have a poor shooting night, a couple of good looks can not fall early and guys can get frustrated. But defense is a constant because it is all about effort. If you put the effort in, just about anyone can be an adequate defender night in and night out. Add some physical attributes and skills like long arms and good foot speed and that adequate defender who is putting in the effort can be a great defender night in and night out. But even the best effort night in and night out from the best offensive player in the game isn't always going to give you a good night scoring the basketball. Offense matteres, but if you are going to focus more of your attention on offense at the expense of your defense you are playing a VERY dangerous game.