ZipsLive - How was it?

[Captain Kangaroo]

Just curious if anything interesting was gleaned from last night's show.

[zip37]

No show, the power supply transformer went belly up & Radio Shack did not have one.

[GoZips]

Just curious if anything interesting was gleaned from last night's show.

The basketball coaches showed up at the Tap House as did AD Tom Wistrcill. Ianello was a no show.Even though the show was not aired it still took place, sort of. The radio team, the coaches and a fewfans (of which I was among them) enjoyed the comradery.We learned that there is NO football game scheduled with Virginia Tech. The OOC schedule for 2010is exactly as has been presented here on ZN. The AD favors playing just one BCS school per seasonwhile scheduling mostly non-BCS schools so the future Zips will have more home games by schedulinghome 'n home. Coach Peters wondered out loud why I'd even be interested in a game in 2015 sinceits not likely I'll still be sucking wind then. Thanks, pal.AD Wistrcill mentioned that we are in negotiation with Marshall University for a home 'n home FB series.KD offered that his 26-7 team was his best. The kid sitting in the recruits section at the OU game was St.V-St.M sophomore point guard. KD expects a hard fought victory down in Oxford. He still thinks that Steve is his best overall guard. He took some heat for that comment.I suggested that the publicity department run some radio ads for the Saturday women's game invitingfans to cheer on the Ladies with the VCU game to be aired on the jumbotron. An idea well received.Some one suggested using the TVs in the Tommy Evans lounge along with snacks.Coach Kest is in high spirits. Her incoming recruits are kicking butt state wide. Interest in the ladiesis high in the Zips Nation. A spirited debate took place as to who the best lady Zip is. Opinions differ.For once, the lousy food did not upset my stomach. The new waitress is a looker.

[Hilltopper]

I wasn't in attendance at Zips Live, but I did get to ask Steve French a few questions during his live TV show on channel 23. 1.(Q) How can the Zips have 3 incoming freshmen when we only have 2 seniors on this years team? (A) One of the existing scholarship players is going to graduate early or transfer. When pressed as to who this might be, he said it wouldn't be Bardo(he has graduated) and that D Roberts will definitely be back for another season. So that leaves Sweich and Sullivan as the likely candidates to leave the team.2.(Q)When do you think the "Light will go on" for Zeke Marshall? (A)Right now its blinking. If not for Zeke, we probably don't win at BSU and CMU. Offensively he is still too timid but he is clearly altering the game at the defensive end of the floor.3.(Q) Why is KD so enamored with Steve McNeese? (A) 31 turnovers in 26 games as the primary ball handler. The Zips run over 50 different sets on offense and Steve does the best job of putting us in a position to win. All the dribbling at the half court area is a coaching decision.Steve spends more time with the team than anyone on this message board, so I take what he has to say is as near to the facts as possible.

[Dr Z]

Great info guys (Hill & GZ), thanks for posting. Home & Home with Marshall. Recruiting a point guard. PS Steve French on his TV show "my big toe has a better chance of coaching Ohio State than Jim Tressel does"Steve is a great guy, don't take everything he says as "fact"

[Zipgrad01]

Great info guys (Hill & GZ), thanks for posting. Home & Home with Marshall. Recruiting a point guard. PS Steve French on his TV show "my big toe has a better chance of coaching Ohio State than Jim Tressel does"Steve is a great guy, don't take everything he says as "fact"

Why would anyone be excited about a home and home with Marshall? They are a shell of the program that they were in the MAC and nobody really came out to watch those games. I just dont get it.

[Zip Watcher]

Great info guys (Hill & GZ), thanks for posting. Home & Home with Marshall. Recruiting a point guard. PS Steve French on his TV show "my big toe has a better chance of coaching Ohio State than Jim Tressel does"Steve is a great guy, don't take everything he says as "fact"

Why would anyone be excited about a home and home with Marshall? They are a shell of the program that they were in the MAC and nobody really came out to watch those games. I just dont get it.

+1

[Dave in Green]

3.(Q) Why is KD so enamored with Steve McNeese? (A) 31 turnovers in 26 games as the primary ball handler. The Zips run over 50 different sets on offense and Steve does the best job of putting us in a position to win. All the dribbling at the half court area is a coaching decision.

I'd like to think that knowing this is KD's strategy would put an end to the endlessly repeated criticism of McNees for dribbling so much around mid court. If a player is following the directions of the coach, and the coach directs him to dribble around a lot, then the player cannot be legitimately blamed. It's a coaching decision, pure and simple.We know for a fact that KD is not slow to pull a player off the court for not doing everything the player has been coached to do. So by his long minutes on the floor, it should be obvious that McNees is doing exactly what KD wants him to do.Not that McNees doesn't make mistakes. All players do. But the dribbling around is not a McNees mistake, and blaming a player for a coaching strategy that some fans may not like is misguided at best.

[Hilltopper]

PS Steve French on his TV show "my big toe has a better chance of coaching Ohio State than Jim Tressel does"Steve is a great guy, don't take everything he says as "fact"

And your an expert on the team because????? You post and moderate on ZN?????

[Dr Z]

Why would anyone be excited about a home and home with Marshall? They are a shell of the program that they were in the MAC and nobody really came out to watch those games. I just dont get it.

15,641 saw game go down to the last minute in 200029,621 saw Frye score 17 points in the fourth quarter to beat the Herd by 3Former rivals.Leftwich being carried down the field.Their fans travel well.I always had fun at Marshall games...and love to hate them.

[Hilltopper]

Why would anyone be excited about a home and home with Marshall? They are a shell of the program that they were in the MAC and nobody really came out to watch those games. I just dont get it.

15,641 saw game go down to the last minute in 200029,621 saw Frye score 17 points in the fourth quarter to beat the Herd by 3Former rivals.Leftwich being carried down the field.Their fans travel well.I always had fun at Marshall games...and love to hate them.

+1

[GoZips88]

Great info guys (Hill & GZ), thanks for posting. Home & Home with Marshall. Recruiting a point guard. PS Steve French on his TV show "my big toe has a better chance of coaching Ohio State than Jim Tressel does"Steve is a great guy, don't take everything he says as "fact"

Why would anyone be excited about a home and home with Marshall? They are a shell of the program that they were in the MAC and nobody really came out to watch those games. I just dont get it.

Gardner Pies or Marshall? MarshallMcDougal Poly Upstate or Marshall? MarshallYeah, I'd rather play home-and-home with someone I know out of a conference like C-USA. As Dr Z said, Marshall games were always fun and their fans travel well (or used to at least).

[Captain Kangaroo]

Great info guys (Hill & GZ), thanks for posting. Home & Home with Marshall. Recruiting a point guard. PS Steve French on his TV show "my big toe has a better chance of coaching Ohio State than Jim Tressel does"Steve is a great guy, don't take everything he says as "fact"

Why would anyone be excited about a home and home with Marshall? They are a shell of the program that they were in the MAC and nobody really came out to watch those games. I just dont get it.

+1

-1How can anyone say no one came out to the games...unless you want to lie? Every Marshall game a the Rubber Bowl drew GREAT crowds. Every game was exciting. Their fans travel great.Marshall beat a 9-3 OU program in the Little Caesar's Bowl in December, so obviously they are not a shell of their former self. They would have won the MAC East in 2009.C-USA is head and shoulders above the MAC in football. Home-Home vs. Marshall is a great "get" for the Zips schedule. The game will sell out. Easily.

[RowdyZip]

Ok...so you folks want less BCS, less d1AA, and no midling beatable CUSA teams like Marshall. I think we're running out of options. Unless you think MTSU or EKU would draw more. Sheesh.

[GoZips]

3.(Q) Why is KD so enamored with Steve McNeese? (A) 31 turnovers in 26 games as the primary ball handler. The Zips run over 50 different sets on offense and Steve does the best job of putting us in a position to win. All the dribbling at the half court area is a coaching decision.

I'd like to think that knowing this is KD's strategy would put an end to the endlessly repeated criticism of McNees for dribbling so much around mid court. If a player is following the directions of the coach, and the coach directs him to dribble around a lot, then the player cannot be legitimately blamed. It's a coaching decision, pure and simple.

KD is NOT pleased with Steve going into mindless dribble mode. Steve did this last season and the coaches took time to coach him away from doing this. Steve has regressed. I managed to get KDto admit that dribbling for "x" number of seconds and then tossing up a chuck shot is a de facto turnover. Believe me, he was just as reluctant to admit it is a turnover as you are. Its a turnover whether it shows up in the stats or not.I should have included that AD Tom mentioned working on scheduling OOC games with teams fromC-USA, Sun Belt and WAC in addition to the comment about Marshall. I had asked him specifically aboutthe Turd

[johnnyzip84]

Playing Marshall makes perfect sense for the Zips at this stage. I still remember how derisive their fans were regarding Zip football. I hope they still bring their masses to see how much different things are at UA these days. I don't think we'll be hearing or seeing I-AA references afterwards. Besides....I still get such a kick out of calling them the Blundering Terd.

[MDZip]

I think its a good move. Marshall certainly has some name recognition (maybe close to an Indiana), it has a viable travel distance, and is a game where the Zips do have a shot at winning it. A win over Marshall counts just as much toward bowl eligibility as a win over Penn State (and is a lot more likely). I'd like to see the future OOC schedule have one road "ATM" game (to help balance the budget and give us one shot at a big upset), one home 1-AA that we're pretty well guaranteed of winning, then a C-USA/WAC/Sun Belt/low level BCS team as the other two games with a home and home setup. Marshall absolutely fits the bill as one of the "other" games.

[GP1]

Great info guys (Hill & GZ), thanks for posting. Home & Home with Marshall. Recruiting a point guard. PS Steve French on his TV show "my big toe has a better chance of coaching Ohio State than Jim Tressel does"Steve is a great guy, don't take everything he says as "fact"

Why would anyone be excited about a home and home with Marshall? They are a shell of the program that they were in the MAC and nobody really came out to watch those games. I just dont get it.

+1

-1How can anyone say no one came out to the games...unless you want to lie? Every Marshall game a the Rubber Bowl drew GREAT crowds. Every game was exciting. Their fans travel great.Marshall beat a 9-3 OU program in the Little Caesar's Bowl in December, so obviously they are not a shell of their former self. They would have won the MAC East in 2009.C-USA is head and shoulders above the MAC in football. Home-Home vs. Marshall is a great "get" for the Zips schedule. The game will sell out. Easily.

I totally agree. Marshall will travel well so there will be a big crowd. Since they are a shell of the team they used to be, a win in front of a big crowd with a known team will do wonders for the interest in the program.I like what I hear from the AD. One BCS level team a year is enough. That would be 25% of the ooc schedule. If we need to play more than one a year for the money, we are making mistakes in other areas of the athletic department. One 1-AA team. He can do whatever he wants with the remaining two games.

[zip37]

And I'll still be watching Zips soccer and having a lot more fun!

[Dave in Green]

3.(Q) Why is KD so enamored with Steve McNeese? (A) 31 turnovers in 26 games as the primary ball handler. The Zips run over 50 different sets on offense and Steve does the best job of putting us in a position to win. All the dribbling at the half court area is a coaching decision.

I'd like to think that knowing this is KD's strategy would put an end to the endlessly repeated criticism of McNees for dribbling so much around mid court. If a player is following the directions of the coach, and the coach directs him to dribble around a lot, then the player cannot be legitimately blamed. It's a coaching decision, pure and simple.

KD is NOT pleased with Steve going into mindless dribble mode. Steve did this last season and the coaches took time to coach him away from doing this. Steve has regressed. I managed to get KDto admit that dribbling for "x" number of seconds and then tossing up a chuck shot is a de facto turnover. Believe me, he was just as reluctant to admit it is a turnover as you are. Its a turnover whether it shows up in the stats or not. .....

I can understand pointing out when players make mistakes, although creating an all-new negative measurement ("de facto turnover") to pin on one specific player is a stretch. I've seen McNees and other Zips players get caught with the shot clock running down and have to chuck one up. Sometimes it's because the defense is just doing an outstanding job of covering all of our players, sometimes it's because the other Zips aren't trying hard enough to get open for a pass and sometimes it's the result of a miscalculation by the guy with the ball. Sure, I'll agree McNees has his share of those. He also has more opportunities to make mistakes, because the coach trusts him to handle the ball more than anyone else.All players make mistakes. McNees makes few enough mistakes that KD has the confidence to keep him in the game for more minutes than any other player. When KD starts pulling McNees for too much dribbling and too many "de facto turnovers," I'll start believing that McNees is guilty of having a problem as serious as a few of his most vocal critics post here. Until then, I'll continue to trust KD's judgment that McNees' positive qualities far outweigh his negative tendencies.

[GoZips]

3.(Q) Why is KD so enamored with Steve McNeese? (A) 31 turnovers in 26 games as the primary ball handler. The Zips run over 50 different sets on offense and Steve does the best job of putting us in a position to win. All the dribbling at the half court area is a coaching decision.

I'd like to think that knowing this is KD's strategy would put an end to the endlessly repeated criticism of McNees for dribbling so much around mid court. If a player is following the directions of the coach, and the coach directs him to dribble around a lot, then the player cannot be legitimately blamed. It's a coaching decision, pure and simple.

KD is NOT pleased with Steve going into mindless dribble mode. Steve did this last season and the coaches took time to coach him away from doing this. Steve has regressed. I managed to get KDto admit that dribbling for "x" number of seconds and then tossing up a chuck shot is a de facto turnover. Believe me, he was just as reluctant to admit it is a turnover as you are. Its a turnover whether it shows up in the stats or not. .....

I can understand pointing out when players make mistakes, although creating an all-new negative measurement ("de facto turnover") to pin on one specific player is a stretch. I've seen McNees and other Zips players get caught with the shot clock running down and have to chuck one up. Sometimes it's because the defense is just doing an outstanding job of covering all of our players, sometimes it's because the other Zips aren't trying hard enough to get open for a pass and sometimes it's the result of a miscalculation by the guy with the ball. Sure, I'll agree McNees has his share of those. He also has more opportunities to make mistakes, because the coach trusts him to handle the ball more than anyone else.All players make mistakes. McNees makes few enough mistakes that KD has the confidence to keep him in the game for more minutes than any other player. When KD starts pulling McNees for too much dribbling and too many "de facto turnovers," I'll start believing that McNees is guilty of having a problem as serious as a few of his most vocal critics post here. Until then, I'll continue to trust KD's judgment that McNees' positive qualities far outweigh his negative tendencies.

I'm sorry, Dave, this problem is cronic with Steve. There were four half or OT ending times inthe OU game. Steve pulled this stunt TWICE. He simply does not read the defense and then take action.I will continue to complain about this trait until it is cured. It is a problem.This is a team. It is NOT the Steve McNees show. I would love for Steve to be the game hero. Inorder for that to happen Steve has to run the point; not put it all on his shoulders. That forgotten assist is just as important as the winning shot. Oh, BTW, Steve did not throw an errant pass in Darryl Roberts direction. Darryl tripped over Chris McKnight's leg as he was coming around Chris. Darryl was not there to catch the ball. It was NOTany sort of a failure on Steve's part. This play occurred right in front of me. Deduct one turnover.

[Dave in Green]

3.(Q) Why is KD so enamored with Steve McNeese? (A) 31 turnovers in 26 games as the primary ball handler. The Zips run over 50 different sets on offense and Steve does the best job of putting us in a position to win. All the dribbling at the half court area is a coaching decision.

I'd like to think that knowing this is KD's strategy would put an end to the endlessly repeated criticism of McNees for dribbling so much around mid court. If a player is following the directions of the coach, and the coach directs him to dribble around a lot, then the player cannot be legitimately blamed. It's a coaching decision, pure and simple.

KD is NOT pleased with Steve going into mindless dribble mode. Steve did this last season and the coaches took time to coach him away from doing this. Steve has regressed. I managed to get KDto admit that dribbling for "x" number of seconds and then tossing up a chuck shot is a de facto turnover. Believe me, he was just as reluctant to admit it is a turnover as you are. Its a turnover whether it shows up in the stats or not. .....

I can understand pointing out when players make mistakes, although creating an all-new negative measurement ("de facto turnover") to pin on one specific player is a stretch. I've seen McNees and other Zips players get caught with the shot clock running down and have to chuck one up. Sometimes it's because the defense is just doing an outstanding job of covering all of our players, sometimes it's because the other Zips aren't trying hard enough to get open for a pass and sometimes it's the result of a miscalculation by the guy with the ball. Sure, I'll agree McNees has his share of those. He also has more opportunities to make mistakes, because the coach trusts him to handle the ball more than anyone else.All players make mistakes. McNees makes few enough mistakes that KD has the confidence to keep him in the game for more minutes than any other player. When KD starts pulling McNees for too much dribbling and too many "de facto turnovers," I'll start believing that McNees is guilty of having a problem as serious as a few of his most vocal critics post here. Until then, I'll continue to trust KD's judgment that McNees' positive qualities far outweigh his negative tendencies.

I'm sorry, Dave, this problem is cronic with Steve. There were four half or OT ending times inthe OU game. Steve pulled this stunt TWICE. He simply does not read the defense and then take action.I will continue to complain about this trait until it is cured. It is a problem.This is a team. It is NOT the Steve McNees show. I would love for Steve to be the game hero. Inorder for that to happen Steve has to run the point; not put it all on his shoulders. That forgotten assist is just as important as the winning shot. Oh, BTW, Steve did not throw an errant pass in Darryl Roberts direction. Darryl tripped over Chris McKnight's leg as he was coming around Chris. Darryl was not there to catch the ball. It was NOTany sort of a failure on Steve's part. This play occurred right in front of me. Deduct one turnover.

Right. There was a discussion of the Roberts trip and McNees pass out of bounds in another thread.I appreciate the way you have just specifically focused in a constructive way on one of McNees' weaker areas that could stand improvement. I don't care so much for the way some fans exaggerate a player's problems out of proportion and dump all over them. Constructive criticism is good. Negative player bashing is not. The Zips deserve better from their fans.Personally, I'd like to see more variety from McNees. I'd like to see him drive to the basket more often and either pull up for the short jumper, go in for the layup or pass to the open man. Make something happen more often instead of waiting so much for something to happen. I think he's a little too predictable to the defense in spending too much time way outside. He does a great job of protecting the ball, but a little more risk might produce a lot more reward. McNees does a good job, but a few little changes could make him an even better point. It's up to the coaches to give McNees the right instruction, for McNees to learn and execute properly and for the rest of the players to be in the right positions at the right times.

[Dr Z]

Personally, I'd like to see more variety from McNees. I'd like to see him drive to the basket more often and either pull up for the short jumper, go in for the layup or pass to the open man. Make something happen more often instead of waiting so much for something to happen. It's up to the coaches to give McNees the right instruction, for McNees to learn and execute properly and for the rest of the players to be in the right positions at the right times.

Now your starting to get it. What you are describing is called a point guard. I don't think anybody personally dislikes McNees, most long time fans on this board feel that our team is better if Steve is not at the point. The skills you describe are mostly inherent. I think you can coach some players for 10 years and they aren't going to become the ball handler, passer, court vision, leader needed at the point. Steve is better helping our team with his spot up shooting. Why is he at the point? It's not his fault he is the best option (very debatable). It's the coaching staffs fault for not having a better option. I'll give a small pass due to Ronnie's early injury problems. If I'm defending the Zips, I pressure the ball every single time he crosses mid court with the ball.

[Dave in Green]

I've always gotten it. I've talked before on this forum about wanting to see McNees at shooting guard. I've pointed out problems I see with various Zips players, including McNees, and I haven't objected to others doing the same. I'll repeat what I said in my previous post to reinforce my exact feelings on the matter: Constructive criticism is good. Negative player bashing is not. What I see is that the Zips do not have a point guard who is so much above all the others that it's a no-brainer for both KD and fans. So KD has to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of all his point guards and primarily play the one who is the best overall option, weaknesses and all.If most long time fans on this board feel that the Zips are better if McNees is not at the point and KD doesn't, who should the rest of us believe has a better complete understanding of the total player skills situation and available options?Why do I think if another of the Zips' imperfect guards was primarily running the point that a bunch of fans here would be griping about that player's flaws and ragging on the coach to replace him with someone they think is better?Maybe I've been reading sports forums for too many years. What many fans say on sports forums is more predictable to me than what McNees does with the ball.

[GJGood]

I still say we don't need a FCS, or 1-AA, team. There are plenty of FBS teams we can compete with and defeat. I'd rather play Western Kentucky, New Mexico State, or Florida International than Gardner-Webb, Howard, or Morgan State. Plus, I still believe the NCAA should quit letting games against 1-AA count toward bowl eligibility. It hurts schools in the non-BCS conferences because they are getting on the BCS schools schedules as much as they used to.As far as the only one BCS level team I can go along with that. At least to a degree. I wouldn't want to play more than one mid-level or top BCS conference team but wouldn't mind playing a BCS conference bottom feeder in addition to an "ATM" game as it was referred to before. I'd have no problem with us playing both a Penn State and an Iowa State, Washington State, or Duke in the same season.