Nik Cvetinovic

[Dave in Green]

Heck in a lot of ways you just described the 2010-2011 Can't State team. For the most part they were Justin Greene and 4 SG/SF types.

Oh yeah, those guys. That's why I couldn't remember who it was! Greene was listed as a forward and Sherman, Guyton, Porrini and Holt were all listed as guards. xu9697 is right about the Michigan Wolverines also having reasonable success with that kind of lineup. It just shows that not having one each of the five traditional basketball positions is not a major handicap. It pays to give your best players long minutes regardless of what position they play, although it might be a bit of a problem if your best five players were all 5-8 guards.

[Zipmeister]

I wondered how long it would take you to get rid of those posts.

[Captain Kangaroo]

My notes regarding the banquet are -

If you've ever noticed, there is a youth with Downs Syndrome that sits at center court for all the men's hoops games. He had an award dedicated to him last season for "Zips Fan Who's Overcome the Greatest Odds." This year's recipient was Coach Weigand's young son Trevor, who has been battling cancer. Trevor accepted his award and gave a speech at the podium that got a huge ovation. Everyone was a bit choked-up. It was awesome to see him doing well.

Regarding Harney and Treadwell -- At the risk of being a buzz-kill, there remains a huge "unknown factor" to these guys. Each only played one season of high school basketball. And each was not allowed to meet with, or practice with the team this season. They enter the program this summer as almost complete unknowns, even to the coaching staff. They seem to be great kids, and grades are fine, but it is anyone's guess when they will be ready to log meaningful minutes on the court.

KD really tries to drive home how difficult it is to achieve what the Zips have done over the past several seasons. During his speech he reeled off the other 19 teams D1 teams that have won 20+ games for 6 consecutive seasons. He then listed teams like Toledo and BG, who haven't been to an NCAA tourney since 1980 and 1968 respectively. He then specified the two teams aside from the Zips to be in their conference championship game for 5 consecutive seasons -- Gonzaga and Butler. He mentioned numerous times "You don't understand how difficult it is to achieve what we've done." I think Wistercil needs to give him a hug. And we all appreciate having a meaningful March every year!

Despite the roughly 400-person crowd, KD took the time to speak with me for several minutes. He also listened attentively as my long-winded son told him a few stories involving his 4th grade gym teacher, who was a high school classmate of KD's. Thanks, Coach.

The classroom that housed my Industrial Circuits classroom is being wiped out along with a couple other classrooms underneath the North bleachers to make way for a what sounds like a "player's lounge." Seems to be the college equivalent of a Continental Airlines President's Club, but without the beer. It is something that most other schools have, and will be a nice recruiting tool. No other JAR renovations were discussed.

I loved all the senior's speeches. KD talks about "character" all the time. You can see why these Zips won more games than any other group, despite getting virtually no All-MAC accolades what-so-ever. They always played hard, they were always poised, and that made them winners. Other team's players and coaches always seem to garner the post-season awards, but the Zips play for the championship.

I spoke to Brett McKnight's pop for a minute or two. He's a good guy. He's battling back well from his health issues, and looking very robust. He said he'd still return to the JAR for some of the big games next season, including K.e.n.t.

Jeremiah Wood probably wishes he didn't attend the event....he got called-out several times during various speeches for not yet having his degree. It was all in jest...but KD takes pride in his graduation rates. And Wood promised to deliver a degree soon.

I will be in Arizona when the Zips play VCU. Grrr... Hope it is on ESPN.

I had two Roo Brew's at the event... my first and my last. The infected, medicinal liquid reeked of Band Aid, a dead-giveaway to poor sanitation during the fermentation. I had a similar beer in Annapolis once, after the Zips beat Navy. That's the only two times I've had commercially-brewed, infected beers. I can't believe that beer was allowed to exit the brewery doors.

Overall, the food was fine. Much better than a few years ago.

Steve French's wit rules. He was born to be an emcee.

Thanks for a great season, guys. Hope to see a few of you seniors at BW-3's before games next year...I owe you some beers!

[Akron1]

My notes regarding the banquet are -

...No other JAR renovations were discussed.

I was told a study is going on right now and The U of A will decide in the near future to either renovate or raise funds to build new. They said to watch the Trustees agenda and/or minutes. Just passing a decent rumor on.

[Quickzips]

Regarding Harney and Treadwell -- At the risk of being a buzz-kill, there remains a huge "unknown factor" to these guys. Each only played one season of high school basketball. And each was not allowed to meet with, or practice with the team this season. They enter the program this summer as almost complete unknowns, even to the coaching staff. They seem to be great kids, and grades are fine, but it is anyone's guess when they will be ready to log meaningful minutes on the court.

This is where I think having Nik back is going to pay off the biggest. With Nik back in the fold, plus Josh Egner seemingly ready to take on more minutes the pressure isn't nearly as great on Harney and Tree. We can give these guys some time to acclimate to the college game (and in this case to organized basketball period) without having to rush them into major minutes where they are being relied on to make significant contributions. Especially at the beginning of the season anything these guys can give us will be gravy. I would expect KD to treat them much the same way he handled Q this past year. Slow but steady minutes to start off the year with an increasing role as the season goes on if they prove they can handle it.

[Zip Watcher]

At the end of the evening's festivities, my son circulated collecting signatures of all the team members on the team photo. He found everyone but a few, and even had Harney & Treadwell sign. This is one strength of KD's teams. These guys are really attentive to the kids, and speak to them directly and are VERY encouraging. Not sure if this is coached up, or just their own instincts .. but it's cool. My son warmed up enough to speak to many of them and got a big kick out of talking with Abreu & McNees.

On Saturday morning, he had his final scrum ... er .. pee wee basketball game of the season. He's in kindergarten as are all kids in the league, and they do the normal "don't keep score .. practice for 20 minutes, play for 40" type of thing. Well he's been playing defense all season, working hard to stay between his guy and the ball at all times .. he is a big Conyers fan after all .. on BOTH ends of the floor. I've been encouraging him that he doesn't need to guard his guy when his team has the ball. Saturday he snaps out of it, and actually goes for the ball .. has fun, hits about a half dozen of his 10 attempts .. and really seems to like it. I think his line was something like 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks, 8 fouls and 4 or 5 Turnovers. Stat stuffer!

Late in the game, he pulls the ball away from his man at the top of the key, and heads up court dribbling in a full sprint. No one anywhere near him, the layup attempt appears to be wide open. What does the kid do? He pulls up from about 15 feet, and heaves a prayer at the 7 or 8' hoop, banging it off the back iron. I think a trailing teammate got the ball and put it in .. but I started laughing regardless.

Driving home after the game, I ask him .. "Hey, why didn't you go for the close in layup on that fast break after you stole the ball?" .. a little pause. I ask again. He finally replies: "Oh .. THAT shot? Well, last night I told Steve McNees I had a game today, and he said he hoped I hit a big three to help my team win. So I was trying to hit a big three."

True story.

I laughed for about the rest of the weekend. He had a great time Friday AND Saturday .. and the Zips were on his mind during both.

Great Weekend of "Zips" hoops.

B) B)

Go Zips!

[GoZips]

My notes regarding the banquet are -

...

I will be in Arizona when the Zips play VCU. Grrr... Hope it is on ESPN.

...

I heard that there is a possibility that ESPN2 or ESPNU will televise the game.

[Zipsrifle]

At the end of the evening's festivities, my son circulated collecting signatures of all the team members on the team photo. He found everyone but a few, and even had Harney & Treadwell sign. This is one strength of KD's teams. These guys are really attentive to the kids, and speak to them directly and are VERY encouraging. Not sure if this is coached up, or just their own instincts .. but it's cool. My son warmed up enough to speak to many of them and got a big kick out of talking with Abreu & McNees.

On Saturday morning, he had his final scrum ... er .. pee wee basketball game of the season. He's in kindergarten as are all kids in the league, and they do the normal "don't keep score .. practice for 20 minutes, play for 40" type of thing. Well he's been playing defense all season, working hard to stay between his guy and the ball at all times .. he is a big Conyers fan after all .. on BOTH ends of the floor. I've been encouraging him that he doesn't need to guard his guy when his team has the ball. Saturday he snaps out of it, and actually goes for the ball .. has fun, hits about a half dozen of his 10 attempts .. and really seems to like it. I think his line was something like 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks, 8 fouls and 4 or 5 Turnovers. Stat stuffer!

Late in the game, he pulls the ball away from his man at the top of the key, and heads up court dribbling in a full sprint. No one anywhere near him, the layup attempt appears to be wide open. What does the kid do? He pulls up from about 15 feet, and heaves a prayer at the 7 or 8' hoop, banging it off the back iron. I think a trailing teammate got the ball and put it in .. but I started laughing regardless.

Driving home after the game, I ask him .. "Hey, why didn't you go for the close in layup on that fast break after you stole the ball?" .. a little pause. I ask again. He finally replies: "Oh .. THAT shot? Well, last night I told Steve McNees I had a game today, and he said he hoped I hit a big three to help my team win. So I was trying to hit a big three."

True story.

I laughed for about the rest of the weekend. He had a great time Friday AND Saturday .. and the Zips were on his mind during both.

Great Weekend of "Zips" hoops.

B) B)

Go Zips!

Awesome! Great story.

[K92]

CK and ZW,

Great posts both of you. Thank you for the insights. This is one of the best threads in quite some time IMO.

[skip-zip]

Great post GoZips! I'm starting to think that the sixth man might be Q's best chance to make a big impact for the Zips.

I'm completely puzzled as to why there are a few people who feel this way. If you watched the way we ran him on isolation plays more and more frequently as the season progressed, including at critical times during the MAC tournament, you'd clearly realize how pivotal of a role he'll play in the future. How long has it been since we had a guy who could beat a defense off the dribble straight to the rim? His physical tools give him teh potential to be an outstanding defender too.

[GoZips]

Great post GoZips! I'm starting to think that the sixth man might be Q's best chance to make a big impact for the Zips.

I'm completely puzzled as to why there are a few people who feel this way. If you watched the way we ran him on isolation plays more and more frequently as the season progressed, including at critical times during the MAC tournament, you'd clearly realize how pivotal of a role he'll play in the future. How long has it been since we had a guy who could beat a defense off the dribble straight to the rim? His physical tools give him teh potential to be an outstanding defender too.

Your last sentence defines why Q looks like a potential great sixth man. Quincy has size, quicks, hops,

shooting, smarts. He falls a bit short on defense (but, being worked on intently). The reasons that

playing the sixth man are: Q can play the wing forward; Q can play the shooting guard; Q can play the

point. Several other Zip players can play one or two of these positions. Q possesses GREAT versatility.

What other current Zip can play all three of these positions?

[xu9697]

Starting SF or 6th man..Quincy is going to get big minutes. I could really care less whether he starts ot not. Plenty of college, and some pro, teams do not start their best 5 players. Always more about the minutes and who is in there at the end of a game.

[Dave in Green]

I think we all agree that Q is a talented player who's going to get lots of PT this season. But it's still too early to tell if Q will be at his best as a starter or as the first player off the bench (sixth man). Some players actually like watching the flow of the game from the bench, and then coming in and doing damage. Others respond better to being part of the starting five.

The starting lineup and sub lineups will depend on how the various players work together as a team under different conditions at different times throughout the game. The Zips have a number of players who we haven't even seen play yet, so there's no way to predict where they'll all end up. I think we'll see many different lineups in the early part of the season. After the coaching staff evaluates how the various players work together, they'll settle on a starting lineup that may include Q or may have him as the sixth man.

[Captain Kangaroo]

After the coaching staff evaluates how the various players work together, they'll settle on a starting lineup that may include Q or may have him as the sixth man.

Bold prediction.

[Hilltopper]

After the coaching staff evaluates how the various players work together, they'll settle on a starting lineup that may include Q or may have him as the sixth man.

Bold prediction.

Mr shades of grey.

[Dave in Green]

Thanks for the support, CK and Hilltopper. I take it you both agree with my assessment, inasmuch as you both failed to post your own bold predictions on Q as a starter or sixth man.

[Captain Kangaroo]

Thanks for the support, CK and Hilltopper. I take it you both agree with my assessment, inasmuch as you both failed to post your own bold predictions on Q as a starter or sixth man.

CK never is negligent in offering an informed, thought-provoking opinion. You know better.

Click here for the definitive opinion on Diggs. Should your left mouse button be inoperative, I will offer the following highlight:

Is Q a 6th Man? I don't think so. B McKnight accepted that role because he was such a one-dimensional player. Q has the potential to do it all. You want him on the court from the opening tip. I like McClanahan in the #6 spot in 2011-12.

You're welcome.

[Hilltopper]

I don't care who starts, its who finishes the game thats important to me. Q could be that guy. Nitro has made a few key shots at the end of games too. The future is bright.

[Dr Z]

Can't wait to look this topic about Q being the sixth man or not after a month of mac play next year.

Note to self, sixth man Q topic found under Nik Cvetinovic returning for senior season topic. Got it.

[Derrt]

Glad he's coming back

[GoZips]

To use a quote:

Is Q a 6th Man? I don't think so. B McKnight accepted that role because he was such a one-dimensional player. Q has the potential to do it all. You want him on the court from the opening tip. I like McClanahan in the #6 spot in 2011-12.

First up: Brett McKnight was far more than a "one dimensional" player. Brett got tagged with being

a sub-par defensive player in his sophomore season. Brett stood like a deer in headlights when a

UMASS guard drove past him for the game winning basket. Brett has never been able to shake

that unfair label. McKnight was a great shooter; a clutch shooter (better than any other Zip during

his time at Akron); he also was a decent rebounder. So, one dimension just does not fit Brett.

Second: KD is not going to relegate senior Bret McClanahan to coming off the bench. Book it.

Third: Diggs, not McClanahan, can play multiple positions with ease. Diggs is a logical choice

for playing the sixth man ... if his ego can handle it. I believe that Quincy is such a team player that

coming in off the bench would not phase him. Q will get all of his minutes and then some.

[Captain Kangaroo]

To use a quote:

Is Q a 6th Man? I don't think so. B McKnight accepted that role because he was such a one-dimensional player. Q has the potential to do it all. You want him on the court from the opening tip. I like McClanahan in the #6 spot in 2011-12.

First up: Brett McKnight was far more than a "one dimensional" player. Brett got tagged with being

a sub-par defensive player in his sophomore season. Brett stood like a deer in headlights when a

UMASS guard drove past him for the game winning basket. Brett has never been able to shake

that unfair label. McKnight was a great shooter; a clutch shooter (better than any other Zip during

his time at Akron); he also was a decent rebounder. So, one dimension just does not fit Brett.

I can't imagine how many all MAC Defensive teams there would need to be before Brett McKnight appeared on one?

Maybe "38th Team Honorable Special Mention All MAC Defense?"

I'm forever grateful for the two free throws he stroked at The Q in March, and refuse to hate on the kid. He was a solid Zips player. Great kid. But his defense consisted of leaning on the opponent with his forearm. He was essentially one-dimensional ("one-dimensional" meaning a Top-20 threat on the offensive side of the ball, and a Bottom-20% player on the defensive side of the ball).

No disrespect to your opinion, or anyone else's.

[Dave in Green]

CK never is negligent in offering an informed, thought-provoking opinion. .....

I give you credit for creating such a fancy way of saying "wild guess."

But you might want to give a little more thought to what Nitro accomplished as a starter last season, and what he might bring to the party as a starting senior this season. For sure, as GoZips points out, KD is going to start the season with Nitro as a starter based on his performance last season and the fact that he's a senior. Whether Q replaces Nitro as a starter after the start of this season depends on how both players are performing in the early going.

I'm totally neutral on who starts and who comes off the bench. I have no cousins or favorite sons among the Zips players. I like them all. My only interest is in having every player used in a way that provides the best team results. Whether that means starting or providing a spark off the bench is irrelevant to me as long as it produces the best chances for team wins.

One thing that we as fans don't know is how the individual players would adjust to different roles. For example, starting may be critical to one player's ego, and not starting might result in reduced performance. Coming off the bench might be no different than starting for another player, and he might do just as well coming off the bench as starting. The coaching staff would know more about that than we would, so I defer to their judgment on matters like that.

Anyway, that's my informed, thought-provoking opinion, er, wild guess on the matter.

[Captain Kangaroo]

I'm totally neutral...

Shocker.

[Doug Snyder]

Thanks for the support, CK and Hilltopper. I take it you both agree with my assessment, inasmuch as you both failed to post your own bold predictions on Q as a starter or sixth man.

CK never is negligent in offering an informed, thought-provoking opinion. You know better.

Click here for the definitive opinion on Diggs. Should your left mouse button be inoperative, I will offer the following highlight:

Is Q a 6th Man? I don't think so. B McKnight accepted that role because he was such a one-dimensional player. Q has the potential to do it all. You want him on the court from the opening tip. I like McClanahan in the #6 spot in 2011-12.

You're welcome.

DaveinGreen...

You are wrong. CK often makes BOLD predictions. He often gloats a bit afterwards though!!

Dambrot has turned a defenseless, offenseless, star-free team into a MAC championship contender. What took him so long to get this crew to play defense? Who cares...he kept preaching and preaching and finally converted the masses. The Zips are definitely a team where the whole has become greater than the sum of the parts.

The Zips beat #2 COTY candidate Charlie Coles Wednesday night, and Coach Dambrot gets a well-deserved post-season accolade.

Coles has done an amazing job despite some serious injuries. If he knocks off the Zips for the 2nd time, he'll be the 1st octogenarian to win the MAC COTY that I'm aware of?

K.e.n.t's coach? No chance. OU's? No chance. Ball State's? No chance.

Wednesday night @ the JAR decides it.

And the prophesy is fulfilled. Mark it down. Dambrot gets his first CoTY.

Miss Cleo ain't got nuthin' on me.