VCU at Akron on December 29th, 2011

[akronzips71]

Nik is not a guard

Nik is not a guard

Nik is not a guard

Nik is not a guard

DON'T GIVE HIM THE BALL TO BRING UP COURT WITH 2 SECONDS LEFT IN REGULATION

[Derrt]

FT, turnovers turnovers turnovers. And who let that guy get an easy lay-up at the end?

[Dave in Green]

The Zips played a good game against a good team. The Zips were better in some areas of the game and VCU was better in other areas. Both teams made some brilliant plays and some silly mistakes. Either team could have won. You could point to a hundred different things that happened during the course of the game that ultimately made the difference in why the Zips lost by 1 point instead of winning.

What I took away from this game is that the Zips would have been much more likely to win if so many players hadn't missed so many games so far this season, disrupting the process of bringing all these players together as a more cohesive team. The games that Tree and Harney missed were especially critical, as they have the talent to be major contributors this season, but they also have the most to learn and can least afford to miss games.

Harney, for example, had been averaging more than 20 minutes per game and was the team's leading scorer prior to his suspension. Tonight he looked impressive while on the floor, but only played for 6 minutes. He will need time to get back in synch with his teammates. Had he not been suspended for the 5 games previous to this, he might have made the difference in tonight's game.

Bottom line to me is that the Zips have the players to beat teams like VCU the same way they beat Mississippi State. It's just going to take all the players learning from mistakes, keeping everyone eligible and playing together every game, avoiding injuries, and coming together as a more cohesive team.

The players have the ability to do it. They have the time to do it during the course of the MAC season. Now they just have to demonstrate that they have the will and the discipline to make it happen by the end of the season when it really counts.

[UAZip0510]

Some random thoughts after cooling down a bit:

- The referees were brutal. Zeke took an absolute pounding down low, and the no-call on the Abreu three point attempt toward the end of regulation had a significant impact on the outcome of the game.

- With that being said, the Zips had plenty of chances to close VCU out. That is something this team is going to have to learn how to do - finish a team off. Akron outplayed VCU the majority of the game, but never put them away. When you let a team like VCU hang around, you're going to get burned.

- This was a gutsy performance from Alex Abreu. He's obviously not back to 100% yet, but he handled the pressure VCU threw at him well. He'll be extremely important in the MAC Tournament.

- Nik Cvetinovic has turned the corner. Not only did he play well - 21/7/4 - but I also noticed him talking to Treadwell throughout the game, especially when Tree was getting frustrated. Senior leadership is vital to any team's success, and Nik is finally showing some. I also thought it was smart of him to bring the ball up a few times. The heavy pressure on Abreu and Diggs was causing problems, and Nik took notice that his man couldn't maintain the same heavy pressure on him. I don't want to see that all the time, but for this game, it worked.

- Speaking of full court pressure, this team has to figure that out. They gift wrapped quite a few easy baskets for VCU by failing to break the press. They also need to figure out more inbound plays than "throw a lob to Zeke"...it hurt them on more than one occasion.

- If I'm not mistaken, this was only the 2nd time all season that the Zips have had their full roster available. Hopefully we'll be able to stay healthy and suspension-free the rest of the way. This team is not only good enough to win the MAC, they're also good enough to make noise in the NCAA's. But to do so, they're going to have to come together and commit themselves to doing what it takes to become champions. They've already gone through a lot as a team - let's see if they can overcome it in the end.

[ZippyforPresident]

Is anyone taking the trip down to Marshall on Sunday? I'm really debating it and was wondering if there will be any sort of Akron contingent down there...

[Districtballer]

Wow, that was some college basketball game. Everything I hoped it would be and more. You guys had a spirited crowd and your team is pretty special. I'm still shell-shocked and my heart rate is just starting to get back to normal.

We played awful tonight and I have to credit the Zips defense for not giving us much of anything in the half-court. This was the first time since Mississippi State that your whole team has been together and you were just as impressive tonight as when I watched that game. If you guys can stay healthy and suspension-free...this IS a Sweet 16 caliber squad, record be damned.

Rob Brandenberg had a nice home-coming and was huge for us despite having a badly-sprained ankle which limited his playing time (he said he was 70% in his post-game interview), but he stepped up when we needed him most. Our youth and inexperience was probably pretty evident to most of you there and we still have work to do in our half-court offense if we want to be relevant in March. Our defense has been our calling card and you guys burned it on numerous occasions with some great ball-movement and nice shooting from outside. I was VERY impressed with what I saw and thought we were extremely fortunate to come out of there with a win.

I had pegged this as a loss as far back as 2 years ago after our last game knowing how much we were losing this past season, and we were fortunate to pull this one out. Good teams find a way to win when nothing is going for you and it seemed everything is going well for the other team (you guys shot 50% from 3 and we were awful at 26%). Hopefully this will be a huge learning experience that results in tangible growth for our young guys. Outside of Theus and Burgess, we were putting out sophomores and freshmen almost exclusively.

You guys are going to be a TOUGH opponent for anybody in the MAC and I will be betting on you guys in March if you guys get to the Dance. It has been a pleasure talking hoops with you guys over the course of the series and I have no doubt KD will have Akron moving forward to even greater heights in the near future.

What a barn-burner. If those fans don't come back after watching a game like that, I don't know what will bring 'em in. That was some high-level basketball played tonight at the JAR.

[Derrt]

Im not so sure about them making noise in NC's, we have to win Conference first.

[The Hip Zip]

Great game ... poor result. Life goes on and we will be a very fine team in March. The one thing that I learned tonight is that Rico is pure guts and desire. If he were to go down we would be in big trouble.

Great to meet Doug and Dave tonight as well. It's nice to put a face on the posters here at ZN.

[plowerman78]

some of my feelings on the game.

1. never watched a game on crutches, man was that fun...not glad i shouldnt be on them for the OU game on the 14th. But i will say it was nice being back in the student section screaming and yelling, cheering on my Zips.

2. Amazing game. just had that feeling that whoever had the ball last would win, and unfortunately for us, outside of the Walsh half court heave, VCU did.

3. Cant blame the refs for this one. Too many turnovers on our half, didnt hit enough of our ft's in crucial times. (nic splitting in ot, Q missing the 3 point play with 34 left)

4. On the topic of refs i will say, they did ruin the flow of the game. To many iffy calls that ruined any type of momentum we were trying to build.

5. WHY IS NIK TRYING TO BE A GUARD!!! i love Nik's game, think his inside game is great BUT to many perimeter jumpers, if u make 1 three ur not going to make them all, do with what got u here and thats being a power forward.

6. Even though his stat line didnt show it, i thought Zeke really battled tonight. Prolly one of the most physical games ive seen him play. Though i will say i think he needs more touches on the offensive end. 6 shots not enough imo.

7. Burgess is a very good player for VCU. After seeing a video of the last play on the news, he made the perfect pass in that situation. Also he is very high on Zeke. Heres his comment. On Marshall: “It felt like he blocked 18 shots. He changed the game. It was incredible.”

8. VCU's defense is fun to watch: They call it havoc and was it ever. No offense to OU and Can't State, we wont see a better defensive team the rest of the year.

9. As for the Zips, as someone said before, only the second time weve had a full roster. Tree didnt play that good, Chauncy was in foul trouble the whole night, and Harney looked rusty and we lost to a very good team by only 1. Correct some things, play with that effort and this team WILL REPEAT AS MAC CHAMPIONS!!!

10. This goes to everyone that showed up tonight, thought it was an amazing atmosphere. One of the best for a non conference game in a long time. (prolly Nevada.) That place was really rocking tonight. Attendance said 3993, really felt like alot more. REALIZE our next 2 home game are huge, OU and Can't please those in the blue seats and around the wooden bleachers we need ur help through out those games like tonight. Stand up be loud and cheer on ur Zips.

11. last point goes towards coach Bowden. Man do I love this guy, has done nothing but good so far IMO. has said the right things, has had alot emotion when he talks to the public, and maybe the most important thing he shows he wants to be here. BTW quote of the night, in the first half before Coach Bowden was about to go out and speak, he was standing to my right. I screamed "I love u coach bowden." he looks at me and goes "God damn son u got an extra year of eligibility left." Gotta good feeling about this guy.

All in all it was a great night of basketball, tough one to swallow bc of the last second loss, but a great night all in all. Again we fix the turnover problems we will be VERY dangerous the rest of the year. Go ZIPS!!!

[ZipRoo]

It does seem like we've lost a disproportionate number of "close games" like this over the past five years. Very frustrating. Keith's quote, "We've got to learn how to win games like this..." How is that lesson learned?

[B4110]

Is anyone taking the trip down to Marshall on Sunday? I'm really debating it and was wondering if there will be any sort of Akron contingent down there...

come on down. there will be some of us there.

[zipdiehard]

Many great points on the last few comments. Sounds like I wasn't the only one screaming when Nik had the ball 30 feet from the hoop with seconds to go...

Ziproo: I was thinking the same thing. I love Dambrot as our coach, but we have lost way too many games we shouldn't have. I have always felt the one chink in Keith's armor is the inability to win those games that differentiates a good team from a great team. I think this is exactly what has kept us from being "the next Gonzaga". I thought he had possibly turned the corner with the Miss State win, but then we go and choke away games such as Dusquene and Valpo.

[Blue & Gold]

Not to pile on KD, whom I love as a coach and a loyal Akronite, but simply adding to the conversation, IMHO his drawn-up plays coming off of time outs are not usually anything to write home about.

However, what a great game last night! I was with a large group of people and, wow, did we ever get our money's worth!

Also, @ Districtballer, you guys did not get a cheap victory last night - Alex Abreu looked good. Even when 100% he's not much better than what you saw last night. The first few minutes of the game one could tell he was still feeling his knee out, but then he obviously figured out he felt just fine and he played a really solid game.

[Hilltopper]

If this team learns how to avoid turnovers, we win. We gave up 25 points on 20 turnovers, 10 of which were on inbounds plays. Hopefully when Rico gets to 100%, this number will go down. Take away the stupid turnovers and we win last night's game with ease.

[Districtballer]

If this team learns how to avoid turnovers, we win. We gave up 25 points on 20 turnovers, 10 of which were on inbounds plays. Hopefully when Rico gets to 100%, this number will go down. Take away the stupid turnovers and we win last night's game with ease.

To be fair, VCU leads the country in turnover percentage rate (at least we did going into the UNCG game, we're definitely one of the leading teams in the country in this department). We probably had a good amount to do with that and have forced a ton of turnovers from almost everyone we've played so far.

Blue and Gold, yeah I was highly impressed with Abreu coming off a surgery and being that good. He's a quality player and along with Marshall a true mid-major star. I didn't mention Zeke before, but man has he grown since our last match up. He was soft as jello as a freshman and did nothing then. It couldn't be more different this time around. He was a monster defensively and really stopped everything in the half court going to the rim. He's a NBA player when it's all said and done. He reminds me a ton of Larry Sanders for us, and he went 15th overall in the 2010 NBA draft. The kid is special defensively.

I'm glad you guys got Terry Bowden to bring some fans into the house. That was a very strong mid-major atmosphere for 4,000 fans and I haven't seen many mid-major games as high-level as the one I saw last night. You guys have a fine team and will have a fine season if you can keep your full team together all season.

[Dr Z]

My quick thoughts on the game:

I really dislike Brian Walsh inbounding the basketball.

I like the way Zeke played with 5:36 left in the game. Offensive possession, he wanted the ball, backed his guy down in the paint. That's the guy I want to see ALL the time.

I am still confused why Harney and Tree were glued to the bench the last minuets, 5, 7, maybe 8? Was coach teaching a lesson? I hope not, because I feel like I got robbed of a victory.

Two games I wanted to see this year, WV and VCU, we lost both, maybe it's me causing losses and not the refs at all.

Nik, Walsh and McClanahan spent too much time on the floor at the same time.

Diggs bringing the ball up the court is a win...for the other team. It's been said many times on ZN, but it was still true last night.

I like the way Huggins used his technical foul when he thought there was a bad call against him when we played them. I would like to see our coach do the same early. Give the refs something to think about. Last night would have been a good time to do that.

Too many silly turnovers (20). Maddening.

Terry Bowden

was the highlight of my night. I'm ready coach!

As I walked back to BW3's last night I wondered to myself, what would the score have been if the teams switched head coaches? I'll hang up and listen to your comments.

Props to AA working hard so he can contribute in a big game when he was less than 100%.

Student support (winter break)??? 3,993 attended, should have sold out.

I felt like the Zips should have won by double digits.

[Jalapeño Zippy]

These comments are starting to get maddening...switch coaches? Inability to win games? These are ridiculous statements. KD has given us wins against Mississippi State (2), Florida State (1), 5 straight MACC appearances, we have gone to 2 NCAA tournaments in the past three years, yet we keep reloading and the team progresses further and further along every year. before Keith the last time we were to the NCAA's was in what '86?

Losses to Valpo...we were out shot from the free throw line by over 25 attempts and only lost by 2. Duquesne...we lost Rico and Walsh early to injury. We have one true point guard on the team...everyone knows that if Rico can't go the team can't go...the point guard is the facilitator of the offense and only having one true PG causes for some issues, especially since he has been injured.

Keith has done an outstanding job with the program..yes we have had some hiccups along the way but that is why we play a full season to watch the growth to watch the progress. Progress this year has been slowed because of injuries and suspensions. KD has placed his players on suspension because he runs a tight ship. Not many coaches out there are willing to do this...he is which is why I respect him as a man and as a coach. He knows it's a long season and he knows that the early trials and tribulations will pay off at the end of the year.

[The Hip Zip]

If this team learns how to avoid turnovers, we win. We gave up 25 points on 20 turnovers, 10 of which were on inbounds plays. Hopefully when Rico gets to 100%, this number will go down. Take away the stupid turnovers and we win last night's game with ease.

To be fair, VCU leads the country in turnover percentage rate (at least we did going into the UNCG game, we're definitely one of the leading teams in the country in this department). We probably had a good amount to do with that and have forced a ton of turnovers from almost everyone we've played so far.

Blue and Gold, yeah I was highly impressed with Abreu coming off a surgery and being that good. He's a quality player and along with Marshall a true mid-major star. I didn't mention Zeke before, but man has he grown since our last match up. He was soft as jello as a freshman and did nothing then. It couldn't be more different this time around. He was a monster defensively and really stopped everything in the half court going to the rim. He's a NBA player when it's all said and done. He reminds me a ton of Larry Sanders for us, and he went 15th overall in the 2010 NBA draft. The kid is special defensively.

I'm glad you guys got Terry Bowden to bring some fans into the house. That was a very strong mid-major atmosphere for 4,000 fans and I haven't seen many mid-major games as high-level as the one I saw last night. You guys have a fine team and will have a fine season if you can keep your full team together all season.

Good point, your guys have some very quick hands and are on the ball all night long. Those are the primary ingredients of a turnover machine.

Got on your site and looked around. For the most, you have several guys that really know the game. That made it pretty obvious to spot the forum ass ( Rusty S) LOL. It seems that it comes as a great surprise, to some on your forum, that the announcers are paid by the University of Akron. Of course they are biased.

I hope for continued success for Shaka and VCU, Keep in touch DB

[The Hip Zip]

These comments are starting to get maddening...switch coaches? Inability to win games? These are ridiculous statements. KD has given us wins against Mississippi State (2), Florida State (1), 5 straight MACC appearances, we have gone to 2 NCAA tournaments in the past three years, yet we keep reloading and the team progresses further and further along every year. before Keith the last time we were to the NCAA's was in what '86?

Losses to Valpo...we were out shot from the free throw line by over 25 attempts and only lost by 2. Duquesne...we lost Rico and Walsh early to injury. We have one true point guard on the team...everyone knows that if Rico can't go the team can't go...the point guard is the facilitator of the offense and only having one true PG causes for some issues, especially since he has been injured.

Keith has done an outstanding job with the program..yes we have had some hiccups along the way but that is why we play a full season to watch the growth to watch the progress. Progress this year has been slowed because of injuries and suspensions. KD has placed his players on suspension because he runs a tight ship. Not many coaches out there are willing to do this...he is which is why I respect him as a man and as a coach. He knows it's a long season and he knows that the early trials and tribulations will pay off at the end of the year.

Stop making sense spicy one. It can't be tolerated by many here.

[Zip_ME87]

some of my feelings on the game.

1. never watched a game on crutches, man was that fun...not glad i shouldnt be on them for the OU game on the 14th. But i will say it was nice being back in the student section screaming and yelling, cheering on my Zips.

2. Amazing game. just had that feeling that whoever had the ball last would win, and unfortunately for us, outside of the Walsh half court heave, VCU did.

3. Cant blame the refs for this one. Too many turnovers on our half, didnt hit enough of our ft's in crucial times. (nic splitting in ot, Q missing the 3 point play with 34 left)

4. On the topic of refs i will say, they did ruin the flow of the game. To many iffy calls that ruined any type of momentum we were trying to build.

5. WHY IS NIK TRYING TO BE A GUARD!!! i love Nik's game, think his inside game is great BUT to many perimeter jumpers, if u make 1 three ur not going to make them all, do with what got u here and thats being a power forward.

6. Even though his stat line didnt show it, i thought Zeke really battled tonight. Prolly one of the most physical games ive seen him play. Though i will say i think he needs more touches on the offensive end. 6 shots not enough imo.

7. Burgess is a very good player for VCU. After seeing a video of the last play on the news, he made the perfect pass in that situation. Also he is very high on Zeke. Heres his comment. On Marshall: “It felt like he blocked 18 shots. He changed the game. It was incredible.”

8. VCU's defense is fun to watch: They call it havoc and was it ever. No offense to OU and Can't State, we wont see a better defensive team the rest of the year.

9. As for the Zips, as someone said before, only the second time weve had a full roster. Tree didnt play that good, Chauncy was in foul trouble the whole night, and Harney looked rusty and we lost to a very good team by only 1. Correct some things, play with that effort and this team WILL REPEAT AS MAC CHAMPIONS!!!

10. This goes to everyone that showed up tonight, thought it was an amazing atmosphere. One of the best for a non conference game in a long time. (prolly Nevada.) That place was really rocking tonight. Attendance said 3993, really felt like alot more. REALIZE our next 2 home game are huge, OU and Can't please those in the blue seats and around the wooden bleachers we need ur help through out those games like tonight. Stand up be loud and cheer on ur Zips.

11. last point goes towards coach Bowden. Man do I love this guy, has done nothing but good so far IMO. has said the right things, has had alot emotion when he talks to the public, and maybe the most important thing he shows he wants to be here. BTW quote of the night, in the first half before Coach Bowden was about to go out and speak, he was standing to my right. I screamed "I love u coach bowden." he looks at me and goes "God damn son u got an extra year of eligibility left." Gotta good feeling about this guy.

All in all it was a great night of basketball, tough one to swallow bc of the last second loss, but a great night all in all. Again we fix the turnover problems we will be VERY dangerous the rest of the year. Go ZIPS!!!

+1 on everything you said. Great atmosphere last night; would have liked to have seen a better play called at the end of regulation. Nik had a great game, but I don't think he's the go-to guy in that situation, especially with the amount of time available.

Coach Bowden is awesome. I don't ever remember that much energy from a Zips Football coach. I know patience will be required, given where the football program is, but I'm willing to be patient with a guy who's happy and excited to be at Akron. I have a good feeling as well. I lived in Huntsville, AL from 1991-1998 and vividly remember what he did at Auburn. (All but 5% of the sports section of any Fall Sunday paper was devoted to Alabama and Auburn Football.)

[Districtballer]

Got on your site and looked around. For the most, you have several guys that really know the game. That made it pretty obvious to spot the forum ass ( Rusty S) LOL. It seems that it comes as a great surprise, to some on your forum, that the announcers are paid by the University of Akron. Of course they are biased.

I hope for continued success for Shaka and VCU, Keep in touch DB

Haha, we know all about homer announcers (we have some ourselves), but this blew even them away. It was highly entertaining listening to them making up phantom fouls, travels, and carries on us every offensive possession. Every shot we hit was lucky and every call you got that they admitted was questionable or Quincy Diggs mouthing off at our bench was 'part of the college basketball'

It's certainly par for the course, but our fans have listened to a lot of homer announcers and yours were a different level altogether.

We do have a pretty knowledgeable fan base and a good number have been fans since VCU was a fledgling D1 program in the 70's. Lots of history and perspective from different types of posters. It's a good community for the most part.

Thanks and I wish the same for KD and Akron as I'm sure Shaka does. You all have a fine program and you will only get better in the years ahead. Take care!

[The Hip Zip]

Got on your site and looked around. For the most, you have several guys that really know the game. That made it pretty obvious to spot the forum ass ( Rusty S) LOL. It seems that it comes as a great surprise, to some on your forum, that the announcers are paid by the University of Akron. Of course they are biased.

I hope for continued success for Shaka and VCU, Keep in touch DB

Haha, we know all about homer announcers (we have some ourselves), but this blew even them away. It was highly entertaining listening to them making up phantom foul, travels, and carries on us every offensive possession.

It's certainly par for the course, but our fans have listened to a lot of homer announcers and yours were a different level altogether.

Yeah, I've said the same to my wife many times that French is a tad over the top, no doubt

[Dr Z]

These comments are starting to get maddening...switch coaches? Inability to win games? These are ridiculous statements. KD has given us wins against Mississippi State (2), Florida State (1), 5 straight MACC appearances, we have gone to 2 NCAA tournaments in the past three years, yet we keep reloading and the team progresses further and further along every year. before Keith the last time we were to the NCAA's was in what '86?

Put the gun down Jalapeno. I was speaking of one game. Would the outcome be different? I didn't get to hear KD speak last night after the game, I wish I could have. My first question to him after the game would have been, "looking back, what would you have done different tonight?" Can KD make a mistake coaching during a game in your eyes? If he can, we can discuss, if he can't, there is no point.

[skip-zip]

I found a few things that stuck out at me, from watching the game, and also reading the stats.

1) I rarely talk about officiating, so I'll do that first. It was unbelievably HORRIBLE. How does a team score 70+ points and win when they are only shooting 39% from the field? There's only one way, with officials that send you to the line all night long, and keep the other team away. The refs had a huge impact on this game.

2) Great defensive effort from Zeke in changing so many shots. But, some things on the offensive end continue to puzzle me. How does he play 37 minutes, at 7 foot tall, within a few feet of the basket, but only make 2 field goals? And how does he play 37 minutes at that size, that close to the basket, and only pull down 3 rebounds? You would think that he could double or triple those numbers, nightly, just by chance.

3) The 20 turnovers were unacceptable. What really hurts is that it seemed like so many of them were just stupid passes, and not a result of VCUs defense.

4) I would have thought that Treadwell would have played much more. This was a rough game suited for his abilities. He could have been much more of a factor.

5) I can't believe so many people are screaming about Nik bringing the ball up the floor. It was a great idea considering that Nik is a good ball handler for his size/position, and was being guarded by a big man who was tremendously challenged in being able to knock the ball away from a dribbler. I think it worked quite well.

[Districtballer]

Here is the last minute that one of our fans recorded: