Canada Game Updates

[akronzips71]

Gilliam is the closest thing I can imagine to a direct replacement for B McKnight as an instant offense guy. Like B McKnight, he's a little undersized for his position in height, but is the heaviest player on the team (235 lbs. vs B McKnight's 245). The main difference on offense is that Gilliam is more athletic and prefers to take it to the bucket as much as shooting from outside. So in shooting he's much more versatile. It remains to be seen how he will compare to B McKnight on rebounding and defense.

But Gilliam may fit the role of 6th man spark plug off the bench as a direct replacement for B McKnight even better than Q, who GoZips has been advocating as 6th man. Gilliam could also easily be a starter. I think that KD will juggle the starters for awhile to see which combinations produce the best results.

Chauncey brings something Brett McKnight never had. That is, an understanding of how to

play defense. Chauncey loiters down low on weak side help. He will get plenty of rebounds,

and stick backs.

As for my rationale on playing Quincy as the sixth man, Q has the most versatility of any Zip

to play almost all the positions. Thus, he can come in off the bench and play with strength

at three, maybe four positions. I can't see this with Gilliam. This partially due to Diggs

being taller (6'-6"). Although, I admit that Chauncey can play the one, the two and the

three pretty well.

Both Gilliam and Diggs will get a lot of minutes. Go with the hot hand.

Based on what little I saw last night, Gilliam will be fighting for a starting spot. He reminds me of J Wood, and Larry Quarles back in the day. That straight up "try to go thru me" stance. I am less impressed with Q, who still seems to be all over the place. But it is early, not even the season yet, and everyone will improve.

[yazan07]

Gilliam will be the best replacement for B. McKnight because he will be wearing #23

[Derrt]

I like Chauncey's and Nick's game. Chauncey is a definitely a scorer. Am I crazy for thinking McClanahan could play the 6th man role? I mean the line up below seems great from a defensive stand point

Zeke-5

Chauncey-2 (scorer)

Q -1 or 3 (Could play point) with the assists I say last night

Nick-3 or 4

Tree-4/Alex-1

[Doug Snyder]

I like Chauncey's and Nick's game. Chauncey is a definitely a scorer. Am I crazy for thinking McClanahan could play the 6th man role? I mean the line up below seems great from a defensive stand point

Zeke-5

Chauncey-2 (scorer)

Q -1 or 3 (Could play point) with the assists I say last night

Nick-3 or 4

Tree-4/Alex-1

5 of the 6 would be new starters. 3 of the 6 would be new to the program. Not going to happen and I don't think it should. Not only will McClanahan will be one of the team leaders....he will be a returning starter and a senior. Also...Tree and Nick should not be on the floor together as they lack experiance. And most importantly...where is the Serb??

I agree with GoZip and think Q should be the 6th man. With his versatility he would be a difficult matchup for any second unit we play. He could be aggressive off the bench and make our second unit one of our strengths. Who plays at the end will be determined by the opponent and who is playing well. My guess is that Q will be on the floor at the end of games and be a leader in minutes played. But I like the idea of his start coming 10 minutes into the game where he could either extend a lead or change the momentum.

[Dave in Green]

Understanding KD's preference for veteran players experienced in his system, Here are my odds on starters when the season begins:

1. (100%) Zeke at center without question. He's the only pure center on the team, he's a junior, and he's darn good and getting better. No one else in the picture as a starting center, with Egner the likely backup.

2. (99%) Rico almost certainly at the point. He's the only pure point guard on the team, he's a sophomore, and he's darn good and getting better. Remote (1% chance) Walsh could get so good so fast to move from backup point to starter.

3. (99%) The Serb almost certainly at power forward. He's the second tallest player on the team, he's a senior, and he's darn good and getting better. Remote (1% chance) one of the other bigs could get real good real fast.

4. (95%) Nitro highly likely at wing guard. He had his breakthrough in his junior year, and he's a senior now. He'd have to choke or one of the other wing guards would have to get real good real fast for the starting job to change.

5. (95%) Q highly likely at wing forward. He got really good over the course of his sophomore season, and he's a junior now, so he's earned the start. It gets a little tricky here with Gilliam also being a talented junior. But with Q's year of experience in the Zips' system, the start at the beginning of the season goes to Q. As the season goes on, it's possible that Gilliam's performance might convince KD he's more effective as a starter and Q might prove more of a spark off the bench. It's also possible that Gilliam may be the perfect spark plug off the bench.

The above lineup is almost certainly the starting lineup for the first few games of the season, and possibly for the whole season. But it's also likely that the percentages at many of the positions will shift as the non-starters get better and begin challenging for more PT.

Some of the subs will get lots of PT as they show their abilities to perform in KD's system. Bumping one of the starters is possible but not likely. If more than one of the starters changes, it will mean that the new players as a group are pretty extraordinary.

[Derrt]

I forgot about the serb since I didnt see him play last night.

[mes102]

I forgot about the serb since I didnt see him play last night.

by the way, Serb had 9 points and 10 boards in 25 minutes against Hong Kong. Couldn't remember seeing that anywhere. Sorry if it was already posted...

[zippyfan34]

Georgetown fights with China team on their interntational trip. http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball...game-ends-brawl

[akronzips71]

Understanding KD's preference for veteran players experienced in his system, Here are my odds on starters when the season begins:

1. (100%) Zeke at center without question. He's the only pure center on the team, he's a junior, and he's darn good and getting better. No one else in the picture as a starting center, with Egner the likely backup.

2. (99%) Rico almost certainly at the point. He's the only pure point guard on the team, he's a sophomore, and he's darn good and getting better. Remote (1% chance) Walsh could get so good so fast to move from backup point to starter.

3. (99%) The Serb almost certainly at power forward. He's the second tallest player on the team, he's a senior, and he's darn good and getting better. Remote (1% chance) one of the other bigs could get real good real fast.

4. (95%) Nitro highly likely at wing guard. He had his breakthrough in his junior year, and he's a senior now. He'd have to choke or one of the other wing guards would have to get real good real fast for the starting job to change.

5. (95%) Q highly likely at wing forward. He got really good over the course of his sophomore season, and he's a junior now, so he's earned the start. It gets a little tricky here with Gilliam also being a talented junior. But with Q's year of experience in the Zips' system, the start at the beginning of the season goes to Q. As the season goes on, it's possible that Gilliam's performance might convince KD he's more effective as a starter and Q might prove more of a spark off the bench. It's also possible that Gilliam may be the perfect spark plug off the bench.

The above lineup is almost certainly the starting lineup for the first few games of the season, and possibly for the whole season. But it's also likely that the percentages at many of the positions will shift as the non-starters get better and begin challenging for more PT.

Some of the subs will get lots of PT as they show their abilities to perform in KD's system. Bumping one of the starters is possible but not likely. If more than one of the starters changes, it will mean that the new players as a group are pretty extraordinary.

By the time we get into Mac play I think Gilliam will own that spot. He just looks to me like an "enforcer", hard to describe what I mean, but he has a nice stroke, can go inside, and stands his ground. And he just sort of has that "Blake Griffin" look that says "I dare you". Again, the only time I have seen him play was in the webcast the other night, but he seems to have presence on the court. More so than any other player, except maybe the Serb.

[ZachTheZip]

CBS Sports takes a look at the Zips following their Canada trip.

Lots of good nuggets of information here.

[Quickzips]

If we are going to be speculating about rotations here is what it looks like to me so far.

Starters:

PG - Alex Abreu: If you would have asked me a few months ago I would have said there was a much better chance of seeing Brian Walsh here, but all reports are that Abreu has re-committed to his physical endurance and his picked it up a notch on the court. If he can provide the kind of stability that he seemed to in the Carleton game he is our starting PG, end of discussion.

SG - Chauncey Gilliam: Another spot that if you had asked me a month or two ago I would have had a different answer (Brett McClanahan). Chauncey looks to have a diverse skill set and seems to already have the defensive skills that you know KD loves. At 6'5" 235 with the ability to slash to the basket or knock down shots from outside he provides a matchup nightmare for most teams.

SF - Quincy Diggs: Sorry GoZips, I am not buying the 6th man role for Q. I can see him rotating between 2 or 3 positions, but I don't see him coming off of the bench. He's clearly earned a considerable amount of trust from KD in a very short period of time and coach isn't going to keep a guy like that on the bench to start a game. Only thing I could see changing this is if the wrist injury lingers for a very long time.

PF - Nik Cvetinovic: Senior, multi-year starter, emotional leader. While I like Egner and am intrigued by Tree, I don't see anyone else who provides nearly as much to this team as Nik does. You don't convince a guy to give up a potential pro contract in his home country to come back for his senior year only to move him to a bench role.

C - Zeke Marshall: I don't think anyone can really argue this one so I won't even bother explaining it.

Backups:

PG/SG - Brian Walsh: Like I said above, I could have seen him starting if you had asked me a month or so ago.

SG/SF - Brett McClanahan: I would expect to see him as the 6th man getting significant minutes. Arguably the best 3 point marksman on the team, his skill set will come in handy with all the slashers we have on this years team.

SF/PF - Nick Harney: Of the true freshmen he seems to be the furthest along in his development and the most ready to contribute right now. I don't know if he will get a ton of minutes, but I think you will see him on the floor enough for him to make an impact.

PF/C - Josh Egner: Apparently the staff sees him being able to play the backup C minutes and with his ability to play at the 4 as well you have to expect him to get minutes. Should provide some shot blocking and rebounding off the bench and the video from Canada shows a much smoother offensive player than I saw in limited action last year.

Other:

Deji Ibitayo - I honestly see him redshirting this year. There is quite a bit of depth at the wing positions, and I didn't really hear a lot out of him from Canada that gives me the "you have to play him now" impression.

Blake Justice - See Deji Ibitayo.

Michael Green - Nothing I have seen or heard on him gives me the impression he will be in the rotation this year. I hate to say it because he seems like a good kid, but he could probably stand to transfer down a division.

Demetrius Treadwell - Tree is the wild card in my book. There is talent there, but there also seems to be a lot of holes in his game. I really don't know where to put him right now.

[yazan07]

CBS Sports takes a look at the Zips following their Canada trip.

Lots of good nuggets of information here.

"Dambrot said he's got a good idea of the starting lineup. Cvetinovic and McClanahan will line up with junior 7-footer Zeke Marshall, sophomore point guard Alex Abreu and junior forward Quincy Diggs."

[Dr Z]

SF - Quincy Diggs: Sorry GoZips, I am not buying the 6th man role for Q. I can see him rotating between 2 or 3 positions, but I don't see him coming off of the bench. He's clearly earned a considerable amount of trust from KD in a very short period of time and coach isn't going to keep a guy like that on the bench to start a game. Only thing I could see changing this is if the wrist injury lingers for a very long time.

Dambrot agrees with you Quick. And he says the injury is "minor".

[Quickzips]

CBS Sports takes a look at the Zips following their Canada trip.

Lots of good nuggets of information here.

"Dambrot said he's got a good idea of the starting lineup. Cvetinovic and McClanahan will line up with junior 7-footer Zeke Marshall, sophomore point guard Alex Abreu and junior forward Quincy Diggs."

Article also says that Kyle Peterson is going to get significant playing time. No offense to Kyle, but I very much doubt he see's anything more than mop up time. Of course, with as good as we are supposed to be this year that could mean him getting 10+ minutes a game (just stirring the pot here).

[Zip Watcher]

CBS Sports takes a look at the Zips following their Canada trip.

Lots of good nuggets of information here.

"Dambrot said he's got a good idea of the starting lineup. Cvetinovic and McClanahan will line up with junior 7-footer Zeke Marshall, sophomore point guard Alex Abreu and junior forward Quincy Diggs."

Article also says that Kyle Peterson is going to get significant playing time. No offense to Kyle, but I very much doubt he see's anything more than mop up time. Of course, with as good as we are supposed to be this year that could mean him getting 10+ minutes a game (just stirring the pot here).

Really?

[Dave in Green]

No, the article said that the three seniors would all get playing time, not significant playing time. Petersen will get playing time, just not as significant as the two starting seniors, Nitro and the Serb.

Unlike the CBS writer, I didn't even have to interview KD to make yesterday's prediction about who his starting lineup is likely to be.

[GoZips]

SF - Quincy Diggs: Sorry GoZips, I am not buying the 6th man role for Q. I can see him rotating between 2 or 3 positions, but I don't see him coming off of the bench. He's clearly earned a considerable amount of trust from KD in a very short period of time and coach isn't going to keep a guy like that on the bench to start a game. Only thing I could see changing this is if the wrist injury lingers for a very long time.

Dambrot agrees with you Quick. And he says the injury is "minor".

Interesting. You completely missed Brett McClanahan who I have at the shooting guard as did Dambrot.

I will stand by my line up with Nick Harney at the small forward; for several reasons. First, Nick is taller and

a good bit more athletic than Quincy is. Nick is a better shooter and rebounder. Nick plays his game more

under control. Also, Quincy is far and away the most versatile Zip player. Which makes him more valuable

as a multi-position player. The sixth man will get the same minutes or more minutes than most of the

so called starters.

As for not having McClanahan as the starting shooting guard; only a serious injury would sit him down.

He is a senior with a ton of playing experience. If you actually believe that Diggs is a better player than

Brett, go tell that to Dambrot.

Try to understand something. I have absolutely nothing against Quincy Diggs. I want him on the floor as

much as possible. I also want him to play where he gives the most to the team. And, in my mind's eye

that is playing a multi-position role where his talents and energy can best be used. Being the sixth man

is not a punishment; it is a compliment.

Prediction: CJ Oldham will play a fair amount of minutes. Far more than Kyle Petersen has any hope of.

[Quickzips]

SF - Quincy Diggs: Sorry GoZips, I am not buying the 6th man role for Q. I can see him rotating between 2 or 3 positions, but I don't see him coming off of the bench. He's clearly earned a considerable amount of trust from KD in a very short period of time and coach isn't going to keep a guy like that on the bench to start a game. Only thing I could see changing this is if the wrist injury lingers for a very long time.

Dambrot agrees with you Quick. And he says the injury is "minor".

Interesting. You completely missed Brett McClanahan who I have at the shooting guard as did Dambrot.

I will stand by my line up with Nick Harney at the small forward; for several reasons. First, Nick is taller and

a good bit more athletic than Quincy is. Nick is a better shooter and rebounder. Nick plays his game more

under control. Also, Quincy is far and away the most versatile Zip player. Which makes him more valuable

as a multi-position player. The sixth man will get the same minutes or more minutes than most of the

so called starters.

As for not having McClanahan as the starting shooting guard; only a serious injury would sit him down.

He is a senior with a ton of playing experience. If you actually believe that Diggs is a better player than

Brett, go tell that to Dambrot.

Try to understand something. I have absolutely nothing against Quincy Diggs. I want him on the floor as

much as possible. I also want him to play where he gives the most to the team. And, in my mind's eye

that is playing a multi-position role where his talents and energy can best be used. Being the sixth man

is not a punishment; it is a compliment.

Prediction: CJ Oldham will play a fair amount of minutes. Far more than Kyle Petersen has any hope of.

I never said you had anything against Q. I just don't think that the 6th man role is the right position for him. I have no doubt that he is going to get big minutes one way or another, but I don't see how he is going to be sitting on the bench to start the game. Like I said earlier, KD has shown a significant amount of trust in this young man through the last 1/3 of last season and especially in the post-season tournaments. If KD's history has taught us anything it is that he wants guys like that in the game early and often. I stick by the prediction.

I don't think I am that far off base on Nitro, although from Dambrot's article I may well be. However, I am confused by your implication that Nitro is a better player than Q. More experienced, maybe, but lets not forget that Brett was intended to redshirt for about 2/3 of his freshman year and then saw pretty infrequent playing time until his Junior year. I will let Dave the stat guru step in here and correct me if I am way off on this, but I suspect that if you add up Q's playing time in his first two years (between N.Orleans and last year with the Zips) and Nitro's playing time his first two years, Q may actually be a bit ahead of the curve. Nitro is a key part for the Zips, you can't put a value on a guy who is willing to take and make big shots from long range, but let's not fool ourselves here. Brett is an average defender at best, and while he can hit some mid-range shots and finish on some drives to the rims, he doesn't have near the defensive potential or diversity to his game that Q does. I could be way off base on putting Gilliam over Brett starting at SG, but I think that is a lot more reasonable prediction than Harney starting at SF over Q. I guess we'll have to wait a couple months to see though.

[Dave in Green]

There are more things to consider here beyond whether one player might be a little better than another player. A freshman would have to be absolutely spectacular to knock an established junior or senior out of a KD starting lineup. No one really knows what the net effect would be on the confidence of the junior/senior who lost his starting job. The net effect on overall team play might end up being negative, as it takes more than five good players to have a strong basketball team.

In any case, starting does not automatically equate to most PT. It's possible for someone to come off the bench and end up playing more minutes than a starter. The key is to have the most effective players in the game at the right time against a given opponent. This can change from game to game.

In most cases it makes sense to give proven veterans the respect of being starters unless it's absolutely undeniable to everyone -- including the affected players -- that the team is clearly better off with a freshman starting.

[Dr Z]

A freshman would have to be absolutely spectacular to knock an established junior or senior out of a KD starting lineup.

I would agree with that. Especially at the beginning of the year. I would give it a ten percent chance of happening late in the mac season, barring injury.

[ZachTheZip]

Terry Pluto mentions the Zips in his column about the Indians.

I'll keep my mouth shut about what I think of his columns, but the more pre-season hype we can build in the area the better.

[ZachTheZip]

Looks like Nikola will get his game in against a Canadian college team after all, as Serbia has made it into the finals and will face Canada for the championship.

It's great for Nik to get this far. He's getting in a lot of training that he would have otherwise missed out on. To make it to the finals means that he has had several weeks of extra training that he wouldn't have gotten if they got knocked out in the first round. It also speaks to the kind of team he's training with and their talent level.

[Dave in Green]

Nice article about the Zips' Canadian trip, the importance of the Serb to the team, the changes in the conference tournament, etc., on collegehoops.net :

Akron Takes First Step Towards Repeat

[johnnyzip84]

Nikola doesn't get any minutes in the championship game of Universiade 2011, but he DOES get a GOLD MEDAL. Congrats, Nik!!

[GoZips]

Nikola doesn't get any minutes in the championship game of Universiade 2011, but he DOES get a GOLD MEDAL. Congrats, Nik!!

Wonder if Nikola is hurt. All the other Serbia players got in the game. The score indicates

that Serbia put the Canucks away in the second half. 68-55 Serbia wins.