Middle Tenn game...............

[lumberjack]

I'd shake up the starting lineup - Marshall, Cvetinovic, Harney, Diggs, Abreu. I'd also like to see more of Gilliam - seems like he could be an important scorer for this team off of the bench.

I agree with you about seeing more of Gilliam. He's getting very frustrated and finding it hard putting on a zips uniform. He's starting to feel less than a significant player.

[Blue & Gold]

I'd shake up the starting lineup - Marshall, Cvetinovic, Harney, Diggs, Abreu. I'd also like to see more of Gilliam - seems like he could be an important scorer for this team off of the bench.

I agree with you on this about seeing more of Gilliam. He's getting very frustrated and finding it hard putting on a zips uniform. He feels starting to feel less than a significant player.

This is bad news. Gilliam looks like he's got as much scoring potential as anyone on our roster, but confidence is so important & I wouldn't want Gilliam to begin to doubt himself. No good playing tight.

[lumberjack]

I'd shake up the starting lineup - Marshall, Cvetinovic, Harney, Diggs, Abreu. I'd also like to see more of Gilliam - seems like he could be an important scorer for this team off of the bench.

I agree with you on this about seeing more of Gilliam. He's getting very frustrated and finding it hard putting on a zips uniform. He feels starting to feel less than a significant player.

This is bad news. Gilliam looks like he's got as much scoring potential as anyone on our roster, but confidence is so important & I wouldn't want Gilliam to begin to doubt himself. No good playing tight.

Confidence is one thing which he doesn't lack in most cases (he lives for the big game). He can change games but is not getting the opportunity to prove himself. He likes high pressure games and he want to win at all costs. There is one thing he's having a hard time understanding along with me and that is trying to understand what is called "Akron Basketball". Let the best players play regardless of transfer, freshman, walk on, etc. This is a different team who is very athletic with plenty of ego. Let them let it loose on the court...

[UAZip0510]

I'd shake up the starting lineup - Marshall, Cvetinovic, Harney, Diggs, Abreu. I'd also like to see more of Gilliam - seems like he could be an important scorer for this team off of the bench.

I agree with you on this about seeing more of Gilliam. He's getting very frustrated and finding it hard putting on a zips uniform. He feels starting to feel less than a significant player.

This is bad news. Gilliam looks like he's got as much scoring potential as anyone on our roster, but confidence is so important & I wouldn't want Gilliam to begin to doubt himself. No good playing tight.

Confidence is one thing which he doesn't lack in most cases (he lives for the big game). He can change games but is not getting the opportunity to prove himself. He likes high pressure games and he want to win at all costs. There is one thing he's having a hard time understanding along with me and that is trying to understand what is called "Akron Basketball". Let the best players play regardless of transfer, freshman, walk on, etc. This is a different team who is very athletic with plenty of ego. Let them let it loose on the court...

He always looks ready to go...I thought before the season and still think he'd be an important part of this team. Maybe he'll get some PT during the stretch of home games in December and get his chance.

[lumberjack]

I'd shake up the starting lineup - Marshall, Cvetinovic, Harney, Diggs, Abreu. I'd also like to see more of Gilliam - seems like he could be an important scorer for this team off of the bench.

My starting line-up would be:

Zeke

Alex

Harney

Gilliam

Diggs

I like Nick but he is not athletic and this is why he shouldn't start. Gilliam and Diggs will pose a tandem threat scoring from the wing. Let the team beat the defense back down the floor and this is why there was so much success in Canada. Bring Tree in for Zeke and Nick in for Harney. From the backcourt sub in Walsh for Gilliam and Nitro for Diggs. I watched the team run over the summer and those 5 give had real chemistry. This group engaged in high flying dunks, alley's, long range and short perimeter shooting etc. It was electrifying to watch.

[lumberjack]

I'd shake up the starting lineup - Marshall, Cvetinovic, Harney, Diggs, Abreu. I'd also like to see more of Gilliam - seems like he could be an important scorer for this team off of the bench.

I agree with you on this about seeing more of Gilliam. He's getting very frustrated and finding it hard putting on a zips uniform. He feels starting to feel less than a significant player.

This is bad news. Gilliam looks like he's got as much scoring potential as anyone on our roster, but confidence is so important & I wouldn't want Gilliam to begin to doubt himself. No good playing tight.

Confidence is one thing which he doesn't lack in most cases (he lives for the big game). He can change games but is not getting the opportunity to prove himself. He likes high pressure games and he want to win at all costs. There is one thing he's having a hard time understanding along with me and that is trying to understand what is called "Akron Basketball". Let the best players play regardless of transfer, freshman, walk on, etc. This is a different team who is very athletic with plenty of ego. Let them let it loose on the court...

He always looks ready to go...I thought before the season and still think he'd be an important part of this team. Maybe he'll get some PT during the stretch of home games in December and get his chance.

Lets hope so otherwise he may be considering a change...

[Dave in Green]

Concerning Gilliam's playing time, KD has a history of giving PT to players who play hard defense.

A good offensive player who can average 20 points per game but plays soft defense and gives up 22 ppg to the players he's guarding results in a net 2-point loss for the team. A good defensive player who only averages 10 ppg but holds the opponents he's guarding to 8 ppg results in a net 2-point gain for the team.

From what I've seen of Gilliam on offense, he looks to be able to score at a fairly high rate. I haven't watched him that closely on defense, but it's possible that he may not be playing at a level where KD believes his combined offense and defense results in a net gain for the team while he's on the floor.

I'll try to watch Gilliam closer on defense over the next few games to get a better idea. In the meantime, maybe someone else can comment on this theory.

[Blue & Gold]

Concerning Gilliam's playing time, KD has a history of giving PT to players who play hard defense.

When I hear KD talk about "Akron basketball," this policy of giving it all on the defensive end of the floor is what I think he's referring to.

[Blue & Gold]

Did anyone hear the postgame interview w/ KD? What'd he have to say?

[Doug Snyder]

Did anyone hear the postgame interview w/ KD? What'd he have to say?

He was brutally honest. Sounded like GP1 was analizing the loss and play of his team. Refreshing. The interesting thing he said was that only 6 guys were playing well right now and that the 2 seniors have not come through yet on the offensive end.

[BirdZip]

Lets hope so otherwise he may be considering a change...

Sounds like a threat.

If you're truly in the know, and are implying that Gilliam is considering leaving the program, then I've lost all respect for a player I had high hopes for. He is struggling on defense--clear to see if you watch 5 minutes--and that's important. Chauncey is 7 games into his Zips career and is questioning his coach's decisions already? Not a good sign.

I don't know the story behind Chauncey--why did he leave UMBC? Would he be happier if we were winning but he was still playing the same role?

[Doug Snyder]

Concerning Gilliam's playing time, KD has a history of giving PT to players who play hard defense.

When I hear KD talk about "Akron basketball," this policy of giving it all on the defensive end of the floor is what I think he's referring to.

KD always says "it starts on the defensive end". I think he expects defensive effort and smart play within the system.

From what I see....Gilliam seems lost at times and presses and forces some shots. He does not seem to move well without the ball...but I am not sure what is expected of him with the guys they have on the floor with him. I can guarantee KD will never be playing like the old Loyola and UNLV style. Gilliam should have done his homework if he does not like the "defense first" style of play. I hope we do not lose him and he starts to get some rhythm and more PT soon. He seems like a good kid and has talent. But this is a young team with some undisciplined guys who need special attention...we can't afford to have a bad attitude in the locker room.

[Captain Kangaroo]

I'd shake up the starting lineup - Marshall, Cvetinovic, Harney, Diggs, Abreu. I'd also like to see more of Gilliam - seems like he could be an important scorer for this team off of the bench.

I agree with you about seeing more of Gilliam. He's getting very frustrated and finding it hard putting on a zips uniform.

Then it's a good thing he isn't a Zips football player.

[Doug Snyder]

I'd shake up the starting lineup - Marshall, Cvetinovic, Harney, Diggs, Abreu. I'd also like to see more of Gilliam - seems like he could be an important scorer for this team off of the bench.

I agree with you about seeing more of Gilliam. He's getting very frustrated and finding it hard putting on a zips uniform.

Then it's a good thing he isn't a Zips football player.

Although....I bet he would be pretty good. He is built like a rock. We need a tigh end right??

[lumberjack]

Concerning Gilliam's playing time, KD has a history of giving PT to players who play hard defense.

When I hear KD talk about "Akron basketball," this policy of giving it all on the defensive end of the floor is what I think he's referring to.

KD always says "it starts on the defensive end". I think he expects defensive effort and smart play within the system.

From what I see....Gilliam seems lost at times and presses and forces some shots. He does not seem to move well without the ball...but I am not sure what is expected of him with the guys they have on the floor with him. I can guarantee KD will never be playing like the old Loyola and UNLV style. Gilliam should have done his homework if he does not like the "defense first" style of play. I hope we do not lose him and he starts to get some rhythm and more PT soon. He seems like a good kid and has talent. But this is a young team with some undisciplined guys who need special attention...we can't afford to have a bad attitude in the locker room.

I'm not sure what you meant by this comment to this post but if I interpret right you are saying what you think you observed and this is not fact. In your opinion you may be correct in your own mind but I assure you this is not the case in terms of Gilliam being lost Now you may be correct in that the shot selection may be questionable and he is struggling a little but that is part of the game. I don't think speculative judgements clarify how someone feels or doesn't feel if a person is unhappy. You don't understand that coaches find players and not the other way around. Players don't just get to choose where they will play or school they want to go to unless you are in the top 25. Coaches camp out in front of the homes of these players and promise the world and don't deliver and it happens all the time (not saying this is Gilliam's case). Although I have a lot of experience 1st hand I'm always looking to learn about a new system, thats why I enquired about "Akron's". Sometimes a situation can be can be good and sometimes it can be bad for players and has nothing to do with researching a school prior to going there. In terms of attitude in the locker room there is no evidence of it there or anywhere. Being dogmatic and making assumptions is not healthy discussion. Sharing constructive thoughts on the other hand is...

[GP1]

I'm not sure what you meant by this comment to this post but if I interpret right you are saying what you think you observed and this is not fact. In your opinion you may be correct in your own mind but I assure you this is not the case in terms of Gilliam being lost

Claiming a player is "lost" is an old ZN.O catch phrase. It's one of those things Zips basketball fans say when they think they can see into the mind of a player.

[Blue & Gold]

I'm not sure what you meant by this comment to this post but if I interpret right you are saying what you think you observed and this is not fact. In your opinion you may be correct in your own mind but I assure you this is not the case in terms of Gilliam being lost Now you may be correct in that the shot selection may be questionable and he is struggling a little but that is part of the game. I don't think speculative judgements clarify how someone feels or doesn't feel if a person is unhappy. You don't understand that coaches find players and not the other way around. Players don't just get to choose where they will play or school they want to go to unless you are in the top 25. Coaches camp out in front of the homes of these players and promise the world and don't deliver and it happens all the time (not saying this is Gilliam's case). Although I have a lot of experience 1st hand I'm always looking to learn about a new system, thats why I enquired about "Akron's". Sometimes a situation can be can be good and sometimes it can be bad for players and has nothing to do with researching a school prior to going there. In terms of attitude in the locker room there is no evidence of it there or anywhere. Being dogmatic and making assumptions is not healthy discussion. Sharing constructive thoughts on the other hand is...

Concerning the first portion of your quote which I highlighted, I agree. Gilliam, IMHO, just doesn't look real comfortable on offense right now. But I'm sure that will come. (We need it to come!) That might have to do with the fact, as Skip-Zip pointed out, there aren't many assists being dished out right now, so maybe it's just the whole team is in an offensive funk right now. Idk. Our mere 53 points against MTSU would definitely seem to indicate that. (Which was doubly disappointing considering AA was back.)

The second highlight, like I mentioned before, when KD talks about "Akron basketball," I think that usually he's referring to tough defense. However, if you want a more thorough analysis of the offense we run, I can't give it to you, but there is a post somewhere in the archives which can. Last year (when we still had a team composed more of undersized, earthbound shooters) it seemed as if our entire offense consisted of passing and passing and passing the ball around the perimeter until someone launched a 3. So anyway, last year someone posted an email they received from an assistant coach which tried to explain the offense which we ran, but it was so far over my head it was laughable! (To me, it just sounded like gibberish.) I don't know how to find that particular post, but I'd bet Dave in Green could find it. (However, the DNA of our team is so different this year from years' past, that I doubt we're running the same offensive scheme.)

Dave, can you dig up that old post?

[Doug Snyder]

Concerning Gilliam's playing time, KD has a history of giving PT to players who play hard defense.

When I hear KD talk about "Akron basketball," this policy of giving it all on the defensive end of the floor is what I think he's referring to.

KD always says "it starts on the defensive end". I think he expects defensive effort and smart play within the system.

From what I see....Gilliam seems lost at times and presses and forces some shots. He does not seem to move well without the ball...but I am not sure what is expected of him with the guys they have on the floor with him. I can guarantee KD will never be playing like the old Loyola and UNLV style. Gilliam should have done his homework if he does not like the "defense first" style of play. I hope we do not lose him and he starts to get some rhythm and more PT soon. He seems like a good kid and has talent. But this is a young team with some undisciplined guys who need special attention...we can't afford to have a bad attitude in the locker room.

I'm not sure what you meant by this comment to this post but if I interpret right you are saying what you think you observed and this is not fact. In your opinion you may be correct in your own mind but I assure you this is not the case in terms of Gilliam being lost Now you may be correct in that the shot selection may be questionable and he is struggling a little but that is part of the game. I don't think speculative judgements clarify how someone feels or doesn't feel if a person is unhappy. You don't understand that coaches find players and not the other way around. Players don't just get to choose where they will play or school they want to go to unless you are in the top 25. Coaches camp out in front of the homes of these players and promise the world and don't deliver and it happens all the time (not saying this is Gilliam's case). Although I have a lot of experience 1st hand I'm always looking to learn about a new system, thats why I enquired about "Akron's". Sometimes a situation can be can be good and sometimes it can be bad for players and has nothing to do with researching a school prior to going there. In terms of attitude in the locker room there is no evidence of it there or anywhere. Being dogmatic and making assumptions is not healthy discussion. Sharing constructive thoughts on the other hand is...

You seem very close to Gilliam...probably a family member. I normally do not engage in back and forth debate and would never with anyone as close to a player as you are with CG. I have the highest hopes for CG and think all the guys on this team are "good guys". This is a unique team in that regards.

Go Zips!!!

[lumberjack]

Concerning Gilliam's playing time, KD has a history of giving PT to players who play hard defense.

When I hear KD talk about "Akron basketball," this policy of giving it all on the defensive end of the floor is what I think he's referring to.

KD always says "it starts on the defensive end". I think he expects defensive effort and smart play within the system.

From what I see....Gilliam seems lost at times and presses and forces some shots. He does not seem to move well without the ball...but I am not sure what is expected of him with the guys they have on the floor with him. I can guarantee KD will never be playing like the old Loyola and UNLV style. Gilliam should have done his homework if he does not like the "defense first" style of play. I hope we do not lose him and he starts to get some rhythm and more PT soon. He seems like a good kid and has talent. But this is a young team with some undisciplined guys who need special attention...we can't afford to have a bad attitude in the locker room.

I'm not sure what you meant by this comment to this post but if I interpret right you are saying what you think you observed and this is not fact. In your opinion you may be correct in your own mind but I assure you this is not the case in terms of Gilliam being lost Now you may be correct in that the shot selection may be questionable and he is struggling a little but that is part of the game. I don't think speculative judgements clarify how someone feels or doesn't feel if a person is unhappy. You don't understand that coaches find players and not the other way around. Players don't just get to choose where they will play or school they want to go to unless you are in the top 25. Coaches camp out in front of the homes of these players and promise the world and don't deliver and it happens all the time (not saying this is Gilliam's case). Although I have a lot of experience 1st hand I'm always looking to learn about a new system, thats why I enquired about "Akron's". Sometimes a situation can be can be good and sometimes it can be bad for players and has nothing to do with researching a school prior to going there. In terms of attitude in the locker room there is no evidence of it there or anywhere. Being dogmatic and making assumptions is not healthy discussion. Sharing constructive thoughts on the other hand is...

You seem very close to Gilliam...probably a family member. I normally do not engage in back and forth debate and would never with anyone as close to a player as you are with CG. I have the highest hopes for CG and think all the guys on this team are "good guys". This is a unique team in that regards.

Go Zips!!!

Close enough...

[Dave in Green]

..... So anyway, last year someone posted an email they received from an assistant coach which tried to explain the offense which we ran, but it was so far over my head it was laughable! (To me, it just sounded like gibberish.) I don't know how to find that particular post, but I'd bet Dave in Green could find it. (However, the DNA of our team is so different this year from years' past, that I doubt we're running the same offensive scheme.)

Dave, can you dig up that old post?

Your wish is my command.

What type of offense do the Zips run?

[Blue & Gold]

..... So anyway, last year someone posted an email they received from an assistant coach which tried to explain the offense which we ran, but it was so far over my head it was laughable! (To me, it just sounded like gibberish.) I don't know how to find that particular post, but I'd bet Dave in Green could find it. (However, the DNA of our team is so different this year from years' past, that I doubt we're running the same offensive scheme.)

Dave, can you dig up that old post?

Your wish is my command.

What type of offense do the Zips run?

Thanks, man! I knew you'd be able to dig that up!

There you go, Lumberjack. Courtesy of Dave in Green.

[Doug Snyder]

I'm not sure what you meant by this comment to this post but if I interpret right you are saying what you think you observed and this is not fact. In your opinion you may be correct in your own mind but I assure you this is not the case in terms of Gilliam being lost

Claiming a player is "lost" is an old ZN.O catch phrase. It's one of those things Zips basketball fans say when they think they can see into the mind of a player.

When you see a Mexican wondering the borders of Alaska with tunnel building equipment....you can safely say by observation that the dude is "lost". May have worked in the old days...works quite well today. Give the guy a compass and send him on his way south.

No need to explain about CG. If he is out of place he either is lost...or incapable. He is very capable in my mind. People often take a little time assimilating into a new system or environment. Before…the play was in practice or Canadian games with only part of the team. These games are for real and the coaches have different expectations and the refs call the game differently and the opposition is unknown and unpredictable. I believe he will get up to speed and be productive.

[RACER]

i really don't care who kd puts in.all i know is nitro had one point in 29 min.you mean to tell me he plays better defense than gilliam, or harney.i know they don't play the same position ,but diggs can play the two man.how much worse can either of them do.harney had 19 min,but why is he not playing more.maybe getting tree back will help.if nitro is not hitting the three then how does he help the team.one point and two asst in 29 min is not going to cut it.at least kd seems to understand that somebody needs to step up, and be a leader.maybe things will change for the next game.

it's one thing to lose,but it's another thing to get run off the court.i trust kd will get the job done.

i just know i have seen enough of the current pt,and changes have to be made

[Blue & Gold]

i really don't care who kd puts in.all i know is nitro had one point in 29 min.you mean to tell me he plays better defense than gilliam, or harney.i know they don't play the same position ,but diggs can play the two man.how much worse can either of them do.harney had 19 min,but why is he not playing more.maybe getting tree back will help.if nitro is not hitting the three then how does he help the team.one point and two asst in 29 min is not going to cut it.at least kd seems to understand that somebody needs to step up, and be a leader.maybe things will change for the next game.

it's one thing to lose,but it's another thing to get run off the court.i trust kd will get the job done.

i just know i have seen enough of the current pt,and changes have to be made

+1.

So far this year Nitro's been downright awful.

[Districtballer]

In another example of how crazy this OOC season has been for a lot of teams, Middle Tennessee lost by 10 on the road at previously 1-6 UAB.

Parity abounds.