Miami In-Game Thread

[Dave in Green]

..... And one more, btw, Harney is going to be SICK!

Harney is already ranked high nationally in one scoring statistic. He's ranked #60 in the country in points per minute played (.58 ppm). The only MAC player ranked ahead of him in that stat is Javon McRae, who's #9 in the country (.67 ppm). Jarrod Jones is ranked #66 (.57 ppm). As Harney works his way back into more PT, he's likely to be the Zips' leading scorer.

.

NCAA Player Points

Beating Miami, along with the losses by Can't and OU, produced good statistical results for the Zips in the Pomeroy ratings.

Zips are now the top-ranked MAC team in the Pomeroy ratings at #69.

Can't is #77, Buffalo #78 and OH #79.

Pomeroy Ratings

[Quickzips]

After years of watching the Zips play against Charlie Coles, I learned two things.

One, don't expect to be entertained, and two don't read anything into the results of the outcome.

Take the W, and move on...

+1.

Can't get too caught up in the box score of a Miami game or the appearance on the floor. This is a different type of basketball than almost every other team in the country plays. It isn't going to look like a "normal" game.

A few other thoughts on last night:

I definitley felt like I watched Zeke regress significantly last night. More than the box score, the lack of scoring or the lack of rebounds, I saw the same body language out of him on the court that we saw for the last two years. He wasn't engaged. He pouted after poor plays. He wasn't demanding the ball in the low post. Still waiting for the big "breakout" we've all been expecting.

Those of you wanting to see less of Nitro are starting to get your wish. Last night Brett got only 14 minutes off the bench while Walsh played 28 and got virtually all of the minutes in crunch time. I'm sure it didn't hurt that Walsh was hitting his shots and playing pretty decent defense. I personally expect this trend to continue. Walsh is every bit the 3 point shooter that McClanahan is, but he also has the ability to hit the mid range jumper and do some good things moving to the basket.

Harney had 11 points in 10 minutse on the floor last night. I know KD still has him on a bit of a short leash, and I know we are deep at the forward positions, but this kid is going to have to start getting more than 10 minutes per night pretty soon here. We have to find more ways to get him on the floor.

I am really concerned about the BG game coming up Wednesday night. BG plays a really good zone defense (just ask OU), and the Zips continue to struggle against the zone. When Miami went to the zone in the first half the Zips offense completely died. KD better spend a good amount of practice time the next few days working on how to break down a 2/3 zone. If not that BG game is going to be mighty ugly.

[GP1]

Yeah..I said it earlier...Zeke was soooo not into the game tonight.

Don't sweat it. It's a 32 game season. Everyone is going to have one bad night. Think of it like this....One game is only 3.1% of the season. If a player struggles for 3% of the season, that's a pretty good player.

"Some days you get the bear. Other days, the bear gets you." - Unknown

[Zips Win!]

I have to give LOTS of credit to Charlie Cole. Think about it for a second, he had to prepare his team to play against a bigger, faster, and more talented team. The only winning card he had is Mavunga(sp?) and the freshman guard who got a little hot from behind the arc. He was still able the draw plays that limited Zeke's effect in the middle and put his winning cards in good positions to keep scoring. He also succeeded to a large extent in slowing down the game to eliminate the Zips speed and athleticism advantage. This guy is simply a genius

Genius my ass. His style of play is the most god awful brand of hoops known to mankind. My daughters begged me to go to Oxford yesterday.

I refused as I knew the game would be terrible.

Now, don't take this the wrong way. I hope Coles stays at MU for another decade. He will win if he gets lucky, otherwise, no way...

We complain about attendance at the JAR. It's no wonder they get 1500 to watch that crap...

Finally, play Harney!!!

[johnnyzip84]

We complain about attendance at the JAR. It's no wonder they get 1500 to watch that crap...

I noticed that during Frenchy's post game, too. This is what will eventually "do in" Coles.

[skip-zip]

A concern I have is Zeke's lack of rebounding. Zero in 31 minutes! With the same playing time Tree would have had double digit boards. Doesn't look good to get out-rebounded by our guards, again. Still a very good night for the Zips.

I point this out quite often.

[FromdaBurgh]

+1.

I definitley felt like I watched Zeke regress significantly last night. More than the box score, the lack of scoring or the lack of rebounds, I saw the same body language out of him on the court that we saw for the last two years. He wasn't engaged. He pouted after poor plays. He wasn't demanding the ball in the low post. Still waiting for the big "breakout" we've all been expecting.

OK..QZ..I'm gonna have to disagree with you on this one. While I am and was the first to say that Zeke was SOOOOO not in the game yesterday...I disagree that he "regressed" or that he pouted after poor plays....though I have not personally spoken to him, could it simply be that Zeke was having a really sh****** couple of days and it simply showed in his play yesterday. I was watching the game and he looked REALLY DISTRACTED...like he wasn't there...SOMETHING was definitely on his mind and it caused him to have a really BAD DAY! Let's not get it twisted...Zeke still leads the team in scoring...but give the kid a break...I mean..don't we ALL at some point and time in our lives...have a CRAPPY, UNPRODUCTIVE day??!! Certainly wont make any excuses for him...because....he is certainly going to have to learn how to not allow off the court distractions show up on the court. I said it in another post...its easier said than done though...BUT do it he must! He'll get it together...this I absolutely know! #justsayin.com#

[lumberjack]

OK..QZ..I'm gonna have to disagree with you on this one. While I am and was the first to say that Zeke was SOOOOO not in the game yesterday...I disagree that he "regressed" or that he pouted after poor plays....though I have not personally spoken to him, could it simply be that Zeke was having a really sh****** couple of days and it simply showed in his play yesterday. I was watching the game and he looked REALLY DISTRACTED...like he wasn't there...SOMETHING was definitely on his mind and it caused him to have a really BAD DAY! Let's not get it twisted...Zeke still leads the team in scoring...but give the kid a break...I mean..don't we ALL at some point and time in our lives...have a CRAPPY, UNPRODUCTIVE day??!! Certainly wont make any excuses for him...because....he is certainly going to have to learn how to not allow off the court distractions show up on the court. I said it in another post...its easier said than done though...BUT do it he must! He'll get it together...this I absolutely know! #justsayin.com#

I think this was one of the worst games as a team and coaching this season from my perspective. The Zips caught a break getting a win they should have eased through. Where is the inside outside play on the offense? I hate isolation plays from Q (not the NBA this is college) and where the heck is the inside outside play on offense having a 7 footer on the team. In my opinion having people put in place to lead the team decision making substituting and play calling was down right awful. I think Harney is a ball hog and needs to learn to play as a team and could well get 30 a night with more minutes. But so could other players as well. I also think there is a level of favoritism for some players versus others because some players get away with some crap that shouldn't be tolerated that hurts the team. What is interesting to me is when seemingly the right players are on the floor and things are clicking substitutions are made and the team fall in and out of the same hole over and over again. This is something that can't be taught as I said before some things you just know. At Marshall I saw that the team had matured playing together by impressive form and the game last night it's got me wondering. Who was this team on the floor last night?

[bandzip]

I think this was one of the worst games as a team and coaching this season from my perspective. The Zips caught a break getting a win they should have eased through. Where is the inside outside play on the offense? I hate isolation plays from Q (not the NBA this is college) and where the heck is the inside outside play on offense having a 7 footer on the team. In my opinion having people put in place to lead the team decision making substituting and play calling was down right awful. I think Harney is a ball hog and needs to learn to play as a team and could well get 30 a night with more minutes. But so could other players as well. I also think there is a level of favoritism for some players versus others because some players get away with some crap that shouldn't be tolerated that hurts the team. What is interesting to me is when seemingly the right players are on the floor and things are clicking substitutions are made and the team fall in and out of the same hole over and over again. This is something that can't be taught as I said before some things you just know. At Marshall I saw that the team had matured playing together by impressive form and the game last night it's got me wondering. Who was this team on the floor last night?

^ Has never seen a Miami game.

[Derrt]

I like the line-up KD had with with Q, Gilliam, and Harney at one point. That was the first time I saw all three of them in at the same time. (First Time I've seen it) could have happened before. I don't think Harney is a ball hog, he is a scorer. He gets in and attacks the basket. I thought it was a good game overall. Who else was in at the time when they went on that 10-2 run?

[Derrt]

And as far as the Q isolation plays. Most of the time they work . Examples this Miami, and last year's Notre Dame game (prime example). All the games are not going to be the same, so I am glad to see KD has different plays for different plays. As long as we get the W.

Peace,

The GodFather

[The Hip Zip]

I think this was one of the worst games as a team and coaching this season from my perspective. The Zips caught a break getting a win they should have eased through. Where is the inside outside play on the offense? I hate isolation plays from Q (not the NBA this is college) and where the heck is the inside outside play on offense having a 7 footer on the team. In my opinion having people put in place to lead the team decision making substituting and play calling was down right awful. I think Harney is a ball hog and needs to learn to play as a team and could well get 30 a night with more minutes. But so could other players as well. I also think there is a level of favoritism for some players versus others because some players get away with some crap that shouldn't be tolerated that hurts the team. What is interesting to me is when seemingly the right players are on the floor and things are clicking substitutions are made and the team fall in and out of the same hole over and over again. This is something that can't be taught as I said before some things you just know. At Marshall I saw that the team had matured playing together by impressive form and the game last night it's got me wondering. Who was this team on the floor last night?

I could not disagree more with 90% of this post. Conference road games have always been tight. In fact the saying goes that if half of your MAC road games and take care of business at home you will win your division. As far as play calling, this isn't football. In hoops, you would be quite surprised to know that a ton of plays are not executed as drawn up. I played in HS and it was rare when we got through the first two passes before the play was blown up. Favoritism?? give me a break.

I know that you are a great fan but you seem to be over the top in your criticism of the Zips. Everybody makes mistakes and KD and our boys are not immune. Please just take a pill and enjoy a divisional road victory because they don't come easy.

[Dave in Green]

@lumberjack, you need to do a little research on Miami Redhawk history. They only play ugly games.

The one I'll never forget is the one I sat through at the Q two years ago during the MAC tournament between Miami and OU. Halfway through the first half, OU was leading 12-4. That's right, 10 minutes into the game, and the score was 12-4.

Halftime score was 21-12. OU was 6 of 22 from the field at halftime, and Miami was 5 of 20.

Miami plays ugly, and they make the teams they are playing against look ugly, too.

It really doesn't matter how bad the Zips look beating Miami. The only thing that matters against Miami is winning.

[lumberjack]

I could not disagree more with 90% of this post. Conference road games have always been tight. In fact the saying goes that if half of your MAC road games and take care of business at home you will win your division. As far as play calling, this isn't football. In hoops, you would be quite surprised to know that a ton of plays are not executed as drawn up. I played in HS and it was rare when we got through the first two passes before the play was blown up. Favoritism?? give me a break.

I know that you are a great fan but you seem to be over the top in your criticism of the Zips. Everybody makes mistakes and KD and our boys are not immune. Please just take a pill and enjoy a divisional road victory because they don't come easy.

Nothing personal against the zips, I'm not being critical but being very observant and very entitled to my opinion. I am totally a Zips fan and even sat in a few practices and watched this team close up. The talent this year is very deep and there is no way Miami should have been in the game playing at home away or in a barnyard. Being that I know basketball (beyond high school) very well I recognize good and bad play when I see it. I love to watch good team play as well as a well coached team. I think both the team and the coaching staff have still a lot to learn. The MAC in my opinion is not as tough as the SEC or CUSA which the zips played up very well and won. In my experience I understand there are nights where a team won't gel or just have a bad night whether from a team or coaching standpoint. And last night's contest was one of those games the way I see it. I just think if the zips play like they did against the two big teams they beat, I fell they won't have much to worry about in the MAC. So its my opinion that I make this comment. And for your information I have a personal investment which drives me to be a Zips fan trough and through...You know I thought this was a blog where people have the right to there opinion. I really believe in this team and I believe in KD but I think we as fans coaches and team have only scraped the surface of our abilities. In terms of a pill...well I will just leave that alone and assume you just don't know who you are responding to. Go Zips!!!

[lumberjack]

I like the line-up KD had with with Q, Gilliam, and Harney at one point. That was the first time I saw all three of them in at the same time. (First Time I've seen it) could have happened before. I don't think Harney is a ball hog, he is a scorer. He gets in and attacks the basket. I thought it was a good game overall. Who else was in at the time when they went on that 10-2 run?

Ok I agree with this posts and stand to be corrected. Harney can score and I'm a great fan and I've told him that personally. However, I've mentioned because he's young and experience playing organized ball that he needs to play more as a team and make plays. What I mean by this if you watch him his 1st option is to score as opposed to making a play. His biggest bad habit is looking off teammates that have a higher percentage shot. It was a good win and no doubt we the Zips take a win anyway we can get it. I like Q and Gilliam in together because it keeps a team guessing because of their fearlessness and multi-dementional ability to score...

[lumberjack]

And as far as the Q isolation plays. Most of the time they work . Examples this Miami, and last year's Notre Dame game (prime example). All the games are not going to be the same, so I am glad to see KD has different plays for different plays. As long as we get the W.

Peace,

The GodFather

I support team play and not individual play. Save the individual play for the NBA not college. Trust me it hurts team moral in the long run I've learn this 1st hand...You win as a team and lose as a team not as an individual. In terms of last year it worked but this year you have many more people you don't need it. Not to mention it's hard on a player's body.

[lumberjack]

@lumberjack, you need to do a little research on Miami Redhawk history. They only play ugly games.

The one I'll never forget is the one I sat through at the Q two years ago during the MAC tournament between Miami and OU. Halfway through the first half, OU was leading 12-4. That's right, 10 minutes into the game, and the score was 12-4.

Halftime score was 21-12. OU was 6 of 22 from the field at halftime, and Miami was 5 of 20.

Miami plays ugly, and they make the teams they are playing against look ugly, too.

It really doesn't matter how bad the Zips look beating Miami. The only thing that matters against Miami is winning.

I agree with the win. I don't know about the history as it may or may not hold any weigh in my opinion but thanks for the heads up. I was told many years ago that basketball is basketball no matter where you go and no matter how you play it. The game remains the same but what changes is ones perspective. Today the ZIPS have a new athletic team with high IQ and its time for them to evolve for the better. Believing you can win no matter what the situation. Always a pleasure hearing your comments...

[akronzips71]

Nothing personal against the zips, I'm not being critical but being very observant and very entitled to my opinion. I am totally a Zips fan and even sat in a few practices and watched this team close up. The talent this year is very deep and there is no way Miami should have been in the game playing at home away or in a barnyard. Being that I know basketball (beyond high school) very well I recognize good and bad play when I see it. I love to watch good team play as well as a well coached team. I think both the team and the coaching staff have still a lot to learn. The MAC in my opinion is not as tough as the SEC or CUSA which the zips played up very well and won. In my experience I understand there are nights where a team won't gel or just have a bad night whether from a team or coaching standpoint. And last night's contest was one of those games the way I see it. I just think if the zips play like they did against the two big teams they beat, I fell they won't have much to worry about in the MAC. So its my opinion that I make this comment. And for your information I have a personal investment which drives me to be a Zips fan trough and through...You know I thought this was a blog where people have the right to there opinion. I really believe in this team and I believe in KD but I think we as fans coaches and team have only scraped the surface of our abilities. In terms of a pill...well I will just leave that alone and assume you just don't know who you are responding to. Go Zips!!!

Take a deep breath and watch your syntax!

[Dr Z]

I like the line-up KD had with with Q, Gilliam, and Harney at one point.

I think we could have won the VCU game with a nice lineup like that.

[Blue & Gold]

I think we could have won the VCU game with a nice lineup like that.

+1.

Less B-Mac, please. (Though, just as I say that, we really might need a great game from Brett vs the BGSU zone.)

[Dave in Green]

The way I see it, the Zips currently have 9 players who've demonstrated enough all-around ability to merit averaging 20 or more minutes per game: Zeke, Rico, the Serb, Nitro, Q, Walsh, Gilliam, Tree and Harney.

As the only true center and only true PG on the team, I'd expect to see Zeke and Rico play closer to 30 minutes per game.

I'd expect the other 7 to get varying PT depending on their growth in performance over the course of the season, their level of performance in any given game, the type of team the Zips are playing, and a number of other variables.

There's still a lot of growth potential left in this group, as individuals and as a team performing together. It may take the whole regular season for everyone to mesh into a smooth-running team where everyone has a clear role based on their individual strengths and weaknesses.

Winning their first conference road game against a team like Miami whose playing style under Charlie Coles always causes problems, and making it the first game of the season they've won after trailing at the half, is a good sign of progress for the Zips.

[ZipGrad93]

I support team play and not individual play. Save the individual play for the NBA not college. Trust me it hurts team moral in the long run I've learn this 1st hand...You win as a team and lose as a team not as an individual. In terms of last year it worked but this year you have many more people you don't need it. Not to mention it's hard on a player's body.

Even on a "team," everyone plays a role. I think Harney and Q definitely have the role of "scorer" for this squad, and they're brought in to inject some offense from the bench.

Isolating Q, for example, turned the game around and led to a win for the team, IMO...

[The Hip Zip]

Nothing personal against the zips, I'm not being critical but being very observant and very entitled to my opinion. I am totally a Zips fan and even sat in a few practices and watched this team close up. The talent this year is very deep and there is no way Miami should have been in the game playing at home away or in a barnyard. Being that I know basketball (beyond high school) very well I recognize good and bad play when I see it. I love to watch good team play as well as a well coached team. I think both the team and the coaching staff have still a lot to learn. The MAC in my opinion is not as tough as the SEC or CUSA which the zips played up very well and won. In my experience I understand there are nights where a team won't gel or just have a bad night whether from a team or coaching standpoint. And last night's contest was one of those games the way I see it. I just think if the zips play like they did against the two big teams they beat, I fell they won't have much to worry about in the MAC. So its my opinion that I make this comment. And for your information I have a personal investment which drives me to be a Zips fan trough and through...You know I thought this was a blog where people have the right to there opinion. I really believe in this team and I believe in KD but I think we as fans coaches and team have only scraped the surface of our abilities. In terms of a pill...well I will just leave that alone and assume you just don't know who you are responding to. Go Zips!!!

It's all good. So we agree to disagree, not a big deal.

As far as the Miami game though, some credit has to be given to Charlie Coles defense because most everybody looks bad against them. They just slow you down and make you look really stupid out on the floor at times. I have probably sat through 10-12 really slow paced grinders with them when the first team to 50 won.

I'm not the least bit concerned with this Zip team as they are still sorting things out and gelling as a unit. Come Feb and March we should extremely tough to beat.

[Captain Kangaroo]

I'm not the least bit concerned with this Zip team as they are still sorting things out and gelling as a unit. Come Feb and March we should be extremely tough to beat.

We just beat Miami and Marshall on the road, so I contend we are extremely tough to beat today.

My hopes for another quality Bracket Buster opponent are rising in direct proportion to Harney's minutes.

[lumberjack]

I think we could have won the VCU game with a nice lineup like that.

I totally agree...We had them beat and let them back in!!!