Summer League

[alexopats@yahoo.com]

Not sure if you guys have had the chance to catch a summer league game, or even watch one of these videos, so I figured I'd share one I watched. This game featured Zeke, Carmelo, and Reggie McAdams on one team. Gotta be honest, none of them were too impressive. I realize it's a silly summer league game and probably means nothing to them, but you would think they would dominate inferior competition. Zeke seems to be just throwing shots up wildly, hoping for them to go in. Reggie with a few airballs as well. More than likely just shaking off the rust, though. Also, I believe Deji is on the opposing team. More videos with other Akron players on the side.

[alexopats@yahoo.com]

I admit, I posted this after only watching the first half. Reggie absolutely dominates after the 20:00 mark. Zeke somehow plays worse.

[Dr Z]

41 minute youtube video! I feel like an "insider."

I'll have to watch this practice and see if I can predict a sweet sixteen run.

[Dave in Green]

Good find. It's great to be able to watch the Zips players in action even if the "game" is loose and doesn't count for anything.

Zeke's shooting was way off. I think I counted 0-5 hooks for the whole game. But I don't worry so much about his shooting in the regular season because he's improved every year. He led the team in scoring average last season, and shot 54% from the field and 70% free throws. I think he just wasn't hitting in this summer game. His defense was OK, and his rebounding was weak. He watches the ball a lot as it comes off the backboard but doesn't do much to position himself. On one play it was just him and a much shorter opponent on the side where the rebound came off, and Zeke's feet stayed locked to the floor with his hands at his sides as the shorter kid jumped in and took it away. He's just the polar opposite of Tree when it comes to going after rebounds.

McAdams is easy to spot because he is the spitting image of Nitro except taller. His outside shot is sweet and deadly. I thought he looked good overall. Harney is also easy to spot with his flat-footed outside set shot. He looked smooth and relaxed while filling it up from both inside and out.

The player I enjoyed watching most was Melo. That kid has some smooth moves. He appears to have Rico's deceptive quickness and ability to lull a defender and then beat him with a burst of speed. His passing is crisp and authoritative. He also makes good decisions on the fly. Melo looks ready to play backup PG right now.

I think this is a brief description of that game (love the reference to "Carmel Blelemo") :

Game 2. Leff Electric vs Team 330

Leff Electric Defeats Team 330 --- 77 to 76

Team 330 was led by Akron U. Nick Harney 22 pts. Akron U. soon to be freshman Deji Ibitay added 14 pts. Former Fairmount St. guard Jamar Wesley chipped in 14 pts. Team Captain John West added 14 pts. Ryan Special EFX Williams contributed 6 pts.

Leff Electric was led by Unsigned Cleveland Ohio guard Dawan Cline who tallied 23 pts. Akron U. Reggie McAdams added 18 pts. Akron U. Carmel Blelemo and Ezekiel Marshall both contributed 11 pts a piece. Lastly Cleveland St. Walk On Khyler Fields chipped in 9 pts