Hoops: Forsythe eligible

[lumberjack]

One of the big issues we had last year was an inability to score at times. That is where "twin towers" could save our bacon. It will be very hard to defend two seven footers around the hoop. It will always be a huge threat, and possibly will open up outside shots.

I agree with both you and Dave...One thing to consider; the team is faster running 3 or 4 guards but in the set position the twin towers are and would be a very big threat to other teams.

[zen]

While it might seem counter-intuitive, I actually think Zeke will foul less and rebound better without that overriding fear of early fouls that can become self-fulfilling, especially with MAC referees. And with Pat giving some quality minutes off the bench, Zeke can have more in the tank at the end of games.

This is big for Zeke to let loose and play.

I remember last year being in a panic every time he got a foul.

[Dr Z]

With KD's player rotation philosophy, I would be surprised to see "the towers" get any significant shared floor time.

In Huggins motion offense, I could see it due to the post play.

[Class of 82]

This is big for Zeke to let loose and play.

I remember last year being in a panic every time he got a foul.

Yeah. But it was a whole lot worse to see Zeke get in a panic when he fouled.

But seriously, Zeke knows how important his presence on the floor is to the team, and I believe that's why he's walked on egg shells so often in games where the refs have called it tight. Now that he knows there's some help behind him, I think some of that extra pressure dissipates a little bit so he can, as you point out, let loose and just play.

[Derrt]

No way do I see Tree as being skilled enough to play the 3. Now Harney on the other hand..

I do not see Tree playing 3 either. Tree and Forsythe will probably split minutes. I cant wait to see Forsythe and Zeke play together in the paint (block city). Offensive wise I hope to see a very productive high low game.

[Dave in Green]

One of the effects of adding Forsythe to the roster is that it moves Egner from backing up Zeke at center, a real stretch for Egner, to backing up Tree at PF, a position he can fill much more comfortably. Of course, we all know that KD will keep shuffling players around trying different combinations to see how they work together in different situations, especially early in the season.

Toward the end of a close game against a team with a big front line where the Zips really need defensive stops and rebounds, the combination of Zeke, Forsythe and Tree could be really effective. I wouldn't expect to see it on a regular basis. But it's an option that few teams could effectively counter.

[Valpo Zip]

Trying to figure out a formation:

PG: Rico (S), Betancourt

Wing: Gilliam (S), Walsh (S), McAdams, Deji, Justice, and Kretzer

Post: Zeke (S), Tree (S), Forsythe, Harney, and Egner.

WOW! How is KD going to manage minutes to all those guys at the wing position? at least one of of the wing freshmen MUST red shirt. With 2 star seniors starting at the position, 4 subs is just way too many.

At the post positions, with the quality of the 4 other players, and unless he had a monster off season and significantly improved his game, I am afraid Egner will be limited to garbage minutes.

[Dave in Green]

Major traffic jam even with Q's unfortunate absence. The problem for weaker teams is that there aren't enough qualified subs to rest the starters. The problem for stronger teams is that there are too many qualified subs for the available PT. The second problem is a new one for the Zips, and another sign that this program is moving up.

[akzipper]

Major traffic jam even with Q's unfortunate absence. The problem for weaker teams is that there aren't enough qualified subs to rest the starters. The problem for stronger teams is that there are too many qualified subs for the available PT. The second problem is a new one for the Zips, and another sign that this program is moving up.

I think that we have a solid rotation of good players, but not really those stars you need to make a run in the postseason. It doesn't seem like we have a guy who can score in double digits on a consistent basis, but rather rely on a team philosophy. While it's good to not have to rely on one player to win, it hurts when we have those games that the team doesn't mesh and struggle to score. They star of our team is Zeke, but more for his defensive ability. I really hope someone like Harney, Tree, or one of the new players can step up and really put points on the board. It makes for more exciting basketball.

[Quickzips]

I'll weigh in on the rosters and rotation issues brought up here.

Starters:

PG - Abreu

SG - Walsh

SF - Gilliam

PF - Tree

C - Zeke

Rotation:

PG - Betancourt

SG - Deji

SF/PF - Harney

C - Forsythe

Egner will not be backing up Tree at PF. When we go big it will be Forsythe. When we go small it will be Harney. I don't expect Josh to see much of any playing time this year again. I still think both McAdams and Kretzer will redshirt. I would love to get a look at what Blake Justice can do, but I think the playing time vacated by Q will go more to Deji as a long athletic defender off of the bench would benefit this team more than another long distance shooter.

I wouldn't expect to see a lot of Forsythe and Zeke on the floor together. You just don't see a lot of two C lineups at any level of the game. Even with teams that do have two capable centers on their roster. There is a reason for that. While it would create some matchup problems for your opponent, you leave yourself with just as many matchup problems if not more when you start asking one of your C's to guard an opposing PF. It would be a particular nightmare against a team like OU that is going to go small on you most of the game. If I were an opponent against that type of a lineup I would put a small lineup out there with a quick, athletic 4 and make Zeke or Pat chase him through as many screens as I can set each possession down the floor. As good of athletes as both guys are, you don't want them having to chase a 6'7" combo-forward around he perimeter and through a bunch of screens possession after possession.

Even less convinced that you will see Tree, Pat and Zeke on the floor together. I would wager a pretty penny that the only time we MIGHT see that is in an exhibition game. While the size looks like it would be a nightmare to defend, you need to remember that none of those guys are particularly good shooters. Floor spacing would be attrocious in that scenario, and it would be too easy for an opposing defense to pack it in the lane and make one of those guys hit a jump shot. The only way it MAYBE works is if you have two really good 3 point shooters out there that the opposing D has to account for. I suppose we could do it with Abreu and Walsh, but even then I have a hard time seeing it working.

[GoZips]

A lot of interesting speculations. No one has yet pointed out the obvious.

The Zips lose Walsh, Gilliam and Zeke after this season; and, unfortunately, possibly, Quincy Diggs.

While getting Quincy back next season is desirable; that too, has problems. Rust being one of them. The

other and more glaring is that unless McAdams and Kretzer get playing time this season the Zips would

have two positions that would not have an experienced player. That is bad news. Thus, it is highly unlikely

that either McAdams or Kretzer will red shirt.

Betancourt cures the problem of not having a back up point guard. Carmelo is already pushing Alex for

playing time. McAdams played the point a little in high school. He gives the Zips a very tall (six-six) point

for certain situations.

Kretzer is showing that he is ready to play college ball. At six-seven he slots in nicely at the wing or small

forward. Since this position loses Gilliam after this season, either Harney or Kretzer are the likely future

wing forwards. Kretzer has a better three ball than Nick does. Harney goes to the basket better. They are

about equal as defenders.

Reggie McAdams looks to be the next two guard. McAdams at six-six presents match up problems for

Akron opponents at the shooting guard.

It is quite possible for Pat Forsythe to play power forward with Zeke on the floor. This gives the Zips both

a right handed and a left handed shooter down on the blocks. This is a tough to defend scenario.

Finding playing time for Ibitayo, Justice and Egner is a nice problem for coach Dambrot.

Keep in mind that the Zips have four verbals from really quality incoming players. They are for the most

part taller, more athletic players. Even the "guard" in this mix is six-five and can play the wing as well as

the two hole.

Doubt if any MAC coach is feeling sorry for Dambrot's problem of finding playing time for his steeds.

[zippyfan34]

GoZips, do you think we might see Melo and Alex on the court at the same time for 8-10 minutes a game? Alex improved his 3 point shot tremendously last year so I could see on offense having Melo start the offense for some penetration and kick opportunities out to Alex.

[Hilltopper]

I believe the coaching staff has no plans to red-shirt McAdams or Kretzer. By the looks of things in the practices I attended, Justice has moved ahead of Deji on the depth chart because of his ability to knock down the three ball. I saw Egner play more at the 3 than at the 4 position. He has a nice 15 foot jumper and with Q gone, we have a bigger need at the 3 now. I can see some scenarios where Abreu and Melo might see the court together.

[Captain Kangaroo]

I believe the coaching staff has no plans to red-shirt McAdams or Kretzer. By the looks of things in the practices I attended, Justice has moved ahead of Deji on the depth chart because of his ability to knock down the three ball. I saw Egner play more at the 3 than at the 2 position. He has a nice 15 foot jumper and with Q gone, we have a bigger need at the 3 now. I can see some scenarios where Abreu and Melo might see the court together.

I hope I never see Egner at the 2.

[Hilltopper]

I hope I never see Egner at the 2.

Ha Ha! Me too! I fixed the typo!

[lumberjack]

I think that we have a solid rotation of good players, but not really those stars you need to make a run in the postseason. It doesn't seem like we have a guy who can score in double digits on a consistent basis, but rather rely on a team philosophy. While it's good to not have to rely on one player to win, it hurts when we have those games that the team doesn't mesh and struggle to score. They star of our team is Zeke, but more for his defensive ability. I really hope someone like Harney, Tree, or one of the new players can step up and really put points on the board. It makes for more exciting basketball.

I disagree with your post. There are more than just Zeke that are stars on the team. This team in my opinion was much better than Ohio last year who made it to the Sweet 16 taking NC to overtime. The factor working against the Zips was the lack of experience playing together (ideally it was a young team). In every game with every team there are swings in scoring mainly for opponent adjustments on defense. The zips had a lot of scoring power but just lacked confidence. Lastly, the zips went into MAC play not playing well as the momentum swing went in favor of Ohio by one point. There was no doubt in my mind that Akron was the better deeper team with a deeper rotation with more stars. Chemistry is key when playing the game and I don't think that was ever fully achieved last year. To win in tournament play it takes team effort and one star won't get it done...

[taxpayer]

I agree with most of Lumberjack's post above; OU beat the Zips because Cooper had a great game. He made a few "hail mary" shots that sealed OU's win by 1 point. At the JAR Cooper couldn't make a shot. For the year he shot 30% from beyond the arc. Sometimes stuff like that happens. I'll take 5/6 guys scoring 10 each than a superstar scoring 25/30 on a consistent basis. OU is a good team as they showed; in my opinion they did a better job sharing the ball on offense and had the Zips running around on D as a result. If the Zips adopt the same unselfish attitude I think we are better. The Zips are deep and it will up to Alex and Melo to distribute the ball to the hot hand.

The first 6 games are going to be tough as the Zips are Coastal Carolina's opponent for the opening of their new arena so a hostile capacity crowd awaits them then it's off to Puerto Rico vs Oklahoma State and two more quality games then off to Creighton and Detroit. Six tough AWAY games at the beginning of the year is going to tell us alot about this team. If they play unselfishly, play defense like they are capable and stay healthy look out! If they are worried about personal stats and more concerned about me than we, then look out as well.

[GoZips]

GoZips, do you think we might see Melo and Alex on the court at the same time for 8-10 minutes a game? Alex improved his 3 point shot tremendously last year so I could see on offense having Melo start the offense for some penetration and kick opportunities out to Alex.

Interesting idea. The pre-season workouts were in four man groups. No five man offensive plays were

attempted. What was worked on was setting picks; defensive switches and numerous other nuances of

good basketball play. Thus, there were no situations where Melo and Alex were teamed up. They were

in different four man groups.

Even in "open" gym both players were in different player groups. Must point out that since both Alex and

Melo are five-ten there is not much to be gained by both of them on the floor together. Based on last

season, having a quality point guard on the floor at all times is far more important at this time than an

unusual point guard combination.

Both players are excellent defenders. Which means that players such as DJ Cooper will find it tough

going this year when facing the Zips. Tag team match type play.

Therefore, it is not likely that we will see the combination you suggest.

[Bubba4three]

This team in my opinion was much better than Ohio last year who made it to the Sweet 16 taking NC to overtime. The factor working against the Zips was the lack of experience playing together

You're going to need to get used to going against a team with more experience playing together since Ohio returns that entire team.

[ZachTheZip]

You're going to need to get used to going against a team with more experience playing together since Ohio returns that entire team.

Returning the entire team with a new coach that wants to change things up is a bad recipe. I would be more concerned if Jim Christian brought in a few players that fit his style. He only knows how to coach his own system, and will try to force everyone to fit into it.

[Quickzips]

A lot of interesting speculations. No one has yet pointed out the obvious.

The Zips lose Walsh, Gilliam and Zeke after this season; and, unfortunately, possibly, Quincy Diggs.

While getting Quincy back next season is desirable; that too, has problems. Rust being one of them. The

other and more glaring is that unless McAdams and Kretzer get playing time this season the Zips would

have two positions that would not have an experienced player. That is bad news. Thus, it is highly unlikely

that either McAdams or Kretzer will red shirt.

Betancourt cures the problem of not having a back up point guard. Carmelo is already pushing Alex for

playing time. McAdams played the point a little in high school. He gives the Zips a very tall (six-six) point

for certain situations.

Kretzer is showing that he is ready to play college ball. At six-seven he slots in nicely at the wing or small

forward. Since this position loses Gilliam after this season, either Harney or Kretzer are the likely future

wing forwards. Kretzer has a better three ball than Nick does. Harney goes to the basket better. They are

about equal as defenders.

Reggie McAdams looks to be the next two guard. McAdams at six-six presents match up problems for

Akron opponents at the shooting guard.

The best 8-10 players should get the playing time. If Kretzer and/or McAdams are amongst those guys then they should get playing time. If they are capable of adding something to a team that is deep, talented, experienced and has the expectations of making a run deep into the NCAAs THIS YEAR, then by all means KD should find some playing time for them, but this is not the year to be forcing our young guys into service just to get them some playing time for "next year". If those guys aren't ready, we can't be forcing them into playing time just so that they are ready for "next year". You have the redshirt available for both of them. If they aren't ready, use the redshirt. Q being gone doesn't change that, and neither does the fact that we will be losing Walsh and Gilliam at years end. One way or another we will go into 2013-14 with a lack of experience on the wings. One way or another our 2013-14 SGs and SFs will mostly be underclassmen. 8-10 minutes a night for one of those guys isn't going to change that in any meaningful way.

[Dave in Green]

Looking at last season, the Zips had 9 players who averaged more than 15 minutes per game, and 3 of them are no longer with the team. I think it's likely they play at least 9 deep again this season. The 6 veterans who are virtual locks are Zeke, Rico, Gilliam, Walsh, Tree and Harney. The two newcomers who are almost certain to join them are Forsythe (skilled player and only other true center besides Zeke) and Melo (skilled player and only other true PG besides Rico).

That leaves 1 or possibly 2 openings for significant PT, and 5 scholarship players vying for that time -- Egner, Deji, Justice, Kretzer and McAdams. The math says there just isn't enough PT available for several of those players. They'll all get a shot to show what they've got in practice and in the first couple of exhibition games. If Kretzer and McAdams are both performing too well to redshirt, they'll still have to outperform Egner, Deji and Justice to earn PT or they will just burn a year of eligibility glued to the bench.

[The Hip Zip]

In my opinion although Q will be missed I think the team will be in great shape. I also believe that the team will make it out of MAC play with this new addition and go deep in the post season for what I've seen this year. There are players that have shown only a fraction of their true potential.

Good to see you posting LJ. I agree that this team has more potential than any Akron team that I have observed. Though Q's problems are truly unfortunate, looks to me that CG will benefit. He should get more minutes and be a true leader on the floor.

[lumberjack]

Good to see you posting LJ. I agree that this team has more potential than any Akron team that I have observed. Though Q's problems are truly unfortunate, looks to me that CG will benefit. He should get more minutes and be a true leader on the floor.

Thanks, Love Q like a son and I would want nothing more than him being around this season to take care unfinished business. I thought that CG and Q complimented each other when on the floor together and this was supposed to be the year to prove it. CG came home spent more time than past 6 years and we had a man to man session redefining his goals and opportunities. He trained exceptionally well in the off season having a more defined body, mind and spirit. Whether Q being there or not CG will be a different player this year I believe which will work in the Zips favor. He got out of his world and connected with the team more and got involved with the new recruits on their visits which helped his psyche. This year is it for him in college play and his plan is to leave nothing unturned on the floor. Can't wait

L

[Hilltopper]

Thanks, Love Q like a son and I would want nothing more than him being around this season to take care unfinished business. I thought that CG and Q complimented each other when on the floor together and this was supposed to be the year to prove it. CG came home spent more time than past 6 years and we had a man to man session redefining his goals and opportunities. He trained exceptionally well in the off season having a more defined body, mind and spirit. Whether Q being there or not CG will be a different player this year I believe which will work in the Zips favor. He got out of his world and connected with the team more and got involved with the new recruits on their visits which helped his psyche. This year is it for him in college play and his plan is to leave nothing unturned on the floor. Can't wait

L

CG has looked like a real leader at the practices I have attended.