Zeke's #1

[RootforRoo44]

Taller than any other Akron player by 3 inches? Not sure about that with Forsythe.

Dave- any update on Zeke's advanced stats?

That could mean only the players that were on the floor with him at one time. We haven't seen too much Zeke & Forsythe at the same time in the last few weeks.

[Dave in Green]

I think the writer meant to say Can't and not Akron. I've been holding off on the Zeke stats update because I think they've been falling a little over the last few games even though his overall game performance has remained at a high level. For example, that steal and breakaway slam was breathtaking, but stats will never do it justice. I'll go ahead and update them later today.

[Dave in Green]

(Moved to Zeke and the NBA Draft thread.)

[Dave in Green]

Here's the update on where Zeke stands in various national offensive and defensive rankings after the last 3 weeks' games:

#4: Down 2 from #2 to #4 in floor percentage @ 67.3.

#5: Down 4 from #1 to #5 in field goal percentage @ 65.5.

#5: Up 1 from #6 to #5 in blocks @ 92.

#5: Still #5 in blocks per game @ 3.5.

#7: Down 1 from #6 to #7 in free throw rate @ 85.0.

#8: Down 4 from #4 to #8 in true shooting percentage @ 67.1.

#10: Down 3 from #7 to #10 in block percentage @ 13.7.

#12: Down 10 from #2 to #12 in effective field goal percentage @ 65.8.

#17. Down 6 from #11 to #17 in player efficiency rating (PER) @ 29.53.

#31: Down 18 from #13 to #31 in offensive rating @ 125.9.

Comments: Zeke's offensive ratings have dropped somewhat from what may have been unrealistically high numbers for a player who, until his senior season, was largely thought of as a defensive specialist. The important thing is that he has already proven that he is capable of efficient offense when called upon. His defensive ratings remain high and steady. His numbers still compare favorably with other centers considered as potential NBA draftees.

[dboze]

ESPN names Zeke Marshall Defensive Player of the Month (Feb 2013) - Zeke ESPN Defensive Player of the Month

[Dave in Green]

Zeke is at the top of the player list in Ken Davis' 10 Potential NCAA Tourney Heartbreakers:

Marshall ranks in the top five nationally in blocks (3.6 per game) and field goal percentage (66.3). The 7-foot center averages 12.7 points and 6.9 rebounds and he is a major reason behind the Zips’ 19-game winning streak, the nation’s longest this season. Marshall had 18 points, nine blocks and eight rebounds at Toledo on Jan. 23.

[Dr Z]

My favorite thing about Zeke right now, is the way he is dunking with authority. Seemed to me like he brought a little attitude at times last night. I would guess that comes from a confidence that is building in his game. It's the exact player I envisioned four years ago. I only wish he had one more year. He must have been feeling better last night. March is his time to shine!

Photo by: Ed Suba Jr./Akron Beacon Journal (found here)

[The Hip Zip]

I've been wondering if when all is said and done does Zeke get a banner?? Has he done enough?

[MDZip]

I've been wondering if when all is said and done does Zeke get a banner?? Has he done enough?

I'd say yes just for being the leading shot blocker in MAC history, but add to it a four year starter, way over a thousand point scorer, over 600 rebounds, tournament MVP and hopefully a nice NCAA tournament run shortly and I'd say "no doubt about it".

[GoZips]

According to Steve French, Zeke has played in more wins than any other Zips player.

[Dave in Green]

From a Chad Ford/ESPN chat on the NBA Draft:

Rob M (Ypsilanti, MI)

Which MAC player has the best chance at a future in the NBA. DJ Cooper (Ohio), Zeke Marshall (Akron), or Javon McCrea (Buffalo)?

Chad Ford (1:57 PM)

Marshall probably has the most NBA buzz. But I have a soft spot in my heart for DJ Cooper. I think he has a chance as a NBA player.

Chat Link

[Dave in Green]

ESPN names Zeke Defensive Player of the Year among all teams outside of this season's Big 7 conferences (ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Mountain West, Pac-12 and SEC).

[Big Zip]

Just heard an interview (taped earlier today) with Zeke on the Ken Carman show on 92.3. I was really impressed with the interview. I haven't had the opportunity to talk with Zeke or here him seriously interviewed. What I thought was awesome was that he didn't answer questions with sports cliches...he answered them open and honestly.