Akron Determined to Rewrite pre-NCAA storyline against VCU

[Dr Z]

Full Story Found Here

One of my all time favorite KD lines:

Following Akron's MAC Tournament victory over the Bobcats, 6-7 Nick Harney stood, smiling, with a rain of confetti coming down. He's been in the point guard mix and, with a smile that belied Akron's entrance to the NCAA Tournament, said: "I'm going to take this position over. The next Magic Johnson."

Dambrot only smiled at that one. "He's Tragic Johnson, that's who he is."

I like the confidence:

Perhaps a bit of both. Fact is, the Zips have averaged fewer turnovers in the three games post-Abreu, 13.6 to 13.3. The real hit has come in assists. Akron is averaging 15.0 assists on the season, but only 12.7 since their junior point guard went astray.

While the focus is on Akron dealing with VCU's defensive pressure, the undersized Rams have their issue, too, with Akron's size in 7-0 Zeke Marshall and 6-7 Demetrius Treadwell.

"If we can get post touches, we win," Dambrot said.

[RootforRoo44]

"If we can get post touches, we win," Dambrot said.

That almost brings a tear to my eye.

GIVE THE BIG MAN MEN THE BALL!!!!!!

[Z.I.P.]

You'd better get more than touches, coach. For Akron to win, Zeke has to fight his way to the hoop, and put it down hard -- starting early for the psychological advantage. IOW, do what Alajuwon was unable to do vs NC State in that title game (a few years ago -- wasn't that documentary wild?).

[Dr Z]

You'd better get more than touches, coach.

Do you remember the game plan against ND?

[Dr Z]

EA now predicting a double digit win by Akron?!?

4. Look for tight games between Zips-Rams and South Dakota State-Michigan: Like the Zips, this NCAA trip is not a new one for the Jackrabbits. They are determined -- after suffering a 68-60 loss to Baylor last year -- to get a notch on their belts. They have a player with NBA aspirations in 6-4 guard Nate Wolters. Could be interesting. As for Akron, maybe I'm drinking too much Kool-Aid, but Zips win by double digits.

[GP1]

If by double digit win, EA means two points...I'm all in.

Zips 69

VCU 67

[Captain Kangaroo]

If by double digit win, EA means two points...I'm all in.

Zips 69

VCU 67

Since when does Elton count in binary?

[Class of 82]

Quote from KD in the Plain Dealer...

"Let me tell you this. People are mis-analyzing the matchup. What I mean by that is, they automatically turn it into can [Akron] handle the pressure? My analysis is, if we guard them, we win. If you don't allow them to score, that cuts their pressure in half."

My thoughts exactly! Havoc hinges greatly on made baskets by VCU. Solid Akron defense can trump Havoc and turn this game into a battle of match-ups. And if it's a battle of match-ups, Akron should have the advantage everywhere but point guard.

Let's go, Zips!

[Dr Z]

EA's Zips Trip in the Dance Article

I'm not a fan of the LeBron comment. I wonder how accurate it is?

"They were like bulldogs on defense," Akron's Demetrius Treadwell said. "They're big, strong, skilled, fast, they got a pretty balanced team."

Considering all the adversity faced, Dambrot said, "I'm not disappointed. We'll come roaring back like we always do."