Betancourt Gone

[Balsy]

I'm just a casual basketball fan, so I'm not necessarily up-to-date with the most recent developments of the Zips, but I was looking at recruiting info for the Zips and noticed under recent developments that Melo has left the team for "personal reasons".

The development is dated 10/26. GoZips.com also no longer has Melo listed on the roster.

Hopefully everything is okay with the young man, and I hope that there are good things in the future for the young man. He stepped into a difficult situation a couple years ago, and I think he gave us his all while he was here.

Best wishes to Melo.

[Hilltopper]

Melo is only a few classes short of graduation. I hope he stays at UA long enough to get his degree. The team is in much better shape at point guard than we were at this point last year. He would have been nice to have around as a backup.

[Dave in Green]

Looking back on Melo's career, I remember one of the earliest things I read about him on a Puerto Rican basketball site was that it was thought he had a higher upside than Alex. The original plan was that he would be Abreu's backup through last season and take over as the starting PG for the first time this season. That all fell apart with Abreu's unexpected departure, and for whatever reason Melo never blossomed and never came close to his old teammate's overall performance level. I appreciate everything Melo did to try to help the Zips be a better team, and wish him all the best in whatever he elects to do next.

[LZIp]

Thanks for sharing Balszy.

Good luck to Melo. He has represented the university very well on and more importantly off of the court. Wish the best for him.

I feel like I'm beating a dead horse, but one would feel that a hometown beat reporter who is at the very least occasionally engaged with would break the news that the starting PG from the last season has left the team. Glad this board exists.

[Balsy]

To the ABJ's defense, if Melo is leaving because of "personal reasons" than it may not have been wanted to be made public.

[ZippyRulz]

Nice catch, Balsy. I'm guessing his personal reason is that his PT here has run its course.

[Dr Z]

I'm guessing his personal reason is that his PT here has run its course.

One can only hope. The Zips have to get better play at the position if they plan on competing in the tourney. Seems like only yesterday that we were informed that he "stepped up his game to meet the challenge"

Good luck Carmelo.

[zipdiehard]

On the surface it does seem like the two new guys talent level may have contributed to this. I'm wondering if it could also affect 2015 recruit Josh Williams?

Best of luck to Carmelo.

[ZachTheZip]

Basketball talent level is one thing. The ability to be a floor general is another. This teams needs someone with both.

[akronzips71]

So that opens up another roster spot. Does Zeke have a younger, taller brother?

[skip-zip]

I will always remember him for stepping into a tough situation, under heavy pressure, and performing well to win us a MAC title in 2013.

I wish his career had grown from there, but it didn't. He was reduced to a role player, still could have helped us, but apparently that wasn't in the cards.

Rumblings about his departure started last week. I had hoped that it was just a rumor. That's too bad.

[Quickzips]

_{Melo just never looked comfortable at this level. At least not for any consistent length of time. Particularly the case when it came to shooting the rock. I don't know that I've seen many guys who seemed that petrified at the thought of taking an open shot. He had some gritty performances, particularly in that 2013 tournament, but just never put it all together. Wish him the best of luck in whatever is next.}

[johnnyzip84]

Good luck, Melo! I always appreciated your effort.

[zippy5]

_{Melo just never looked comfortable at this level. At least not for any consistent length of time. Particularly the case when it came to shooting the rock. I don't know that I've seen many guys who seemed that petrified at the thought of taking an open shot. He had some gritty performances, particularly in that 2013 tournament, but just never put it all together. Wish him the best of luck in whatever is next.}

Yeah makes me wonder if it was because he was thrust into the lineup earlier than anticipated or he was just never going to have it. Regardless, his 2013 MAC championship performance was one that was great to see. Might not be the prettiest box score but he really came through. Thanks, Melo.

[taxpayer]

I am saddened to read this as Melo is one of the nicest young men that have played for the Zips recently. He has the ability to play in a pass first role and was a terrific on the ball defender but lacked one essential ingredient....self confidence. As stated, a really nice young man who I wish the best for, maybe a change of schools and heading to a D2 school would put a smile back on his face. Curious if this is the route he will follow or if the game has lost it's magic for him.

Thanks for your efforts Melo, I, for one, will miss you.

[zipnetter55]

Wonder what will be done with Melo's scholarship- anyone know. Perhaps to Ivy,who is currently a walk-on, or maybe they hold it for next season. Also-anyone who has seen practice-what positions are Gladden and A,Jackson playing and do they figure to get many minutes?

[LZIp]

Maybe my memory is letting me down, but I'm pretty sure it was Harney that stepped up and played out of position at PG (even started there) to lead us to the 2013 MAC title.

[gozips19]

Melo was one of the most offensively challenged players I've ever seen. I had hoped he'd be that steady with the ball/pesky defender but he just never developed. DII will be a much better place for him. I wish him well.

[akronzips71]

So this late departure means we start the season one player short?

[UAZip0510]

Betancourt's spot won't be filled - right now anyway. There's always a chance for a mid-year addition, but more than likely the Zips will use the extra scholarship next season. As for roster depth, don't forget Cristen Wilson and Malcolm Walters signed on as preferred walk-ons.

[Hilltopper]

Actually, Wilson never enrolled and is playing for LLCC. Betancourt scholarship will be used for Jimond Ivey next year.

[skip-zip]

Maybe my memory is letting me down, but I'm pretty sure it was Harney that stepped up and played out of position at PG (even started there) to lead us to the 2013 MAC title.

Your memory of Harney filling some of that role was accurate. But, Melo was the starting PG.

[Blue & Gold]

Wonder what will be done with Melo's scholarship- anyone know. Perhaps to Ivy,who is currently a walk-on, or maybe they hold it for next season. Also-anyone who has seen practice-what positions are Gladden and A,Jackson playing and do they figure to get many minutes?

I haven't been to observe practice, but I hear that A.Jackson is backing up Tree at power forward. Making him a 'stretch-4,' as his style of play is quite different than Tree's.

[Dave in Green]

... Also-anyone who has seen practice-what positions are Gladden and A,Jackson playing and do they figure to get many minutes?

It can get a little confusing when the team has 2 A. Jacksons (Aaron and Antino). But assuming you mean Aaron, Blue & Gold just gave you the right answer. Aaron continued growing and putting on weight during his redshirt year and is now about the same height and weight as Nick Harney was before he left the team. It's also been discussed in other threads that BJ Gladden has proven to have good ball control, so he can play point forward and trigger plays. I'd expect to see him mostly at the 3, though he could easily play the 2 and is also strong and aggressive enough to sub a little at the 4 if needed. BJ's ball control may make him a good option to have in the lineup when the Zips' backup PG is on the floor.

[UAZip0510]

Actually, Wilson never enrolled and is playing for LLCC. Betancourt scholarship will be used for Jimond Ivey next year.

Good call on Wilson.