Most improved player

[1981 grad]

Since we are at the end of the season, I would like any and all opinions on which Zip has improved the most during the season.  I have raised this topic in previous years with regard to which Zip has improved the most from last season to the current season but considering our first year roster that would not work this this year.

 

I do not think there is a clear favorite.  My pick would be Lucas Smith.  When he first stepped on the floor I thought "who the heck is that guy."  However, during the season he has in many respects outplayed Klac.  He hustles, plays good defense and makes an occasional basket.  Daniel would probably be a second choice since he has really played well at the end of the season.  However, he was playing great early on so not sure how much he has improved.  I would probably say the same for Jimond.  Played great in the beginning of the season after the first few games and has been playing solid ball.  Duvivier has had a solid season but cannot say that he has shown dramatic improvement as the season progress.  The one surprise about Duvivier is how many times he has fouled out.  I cannot say I have seen great improvement from any of the others.  I thought Cotton was really coming on after he made the game winner at Bowling Green but that has not happened.   Parish has had a solid season but he started the season well and I cannot say that he has shown solid improvement each game.  I was hoping that some of the frosh would make a solid impact this season but I think they seem content to have Daniel, Jimond and Ivey do the heavy lifting on offense.  (not that there is anything wrong with that).  

[Dr Z]

Between what I witnessed and coach's comments about his practice habits, I'll vote Virshon. 

PS This would be a nice thread for a poll. Easy to vote for ZN members. 

[Hilltopper]

The guy who probably would have gotten my vote is Sayles. Unfortunately his injury sidelined him just as he was really starting to make his presence shown. With that said, Utomi has shown the most improvement.  Last year he was a bit player but this year he has been asked to do so much more and responded well.

[NWAkron]

Kostelac!

[skip-zip]

If the measure of "improved" is someone who looked like they might not do much of anything, and then suddenly started being able to produce double-digit efforts, and even carried your team in a victory in that very same season..........then I think you definitely have to give it to Cotton.  

Edited March 2, 2018 by skip-zip

[clarkwgriswold]

To me, to quote the renowned philosopher Dennis Green, "they are who we thought they were." All in all, there were a couple who did not develop as I'd hoped, but no one who made huge strides or surprised me.

[zippy5]

E was on a nice track, same with Sayles. I'd probably go with Cotton.. He didn't look much like he belonged at first and came into his own as the year went. Now if he could just stay healthy and out of trouble

[NWAkron]

21 minutes ago, clarkwgriswold said:

To me, to quote the renowned philosopher Dennis Green, "they are who we thought they were." All in all, there were a couple who did not develop as I'd hoped, but no one who made huge strides or surprised me.

Or when they show you who they are, believe them.

[Dr Z]

Nice interview with Virshon after the game last night. Joe asked him what he thought of coach calling the last play for him, and putting a freshman in charge with the game on the line. Virshon responded that he was surprised by coach telling him to go to the basket with juniors and seniors on the floor. Virshon said it was the first time any coach drew up a play for him to finish a game. He also said it was the first time he had to make two free throws to win a game. Coach Groce actions last night spoke volumes as to who he thinks the most improved player is.