Duquesne Post-game

[Captain Kangaroo]

I'll start a post-game thread with a couple off the wall thoughts:Prior to the game, "hoopla" questioned why everyone was down on Rybek and didn't think he was capable of stepping up in Nate's absence. What a great call. I watch the Zips pretty closely and I never saw it coming. Hoopla's post goes down as my "Observation of the Week."There were those who said we should rest the starters and take a break in this "meaningless" game. One very large reason this game was NOT meaningless is the benifit to Pittsburgh area recruiting. If you look at the Zips most-recent 2008 recruit lists, several "focal" names are from Pittsburgh. McNees and Sweich are two recent commits from the area. The revitalied Duquesne is a prime competitor to the Zips for the services of Pittburgh's better players. The sound beating administered by the Zips will be covered very well in Pittsburgh's two local papers and Akron Basketball will subsequently get some very nice "ink." Beyond that, it negates arguments that the A-10 is somehow superior to the MAC's elite. The MAC needs these kind of wins.Tonight's win was big for the MAC, big for Zips recruiting and a much-needed confidence boost for a team looking to notch a road win vs. a quality opponent.Great job to all involved!

[zip81]

Article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.Duq coach said his players were not ready to play at this level.http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07058/765299-135.stm

[a-zip]

McNees and Sweich are two recent commits from the area. The revitalied Duquesne is a prime competitor to the Zips for the services of Pittburgh's better players.The sound beating administered by the Zips will be covered very well in Pittsburgh's two local papers and Akron Basketball will subsequently get some very nice "ink." Beyond that, it negates arguments that the A-10 is somehow superior to the MAC's elite. The MAC needs these kind of wins.

Great point. I wonder if Sweich was at the game.

[BZip_08]

Duquesne made just one basket in the final 6:18 "but we have experience and toughness that saved our behinds..." -Dambrot, the man is sometimes hilariously eloquent"They got up on him physically and he kind of went away."- Duq's coach- that's what i want to hear! Basketball is a contact sport, I don't care what they say!

[bigzipguy]

When Quade was hammered to the floor twice, I immediately thought of : W. Kentuckyvs Zips and Andy Hip's back problems. Both players have similiar body types, even though Quade continued to play, back problems can show up later, hope he is sound!!!

[Zips Win!]

At this point in the season, I am still unclear how we play out the rest of the sesaon after that performance........Dru was hounded all night long by their small quick guards. He was very frustrated and at one point tossed his headband into the stands..Not only was he held scoreless, he made several poor passes into the post....Rybak..Hell must be freezing over....He hit a few shots...Still, he made a couple turnovers and has no business on the court. ...McKnight....Had no confidence last night. Seems lost in the offense and Dambrot is hesitant to play him much. Was called for walking on a move to the hoop (I didn't see the walk).....did come back a minute later to score.... With Wood and Quade in foul trouble, he should have played more and maybe could have saved Wood from fouling out. Ditto for Conyers...doesn't seem into the flow on offense....Dials...Best scoring game of his career....Hit many mid-range jumpers as well. He is the key at the Q. If he can score for us in Cleveland, I like our chances......Rome....Another outstanding performance....Seemed tired at the start....but kicked it in as the game progressed. He, too, hit many mid-range jumpers. We seemed to have no problem getting it into him in the post. Once inside, they took away the drive, so he took many mid-range J's....and hit them. The two charging fouls were horrible. Both should have been no calls...Overall, it was an excellent start of the game and start of the second half. Great energy with our shot blockers, however I am not sure why Quade and Rome both are trying to block the shot. Many times this left Duquesne free for the easy put back. Why not have one guy jumping and the other rebounding?Still, the second half was a carbon copy of the BG game. Get out to a double digit lead...we kept running and hitting, they kept missing. Up 15, we kept running and taking quick shots and then started to miss. They began draining 3 after 3 and the more they made, they quicker we shot or made a bad half court or cross court pass, that led to balls getting deflected to Duquesne for an easy lay-up or wide open 3. A 15 point lead goes to one. Can't we come up with a team rule that says once we get up 15, we have to take our time, get the ball down low and run the offense, using some clock? Not sure what all the running and gunning does at that point in the game.....Finally, overall, was not very impressed with Duquesne. I see why they are 10 and whatever. They didn't quit however, although their comeback had more to do with our inconsistent play, than the Dukes doing anything that impressive. We clearly were the better team.P.S. Sweich was in attendance.

[Valpo Zip]

McNees and Sweich are two recent commits from the area. The revitalied Duquesne is a prime competitor to the Zips for the services of Pittburgh's better players.The sound beating administered by the Zips will be covered very well in Pittsburgh's two local papers and Akron Basketball will subsequently get some very nice "ink." Beyond that, it negates arguments that the A-10 is somehow superior to the MAC's elite. The MAC needs these kind of wins.

Great point. I wonder if Sweich was at the game.

Stephen Swiech was at the game. His father and him approached the zips fans introducing themselves. The Swiechs left a very good first impression.

[Zip Watcher]

How big is swiech when compared to Bardo? Bigger? Wider? Curious about exactly how big the guy looked.

[GoZips88]

Stephen Swiech was at the game. His father and him approached the zips fans introducing themselves. The Swiechs left a very good first impression.

I thought I heard Frenchy say that Father Swiech made cookies for the team. I LOVE it when the kids and parents are so excited about playing at Akron. Great to see McKnight's parents making the drive north for every game.

[Captain Kangaroo]

How big is swiech when compared to Bardo? Bigger? Wider? Curious about exactly how big the guy looked.

He is built kinda like Nick Myers was. His body is ready for MAC play.

[Captain Kangaroo]

Pittsburgh Tribune Review column:Click Me

[Valpo Zip]

Stephen is listed as 6-10. I think he is a little wider than Bardo, not a lot just slightly.I am impressed with his 25ppg average. I think he should be ready to play... no more redshirts.

[ziptrumpet87]

Wood plus two guys at 6-10/240... I'm likin' it if they are ready to go next fall!

[zip81]

Pittsburgh Tribune Review column:Click Me

I wonder how the reporter thinks we regained the lead in the MAC East??????

[Bleacher Bum]

Pittsburgh Tribune Review column:Click Me

I wonder how the reporter thinks we regained the lead in the MAC East??????

He also says, "The Zips have won 13 of their past 15 games. Their six losses are by a combined 3.4 points. "How do you lose 6 games by a combined 3.4 points?

[ziprowdy]

I dont care what anyone says, I stand behind John Rybak as a basketball player...I am a little disappointed in some of the Ak Rowdies...I know we have our favorite players, pretty much the starting five: dials, romeo, j wood, dru, quade, linhart...and goddard...its nice to have your favorite players, and i must say its awesome to watch them play...however theyre not gonna be here forever, im pretty the ncaa has a rule about how long one can play college basketball...rybak seems to be a fundamentally sound player...and yeah he makes some not so great passes on the court, and last night i think he had a couple of turnovers...no one bashes dru joyce when he threw up an airball and a couple bricks from behind the arc...but felt the need to keep on shootin 3's...cause thats all we want, 3's, 3's, 3's...down the road rybak is gonna be a player that will contribute a lot to this team...goddard too, but all i see him as, is a 3 point specialist...nothing wrong with that, every team has one...and how would you like it if youre rybak sittin on the bench, like many other players...and gettin talked to, taunted, tellin him he needs to pass the ball to goddard...by his own fans!...you need to appreciate everyone on team...it doesnt matter if ya think he looks dumb in a jersey, if ya think his girlfriend is ugly, if ya think his shoes are dumb...i stand behind rybak and all the other players some rowdies dont wanna see play...i cheer for rybak now, and i will cheer for rybak in the future

[Dr Z]

if ya think his shoes are dumb...

One of my favorite players for the Zips had some of the "dumbest" shoes ever.

i stand behind rybak and all the other players some rowdies dont wanna see play...i cheer for rybak now, and i will cheer for rybak in the future

Good for you! I used to feel the same way about Jawanza Moore.

[blueandgold]

"I dont care what anyone says, I stand behind John Rybak as a basketball player..."

We need to support all of the players. Rybak hasn't played the way we were hoping so far, but keep in mind he sits for extended periods of time and then goes out in the middle of a game. It's tough to do that and look good. Give him some time. He played a little bit longer yesterday than normal, albeit about 7 minutes, but he looked better than any other time this season. More playing time = more comfortable with the system and better stats.

[zip81]

I'm glad we won and all, but I do have a soft spot for Duquesne. My Dad played football there from 1946 to 50.I danced through their media guide, and they played DI at the time. Teams like Mississipi and Miss. State, Alabama..yes, even Ohio U.Elmer Layden, one of the Notre Dame four horsemen, was their football coach at one time...I did not know that.

[Valpo Zip]

I dont care what anyone says, I stand behind John Rybak as a basketball player...I am a little disappointed in some of the Ak Rowdies...I know we have our favorite players, pretty much the starting five: dials, romeo, j wood, dru, quade, linhart...and goddard...its nice to have your favorite players, and i must say its awesome to watch them play...however theyre not gonna be here forever, im pretty the ncaa has a rule about how long one can play college basketball...rybak seems to be a fundamentally sound player...and yeah he makes some not so great passes on the court, and last night i think he had a couple of turnovers...no one bashes dru joyce when he threw up an airball and a couple bricks from behind the arc...but felt the need to keep on shootin 3's...cause thats all we want, 3's, 3's, 3's...down the road rybak is gonna be a player that will contribute a lot to this team...goddard too, but all i see him as, is a 3 point specialist...nothing wrong with that, every team has one...and how would you like it if youre rybak sittin on the bench, like many other players...and gettin talked to, taunted, tellin him he needs to pass the ball to goddard...by his own fans!...you need to appreciate everyone on team...it doesnt matter if ya think he looks dumb in a jersey, if ya think his girlfriend is ugly, if ya think his shoes are dumb...i stand behind rybak and all the other players some rowdies dont wanna see play...i cheer for rybak now, and i will cheer for rybak in the future

People have to stop looking at the Rowdies as if they are university property that the athletic department should use here and there. I am sick of people bashing on the rowdies because they don't cheer for the women and then the track team and then the Rifle team and the swimming and why not show up when we have high school campus visit days to encourage high schoolers enroll at Akron... right ?The Rowdies (me included) do not work for the university (like the cheer leaders, dance team etc...). Moreover, we are humans who we like things and hate other things. I like basketball, football and soccer so i attend them. I don't like other sports so i won't be there. As for John Rybak, that's a guy who has been on a scholarship for 2 years now; so far, he has not been a very good investment. The Rowdies more than every one want him to succeed and be good (he was cheered hard at Duquesne). But in the same time we are disappointed with his performance. This is life, if i don't perform at my workplace, i won't expect a tap on the shoulder. In fact i will be happy if i don't loose my job. So why exactly do you expect the Rowdies to be warm and fuzzy about Rybak ? Besides, did you ever hear the Rowdies booing Rybak or bad mouthing him in a game ? no way... so don't tell me you are disappointed with the Rowdies attitude towards Rybak.As for you taking a cheap shot at Dru Joyce, that is not worth a reply. DRU is definitely one of the best things that happened to the zips program and your words are not taking anything away from him.

[hoopla]

first off i dont think that he was taking a shot at dru. it was just an example. second, who cares you dont say anything during the game or not. every time i get on this site for the past few weeks all i see is rybac bashing. and yes by those who claim to be rowdies. no you dont have to give him praise and kiss his @$$. but you can keep your mouth shut about dementing statements. how big are you for that anyways? to say something when your face is hidden and on a subject that most people on here have minimal knowledge about anyways (basketball). bottom line, rybac is a zip. just like dials, dru, rome and all the others. they always dont do the right things all the time but they are zips. whatever your feelings are on any of those players should be put on the other side of the door when talking here, or anywhere else based on their performance on the court. and granted, they dont need us to kiss their feet everytime they do something right either. keep your personal dementing comments to yourselves. good post ziprowdy.

[Valpo Zip]

hoopla, relax my friend...I know that Rybak is a zip and believe me when i say that no one wants him to succeed more than i do. However, i don't see why you want me to stop stating my opinions about the team and the players. After all this is a discussion forum right ? If we don't say who played good and who played bad in the games than what do we talk about ? or shall i come here after every game and say that Rybak was awesome ?

[hoopla]

keep your personal dementing comments to yourselves.

read before you post my friend. im not saying that you cant say "so and so had a bad game" "why was that shot taken" "why isnt he playing more" or whatever. but time and time again you get posts saying that so and so cant stand him and he sucks and i everytime he gets in the game when we are not up by 30 and blah blah blah. that has nothing to do with the game. and to be honest, if the players read this junk, it isnt a confidence booster to see negativity written about you by your own fans.

[w00t]

Geez, Rybak makes his second three-pointer in 15 tries and the "See! I told you he was worth a scholarship!" posts come out of the woodwork. The fact of the matter is that the guy looks like a one-legged cat trying to bury a turd on a marble floor every time he goes into a game. The standards his biggest supporters are holding him to are laughable when you consider that during his "best game of the year" where he really "stepped it up" he turned the ball over four times... in seven minutes of action. Not to mention I'm sure every Duquesne player was thinking "I hope he's guarding me" when he checked in.

if the players read this junk, it isnt a confidence booster to see negativity written about you by your own fans.

They're big boys... If Rybak's confidence is affected by my posts on a messageboard, then he REALLY needs his scholarship pulled. I want to see this team win games... I'm really not all that concerned with whose delicate ego is shattered so long as they're reaching that end. I want him to succeed as much as the next guy, but I want UA to win ballgames first and foremost.

[ziprowdy]

so if rybak looks like a one-legged cat etc, etc...what the HE!! is so special about your high and almighty peanut butter boy...he is on scholarship too...what makes him so special...the fact that he shoots from half court throughout his entire warmup...the boy might need some schooling about where to shoot from...last i saw he shoots from out of bounds sometimes during warmups...i think rybak knows whats in bounds and out of bounds...the toledo game...we sent our 3 point specialist into the game, yes nick goddard...they checked him in...i wasnt on the floor but i think they were lookin to him to shoot a game tying 30-40 footer...we came up short...a littler different when youre in a game...ya got hands in your face...defenders all over you...im a short guy too...its intimidating when guys who are 6' or more standing over you...i never said anything in my first post about we should praise him, or...D@MN!!!! did you see rybak stroking those jumpers...whoo that boy can play...I DIDNT SAY ANY OF THAT...all i said was...a lot of people on here say, things like rybak is a one legged cat etc, etc...or rybak has no business on the court...who are any of you, to say who belongs on a basketball court or not...last i checked theyre the ones who are playing college basketball...theyre the ones who are receiving scholarships, to play college basketball...i dont see any of us out there, myself included, out there on the court doing what these guys do...if you all dont like rybak, maybe you need to talk to coach d...since you all know who should be out there...if coach d didnt think rybak was gonna contribute, i would have to think rybak wouldnt be here...because when you say bad things about players, youre saying bad things about the coach as far as im concerned...i didnt say we should stop cheering for romeo, or dru, or dials, or quade, or j wood...and if i recall, i didnt say anything about we need to go to soccer games, or tennis games, or swim meets...skhorbotly, where did you pull that from...bottom line, those guys are out there doing things none of us can do...im speeking for myself at least...if any of you can dunk over guys who are 6'3", then i apologize...if any of you can hold your own under a full court press, a defense bearing down on you...then i apologize...i have a lot of respect for all of those guys, goddard included, and dont tell me i dont...i have respect for all of them, because theyre doin something i cant...who are you to tell any one of those guys if they should be playing or not...if they have any business on the court...thats up to the coach...none of us...again, i have respect for the whole team, and will cheer for the WHOLE team...rybak hitting a couple 3's in the duquesne game has nothing to do with this...i dont know, this is what i think...bottom line rybak has a game jersey and game shorts...we dont