Zips Hoops Update

[Captain Kangaroo]

Going into the first week in November, here’s a quick update on how things look for the Zips basketball team:The veterans are pretty much fully up-to-speed. But it is a work-in-process for the young guys. For McNees and Bardo, the redshirt season has made the transition to D1 hoops a bit easier, but there is still a world of difference from being on essentially the “scout team,” working against Rome and Dru…and being on the white team and being counted on to contribute and run the show. McNees has shown he’s an excellent ball handler. And, he can stick the wide open jumper with the best of them. But PG is the toughest position to learn. Expect a little bit of inconsistency from him early on, with play improving as the season progresses.Jimmy Conyers had his best practice week ever last week. The game has really slowed down for him. He may be the hardest working player on the team, and also may be the team’s toughest post defender. Every great team has a shut-down type defensive specialist, like Demetric Shaw was for K.e.n.t, or Floyd Johnson was for the Huggins-era Zips, and for the 2007-8 Zips that guy looks to be Jimmy. His offense is coming along too, but look for his defense to stand out immediately.Nate Linhart worked with a personal trainer this summer and put on 10lbs of muscle. Look for a more consistent contribution effort from Nate in ‘08, with a boost in his outside scoring.How’d Ronnie Steward get hurt? It was a freak thing…he simply pivoted awkwardly and “BAM,” the dreaded hip flexor reared its ugly head. There’s no fracture, and he’s not on crutches. But the pain has prevented him from practicing. Jeremiah Wood is in great shape. However, his right hand is banged up a bit. He’ll be fine when the season starts. Word on the street is he worked quite a bit on a 10ft jumper this summer. If defenses pack it inside and dare Wood to shoot the “J” he’ll probably make them pay.Chris McKnight went to Europe this summer and played pretty extensively. He made great strides in his outside shooting, and was his team’s leading scorer. With the year of college hoops under his belt and the summer experience he’s gained, look for a much more confident, polished Chris McKnight this fall.Quade Milum – Here’s a guy that KD absolutely loves, and who should be a much bigger contributor offensively than ever before. He’s a great kid, hard worker, and he’s really added to his game over the summer. From 10ft and in, he’s money. His hook shot is off-the-hook wicked. Quade’s biggest hurdle this year is believing in himself as much as the staff believes in him. Like we saw @ Temple a couple years ago, when Quade plays with confidence, he can flat-out dominate. From everything I’ve been told, we should expect to see several more “Temple-like” performances from Quade in 2007-8.Steve Swiech is slowly rounding into form. He’s dropped 15 lbs since arriving on campus and his footwork is improving almost daily. But in high school it was commonplace for him to catch lobs from the point guard and score at-will over the smaller opposition. In D1 hoops there are plenty of guys his size, and who have serious hops and quickness, and that’s been a bit of a wake-up call. Like any incoming frosh, it will take a while until Steve gets used to the speed and athleticism he’s going to run into every night he steps on to the court. Offensively, if he gets the ball within 8 feet, he’s been solid. His touch is unreal for a big man at such an early stage. “The Wizard of Wadsworth” Nick Goddard will definitely get opportunities to contribute during his final season. If teams try to pack it in on J Wood, look for the Zips most underrated passer to kick the ball out to our guards for some wide-open 3’s. This is likely the situation where Nick will see the majority of his “real” (non-garbage time) PT this year.That’s all for now. Time to clean out my gutters.

[ziptrumpet87]

thanks for the update Cap! I'm really psyched for the season to get started!

[GoZips88]

Captain ... any opinion or word as to whether Swiech will red-shirt or not?

[ziptrumpet87]

Captain ... any opinion or word as to whether Swiech will red-shirt or not?

I wouldn't expect that to be decided until after the season starts.

[Captain Kangaroo]

Captain ... any opinion or word as to whether Swiech will red-shirt or not?

I don't see a red shirt happening. He seems to be doing very well. And, unlike Bardo last year, size-wise, Steve is pretty much ready to compete. He just needs to get that "banger," inside attitude. I think he'll be good for about 10 mpg this year, but we'll see.

[zip37]

Cap't Roo-- bet you you are wrong re: Swiech.With ball ammunition lock and load, and. of course

[Captain Kangaroo]

Cap't Roo-- bet you you are wrong re: Sweich.With ball ammunition lock and load, and. of course

I've had a really bad 2007 regarding by predictions, so it is probably a curse for him if I say "no red shirt." If we can afford to red shirt him, that would really speak well for our team in 2007-8.

[zipfan 81]

Glad to see "The Wizard of Wadsworth" getting some positive feedback. I hope he sees more than "garbage minutes" this year, he should! The team is looking good!

[Quickzips]

Glad to see "The Wizard of Wadsworth" getting some positive feedback. I hope he sees more than "garbage minutes" this year, he should! The team is looking good!

Do we really have to open up this can of worms again?What exactly is it that makes him deserve more minutes? His great ballhandling skills? His ability to penetrate the lane and create his own shot? His defensive ability? His overall athleticism?Just because the kid can knock down a few 30+ footers here and there doesn't mean he should be taking away minutes from guys like Dials, Middleton, McNees, Conyers or Steward.

[GoZips88]

I just took another look at the men's basketball schedule and noticed that game time for the 1/17 home game against OU is 9PM!?! The game is scheduled to broadcast on ESPNU and my guess is we're the lucky ones who get to be game #2 of a Thursday night ESPNU double-header (Bowling Green plays at Buffalo at 7PM but neither lists ESPNU on their schedule). Isn't 9PM WAY past the bedtime of many who regularly snooze in the lower blue chairbacks? Should be a fun one ... I hope the snow stays away this year!