I'm concerned about next year's recruits

[wutup_nj]

Nikola Cvetinovic PF 6-7 230 - Lynchburg, VAAnthony Hitchens PG 5-9 165 - Chillicothe, OHBrett McClanahan SG 6-5 - - Nitro, WVAndrew Parrish PF 6-8 225 - Clayton, OHAlex Sullivan PG 5-10 160 - Painesville, OHThe point guards are the ones with any type of rankings. They have two stars on rivals.com. The rest of them don't have any stars, let alone a half star. This type of recruiting has been all too common during KD's tenure. Isn't anybody concerned? Who is going to replace Jeremiah Wood and where is this Ronnie Seward kid?

[wutup_nj]

unless they were under the radar

[Zips Supporter]

I've been saying this all along. KD recruits, well not just him, it's Paris who does the scouting as well. But he recruits random average guys to fit the roles and gets them to fit the system. I mean the guys with lots of talent try to stay away from the mid-majors just to get on the radar, but still there are talented guys who still go to mid-majors. The guys he recruits do have talent in certain aspects and can do the things they are expected to do at their position. But according to the scouts, they are still average in the ratings. The people on here who say his recruiting is fine, and like to compare to Hipsher's recruiting, can compare all they want, but scouts know talent when they see it.

[Quickzips]

Rivals and scout star rankings are totally meaningless, especially when it comes to midmajor recruiting. This issue has been hashed out over and over again, especially in some of the football forums.

[Zip Watcher]

I really have no idea what team you're talking about .. because it can't be the Zips. This year & next are the deepest, most talented rosters we've ever seen. Where is this notion that "he recruits average role players" coming from?Steward: 1st team All-Ohio D2Swiech: 1st team All-PA (3 stars in the rankings if you like)B. McKnight: 1st Team all Ohio D1 - Coaches association state POYHitchens: 1st Team all Ohio D2 - State title winnerMcNees: Post Gazette big 5 all star .. other recognitionsThats' just off the top of my head. I'm sure that McClanahan will get a mention in the WV HS all state teams .. the guy was nominated for McDonald's All American. Last year 2 teams in Ohio recruited more than 1 member of the all state HS teams. tOSU and Akron. That's it.On Saturday our recruit went by the Mr. Basketball that's going to OSU and dished for the game winner to win the D2 title.I don't see the recent recruits as "random average." These guys are all playing for wining HS teams, pouring in tons of points, and garnering statewide accolades at every turn.What Rivals and Scout say is based largely on old AAU data and summer camps .. not on court results during the season.I got my shades on .. B) B)

[Blue & Gold]

Rivals and scout star rankings are totally meaningless, especially when it comes to midmajor recruiting. This issue has been hashed out over and over again, especially in some of the football forums.

Quickzips is spot on. I am a paying member of Rivals.com, but it is ONLY for fun. Their basketball star rankings are absolutely awful. ESPECIALLY in basketball - there are just far, far, far too many players for these guys to have much of an idea of what they're talking about. For instance, Humpty Hitchens was 1st Team D-II All-Ohio and a finalist for Ohio's Mr. Basketball award. In the Ohio D-II championship game against Toledo Libbey he shined brighter than did 5-Star William Bufford, who won Ohio's Mr. Basketball award. Bufford's a beautiful player with tons of up side, but on this particular day I would have taken Humpty 10 times out of 10. Another example: a local player that I am intrigued by is Canton Timken's 6-2 SG Johnnie Davis. He was 1st-Team All-Ohio D-I, but neither Rivals nor Scouts even has a single word about him. So take those star rankings with the proverbial grain of salt. It's fun when a player that signs w/ your program has 3 stars next to his name, but it's really for fun; doesn't mean a lot. the recruiting info you'll get on this website is priceless compared to what you'll get on either Rivals or Scouts. And it's free!

[Blue & Gold]

Oh, and by the way, 2 years ago Darryl Roberts was ranked as the best PG/Lead Guard in the state of Ohio and KD signed him. Last year Ronnie Steward was considered the best PG in the state of Ohio and KD signed him. This year Humpty Hitchens is considered the best PG/Lead Guard in the state of Ohio and KD got him. Two years ago PF Chris McKnight was 1st Team D-I All-Ohio, as was his brother Brett @ SF last year. Additionally, Steve McNees was 1st Team All-Western Pennsylvania two years ago (I believe Pennsylvania gives out seperate honors for the western & eastern portions of the state) as was Steven Sweich last year.Additionally, current Zip recruit & high school senior Alex Sullivan was named to the D-I All-Ohio 2nd Team, but this is actually a huge accomplishment because Sullivan played on a team where he was generally the 1st, 2nd and 3rd option to put the ball in the basket, so every team that they played all year long was solely focussed on shutting down Mr. Sullivan and no one could ever really keep him from scoring the ball.Yeah, the elite-level high school talent that KD is loading up on is unprecedented in this programs history!

[wutup_nj]

Oh, and by the way, 2 years ago Darryl Roberts was ranked as the best PG/Lead Guard in the state of Ohio and KD signed him. Last year Ronnie Steward was considered the best PG in the state of Ohio and KD signed him. This year Humpty Hitchens is considered the best PG/Lead Guard in the state of Ohio and KD got him. Two years ago PF Chris McKnight was 1st Team D-I All-Ohio, as was his brother Brett @ SF last year. Additionally, Steve McNees was 1st Team All-Western Pennsylvania two years ago (I believe Pennsylvania gives out seperate honors for the western & eastern portions of the state) as was Steven Sweich last year.Additionally, current Zip recruit & high school senior Alex Sullivan was named to the D-I All-Ohio 2nd Team, but this is actually a huge accomplishment because Sullivan played on a team where he was generally the 1st, 2nd and 3rd option to put the ball in the basket, so every team that they played all year long was solely focussed on shutting down Mr. Sullivan and no one could ever really keep him from scoring the ball.Yeah, the elite-level high school talent that KD is loading up on is unprecedented in this programs history!

I would love to see KD recruit a player that is ranked top 150 in the entire country, then Akron would truly dominate. Having a recruit that is one of the best in your state, doesn't necessarily mean he is a high impact player. The crop of players at that position could be particularly weak in that state during that year. I would also like to KD recruit a player hat is ranked in the nations top 20 at their respective positions.

[Captain Kangaroo]

Oh, and by the way, 2 years ago Darryl Roberts was ranked as the best PG/Lead Guard in the state of Ohio and KD signed him. Last year Ronnie Steward was considered the best PG in the state of Ohio and KD signed him. This year Humpty Hitchens is considered the best PG/Lead Guard in the state of Ohio and KD got him. Two years ago PF Chris McKnight was 1st Team D-I All-Ohio, as was his brother Brett @ SF last year. Additionally, Steve McNees was 1st Team All-Western Pennsylvania two years ago (I believe Pennsylvania gives out seperate honors for the western & eastern portions of the state) as was Steven Sweich last year.Additionally, current Zip recruit & high school senior Alex Sullivan was named to the D-I All-Ohio 2nd Team, but this is actually a huge accomplishment because Sullivan played on a team where he was generally the 1st, 2nd and 3rd option to put the ball in the basket, so every team that they played all year long was solely focussed on shutting down Mr. Sullivan and no one could ever really keep him from scoring the ball.Yeah, the elite-level high school talent that KD is loading up on is unprecedented in this programs history!

I would love to see KD recruit a player that is ranked top 150 in the entire country, then Akron would truly dominate. Having a recruit that is one of the best in your state, doesn't necessarily mean he is a high impact player. The crop of players at that position could be particularly weak in that state during that year. I would also like to KD recruit a player hat is ranked in the nations top 20 at their respective positions.

I like our staff to recruit good student athletes. Who cares where some internet site rates them...

[ZachTheZip]

I would love to see KD recruit a player that is ranked top 150 in the entire country, then Akron would truly dominate. Having a recruit that is one of the best in your state, doesn't necessarily mean he is a high impact player. The crop of players at that position could be particularly weak in that state during that year. I would also like to KD recruit a player hat is ranked in the nations top 20 at their respective positions.

You're asking KD to bring top national recruits to play for a team with TWO postseason wins all time and a team which hasn't played in the NCAA tournament for twenty-two years? Hell, we've never even won the MAC once. It's going to take some time to get recruits like that, and a lot more winning. Either way, there's no doubt that KD has brought in a talent level to this program that UA has never had before. If you believe half the stuff about the incoming class, we'll be right back in the thick of it next year after graduating half the team.

[ZipAlumn]

Oh, and by the way, 2 years ago Darryl Roberts was ranked as the best PG/Lead Guard in the state of Ohio and KD signed him. Last year Ronnie Steward was considered the best PG in the state of Ohio and KD signed him. This year Humpty Hitchens is considered the best PG/Lead Guard in the state of Ohio and KD got him. Two years ago PF Chris McKnight was 1st Team D-I All-Ohio, as was his brother Brett @ SF last year. Additionally, Steve McNees was 1st Team All-Western Pennsylvania two years ago (I believe Pennsylvania gives out seperate honors for the western & eastern portions of the state) as was Steven Sweich last year.Additionally, current Zip recruit & high school senior Alex Sullivan was named to the D-I All-Ohio 2nd Team, but this is actually a huge accomplishment because Sullivan played on a team where he was generally the 1st, 2nd and 3rd option to put the ball in the basket, so every team that they played all year long was solely focussed on shutting down Mr. Sullivan and no one could ever really keep him from scoring the ball.Yeah, the elite-level high school talent that KD is loading up on is unprecedented in this programs history!

I would love to see KD recruit a player that is ranked top 150 in the entire country, then Akron would truly dominate. Having a recruit that is one of the best in your state, doesn't necessarily mean he is a high impact player. The crop of players at that position could be particularly weak in that state during that year. I would also like to KD recruit a player hat is ranked in the nations top 20 at their respective positions.

I like our staff to recruit good student athletes. Who care where some internet site rates them...

I completely agree with Captain Kangaroo ... although I personally think that KD has recruited some excellent talent since he has been here.

[Big Zip]

If memory serves me correct the seniors on this team were the last crew that was recruited under Hipsher 100%. Next year's seniors were also recruited during the Hipsher regime, but started under KD. I'm excited to see next year's team and the talent that is on the team. The graduating seniors from this year essentially started from day one because of the lack of talent and had to learn on the job. Going forward you're going to have more and more guys who played because they could and not because they were needed. The 2009-2010 is where I expect the Zips to begin to dominate annually -- I still think next year's team will compete and be plenty fun to watch. Because KD elected to recruit HS kids and build the team that way has been even more impressive.

[Valpo Zip]

Cedrick, Quade, Dials, and Goddard haven't played a minute under Hipsher. J-wood did.

[RACER]

it's sad that steward was hurt this year.he was the one piece of the puzzle that could have helped the zips this year.any news on his health.also what about conyers?does anybody know if he is coming back.hopefully he will stick it out.he could help us at the small forward/big guard spot. if these two guys come back healthy and ready to play that would help regardless of what the freshman do.

[zipboy]

If memory serves me correct the seniors on this team were the last crew that was recruited under Hipsher 100%. Next year's seniors were also recruited during the Hipsher regime, but started under KD. I'm excited to see next year's team and the talent that is on the team. The graduating seniors from this year essentially started from day one because of the lack of talent and had to learn on the job. Going forward you're going to have more and more guys who played because they could and not because they were needed. The 2009-2010 is where I expect the Zips to begin to dominate annually -- I still think next year's team will compete and be plenty fun to watch. Because KD elected to recruit HS kids and build the team that way has been even more impressive.

Quade was already signed while Hipsher was the head coach. Cedric was KDs first recruit. After Alan Hanson pulled out, KD signed Cedric late spring. For Dials, I don't remember if he signed before or after Hipsher left. I seem to remember after, so he would have been the other KD recruit from that class.

[Blue & Gold]

it's sad that steward was hurt this year.he was the one piece of the puzzle that could have helped the zips this year.any news on his health.also what about conyers?does anybody know if he is coming back.hopefully he will stick it out.he could help us at the small forward/big guard spot. if these two guys come back healthy and ready to play that would help regardless of what the freshman do.

The common sentiment is that we all hope Jimmy Conyers sticks it out and comes back w/ the team next year. But just to throw this perspective out there, wouldn't it be better off for everyone if he'd transfer down? He could go to a school where he would get playing time and could really contribute (I hate to say this, but he hasn't really contributed anything all year; doesn't even take his warmups off anymore.) Jimmy does seem like a really nice guy, but awfully mentally fragile. Transfering down would be a healthy move for Jimmy. As for us, we'd get another scholly freed up and could offer it to someone who can play and contribute at this level. With the Conyers scholly maybe we could sign both Zeke and Reggie Keely next year?!

[zip37]

LET'S SEE IF I GET THIS-- KD HAS WON 19 23 26 AND 24 GAMES, AND ZIPLOCKBAG IS "CONCERNED" ABOUT NEXT YEAR!!!!!!!!!???????????? ZLB SOUNDS LIKE THE NEWSPAPER HEARDLINES SI=UCH ABD SUCH IS CONCERNED ABOUT SO AND SO-- CONCERNS MOUNT DUE TO SOME BS OR ANOTHER. WONDER HOW MANY 5 STARS ARE ON BUTLER';S TEAM-- OR BETTER YETDAVIDSON'S?WITH BALL AMMUNITION LOCK AND LOAD, AND OF COURSE

[FromdaBurgh]

Oh, and by the way, 2 years ago Darryl Roberts was ranked as the best PG/Lead Guard in the state of Ohio and KD signed him. Last year Ronnie Steward was considered the best PG in the state of Ohio and KD signed him. This year Humpty Hitchens is considered the best PG/Lead Guard in the state of Ohio and KD got him. Two years ago PF Chris McKnight was 1st Team D-I All-Ohio, as was his brother Brett @ SF last year. Additionally, Steve McNees was 1st Team All-Western Pennsylvania two years ago (I believe Pennsylvania gives out seperate honors for the western & eastern portions of the state) as was Steven Sweich last year.Additionally, current Zip recruit & high school senior Alex Sullivan was named to the D-I All-Ohio 2nd Team, but this is actually a huge accomplishment because Sullivan played on a team where he was generally the 1st, 2nd and 3rd option to put the ball in the basket, so every team that they played all year long was solely focussed on shutting down Mr. Sullivan and no one could ever really keep him from scoring the ball.Yeah, the elite-level high school talent that KD is loading up on is unprecedented in this programs history!

I would love to see KD recruit a player that is ranked top 150 in the entire country, then Akron would truly dominate. Having a recruit that is one of the best in your state, doesn't necessarily mean he is a high impact player. The crop of players at that position could be particularly weak in that state during that year. I would also like to KD recruit a player hat is ranked in the nations top 20 at their respective positions.

Well Ziplockbag....I guess you never took the time to check out my son Zeke Marshall 09 recruit..WHO by the way sir...has a 3 star ranking on Scout.com and is listed 19 in the 2009 class at the Center position. So having said all of this---you MAY want to rethink that above statement or perhaps do a "little more research" before blasting the recruiting efforts of UA. He is not ranked on Rivals (although they have a very interesting article about him on their site). And if I may say this...you might want to consider this has well....why only go after the "so called" highly ranked players? Consider the fact that Zeke is not blown up on the "scout" sites yet he is considered a major recruit for his class..AND RIVALS NOR SCOUT had ANYTHING...now say with me...NOTHING to do with it. I personally like it when a kid is not considered by "scouts" and "rivals" and places like that to be so important or worth their attention...although they are excellent players..why do I say this...because it provides a better opportunity for UA and other mid major schools to get top quality athletes without having to fight the "bigger" schools for them. Zeke LOVES being under the radar...less scrutiny from the "so-called" super intelligent, all knowing scouts and more of an opportunity to look at and really consider schools LIKE AKRON. Take a deep breathe ziplockbag and hold on...because it is getting ready to get (as my beautiful daughter says--CRACK-A-LACKIN)

[Zip_ME87]

If memory serves me correct the seniors on this team were the last crew that was recruited under Hipsher 100%. Next year's seniors were also recruited during the Hipsher regime, but started under KD. I'm excited to see next year's team and the talent that is on the team. The graduating seniors from this year essentially started from day one because of the lack of talent and had to learn on the job. Going forward you're going to have more and more guys who played because they could and not because they were needed. The 2009-2010 is where I expect the Zips to begin to dominate annually -- I still think next year's team will compete and be plenty fun to watch. Because KD elected to recruit HS kids and build the team that way has been even more impressive.

Quade was already signed while Hipsher was the head coach. Cedric was KDs first recruit. After Alan Hanson pulled out, KD signed Cedric late spring. For Dials, I don't remember if he signed before or after Hipsher left. I seem to remember after, so he would have been the other KD recruit from that class.

June 22, 2004AKRON, Ohio (Ticker) - Ohio State guard Nick Dials, who started nine games as a freshman last season, has transferred to Akron. The decision comes two weeks after Ohio State coach Jim O'Brien was fired for alleged recruiting violations. Under NCAA requirements, Dials has to sit out next season, then will have three years of eligibility remaining. He averaged 4.5 points, 2.1 assists and 1.4 rebounds last season. "Nick is a perfect fit for our program," Akron coach Keith Dambrot said. "He is the ultimate winner and was a player we really wanted out of high school. He has excellent skills and tremendous knowledge of the game." Dials attended Ohio State last fall as a walk-on, but was awarded a scholarship just before the start of the season.

[Blue & Gold]

Oh, and by the way, 2 years ago Darryl Roberts was ranked as the best PG/Lead Guard in the state of Ohio and KD signed him. Last year Ronnie Steward was considered the best PG in the state of Ohio and KD signed him. This year Humpty Hitchens is considered the best PG/Lead Guard in the state of Ohio and KD got him. Two years ago PF Chris McKnight was 1st Team D-I All-Ohio, as was his brother Brett @ SF last year. Additionally, Steve McNees was 1st Team All-Western Pennsylvania two years ago (I believe Pennsylvania gives out seperate honors for the western & eastern portions of the state) as was Steven Sweich last year.Additionally, current Zip recruit & high school senior Alex Sullivan was named to the D-I All-Ohio 2nd Team, but this is actually a huge accomplishment because Sullivan played on a team where he was generally the 1st, 2nd and 3rd option to put the ball in the basket, so every team that they played all year long was solely focussed on shutting down Mr. Sullivan and no one could ever really keep him from scoring the ball.Yeah, the elite-level high school talent that KD is loading up on is unprecedented in this programs history!

I would love to see KD recruit a player that is ranked top 150 in the entire country, then Akron would truly dominate. Having a recruit that is one of the best in your state, doesn't necessarily mean he is a high impact player. The crop of players at that position could be particularly weak in that state during that year. I would also like to KD recruit a player hat is ranked in the nations top 20 at their respective positions.

Well Ziplockbag....I guess you never took the time to check out my son Zeke Marshall 09 recruit..WHO by the way sir...has a 3 star ranking on Scout.com and is listed 19 in the 2009 class at the Center position. So having said all of this---you MAY want to rethink that above statement or perhaps do a "little more research" before blasting the recruiting efforts of UA. He is not ranked on Rivals (although they have a very interesting article about him on their site). And if I may say this...you might want to consider this has well....why only go after the "so called" highly ranked players? Consider the fact that Zeke is not blown up on the "scout" sites yet he is considered a major recruit for his class..AND RIVALS NOR SCOUT had ANYTHING...now say with me...NOTHING to do with it. I personally like it when a kid is not considered by "scouts" and "rivals" and places like that to be so important or worth their attention...although they are excellent players..why do I say this...because it provides a better opportunity for UA and other mid major schools to get top quality athletes without having to fight the "bigger" schools for them. Zeke LOVES being under the radar...less scrutiny from the "so-called" super intelligent, all knowing scouts and more of an opportunity to look at and really consider schools LIKE AKRON. Take a deep breathe ziplockbag and hold on...because it is getting ready to get (as my beautiful daughter says--CRACK-A-LACKIN)

Sweet! I love that: "CRACK-A-LACKIN"! That's hilarious! CRACK-A-LACKIN-AKRON! We know Zeke is the real-deal and we think he'd look beautiful in blue & gold!!! "Humpty Hitchens with the ball at the top of the key; passes over to Roberts; Roberts back to Humpty; Humpty drives the lane and dishes off to Zeke; SLAM WITH THE RIGHT HAND!!! TWO POINTS! The Mid-American Conference trembles at the sound of Zeke's name! The crowd is going crazy, crying out 'ZZZZZZZZZZZEKE!!!'"

[FromdaBurgh]

Oh, and by the way, 2 years ago Darryl Roberts was ranked as the best PG/Lead Guard in the state of Ohio and KD signed him. Last year Ronnie Steward was considered the best PG in the state of Ohio and KD signed him. This year Humpty Hitchens is considered the best PG/Lead Guard in the state of Ohio and KD got him. Two years ago PF Chris McKnight was 1st Team D-I All-Ohio, as was his brother Brett @ SF last year. Additionally, Steve McNees was 1st Team All-Western Pennsylvania two years ago (I believe Pennsylvania gives out seperate honors for the western & eastern portions of the state) as was Steven Sweich last year.Additionally, current Zip recruit & high school senior Alex Sullivan was named to the D-I All-Ohio 2nd Team, but this is actually a huge accomplishment because Sullivan played on a team where he was generally the 1st, 2nd and 3rd option to put the ball in the basket, so every team that they played all year long was solely focussed on shutting down Mr. Sullivan and no one could ever really keep him from scoring the ball.Yeah, the elite-level high school talent that KD is loading up on is unprecedented in this programs history!

I would love to see KD recruit a player that is ranked top 150 in the entire country, then Akron would truly dominate. Having a recruit that is one of the best in your state, doesn't necessarily mean he is a high impact player. The crop of players at that position could be particularly weak in that state during that year. I would also like to KD recruit a player hat is ranked in the nations top 20 at their respective positions.

Well Ziplockbag....I guess you never took the time to check out my son Zeke Marshall 09 recruit..WHO by the way sir...has a 3 star ranking on Scout.com and is listed 19 in the 2009 class at the Center position. So having said all of this---you MAY want to rethink that above statement or perhaps do a "little more research" before blasting the recruiting efforts of UA. He is not ranked on Rivals (although they have a very interesting article about him on their site). And if I may say this...you might want to consider this has well....why only go after the "so called" highly ranked players? Consider the fact that Zeke is not blown up on the "scout" sites yet he is considered a major recruit for his class..AND RIVALS NOR SCOUT had ANYTHING...now say with me...NOTHING to do with it. I personally like it when a kid is not considered by "scouts" and "rivals" and places like that to be so important or worth their attention...although they are excellent players..why do I say this...because it provides a better opportunity for UA and other mid major schools to get top quality athletes without having to fight the "bigger" schools for them. Zeke LOVES being under the radar...less scrutiny from the "so-called" super intelligent, all knowing scouts and more of an opportunity to look at and really consider schools LIKE AKRON. Take a deep breathe ziplockbag and hold on...because it is getting ready to get (as my beautiful daughter says--CRACK-A-LACKIN)

Sweet! I love that: "CRACK-A-LACKIN"! That's hilarious! CRACK-A-LACKIN-AKRON! We know Zeke is the real-deal and we think he'd look beautiful in blue & gold!!! "Humpty Hitchens with the ball at the top of the key; passes over to Roberts; Roberts back to Humpty; Humpty drives the lane and dishes off to Zeke; SLAM WITH THE RIGHT HAND!!! TWO POINTS! The Mid-American Conference trembles at the sound of Zeke's name! The crowd is going crazy, crying out 'ZZZZZZZZZZZEKE!!!'"

I LOVE IT "BLUE AND GOLD". Sounds like a game plan to me...!!!!

[ziplock]

Oh, and by the way, 2 years ago Darryl Roberts was ranked as the best PG/Lead Guard in the state of Ohio and KD signed him. Last year Ronnie Steward was considered the best PG in the state of Ohio and KD signed him. This year Humpty Hitchens is considered the best PG/Lead Guard in the state of Ohio and KD got him. Two years ago PF Chris McKnight was 1st Team D-I All-Ohio, as was his brother Brett @ SF last year. Additionally, Steve McNees was 1st Team All-Western Pennsylvania two years ago (I believe Pennsylvania gives out seperate honors for the western & eastern portions of the state) as was Steven Sweich last year.Additionally, current Zip recruit & high school senior Alex Sullivan was named to the D-I All-Ohio 2nd Team, but this is actually a huge accomplishment because Sullivan played on a team where he was generally the 1st, 2nd and 3rd option to put the ball in the basket, so every team that they played all year long was solely focussed on shutting down Mr. Sullivan and no one could ever really keep him from scoring the ball.Yeah, the elite-level high school talent that KD is loading up on is unprecedented in this programs history!

I would love to see KD recruit a player that is ranked top 150 in the entire country, then Akron would truly dominate. Having a recruit that is one of the best in your state, doesn't necessarily mean he is a high impact player. The crop of players at that position could be particularly weak in that state during that year. I would also like to KD recruit a player hat is ranked in the nations top 20 at their respective positions.

Well Ziplockbag....I guess you never took the time to check out my son Zeke Marshall 09 recruit..WHO by the way sir...has a 3 star ranking on Scout.com and is listed 19 in the 2009 class at the Center position. So having said all of this---you MAY want to rethink that above statement or perhaps do a "little more research" before blasting the recruiting efforts of UA. He is not ranked on Rivals (although they have a very interesting article about him on their site). And if I may say this...you might want to consider this has well....why only go after the "so called" highly ranked players? Consider the fact that Zeke is not blown up on the "scout" sites yet he is considered a major recruit for his class..AND RIVALS NOR SCOUT had ANYTHING...now say with me...NOTHING to do with it. I personally like it when a kid is not considered by "scouts" and "rivals" and places like that to be so important or worth their attention...although they are excellent players..why do I say this...because it provides a better opportunity for UA and other mid major schools to get top quality athletes without having to fight the "bigger" schools for them. Zeke LOVES being under the radar...less scrutiny from the "so-called" super intelligent, all knowing scouts and more of an opportunity to look at and really consider schools LIKE AKRON. Take a deep breathe ziplockbag and hold on...because it is getting ready to get (as my beautiful daughter says--CRACK-A-LACKIN)

Sweet! I love that: "CRACK-A-LACKIN"! That's hilarious! CRACK-A-LACKIN-AKRON! We know Zeke is the real-deal and we think he'd look beautiful in blue & gold!!! "Humpty Hitchens with the ball at the top of the key; passes over to Roberts; Roberts back to Humpty; Humpty drives the lane and dishes off to Zeke; SLAM WITH THE RIGHT HAND!!! TWO POINTS! The Mid-American Conference trembles at the sound of Zeke's name! The crowd is going crazy, crying out 'ZZZZZZZZZZZEKE!!!'"

I LOVE IT "BLUE AND GOLD". Sounds like a game plan to me...!!!!

C'mon Ziplockbag, with all due respect, if you are going to use part of my moniker in your name, at least get it right.KD has done a great job recruiting AND coaching and I, for one, have no doubt about where he is determined to take this program!! Please, please, please remember the "Hipsher" years and yes, even the "Crawford" years, by comparison.Go Zips!!