2008-09

[Quickzips]

Well, now that the season is officially over, I think it is appropriate to start taking stock for next year. As a couple of people have already said, this is going to be a VERY different looking Zips team starting next year. Gone are the old guard of Wood, Dials, Cedrick, Dru and Romeo. We have a lot of young talent coming in next seasons, but with that much young talent comes a lot of questions. Who starts at PG? Hitchens? Steward? McNees? Can McNees build on the even out and become a more consistent player in his second year? Which freshman if any do we get contributions from and who redshirts? Can Sweich take over enough of what Wood did inside for us to be effective down low? Does Bardo continue to develop and earn more minutes or is he already starting to max out? Who steps up and takes over that leadership role on this team? Nate? Chris McKnight? How do guys like Roberts and Brett McKnight come along with a full offseason in the program under their belts? Does Conyers come back and start contributing with this team? It's going to be a very interesting year next year. I think we have the raw talent, how long it takes for this team to gel is going to be the key. See ya all in the JAR next fall.

[Valpo Zip]

I hate this time of the year as i have to start counting the days till next November. However, 2 weeks ago, things were looking bad and i felt that i had nothing to wit for next November. Things look so much better now. The Mcknight brothers are looking like studs now while it seemed that they couldn't contribute anything much a month ago. Nate is a lock at his position and I like Darryl Roberts at the 2.Other than that, things look vague. Conyers is a big Question mark and i am not sure i like McNeese that much. I am affraid he is transforming into a Goddard type of player (I know he's not that, but he has a lot of work to do).Humpty, Steward will hopefully be ready to contribute and please oh please Sweich, learn the system fast. Sweich will make the difference next year, depending on his performance, we will either be an average or top MAC team.

[RACER]

i think our front court will be ok.we add a 6-8,and 6-9guy.i love the guys we have coming back in the frount court.the big question is pg.if we can get that fixed we should be ok.also what about conyers? mc neese fell off the last part of the season,and we need him next year.

[skip-zip]

Guys...believe me....this is a dangerous thing....We are talking about GUYS THAT HAVE NEVER PLAYED A SINGLE MINUTE OF COLLEGE BASKETBALL when referring to people that will help us win next year. That rarely happens at this level. Any major contributors will likely come from guys who have spent significant time on the court.So, will it be Nate? C or B Mac? Roberts? McNees? Bardo?If at least a few of these guys do not emerge as major contributors, at the start of next season, it will be at least mid-season before we become a competitive MAC basketball team.

[Quickzips]

Guys...believe me....this is a dangerous thing....We are talking about GUYS THAT HAVE NEVER PLAYED A SINGLE MINUTE OF COLLEGE BASKETBALL when referring to people that will help us win next year. That rarely happens at this level. Any major contributors will likely come from guys who have spent significant time on the court.So, will it be Nate? C or B Mac? Roberts? McNees? Bardo?If at least a few of these guys do not emerge as major contributors, at the start of next season, it will be at least mid-season before we become a competitive MAC basketball team.

Go tell that to Purdue. 4 freshman are their main contributors and their giving a VERY good Xavier team everything they can handle for a Sweet 16 bid. Is it a rarity to see youngsters stepping up big for your team? Yes. Is it impossible? Not by any means.

[RowdyZip]

Guys...believe me....this is a dangerous thing....We are talking about GUYS THAT HAVE NEVER PLAYED A SINGLE MINUTE OF COLLEGE BASKETBALL when referring to people that will help us win next year. That rarely happens at this level. Any major contributors will likely come from guys who have spent significant time on the court.So, will it be Nate? C or B Mac? Roberts? McNees? Bardo?If at least a few of these guys do not emerge as major contributors, at the start of next season, it will be at least mid-season before we become a competitive MAC basketball team.

Go tell that to Purdue. 4 freshman are their main contributors and their giving a VERY good Xavier team everything they can handle for a Sweet 16 bid. Is it a rarity to see youngsters stepping up big for your team? Yes. Is it impossible? Not by any means.

I was looking into the Purdue roster for nearly the same post (while watching the game). If these guys are as good as advertised, I see a very quick learning curve. And lets be honest, it's one hell of a lot easier to step into the MAC and dominate than it is in the B11.

[skip-zip]

Quickzips...that's exactly what I said in my post...."rarely". But let's hope it happens, for our sake.

[Blue & Gold]

I think we're going to be more than fine. Watching Humpty play last weekend, wow, I wish he was running the point for us today (let alone against Can't State)! And another member of the 'Nation, who had seen both Steward & Humpty play in high school, said he'd actually give Steward a slight edge over Humpty. Additionally, Steward has had a year to watch & observe & learn the system; I think we'll be awfully tough at PG next season. That will enable McNees to move to 2G and just worry about running off of screens and launching from deep, with Darryl Roberts giving us a great athlete off the bench. Linhart will start at SF w/ B.McKnight coming off the bench as possibly the best player on the team. C.McKnight will be a more polished and experienced PF and Sweich will instantly be one of the biggest C's in the MAC. I think we're going to be awfully good next year!PG: Steward, HumptySG: McNees, RobertsSF: Linhart, B.McKnightPF: C.McKnight, NikC: Sweich, BardoI'm thinking Sullivan, McClanahan & the big guy from Dayton will be redshirted next year. That would make Sullivan, McClanahan, the big guy from Dayton & ZEKE MARSHALL all freshmen at the same time! KD doesn't rebuild, he reloads!

[Quickzips]

I think there are a few big things that help out a young group of guys like ours are going to be next year.First, as has been mentioned before, we aren't the only team in the conference losing major pieces. You look at Quantance, Reitz, Pollitz, Williams, even guys like Bubba, Giordan Watson and Mike Scott represent big losses for some of the better teams in the conference. We probably lost more in terms of sheer numbers than other teams, but by no means will we be the only team looking to replace a major piece of the puzzle.Some of our younger guys have had time in the program. While we will probably rely upon Nate and Chris McKnight as the "go to guys" early on, McNees, Brett McKnight, Bardo and Roberts have all seen playing time while Sweich and Steward have a year of watching and learning under their belt. It isn't like College Basketball is going to be a complete surprise for eveyone on the team.The overall athleticism of this team improves greatly, particularly at G. Again, love Nick and Cedrick, but both were bothered by injuries (Cedrick probably lost a lot more than Nick did to this, but both were hampered by the injury bugs) and it really hurt us in terms of that athletic backcourt. Steward, Roberts, Hitchens and Sullivan should all come in and provide a major upgrade in that area.KD recruits for high charachter kids. Lets face it, these guys will probably take their lumps, especially early on in the season. But with the way KD recruits, I have a hard time seeing guys collapsing, losing confidence or letting a few bumps in the road hamper their development. Finally, as I mentioned in another thread, this is the year that I really think those cupcake schedules we all hate so much will come in handy. You can have the mentally strongest team in the country, but going out on the road and playing (and probably losing) to a top 25 SOS or something like that would probably be a little much for a young team like this.

[nbs95]

I'm thinking Sullivan, McClanahan & the big guy from Dayton will be red shirted next year. That would make Sullivan, McClanahan, the big guy from Dayton & ZEKE MARSHALL all freshmen at the same time! KD doesn't rebuild, he reloads! Actually I see Zeke Red shirting as well. Bear in mind Swiech red shirted only to give Bardo the playing time that KD promised him after he red shirted last year. So it will most likely happen next year. When will he catchup?? Like I said before Zeke will need time to improve.No matter how good the team my look they need to win those Big non-conference games that the Zips seem to loose.The need to work on rebounds and Free throws.It will be very interesting to see what happens next year. I know I will look forward to watching Swiech and the zips play

[Buckzip]

I'm thinking Sullivan, McClanahan & the big guy from Dayton will be red shirted next year. That would make Sullivan, McClanahan, the big guy from Dayton & ZEKE MARSHALL all freshmen at the same time! KD doesn't rebuild, he reloads! Actually I see Zeke Red shirting as well. Bear in mind Swiech red shirted only to give Bardo the playing time that KD promised him after he red shirted last year. So it will most likely happen next year. When will he catchup?? Like I said before Zeke will need time to improve.No matter how good the team my look they need to win those Big non-conference games that the Zips seem to loose.The need to work on rebounds and Free throws.It will be very interesting to see what happens next year. I know I will look forward to watching Swiech and the zips play

You guys are all forgetting Rydell Brooks. He was a Freshman regular on an NCAA tourny team. He redshirted and has a year in this system. I think he will be a player.

[skip-zip]

"Steward, Roberts, Hitchens and Sullivan should all come in and provide a major upgrade in that area."Quickzips...you must be the ultimate optimist. You're talking about three guys who have never played a game of college basketball, and one guy who the coach could not trust for more than a few minutes in a key game being a MAJOR UPGRADE over a couple of guards that have been major pieces of a backcourt that has had 3 of the most productive years Akron Basketball has ever had?WOW

[zippy5]

"Steward, Roberts, Hitchens and Sullivan should all come in and provide a major upgrade in that area."Quickzips...you must be the ultimate optimist. You're talking about three guys who have never played a game of college basketball, and one guy who the coach could not trust for more than a few minutes in a key game being a MAJOR UPGRADE over a couple of guards that have been major pieces of a backcourt that has had 3 of the most productive years Akron Basketball has ever had?WOW

and you would be the ultimate pessimist.you probably hope we lose so you can say "I told you so."If you don't think they will be an upgrade over a hobbled Middleton, and Nick Dials, then I think you're wrong.Steward was supposedly going to be the starter this year correct? Hitchens should be awesome, imo Roberts is the best point guard on the team this year. Throw in Mcnees and I think our guards will be a lot better next year. Just my opinion, but I think you're gonna see some quick, uptempo basketball next year with some 3-4 guard sets. Should be fun.

[Quickzips]

"Steward, Roberts, Hitchens and Sullivan should all come in and provide a major upgrade in that area."Quickzips...you must be the ultimate optimist. You're talking about three guys who have never played a game of college basketball, and one guy who the coach could not trust for more than a few minutes in a key game being a MAJOR UPGRADE over a couple of guards that have been major pieces of a backcourt that has had 3 of the most productive years Akron Basketball has ever had?WOW

Please go back and read what I wrote again. I was talking about the overall athleticism of our guards. Did I once say that these guys were better players than Nick and Ced? No. But, by all indications that I've seen those four guys give us more athleticism at the guard spots than what Nick and Cedrick could give us this year because of their injuries. Nothing more, nothing less.

[skip-zip]

Quickzips...I do agree that the athleticism factor will improve. Sorry if I missed your entire point there.Zippy5...please don't put words in someone's mouth. I don't hope Akron losses. I'm a major supporter of Akron athletics, in many more ways than just being a fan who attends games. But, anyone who knows anything about college basketball would not consider a statement to be pessimistic when someone disagrees with a statement that appears to make the claim that incoming freshman, who have never played a game, will provide an instant upgrade from players who have provided the nucleus of one of the most successful runs in Akron basketball history. Disagreeing with a bold claim is not pessimism.

[zippy5]

Quickzips...I do agree that the athleticism factor will improve. Sorry if I missed your entire point there.Zippy5...please don't put words in someone's mouth. I don't hope Akron losses. I'm a major supporter of Akron athletics, in many more ways than just being a fan who attends games. But, anyone who knows anything about college basketball would not consider a statement to be pessimistic when someone disagrees with a statement that appears to make the claim that incoming freshman, who have never played a game, will provide an instant upgrade from players who have provided the nucleus of one of the most successful runs in Akron basketball history. Disagreeing with a bold claim is not pessimism.

So now I don't know anything about college basketball?I love message boards

[skip-zip]

It's simple. Freshman making an instant impact is a rarity in college basketball. It's a very optimistic viewpoint. And for the record, for the sake of my Zips....I hope you are right, and I am DEAD WRONG.I am merely stating the facts. It's a very hopeful prognosis, at best.

[Quickzips]

For the record, I don't think that all of these freshman are going to come in and provide Purdue-like freshman impact. I do however think that a couple of them will have a strong role on this team. Particularly the two redshirts. Our main contributors, at least at the start of the season are probably going to be Nate and Chris McKnight. I don't think we can rely on those guys for everything though and with all of the young talent (Hitchens, Sullivan, Steward, McClanahan, Cvetinovic, Parrish, Sweich) being added next year one has to think that the law of averages is in favor of at least one or two of those guys stepping up and having a successful role on this team. Am I talking 10, 5 and 5 averages? Probably not, but you don't have to see those kinds of numbers to have a positive impact on the team.

[Zip Watcher]

For the record, I don't think that all of these freshman are going to come in and provide Purdue-like freshman impact. I do however think that a couple of them will have a strong role on this team. Particularly the two redshirts. Our main contributors, at least at the start of the season are probably going to be Nate and Chris McKnight. I don't think we can rely on those guys for everything though and with all of the young talent (Hitchens, Sullivan, Steward, McClanahan, Cvetinovic, Parrish, Sweich) being added next year one has to think that the law of averages is in favor of at least one or two of those guys stepping up and having a successful role on this team. Am I talking 10, 5 and 5 averages? Probably not, but you don't have to see those kinds of numbers to have a positive impact on the team.

:thumb: Good post. B) B)

[ziptrumpet87]

I agree with those who think McNees will be moved back to the 2 spot and will have a better year there. The experiment to have him play the point really did not work well later in the season. I also think Conyers will be a more productive player on the offensive end because I think the tempo of play next year will be faster and that he can get some "O" off of the transition. He seems to have the quickness for it.

[skip-zip]

Quickzips...that's probably a pretty reasonable assessment. If a couple of the new guys can come along fast enough to at least play a role on this team early enough in the season, I think our chances of being competitive once MAC play starts will increase. However, like I said, lets continue to hope for better.

[Quickzips]

I agree with those who think McNees will be moved back to the 2 spot and will have a better year there. The experiment to have him play the point really did not work well later in the season. I also think Conyers will be a more productive player on the offensive end because I think the tempo of play next year will be faster and that he can get some "O" off of the transition. He seems to have the quickness for it.

I've said a couple of times now that I really think the best role for Steve would be that 6th man role that Cedrick held for a couple years. He can provide some of that instant offense with that nice stroke of his and his defense really isn't that bad. Just so long as he doesn't have to play too much PG. He's a much better catch and shoot kind of guy. As far as Conyers, a lot will depend on whether he decides to stick it out in hopes of more playing time, but I think you bring up an interesting point. It is looking more and more like KD wants to pick up the tempo with this team based on the recruits he's bringing in. I think that style of play, at least on the offensive end is much better styled to Jimmy's game. I also think he would benefit from being moved to SG. I know we have a lot of guards right now, but outside of McClanahan (who skip-zip would point out may or may not be able to contribute right away) we are quite small in our backcourt. I've heard quite a few people say SG is his more natural position and I think at 6'5" he would give us some much needed size in the backcourt. Also, with Nate and Brett McKnight seemingly ahead of Jimmy on the depth chart going into next season a change in position might be a way for him to earn some more playing time while some of the younger guards are still developing.

[gozips19]

first off, i really don't see jimmy leaving akron for a couple of reasons. if he goes to another d-1 school he'll have to sit out a year and probably wouldn't be on track to gain that 5th year back. If he goes D-II (please correct me if wrong) he'll be able to play but won't be able to get that 5th year. If he stays and hits the books he's got two more years. I liken him to Mike Scott and think with a more up tempo style will play better. with that said i agree with both sides here. skip is right that most frosh don't come in and contribute right away but i do look for the red shirts to adjust quickly. i also agree that sullivan and mcClanah will most likely red shirt but don't know enough about parrish. mcness was never a true 1 and played out of pos this year. he will be much better/comfortable at the 2. the more i watch roberts play, the more i love his game. not only will he be though to stop with the ball in his hands but will be a lock down defender for years to come. with stewart, roberts, and humpty, akron will be the quickest team in the mac and if the big's step up....they'll have the potential to be one of the most balanced teams.the mcnight's can be scary good and nate will take on the silent leader role next year. the schedule will be tougher next year but the mac will be down. 20 wins for the 4th year in a row has a nice ring to it!

[skip-zip]

Quickzips....thanks for bringing up a point that I can't recall ever being discussed around here...the size of our guards. Besides Bubba, I don't believe KD has had a guy of any size that can play the 2-guard spot. I know that Ced and Nick were right around 6', and Roberts, Steward, Sullivan, Hitchens, and McNees are right around that height, or smaller. Can this cause a problem going up against guys like Bramos from Miami? Sure can.I'm not sure if, down the road, we have the personnel to leave all of those guys on the bench in favor of playing someone like Jimmy at the 2-spot, but only time will tell. By the way, some of my old coaching buddies have seen Sullivan play many times, and recently saw Humpty at the state playoffs. They all seem to think that Humpty looks like he is ahead of Sullivan at this point, and will be able to play in the MAC much sooner. We'll see.

[Blue & Gold]

By the way, some of my old coaching buddies have seen Sullivan play many times, and recently saw Humpty at the state playoffs. They all seem to think that Humpty looks like he is ahead of Sullivan at this point, and will be able to play in the MAC much sooner. We'll see.

That doesn't surprise me because when I saw Humpty play I was flat-out amazed. He's honestly one of the best high school players I've ever seen. Without exageration I wish we had him running our PG this year; I thought he was that good. But it's nice to hear from former coaches because I'm nothing more than a casual observer of the game when it comes to X's & O's.