Men's basketball
Oddsmakers believe Keith Dambrot's young team will cruise out of Mount Pleasant, Mich., with a win over the MAC West leading Chippewas — a senior-laden squad.
The Zips are favored by 2.5 points.
Akron leads the all-time series, 24-13, and has won nine of the last 10.
Tom Gaffney wrote about how the Zips' inconsistency might be tied to their youth.
Loading ...{ 0 comments }
Men's basketball
Akron won its first overtime game of the year, at Ball State 75-70.
The Zips trailed by one with just more than a minute left in overtime. Brett McKnight drained a 3 to recapture the lead. After a failed Ball State possession, Humpty Hitchens made two free throws to all but seal the game.
"Brett McKnight made one when it mattered," coach Keith Dambrot said on the postgame radio show.
Hitchens, who scored a game-high 17 points, also helped out at the end of regulation. He nailed a late 3-pointer to give Akron a two-point lead. The Cardinals' talented post player Jarrod Jones tied the game on the next possession with a hook shot over Nik Cvetinovic.
With a chance to win the game in regulation, both Hitchens and Chris McKnight missed opportunities.
"One thing I was proud of is that we overcame adversity," Dambrot said. "We had two good looks to win the game. It could have been very deflating."
Cvetinovic scored a career high of 15 and also grabbed 10 rebounds. Jones led Ball State with 16 points and eight rebounds. Jimmy Conyers added 12 points and 10 rebounds for Akron.
"We went back and forth; it was a great battle." Cvetinovic said. "We're not much better than anyone else, but we're an experienced team. In the end, we need to play as champions, because we are the MAC Champions."
Akron won, despite trailing Ball State in field goal percentage, 48.3 percent to 35.8 percent. But the Zips won the rebounding battle, 43 to 37.
Without returning home between games, the Zips will travel to Central Michigan for a game on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
{ 0 comments }
Football
Known kook Doug Martin took a shot at Akron on Signing Day:
Everyone knows that Akron has made a lot of improvements to their campus and we went head-to-head with one kid, and that was Richard Gray and we got him. We always try to talk to players, whether we get them or not, to find out what the difference was. Talking to Richard, the difference was the people. Our administrators were at every recruiting weekend. That makes a big difference to families.
Dear Coach Martin,
A few things…
1) Akron did not offer a scholarship to Gray, the No. 147 defensive end in the nation, according to both Scout.com and Rivals.com.
2) You said, "the difference was the people." As you might soon learn firsthand, a college sometimes fires its football coach. That happened at Akron. So, during one of the most critical recruiting months, you were recruiting against Akron's grad assistants. Quite a coup for you, indeed. And "the difference was the people."
3) Gray might be a serviceable player, but is he worth puffing out your chest and poking your rival? Even in your best year and Akron's worst, the Zips still mustered strength to dust you up. Isn't that the more dispositive fact here?
Sincerely,
Mike
Men's basketball
While I'm pouncing on coaches, I'll mention a conversation with Keith Dambrot after Wednesday's game.
I called him "his majesty" a couple weeks ago. You know, tongue in cheek. So Keith wanted to know why. Before I could explain that, it's a good-natured ribbing for a coach that doesn't get much, Tom Gaffney nudged me and said, "He has a persecution complex."
He's right! Dambrot wants to believe that everyone hates him. When Elton Alexander criticizes his scheduling, when I criticize his offense, when anyone on ZipsNation.org says anything but praise for his program, Dambrot gets fidgety.
Dear Coach Dambrot,
Please stop being so concerned that your job is perpetually in jeopardy. By my estimate, you would need three consecutive losing seasons and considerable off-the-court problems for serious Zips fans to consider whether you're still the right person for the job. It would probably take another two awful seasons before Luis Proenza would let anyone even take away your parking space.
In short, you have more job security than Antonin Scalia.
Also, when you hear criticism, don't take it personally. We're the media. This is what we do. Reasonable people disagree, and critically thinking reasonable people disagree even more often. Despite what I say, or what some idiots on ZipsNation.org say, you're the best coach Akron has, or will ever have.
In the future, take criticism as advice from people who know considerably less than you on a given subject, not as people who want you fired.
Sincerely,
Mike
{ 20 comments }
Men's basketball
The blogfest continues. Keep refreshing your browser for updates…
The Zips are 14-point favorites tonight. During this three-game homestand, the Zips have been favored by a combined 50 points. Wow!
Northern Illinois has consistently given Akron trouble. Two years ago, NIU came into Rhodes Arena and won by 10. The Huskies outshot Akron, 65 percent to 35 percent. Last season, the Huskies won by four in DeKalb, Ill., when NIU outshot Akron by nearly 20 percent. The bizarre thing is, Darion Anderson dropped 24 points and 10 rebounds in each game. So you're seeing a pattern: poor Akron shooting and a red-hot Anderson getting whatever he wants.
This year, NIU has a new weapon — 6-foot-5 guard Xavier Silas, a transfer from Colorado who averages 20.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. He was 1-for-9 against Kent on Monday, though. The whole Huskies team struggled in that game, committing 23 turnovers.
The Huskies give up 74.9 points per game, second worst in the league. They don't play much defense, but they're a decent rebounding team.
NIU has a freshman guard who is 5-5. He doesn't play much, but it's neat to watch a guy that short on a college team. I don't want to stereotype, but he must be a crazy ballhandler or pesky defender.
Akron's starters: Steve McNees, Humpty Hitchens, Zeke Marshall, Chris McKnight and Jimmy Conyers. A couple of surprises there: Hitchens returns to the team as a starter. Marshall re-enters the starting lineup. Who could've predicted that the only constant among Keith Dambrot's starters would be Conyers?
One reason for Marshall's starting is NIU has a 6-11 center, Sean Kowal, who is not starting. They ran a play for Marshall on the first possession, and the 7-footer dropped in a sky hook.
I will be happy to see Akron play on the road four of the next five games. I have to start getting some work done in the evenings. The brief for my moot court competition is due in a few weeks.
Conyers took a shot in the face and went to the floor in the middle of a possession. Dambrot pulled him to the bench, where the trainer is looking him over.
Marshall also survived the first string of substitutions. The refs helped him celebrate this feat by overlooking how Marshall switched pivot feet in the post. The next play, a Huskie stripped Marshall in the post. It was too many dribbles for a 7-footer.
After tonight, Akron only has three home games remaining (barring an NIT home game, which appears unlikely).
The fans behind me are irate over an out-of-bounds call that appeared to be incorrect.
NIU center Michael Fakuade biffed a dunk attempt. Brett McKnight got just enough pressure to distract him.
A couple of Zips fans are enjoying an early Valentine's Day dinner in one of the corners of the arena. It's a touch of the Terrace Club at Progressive Field. What better way can a man spend a romantic dinner than looking at something he loves: the Zips?
Silas made his first bucket at the 10:11 mark. He had been 0-for-6 from the field. His father, David Silas, played in the NBA with the Spurs and Cavaliers.
Michael Patton, son of NIU head coach Ricardo Patton, entered the game. As a freshman two years ago, he scored 22 at Akron. He was skinnier than a string bean then (as my mom would say), but he had a sweet jumper. This year, Patton is averaging only 2.7 points per game.
Akron fans yelled "three, three, three" to indicate Kowal was anchored in the paint. The refs blew the whistle, probably thanks to their help.
Marshall, who has six rebounds, nailed two free throws. Tom Gaffney pointed out that he changed his pre-shot routine. No dribbles. Just a spin and a shot.
Conyers swished a mid-range jumper to extend the Zips' lead to 10. Chris McKnight cashed a couple free throws to make it 12.
Chris McKnight, dashing toward the baseline and sensing a double-team, executed a nice wrap-around pass to his brother, who was fouled and got his shot to hang on the rim and fall in. Very nice play. It's about time we see these guys playing like they're brothers, rather than strangers who happen to share a surname.
On the last play of the half, a McNees 3-point attempt rattled half-way down and came out. The rebound bounced to Darryl Roberts, who floated the ball above oncoming giants to swish a 12-footer.
Halftime stats of note: Roberts leads both teams with 10 points. Marshall has a game-high six rebounds. The teams have combined to make only 4-of-20 3-pointers. Akron is shooting 45.5 percent, compared to NIU's 31.3 percent. Akron has 11 assists and four turnovers.
Twenty-one members of the men's soccer team achieved a GPA of 3.0 or better. Considering their national title run, that's amazing. Every sport's academic stars were honored at halftime.
Marshall gathered a rebound, hit Hitchens on a quick outlet pass, and Hitchens fired a a pee to a cutting Conyers for the dunk. Excellent execution on the fast break.
NIU has a forward named Lee Fisher, probably no relation to an Ohio Democrat who is running for U.S. Senate with the same name. I'm fairly certain that Republican Rob Portman is going to cream whomever the Democrats throw out there in November. It's not going to be a good year to be 1) an incumbent (because of the general hatred of government), 2) a liberal (because of the healthcare issue), or 3) old (because of the Obama effect). Fisher is scoreless tonight.
Conyers engaged in a footrace with NIU's Tony Nixon on a fastbreak. Nixon grabbed Conyers' arm and tugged him down. It was a hard foul but a fair one. Nixon drilled a 3 on the next play.
Roberts chucked up a 3 that he sensed was going to brick off the right side of the iron. He immediately darted to the paint, where he gathered the loose ball and converted a layup. Have I mentioned lately how I think Roberts is the smartest player on the team? Two possessions later, Roberts led the fast break and found Hitchens alone in the corner for a 3, which extended Akron's lead to 19.
The next home game is against Ohio on Valentine's Day. I'll be here if my lady friend permits it. If there's one thing I've learned about Valentine's Day, it's don't screw it up. Girls never forget a botched Valentine's Day. You'll hear about it for months. Months.
I'm starting to see how Dambrot has such a difficult time keeping a rotation and giving his guys enough time to establish themselves. I can make a great case for each guard to get a lion's share of the minutes. Starting with the guards… McNees is your best pure point guard. He's poised with the ball, and the stats reflect it. His shooting is streaky and defense is iffy, but you can't substitute for having someone who could end up being a solid true point guard. … Hitchens has star potential. If Akron is going to be a top-25 team, it's because they have a go-to playmaker who can drive and dish. He's also your surest shot on 3s. … Roberts is a steadying force on the court. He makes good decisions and generally does everything well. … Then you have Brett McClanahan and Ronnie Steward, two young players who deserve at least 10 minutes each to develop.
Cvetinovic is on a tirade after being called for a foul. Immediately following the whistle, he smacked his hands together and yelled "I didn't [bleeping] touch him!" Dambrot pulled him from the game and Cvetinovic got into it with Dan Peters on the bench. Then he used Peters' and Mike Bardo's thighs as a crutch to pick himself out of the chair and walked over toward the locker room. Cvetinovic returned to the bench, and Bardo switched seats with Tim Carroll who is doing his best to console the seething Serbian.
Now let's look at the frontcourt, which is equally muddled. Conyers, as your best player, must get at least 25 minutes per game. There's no denying his rebounding and defense, nor his offensive improvement. … Chris McKnight is a senior who carried Akron to many wins during his career. He has been inconsistent, but you never know when it will start to click again, and when it does, the Zips will have a steady source of scoring. … Brett McKnight is your current go-to player. He might be the only player on the roster with current ability to score more than 25. … Cvetinovic, as I wrote the other night, is capable of being Akron's next solid post threat if he can master a few more post moves and control his emotions. He must be playing 20 minutes per game to improve there. … Then you have the big boy, Marshall. Dambrot knows he is retarding Marshall's growth in any game where the 7-footer isn't out there for at least 25 minutes. So where does all of this playing time come from? There are five players who each should play 25 minutes (plus whatever Bardo gets), and that is impossible, particularly when McClanahan is taking a handful of minutes at small forward.
Cvetinovic returned to the game. That was a wild blowup. I thought Dambrot would send him to the showers.
NIU has stolen the ball on consecutive possessions. McNees came right back onto the floor. The Huskies are decent at defending with their hands, but they don't care to move their feet all too often.
Mike DiNunno made an inconsequential layup with 19 seconds left — unconsequential to everyone except the bettors who saw a push on the 14-point spread.
Final score — Akron 90, Northern Illinois 76
Final stats of note: Roberts had 18 points and eight rebounds. Marshall led both teams with nine rebounds. Chris McKnight scored 16; Conyers had 15. McNees tallied five assists and only one turnover. For NIU, Silas scored 15, seven of which came at the free-throw line. He was 4-for-15 from the field. Akron shot 44.1 percent, compared to NIU's 32.3 percent. Akron made 5-of-8 3s in the second half.
QUOTES:
Darryl Roberts
"Tonight was the biggest game of the year for us. We didn't want to lose two games consecutively at home. We came out and made a point that we weren't going to lose tonight. It's no secret that I haven't been playing well."
"Our energy level was way up. We wanted to come out and do that tonight."
"Some teams have their ups and downs. If we set our minds on what we want to do, we'll stay on track."
"I feel that last year we were the underdog. This year, we relaxed on it."
"Silas is a leading scorer in our league, so (stopping him) was a point of emphasis."
Shooting is "starting to feel better. I felt a little rhythm tonight."
"Coach does everything he can. But it's our job to go out there and play."
On Marshall: "I think he rebounded well tonight. He got both hands on the ball and didn't let anyone strip it from him."
"I believe our biggest road win was at Western Michigan. We've had some pretty bad games on the road at Buffalo and at Kent. These next four out of five will test us."
Keith Dambrot
"I'm just glad we won. I went back after the Eastern Michigan game and watched the tape. We played hard. What am I supposed to do? Browbeat our guys because the ball doesn't go in the basket. As long as we play hard and play together, the results will follow. The ball went in the basket tonight, and it didn't go in the basket the other night."
"I was mad after the game, but I told them we're a good team. We may not win the MAC Tournament, but we'll win a lot of games. Is it the best team we've ever had? Probably not. Does it have room for improvement? Yes."
"If the North Carolina Tarheels can have issues with Roy Williams? Then the Akron Zips can have issues. Michigan State goes to Wisconsin and gets pounded. It happens. That's the difference between me now and me as a 25-year-old head coach. Sometimes when things go bad, you have to massage. And sometimes when things are going well, you have to kick them in the behind."
"I'm proud of my guys. They rallied themselves. These are hardworking guys."
"We shared it well. (McNees) is getting better under pressure where he doesn't cough the ball up. He does not make many mistakes anymore. He's not going to make as many plays as some point guards, but we don't need him to do more."
"I'm happy for (Darryl). He came into the game shooting 29 percent in the conference. Brett McKnight came into the game shooting 33.8 in the conference. If they shoot that percentage, I don't care if Johnny Wooden is coaching, you're not winning."
"I was happy for them (the McKnight brothers). When a family gives you two of them sons, you don't know what kind of pressure it is to make them successful. Sometimes I'm brutal on them because of it. When they play like that, they're good."
"We knew we had to get back in transition. We knew we could run on them, but we had to pick and choose because we didn't want to get in a track meet."
"I thought Zeke was really good. I told Zeke we've never been able to guard these guys, so you need to change some things for us to be able to guard them."
"They're not great teams, they're good teams. Ball State is fairly conservative. They pack it in defensively. They have a good center. It will be a close game. They're going to hold the ball and wait until the end of the clock, like Toledo, like Eastern Michigan, like Miami."
"Central has got a bunch of old guys. They're a good team. It's a lot of travel. The bad thing about the schedule is that we play at 12 on Saturday. Ever since Western Michigan, I've been knocked. It's a long trip. It's hard to sleep on the bus. We are taking tomorrow off. We are going right from Ball State to Central. It's a Saturday-Tuesday game."
Cvetinovic "was mad because he kept fouling. He's the lowest maintenance guy off the court."
"I think people have to understand that to go over a six-year period like we have is supposed to be hard. Like Cleveland State is reloading right now. It's hard to stay consistently good at this level when you take all high school guys. We take no risk. Until those guys are juniors and seniors, you're going to have some years when you're not great."
"They picked us first, but I think that was an inaccurate pick."
"I think the one thing that is good is that it teaches guys you can't take anything for granted."
{ 1 comment }
Opening comments — Coaches took 32 official visits and got 23 commitments. "You can do the math. The percentage is very high. We want to do a great job in the state of Ohio and Pennsylvania foremost. We want to stay in the blueprint of the Mid-American Conference."
Bailey — "We really felt like we'd need a fullback in this class to do some of the things we want to do with a two-back offense. Currently, we don't have a fullback on our roster."
Bizarro — Didn't catch many balls out of his team's option offense, but averaged 39+ yards per catch. "He is extremely fast. We like fast."
Blake — Comes from a solid juco school. "I like the idea of having a couple of guys in a recruiting class who are mature."
Bowers — "He is very physical. He's a powerful runner. Also has good speed. We felt it was important to get two tailbacks in this class."
Caponi — More natural position is defensive end. "He has played up, but is going to put his hand on the ground. He has a feel for playing in space."
Cunningham — "Great speed. He also has good height. Receivers are getting bigger and bigger. He shows great toughness."
D'Orazio — "As a coach's kid, he grew up on the field. He was the guy holding this thing together. They were all talking in the interim. Very athletic. Throws a good ball. The personality and presence you look for in a quarterback were very evident to me."
Hall — "We project him to play down as a defensive end. We believe he will be a good guy off the edge for us."
Holmes — "He's an older young man, a year removed from high school. So that bodes well for him to help us right away."
Howard — "For a young man locally with that background and accollades, it speaks volumes for the way young men think of the direction we are headed."
Jones — "I like having guys that you recruit who play multiple sports." Jones runs track, which doesn't get him on a lifting cycle, which means there is more upside for the strength coach in college.
Lio — "He's got a great frame. He finishes plays. He's athletic. He bends well."
McCloskey — "Having an older offensive lineman in your group. That's a good thing to have. Very physical. Excellent frame. He finishes blocks really well."
Miller — "Was flying under the radar when we arrived here. A high school coach we respect told us to check him out. He's going to start out at safety for us. He's athletic and has a lot of upside."
Potts — "Plays quarterback primarily. Plays safety. Could play receiver. Had a really big junior year. Senior year, had some injury issues."
Ritossa — "Very good frame. Very good hands. Very good ball skills. In our offense, we like to throw the ball to the tight end. I think he'll fit in nicely."
Schrock — First player that Ianello called after taking the job, and Golden Tate had just won the Billetnikoff Award. His high school coach is Greg Dennison at Wadsworth; his is son of Jim Dennison, former Akron coach.
Sconiers — "Really terrific football program." Dwyane Wade graduated from Richards High. "He caught passes, returned kicks." (Got some wows from the media through his highlight video.)
Smith — "We're going to let him start out on offense (at receiver). He does a lot of different things."
Staten — "Marvin is a physical runner. He is going to put on a lot of weight."
Turpin — Same high school as Nadir Brown. "When he was a younger guy, he played center. Then he got tall and lean and they moved him to tailback."
Washington — "Most likely will start out at corner. You want to have as many guys on your team who have done a lot of things and done them well. Those are your playmakers."
Williams — "Physical. Really runs and hits. Those are the two things you're looking for when you're evaluating someone. We watched his tape and really got excited."
Other comments:
"A couple of things factored into that (lack of linemen). (First, the current roster is strong there) As we evaluated, we wanted to make sure we took the best guys available."
"We're not going to shy away from junio college athletics. We're going to recruit junior college ahletes where we have a need."
"We have to run the football in November in Northeast Ohio. (Howard) fits that scheme. For Erick to feel strong enough about us to make that decision, we're proud of that."
"I'm not going to give away someone's job in their living room. We're going to give them every opportunity in training camp (referring to Schrock and Howard)."
"The graduate assistants kind of saved me. They had some things laid out for me to approach."
"The hardest part of starting out is, do you make your phone calls to recruits? Do you make your phone calls to put your staff together?"
"We want guys who, to get a degree from the University of Akron is important to them."
"Now we need to get to the phase where we're on campus. I am excited to know our players better."
When asked if anyone has left the program: "No."
When asked about a marquee player in the class: "I don't want to single out a single player."
The 2010 schedule is shaping up: The first game is Syracuse at home on Sept. 4. Then Gardner-Webb comes in the next week. Then it's at Kentucky and at Indiana. As far as MAC games go, Akron misses Bowling Green, Toledo and Central Michigan. The dates are not set, though.
{ 5 comments }
Football
Keep updating your browser for 12 hours of liveblogging today (taking you through the football news and the Zips basketball game against Northern Illinois)…
10:30 a.m.
Here is the list of commitments from Rivals.com:
Austin Bailey RB 6-0 238 4.81 5.4 Hyattsville, MD
Mike Bizzarro WR 6-2 175 4.5 5.2 Erie, PA
Giorgio Bowers RB 5-9 192 4.59 5.5 Rich Central, IL
Nico Caponi LB 6-2 255 4.87 5.3 Sandusky, OH
Seth Cunningham DB 6-0 170 4.4 5.4 Lakewood, OH
Zach D'Orazio QB 6-1 185 4.52 5.2 Cuyahoga Heights, OH
Richard Hall DE 6-3 240 4.8 5.2 Wheeling, WV
Christopher Henderson DT 6-4 280 – 5.8 New Berlin, NY
Anthony Holmes DB 6-1 185 – 5.5 New Berlin, NY
Erick Howard RB 5-10 210 4.5 5.5 North Canton, OH
Dylan Potts QB 6-0 190 – 5.2 Hannibal , OH
Anthony Ritossa TE 6-5 220 4.9 5.3 Kirtland, OH
Anthony Schrock WR 6-3 185 4.6 5.3 Wadsworth, OH
Keith Sconiers WR 6-3 175 – 5.6 Oak Lawn, IL
Lawrence Smith WR 6-0 190 – 5.3 Painesville, OH
Carl Washington DB 5-10 175 4.55 5.3 Columbus, OH
Also this … Rob Ianello will be on Michael Reghi's radio show at 4:40, rather than 5 p.m. It's on 850 AM.
11:00 a.m.
Here is the press release with final signee list:
AKRON – Living up to his promise when he was announced as The University of Akron’s head football coach last December, Rob Ianello landed 15 players from Ohio and Pennsylvania in his first signing class, which totaled 23.
The breakdown includes 10 from Ohio , five from Pennsylvania , two from Illinois , two from New York and one each from West Virginia , New Jersey , Maryland and Delaware .
The class features six from the Akron-Cleveland area, including two-time Ohio Division I Player of the Year and Parade All-American Erick Howard. The list is bolstered by eight additional players ranked among Ohio ’s top 155 prospects, including Nico Caponi (22nd), Seth Cunningham (30th), Zach D’Orazio (37th), Dylan Potts (110th), Anthony Ritossa (114th), Anthony Schrock (129th), L.T. Smith (133rd) and Carl Washington (152nd). Also, Jamar Williams is rated the 86th-best inside linebacker in the nation and has been invited to play in the annual Big 33 All-Star game.
Additional highlights include Richard Hall, the top-rated prospect in West Virginia ; Giorgio Bowers, the sixth-rated prospect in Illinois ; Mike Bizzarro, the ninth-rated prospect in Pennsylvania ; and Keith Sconiers, the 53rd-rated prospect in Illinois .
UA Head Coach Rob Ianello on his 2010 signing class:
“The last 55 days, since being named head coach, have been a whirlwind. However, as I set out on our recruiting from the beginning, I wanted to sure up the young men who committed to The University of Akron before my arrival and concentrate heavily on the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania . I feel like we certainly have accomplished that with this group. We also want to have a consistent presence on the east coast and getting five signees from the region will help establish solid relationships there.
“My first signing class at The University of Akron will always be a special one. Our staff appreciates the faith these young men, as well as their family and coaches, have in our vision for the Zips football program. I am confident this class will be a strong foundation for the future.”
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown / Previous School(s)
Austin Bailey FB 6-1 240 West Friendship, Md. / DeMatha Catholic HS
Mike Bizzarro WR 6-1 170 Erie , Pa. / McDowell HS
Micklos Blake * DB 5-11 175 Staten Island, N.Y. / Nassau CC / Curtis HS
Giorgio Bowers RB 5-9 210 Olympian Fields, Ill. / Rich Central HS
Nico Caponi DE 6-2 255 Sandusky , Ohio / Sandusky Perkins HS
Seth Cunningham DB 6-0 185 Medina , Ohio / St. Edward HS
Zach D’Orazio QB 6-2 200 Avon Lake, Ohio / Cuyahoga Heights HS
Richard Hall DE 6-3 240 Wheeling Park, W.Va. / Wheeling Park HS
Anthony Holmes DB 6-1 195 Harrisburg , Pa. / Milford (N.Y.) Academy / Harrisburg HS
Erick Howard RB 5-11 225 North Canton , Ohio / North Canton Hoover HS
El’Rico Jones WR 6-0 190 Hermitage, Pa. / Hickory HS
Micah Lio OL 6-7 290 Butler , Pa. / Knoch HS
Patrick McCloskey * OL 6-4 290 Wilmington , Del. / Nassau (N.Y.) CC / St. Elizabeth HS
ShelDon Miller DB 6-0 195 Monessen, Pa. / Monessen HS
Dylan Potts ATH 6-0 190 Sardis , Ohio / River HS
Anthony Ritossa TE 6-4 220 Kirtland, Ohio / Kirtland HS
Anthony Schrock WR 6-3 200 Wadsworth , Ohio / Wadsworth HS
Keith Sconiers WR 6-3 190 Calumet Park, Ill. / H.L. Richards HS
L.T. Smith ATH 6-1 195 Painesville , Ohio / Riverside HS
Marvin Staten RB 5-10 195 Staten Island , N.Y. / Tottenville HS
Tamir Turpin RB 6-2 215 East Orange , N.J. / East Orange Campus HS
Carl Washington DB 5-10 180 Columbus , Ohio / Eastmoor Academy
Jamar Williams LB 6-1 215 Columbus , Ohio / Westerville South HS
11:15 a.m.
Here are the individual player capsules…
Austin Bailey
6-1, 240, FB
Hyattsville, Md. / DeMatha Catholic HS
Prior to Akron :
Rated the 17th-best fullback in the nation by ESPN/Scouts, Inc. … Named first team 2009 Big School All-State as a defensive lineman … Selected first team All-Washington Catholic Athletic Conference as a defensive lineman … Led the way for three running backs that rushed for over 3,000 yards, two of whom earned All-WCAC honors and a first team all-state pick honors … Selected his team’s defensive MVP, playing defensive end … DeMatha Catholic HS coach: Bill McGregor.
Mike Bizzarro
6-1, 170, WR
Erie, Pa. / McDowell HS
Prior to Akron :
Tabbed ninth-best prospect in Pennsylvania by Tom Lemming’s MaxPreps.com and CBS College Sports … Earned first team All-WPIAL South honors and was honorable mention All-State by Pennsylvania Football News … As a senior, caught nine passes for 358 yards and five touchdowns … Averaged 39.8 yards per catch … Bob Lichtenfels of Scout.com says, “Bizzarro is a sleeper, hidden in a run-oriented offense at McDowell High School” … As a junior, caught 15 passes for 291 yards and four touchdowns to earn second team All-WPIAL South recognition … Was a national qualifier in the high jump with a top jump of (6-8) … Qualified for the Pennsylvania state track & field meet in the high jump and was a first team all-region honoree as a high jumper … Also competes in the long jump (21.6.75), 4×100 relay and 100 meter dash … Hails from the same high school as starting right tackle Jake Anderson … McDowell HS coach: Mark Soboleski.
Micklos Blake
5-11, 175, DB
Staten Island, N.Y. / Nassau CC / Curtis HS
Prior to Akron :
At Nassau CC: Named first team All-Northeast Football Conference … Picked off four passes, with one return for a touchdown, and tallied a team-high eight pass breakups … Credited with 22 tackles … Helped school to an 8-2 record … Named team captain along with fellow UA signee Patrick McCloskey … Played receiver his first year at Nassau … Nassau CC coach: Jermaine Miles.
At Curtis HS: As a senior, picked of three passes while catching 28 passes for 517 yards and seven TDs … Led Curtis HS to two PSAL city championship games and won the city title in 2007 as a wide receiver and defensive back … Played in the 2008 New York Governor’s Bowl … Participated in the 2008 Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge Roster … Also a standout in track, running 6.84 in the 55 meters to qualify for the NYC PSAL City Championship … Curtis HS coach: Peter Gambardella.
Giorgio Bowers
5-9, 210, RB
Olympian Fields, Ill. / Rich Central HS
Prior to Akron :
Nominated to play in the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl … Tabbed sixth-best prospect in Illinois by Tom Lemming’s MaxPreps.com and CBS College Sports … Rated the #27 prospect in Illinois by Rivals.com … Was a three-time all-conference selection and two-time all-area pick … As a senior, had 170 carries for 1,171 yards and 11 scores … As a junior, rushed for 1,054 yards on 104 carries with 15 touchdowns … Tom Lemming says of Bowers, “On film this powerhouse has proven to be one of the more dependable backs in the area. He shows great vision, leg power, strong hands, and deceptive speed” … Rich Central HS coach: Oliver Speller.
Nico Caponi
6-2, 255, DE
Sandusky, Ohio / Sandusky Perkins HS
Prior to Akron :
Named Division III first team All-Ohio … Tabbed 22nd-best prospect in Ohio by Tom Lemming’s MaxPreps.com and CBS College Sports … Rated the ninth-best inside linebacker in Ohio by OhioVarsity.com … Also tabbed 2009 Sandusky Bay Conference Most Outstanding Performer … Tabbed first team Associated Press All-Northwest District and Northwest District Lineman of the Year after making 76 tackles and five sacks along with eight tackles for loss … Selected on the All-Journal Register Team … As a junior, voted to the AP All-Northwest District second team as a linebacker … In addition to being a defensive lineman, played linebacker, fullback and tight end … Carries a 3.89 GPA … Sandusky Perkins HS coach: Gary Quisno.
Seth Cunningham
6-0, 185, DB
Medina, Ohio / St. Edward HS
Prior to Akron :
Tabbed 30th-best prospect in Ohio by Tom Lemming’s MaxPreps.com and CBS College Sports … Ranked #3 corner in the state of Ohio by Rivals.com and Rivals.com rated him and his St. Edward teammate the top-ranked DB combo in the state … Tallied six interceptions in his career and was honorable mention All-State as a senior … Ranked #104 player in Ohio by Ohio Magazine Top 150 … As a junior had 22 tackles, three INT and two PBUs … As a sophomore, had 37 tackles, three INTs, three PBU's one forced fumble and a fumble recovery … Earned all-district honors both years … One of the fastest prospects in the state of Ohio … Was the 2009 Division I Indoor champion in the 200 meters (21.89) … Set the St. Edwards records in the 100 meters (10.59) and the 200 meters (21.42) and was his region’s champion in the events as a junior … Qualified for the 2009 state meet, but was unable to run in the finals due to injury … St. Edward HS coach: Rick Finotti.
Zach D’Orazio
6-2, 200, QB
Avon Lake, Ohio / Cuyahoga Heights HS
Prior to Akron :
Named first team All-Ohio in Division V at quarterback as a senior and first team All-Ohio as a defensive back in 2008 … Earned All-Ohio special mention honors as a sophomore … Tabbed 37th-best prospect in Ohio by Tom Lemming’s MaxPreps.com and CBS College Sports … Rated the eighth-best pro-style quarterback in Ohio by OhioVarsity.com … As a senior, completed 67 passes for 1,175 yards with 14 touchdowns and five picks while rushing for 1,346 on 124 attempts (10.9 avg.) with 10 scores … Added 74 tackles and five interceptions on defense … Named first team all-conference at both QB and DB as a senior, while earning Chargrin Valley Metro Division Conference Offensive MVP as a junior and senior … A three-time first team all-district honoree (twice as DB and once as punter) and voted District Defensive MVP as a junior and senior … As a kicker in 2009, made 35-of-37 PATs and 2-of-4 field goals … Ranked #107 player in Ohio by Ohio Magazine Top 150 … As a junior, completed 67 passes for 1,250 yards with 16 TDs and five INTs while rushing for 771 yards on 73 attempts (10.6 avg.) with 10 rushing TDs … On defense, tallied 79 tackles with two interceptions … Added first team all-district honors as a sophomore as a punter … Threw for 836 yards on 44 completions as a sophomore and rushed for 344 yards … On defense in 2007, had three interceptions with 67 tackles … Is a finalist for the ESPN Cleveland 850 WKNR Student-Athlete of the Year Award, carrying a 3.5 GPA and is a National Honor Society member … Was a conference champion the 100-, 200- and 400-meter sprints … Cuyahoga Heights HS coach: Al Martin and his father, Daniel, is defensive coordinator.
Richard Hall
6-3, 240, DE
Wheeling Park, W.Va. / Wheeling Park HS
Prior to Akron :
Rated the top prospect in West Virginia by Rivals.com and number two prospect in the state by Tom Lemming’s MaxPreps.com and CBS College Sports … Two-time first team AAA All-State selection … Also a two-time All-Ohio Valley Athletic Conference pick … At linebacker, he posted an average of 14.1 tackles per game (127 total) and recorded 10 sacks in nine games … Scored five touchdowns from his fullback position … Was a named to the 2009 WTOV9 Pre-season Big 22 Team … Credited with 125 tackles with nine sacks as a junior while rushing for 478 yards with four touchdowns … Also plays basketball … Wheeling Park HS coach: Chris Daugherty.
Anthony Holmes
6-1, 195, DB
Harrisburg, Pa. / Milford (N.Y.) Academy / Harrisburg HS
Prior to Akron :
At Milford Academy : A three-star recruit by Rivals.com and rated the #42 prep player in the country… Registered 41 tackles, including three sacks, with an interception, four pass breakups, three fumble recoveries and two caused fumbles … Milford Academy coach: William Chaplick.
At Harrisburg HS: Associated Press All-State and voted to the Mid-Penn Commonwealth All-Star team as a senior … Selected to play in the 2009 Big 33 game … Tabbed 35th-best prospect in Pennsylvania by Tom Lemming’s MaxPreps.com and CBS College Sports … Named honorable mention EasternPAFootball.com All-Big School Team … Also a standout quarterback … As a senior, completed 54-of-109 passes for 861 yards with 11 TDs, while rushing for 770 yards on 99 attempts with 10 scores … Led Harrisburg to the 207 Mid-Penn Conference title, as well as the District III, AAAA title … Harrisburg HS coach: George Chaump.
Erick Howard
5-11, 225, RB
North Canton, Ohio / North Canton Hoover HS
Prior to Akron :
Parade All-American … Two-time Associated Press Division I Offensive Player of the Year and first team All-Ohio … (Is just the second player in Ohio history to win the award twice, joining Euclid’s Robert Smith, who went on to Ohio State and then the NFL) … Ranked the #24 in Ohio by Scout.com and #25 by Ohio Magazine Top 150 … Rated the third-best running back in Ohio by OhioVarsity.com … Tabbed 68th-best prospect in Ohio by Tom Lemming’s MaxPreps.com and CBS College Sports … The Canton Repository's Stark County Player of the Decade and member of the publication’s All-Decade football team … Was the first player from Stark County to win Ohio Mr. Football honors … Ran for 2,056 yards in 11 games as a senior and scored 27 touchdowns … A three-time All-Federal League selection … Is Stark County’s all-time leading rusher with 6,013 yards, and he set county records for career points (478) and career touchdowns (79) … On defense, he started at linebacker and led the Vikings with 112 tackles, five for loss, four sacks and an interception … Tallied 208 stops at linebacker over his final two seasons … As a junior, carried the ball 285 times for 1,795 yards and scored 25 touchdowns in the regular season, while piling up 2,322 all-purpose yards and 28 total touchdowns … North Canton Hoover HS coach: Don Hertler, Jr.
El’Rico Jones
6-0, 190, WR
Hermitage, Pa. / Hickory HS
Prior to Akron :
A three-time all-region selection, including first team honors as a sophomore … Named Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Year for Pennsylvania … Caught 35 passes with nine touchdowns as a junior … Also plays for the Hickory basketball team … Hickory HS coach: Frank Antuono.
Micah Lio
6-7, 290, OL
Butler, Pa. / Knoch HS
Prior to Akron :
Second team All-Greater Allegheny Conference … A senior captain and two-year starter … Credited with 15 pancake blocks on offense in 2009 … Also played defensive line, registering 48 tackles as a senior … Recipient of Knoch High School’s Offensive Line Ironman Award … Knoch HS coach: Mike King.
Patrick McCloskey
6-4, 290, OL
Wilmington, Del. / Nassau (N.Y.) CC / St. Elizabeth HS
Prior to Akron :
At Nassau CC: … Selected third team Junior College All-American by Scout.com and 2009 preseason Junior College All-American … Two-time first team All-Northeast Conference … Captain at Nassau along with fellow UA signee Micklos Blake .. Started every game for two seasons at left guard … Paved the way for running backs Nakita Myles and Steve n Miller, each of who rushed for over 500 yards and combined for 10 rushing TDs with an average of over 5.0 yards per carry … Nassau CC coach: Jermaine Miles
At St. Elizabeth HS: First team All-State … Selected to play in the Delaware Blue-Gold All-Star Game … First team all-conference on offense and defense as a senior and second team all-conference as a junior and sophomore at both positions … Named team captain … Also played lacrosse … St. Elizabeth HS coach: Joe Hemphill.
ShelDon Miller
6-0, 195, DB
Monessen , Pa. / Monessen HS
Prior to Akron :
Tabbed third team All-State by Pennsylvania Football News as a senior as a defensive back despite playing most of the season at linebacker for the Greyhounds … A versatile athlete, who also played several positions on offense, Miller had more than 50 tackles and was credited with five quarterback sacks his senior season … As a junior, named second team All-State by Pennsylvania Football News as he rushed for 312 yards on 65 carries and scored five touchdowns … Also caught nine passes for 92 yards and two scores, adding three special teams touchdowns for a total of 10 … Monessen HS coach: Andy Pacak.
Dylan Potts
6-0, 190, Athlete
Sardis, Ohio / River HS
Prior to Akron :
Despite playing in just five games as a senior due to injury, earned third team Division VI All-Ohio … Was first team All-OVAC, All-Times Leader and All-Eastern Ohio District … Ranked #145 player in Ohio by Ohio Magazine Top 150 … Selected to play in the North-South All-Star game … Rated the sixth-best dual-threat quarterback in Ohio by OhioVarsity.com … Tabbed 110th-best prospect in Ohio by Tom Lemming’s MaxPreps.com and CBS College Sports … Finished 2009 with 1,191 yards (completing 91-of-152) and six touchdowns through the air … Added 50 tackles and two interceptions … Was a named to the 2009 WTOV9 Pre-season Big 22 Team … As a junior, selected special mention All-State, first team All-Eastern Ohio, first team All-OVAC and first team All-PVC … Threw for 1,220 yards with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions … Rushed for 450 yards with 13 scores … Led River HS to a 12-1 record as a junior and 26-8 record as the starting quarterback in his career … Also a standout basketball players, earning all-district, All-PVC and All-OVAC honors, while being his district’s 400 meter champion in track … His father, Matt, played football one year at Akron before transferring to Marietta, where he played three years … His brother, Taylor, plays football at Mount Union … River HS coach: Mike Flannery.
Anthony Ritossa
6-4, 220, TE
Kirtland, Ohio / Kirtland HS
Prior to Akron :
Ranked the #64 player in Ohio by Ohio Magazine Top 150 and #52 tight end prospect in the nation by ESPN/Scouts Inc. … Rated the ninth-best tight end in Ohio by OhioVarsity.com … Tabbed 114th-best prospect in Ohio by Tom Lemming’s MaxPreps.com and CBS College Sports … First team all-conference, all-district, all-county, All-Greater Cleveland … A two-time special mention Division V All-Ohio selection … As a senior, tallied 23 receptions for 491 yards with 10 touchdowns … On defense, registered 48 tackles, including four sacks, with an interception, six pass breakups, two QB hurries, a caused fumble and a fumble recovery … Led Kirtland to a 12-1 overall (4-0 conference) and to the Division V regional final as a junior … An All-Northeast Lake District selection in basketball … Kirtland HS coach: Tiger Laverde.
Anthony Schrock
6-3, 200, WR
Wadsworth, Ohio / Wadsworth HS
Prior to Akron :
Named Division I third team All-Ohio as a senior, earned OHSAA Academic All-Ohio (thanks to his 3.6 GPA) and selected to play in the North-South All-Star game … Rated the 15th-best wide receiver in Ohio by OhioVarsity.com … Accounted for 1,151 all-purpose yards as a senior … Ranked #87 player in Ohio by Ohio Magazine Top 150 … Tabbed 129th-best prospect in Ohio by Tom Lemming’s MaxPreps.com and CBS College Sports … Caught at least 30 passes in his final three prep years, including 30 for 607 with seven scores as a sophomore, 33 for 484 with five scores as a junior and 38 for 564 with three scores as senior … Tallied 2,877 all-purpose yards with 21 TDs in his career … Earned first team All-Northeast Ohio Inland District as a senior … A three-time first team All-Suburban League and All-Media County … A second team All-Northeast Ohio Inland District as a junior … Set his school record in the 300 meters (38.77) and qualified for the state meet … Averaged a double-double in basketball (15 points and 10 rebounds) … Comes from a very athletic family … Father, Denny, is the legendary Ohio girls high school basketball coach from Chippewa High School in Doylestown … Older brothers DJ (basketball at Muskingum) and Ben (football at Wooster) played collegiate sports and his older sister Cassie plays basketball at Eastern Michigan and younger sister plays sports at Wadsworth HS … Wadsworth HS coach: Greg Dennison (son of UA Hall of Fame coach Jim Dennison).
Keith Sconiers
6-3, 190, WR
Calumet Park, Ill. / H.L. Richards HS
Prior to Akron :
Tabbed 53rd-best prospect in Illinois by Tom Lemming’s MaxPreps.com and CBS College Sports … Ranked 92nd nationally and 15th in the state among wide receivers by Rivals.com … A two-time all-area and All-SICA Red Conference pick … Named Chicago Sun-Times All-Area special mention … Caught 40 passes for 700 yards and 11 scores as a senior … Listed on the CSNChicago.com Area's Top 100 High School Football Players … The Chicago Times’ 2009 preseason issue, listed Sconiers as the player with “star power” in the South Suburban Red Also a dangerous kick returner … Added 31 receptions for 656 yards and seven scores as a junior … Also an all-conference pick in basketball … H.L. Richards HS coach: Tony Sheehan.
L.T. Smith
6-1, 195, Athlete
Painesville, Ohio / Riverside HS
Prior to Akron :
Third Team Division I All-Ohio as a wide receiver … Tabbed 133rd-best prospect in Ohio by Tom Lemming’s MaxPreps.com and CBS College Sports … Rated the 16th-best wide receiver in Ohio by OhioVarsity.com … First team All-Premier Athletic Conference, All-NE Ohio Lake District, and All-News Herald as a defensive back … Set Riverside HS record with a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown … Caught 41 passes for 672 yards and nine TDs for his career, including 35 for 580 as a senior … On defense, tallied 67 tackles with three interceptions, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries … Returned six kicks as a senior with on TD … Added three rushing TDs as a senior and one as a junior … As a junior, was his conference’s 100-meter champ in track … Riverside HS coach: Ryan Wolf.
Marvin Staten
5-10, 195, RB
Staten Island, N.Y. / Tottenville HS
Pronounced (Stay-ten)
Prior to Akron :
Tabbed first team All-City by the New York Post and Daily News … Selected to play in the Outback New York Empire Challenge High School All Star … Named a Staten Island Advance All-Star after leading the Pirates to the PSAL championship game … As a senior, rushed for 1,530 yards and 18 touchdowns … Returned a kickoff for a touchdown, registered 69 tackles and picked off three passes as a senior … As a junior, ran for 1,242 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging 6.9 yards per carry … Also picked off three passes on defense … Tottenville HS coach: Jim Munson.
Tamir Turpin
6-2, 215, RB
East Orange, N.J. / East Orange Campus HS
Prior to Akron :
Named second team all-county, first team All-Super Essex County Conference and first team all-area … As a junior added second team All-Iron Hills Conference and second team all-area … For his career, rushed for 2,235 yards and 19 touchdowns … Rushed for 1,120 yards and 11 scores as a senior with 895 rushing yards and six TDs as a junior … Helped East Orange Campus HS to a 24-10 record over his three years, winning the 2007 New Jersey Section 1 state title with an 11-1 mark and reaching the New Jersey Section 1 state finals in 2009 … Hails from the same high school as UA wide receiver Nadir Brown … East Orange Campus HS coach: Marion Bell III.
Carl Washington
5-10, 180, DB
Columbus, Ohio / Eastmoor Academy
Prior to Akron :
Rated the 14th-best defensive back in Ohio by OhioVarsity.com … Tabbed 152nd-best prospect in Ohio by Tom Lemming’s MaxPreps.com and CBS College Sports … Selected first team All-City, is a two-time second team all-district pick … Made 45 tackles as a senior with five interceptions while catching 25 passes for 400 yards and rushing for 850 yards with 15 touchdowns … Rushed for 1,699 yards in his career with 23 scores … Had 92 career tackles with seven picks … Led Eastmoor to a 37-10 record over four years, including a 13-2 mark as a junior and reaching the 2008 state championship … Helped Eastmoor to the city track title in 2009 and is a member of the wrestling team … Eastmoor Academy coach: James Miranda.
Jamar Williams
6-1, 215, LB
Columbus, Ohio / Westerville South HS
Prior to Akron :
Ranks #86 on the ESPN/Scouts, Inc. list of top inside linebackers in the nation … Invited to play in the Ohio-Pennsylvania Big 33 Game … Tabbed second team All-State, while picking up first team all-district and all-league honors … Named Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Year for Ohio … Set Westerville South records with 162 tackles in a season and 293 for a career … Added 10 sacks and 14 tackles for loss as a senior with three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries … Two-year Hit Man Award winner at Westerville South … Scored four touchdowns as a running back in 2009 … Westerville South HS coach: Rocky Pentello.
12:45 p.m.
It's time to size up the rankings…
Scout.com — Akron is sixth in the MAC, behind Temple, Toledo, Ball State, Bowling Green and Western Michigan. The Zips' class is ranked 90th in the nation. Scout.com only shows 14 of Akron's 23 commitments, but it does give Erick Howard four stars, making Akron the MAC's only team to pull in a four-star recruit.
Rivals.com — Akron is fourth in the MAC, behind Toledo, Temple and Kent State. Rivals.com only shows 16 of Akron's 23 recruits. The Zips have the nation's 85th best incoming class.
Not bad for a guy who's only been recruiting for 55 days.
{ 6 comments }
Football
Tomorrow is National Letter of Intent Signing Day. Rob Ianello will hold his press conference at 3 p.m. It is closed to the public, but I will be there blogging.
Associate athletic director Mike Cawood listed Ianello's other appearances:
Coach Ianello will also be a guest on Michael Reghi’s talk show in ESPN Radio 850 at 5 pm.
In addition, Ianello will discuss his first signing class during a live appearance on Tom Lemming's nationally-televised recruiting day special show on CBS College Sports Network (also known as CSTV – check local listings or satellite provider for availability) during the five o'clock hour (scheduled to be interviewed at 5:45 pm ET), marking the first time a Mid-American Conference coach has appeared on the program. Ianello will appear on Lemming’s show along with the likes of Dave Wannstedt (Pitt), Steve Sarkisian (Washington), June Jones (SMU), Greg Schiano (Rutgers), Derek Dooley (Tennessee), Mark Richt (Georgia), Lane Kiffin (USC), Rick Neuheisel (UCLA) and more. Lemming’s show runs from 11-noon (ET) and from 3-7 pm.
I will also have coverage before that. The 3 p.m. start time is a little later than normal. I wonder if the coaches expect some surprises.
{ 2 comments }
Football
A Maryland fullback committed to Akron last weekend.
Austin Bailey is 6 feet tall and 236 pounds. Scout.com calls him the No. 17 fullback in the nation.
Bailey chose Akron over Miami (Ohio), in part, because Rob Ianello plans to change to a pro-style offense, and the former spread offense did not utilize a fullback. Therefore, there is a personnel need, and Bailey might play early in his career.
Read this… Terry Pluto wrote about Ianello's efforts to reconnect with the recruits Akron already had before he took over.
Loading ...{ 7 comments }
Men's basketball
Keep refreshing your browser for updates…
In minutes, ESPN.com will announce its BracketBuster matchups. If it's not enough for the Worldwide Leader to practically monopolize decent sports coverage, it also gets to choose which games it will cover. Not a bad deal for ESPN.
I have my dad's computer, which has served me well as a backup over the years.
Humpty Hitchens is suspended for an undisclosed violation of team rules. So is Alex Sullivan. Both are wearing street clothes. I want to see if Ronnie Steward can run the point. Maybe this is his opportunity.
EMU has three really good players. First is Brandon Bowdry, a 6-foot-6 power forward who leads the team with 16.5 points and 10 rebounds per game. Second is Carlos Medlock, a senior point guard who leads the team with 3.5 assists per game and chips in 14.8 points. Third is Justin Dobbins, a 6-8 center who averages 12.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.
The team was picked third in the MAC West because of this trio. The Eagles have struggled to make 3s (27 percent), and they attempt a lot of them. Also, Medlock isn't taking great care of the ball. In conference play, he has committed 27 turnovers and dished only 16 assists. Bowdry's field goal percentage has plummeted since MAC play began. He was once among the league leaders in shooting. Now he's down to 41.3 percent, which is terrible for a big man of his skill.
Akron is in the midst of a three-games-in-five-days home stand. Let's face it; Rhodes Arena is not the castle it used to be. But let's give Keith Dambrot credit for where he's improved — on the road.
Everyone keeps asking me to update my browser to see if the BracketBuster matchups are announced. Not yet…
EMU's MAC record is deceiving, too. The Eagles played the toughest three MAC West foes on the road (WMU, CMU and NIU), while getting the easier games at home.
Akron's BracketBuster opponent is Virginia Commonwealth, the team of former Akron assistant Shaka Smart. It is one of the 11 televised games, although it's on ESPNU. VCU has some notable wins: over No. 17 Oklahoma, Nevada and Rhode Island. The Rams' RPI is 60.
Akron's starters: Darryl Roberts, Steve McNees, Nik Cvetinovic, Chris McKnight and Jimmy Conyers.
Medlock drained two contested mid-range jumpers to start the game. He is donning a face mask. I can't find any news stories that will explain why.
EMU looks like an energetic, athletic team. Akron has been very good on defense, but the Eagles are making difficult shots.
EMU pressured Akron's inbounds play after a turnover. The Zips lobbed it in to Zeke Marshall, whose height is a great release valve for beating the press.
Eagles forward Jay Higgins and Akron's Brett McClanahan have each made consecutive 3-pointers. The teams have combined for 8-of-10 on 3s.
Softball coach Julie Jones brought her team onto the floor to honor a local girl who has a brain tumor. The AK-Rowdies chanted the girl's name as they left the court to a standing ovation. It was a touching moment. Kudos to Jones and the softballers.
Higgins canned another 3. His career high is five 3-pointers in a game. He has four now, with 27 minutes left in the game. His career high in points is 25.
With five minutes to play in the first half, Dobbins and Bowdry have not scored.
Eastern Michigan is playing zone. I don't understand why teams do that against Akron, which has proven it can beat the zone and which features multiple 3-point shooters in just about any lineup it trots out there.
Dobbins got hit with a technical foul for saying too much to the ref. Roberts cashed in on both free throws. He is still scoreless. Bowdry now has four.
With 6.1 seconds left in the half, Roberts fouled Medlock, who was shooting a 3. Medlock made two of three free throws.
The refs heard a chorus of scattered boos as they left the court.
Halftime stats of note: The teams were a combined 10-for-21 on 3-pointers, which surpassed their numbers on regular field goals. Chris McKnight leads Akron with seven points and four rebounds. Higgins has 12, and Antonio Green scored nine. McNees dished five assists (and no turnovers).
I don't want to be a jerk, but somebody has to say it: These halftime shows have stunk. I suppose it pads your attendance to put a bunch of youngsters out on the court to do a little dance, but come on. It takes away from the overal quality of the product. It's great that the kids participate in this sort of program. Their parents should be proud. But the entertainment value is not Division I-quality.
Cvetinovic plowed over an Eastern Michigan defender for an offensive foul on Akron's first possession of the second half. McNees looked visibly irritated. Chris McKnight had to cool him down a little. That's good. They need more leader-types who will hold their teammates accountable.
Brett McKnight picked up his third foul, and it was a bad call. On the next possession, Chris McKnight was whistled for his second on what appeared to be a clean play. These refs are really pushing the Zips fans' tolerance.
Bowdry attempted a flop. It was an admirable performance — grunt and all. The refs didn't buy it, and I think its obvious theatrical nature prevented the refs from blowing a loose-ball foul on Conyers a few seconds later. I wonder if refs take it personally when you flop. In essence, your decision to flop is premised upon a belief you can fool the zebras.
Following the flop attempt, the refs blew consecutive fouls on Bowdry. They weren't really retributive. Both were pretty obvious calls. He smeared Brett McKnight on a fast break. That's four fouls on Bowdry.
Dobbins finally got around to scoring. He made a couple of free throws after Mike Bardo foul in transition. Dobbins followed that up with a foul on Marshall's dunk attempt. Dobbins has three fouls. Poor Dobbins just can't win. Marshall swatted him.
Here is an off-the-wall idea: Marshall plays so much better when he's mean. Akron needs to designate a player to "diss" his mom during timeouts and stoppages in play. If it turns out this makes Zeke go postal (and it very well could), forget I said that.
Cvetinovic committed his fourth foul. He is 0-for-4 from the field.
EMU went on a 6-0 run and leads by seven. The fans are finally getting restless. I was preaching in the preseason that EMU is going to be good. I think you'll see the Eagles do things this year they've never done before. Beating Dambrot at Rhodes Areana would qualify for that category.
McNees turned it over by picking up his dribble in the backcourt and having to force a cross-court pass that wound up in the front row.
If you're wondering how EMU keeps Charles Ramsey on board despite his crummy 52-91 career record, it's because he is Mr. Ypsilanti. He grew up there, played his high school basketball there, played for EMU, served as an assistant coach for EMU and is heavily involved in the community.
The Zips have been inept on offense, so they're wratcheting up the defensive pressure. The fans are getting into it, too. The fans' consternation reflects that this is the "don't screw this up" part of the schedule. In fact, this is the quintessential "don't screw this up" game.
Conyers leaped over the Zips bench to attempt to save a ball. It was a tense moment because it didn't look like his one foot cleared the chairback. That's the formula for a faceplant.
Bardo is getting more offensive opportunities than I can remember him seeing all year.
Right in front of us, Conyers leaped to intercept a pass. He flew out of bounds into the scorer's table. The Plain Dealer's writer heard Conyers say "time out" a few centimeters before he touched the floor. I didn't.
Conyers got a big put-back layup. Why was it "big"? It seemed like the crowd needed something. It caused Ramsey to call time out. Akron is back to within two.
The Zips tied the game. Cvetinovic tipped away a pass and was rewarded with the feed for a layup on the secondary break.
For as good as Higgins has been on 3s, he's a rotten free-throw shooter (42 percent in MAC games). Bowdry is another one to foul (53 percent).
Marshall has not looked good defending meatier players. He lets them get great position, then tries to rely solely on timing his jump as a method to defend the shot.
Akron put together a lousy possession, draining the clock down to one second before McNees penetrated and found Cvetinovic with a pass for a wide-open layup. Akron is down one with 4:30 to play.
Brett McKnight made two foul shots to give Akron the lead back. EMU has 10 fouls so the Zips are shooting two from now on.
In other MAC-tion, Kent State won by 30 over NIU at the M.A.C. Center. Western Michigan won by 15 at Buffalo (seriously!?). Bowling Green held home court against Toledo, winning by 11.
Higgins tossed up a 3-point brick that, fortunately for the Zips, went over the backboard. Akron's bigs were not in good rebounding position.
Higgins rattled home a 3-pointer as he fell into EMU's bench. The Eagles lead by two with two minutes to play. Brett McKnight short-armed a 13-footer that barely hit rim. The Zips need to hunker down here. Timeout EMU.
In these situations, it's good to have a go-to guy. I'm talking about someone who KNOWS he's getting the ball — someone who doesn't fear the wrath of the coach if he screws up. I remember when LeBron James was in his first couple years in the NBA, he was that guy. He wasn't very effective, but it's a role you have to grow into.
Medlock got a free lane for a layup. Ugly defense. At least he didn't run too much clock. Akron has 30 seconds to make up four points.
Akron needs a quick score, then it must foul either Higgins or Bowdry. I'd say work the ball into Cvetinovic for the first bucket.
Brett McKnight found a wide-open Conyers under the hoop for a layup. The Zips fouled Higgins, who made one of two free throws. Rebound to McClanahan. The ball found Brett McKnight for a wide-open 3 pointer, which he short-armed. I can't imagine getting a better opportunity to tie the game. The ball went out of bounds to EMU with five seconds left.
On the inbounds play, the ball went out of bounds. The refs are looking at the replay to see how much time ran off. EMU ball. Another deflection out of bounds. On the next try, McNees hammered Medlock, who needs to make only one free throw to ice the game.
Akron had six men on the floor for a moment, but the error corrected itself.
This game is a tough pinecone to swallow. The Zips broke the only inviolable rule of "don't screw it up" games; they screwed it up.
Final score — Akron 59, Eastern Michigan 62
Final stats of note: Akron shot 34.7 percent, compared to CMU's 44.2 percent. The Zips missed their final seven 3-point attempts. Brett McKnight led Akron with 13 points. Conyers pulled down six rebounds. McNees tallied six assists. Higgins led four Eagles in double figures with 17. Dobbins grabbed seven boards.
Combined, the McKnights and Cvetinovic were 6-for-23. Roberts and McNees combined were 2-for-9. Bad shooting nights happen. There isn't much you can do. If you want to be an optimist, you can say the Zips should have been blown out after being outshot in the second half, 28.6 percent to 50 percent.
Did the Zips miss Hitchens? Maybe a hot-shooting night would have rescued Akron. He's done it before.
A lot of fans are leaving Rhodes Arena disappointed, but to put things in perspective, we just saw a brave 12-year-old girl with a brain tumor.
Akron is now 5-3 in the MAC, looking up to Kent State (6-2) and Central Michigan (5-2). The Zips don't have much time to sulk. NIU comes to Rhodes Arena for a 7 p.m. game Wednesday. The Huskies have given Akron a lot of trouble the past two seasons. CMU is next facing the MAC East gauntlet, but it will play Buffalo, Kent State and Akron all in Mount Pleasant.
QUOTES:
Charles Ramsey
"Everything just came together tonight."
"We're finding that stage in the program where we have some depth. This has been my most cognitive team."
Keith Dambrot
"They're a good team. They're capable of shooting well. When Nikola, Brett McKnight and Chris McKnight play like that, you're not going to win."
"It will be a good check for us. Our fans will all give up on us. We will have to rally ourselves. It will be a good test of character."
"We hustled. We just didn't shoot anything. We played like we had no confidence down in there. We were missing little two-footers. Brett McKnight is a good shooter, but damn, you have to make an open 3 once. He's gotta do better than that. Until those guys play consistently, we're going to have nights like this."
On Cvetinovic: "You can't charge twice. And with two fouls to start the half, you can't charge. That's called discipline. It's bad discipline. I felt like every time we got close, we had bad discipline. Jimmy reached in at mid court. Bardo holding in the post."
"Not having Humpty hurt us. The program is bigger than any one guy. I'm going to discipline guys. I'm going to treat them like my own kids."
"At some point, you have to realize this guy is shooting 3s. You have to run at him."
"We've been down and out before. So we'll see what we're made of. I ripped their ass tonight."
"It's a funny league. Nobody is that much better than anybody else. Do I think they're that much different than Western Michigan? Naw. I don't think they're that much different than Miami."
"I'm going to get on him (Brett McKnight). At this point, that's probably not the best thing to do. He goes 2-for-9 tonight. He goes 2-for-13 at Buffalo. At Kent, he was awful. Every game we lose, there is a common denominator. He's not the best rebounder or defender we have, so we have to get him to play good offense. He's been more inconsistent this year than last year."
"We could not trap them. We tried to trap them some. We couldn't speed them up as much as others."
"They have good inside guys. We did a good enough job on their inside guys. We didn't do a good job on their peripheral guys. They stayed in the zone (defense). We've had very little trouble with it, but we had trouble tonight."
On Higgins' 3: "Jimmy gave help, but he has to run out. He didn't run out as hard as he should. He's made them all night, so you've gotta make him dribble-drive."
"You can't get a better look than that (Brett McKnight's attempt)."
"The whole thing is us. I don't think it depends on anybody else. Right now, we look like an average MAC team. I never bought the hype that we're a great MAC team. If we're not on it, we're going to have issues. It really doesn't matter who we play. We play good enough defense to be in most games. We just have to put the ball in the basket. We have to be good in the low block, because we can't go one-on-one like Carlos Medlock."
"Is it the end of the world? It is for me right now, but it won't be tomorrow. It's easy to coach when things are good."
{ 17 comments }
Men's basketball
Akron is heavily favored again to win tonight's game against Eastern Michigan at Rhodes Arena. The line is Akron minus 13.
Other news/notes:
The series is tied 17-17, but Akron has won the last seven, according to GoZips.com.
Tom Gaffney wrote a fascinating story about Steve McNees and his relationship with his father Bill, who coached him four years at Shenango High School in Pennsylvania.
Despite the 2-5 conference record, 10-10 is the best record EMU has had in seven years, according to EMUEagles.com.
Akron's Bracketbuster opponent will be announced at 6:30 p.m. Rick McFadden told me the coaches believe Akron has a good chance to land a TV game.
Loading ...Football
Akron locked up three new recruits:
Keith Sconiers, as I mentioned last week, visited campus and decided to commit to Akron, according to a public relations volunteer at Richards High School in Illinois, where Sconiers attends. Three Zips coaches visited Richards High School in the past week, so you can see that the 6-foot-3 three-star receiver was a key recruit for Rob Ianello.
Giorgio Bowers, a three-star running back (also from Illinois), also committed this weekend, after de-committing from Northern Illinois. He chose Akron after visiting the campus and being wowed by the facilities. Bowers' highlight video shows a determined runner who does not go down on first contact.
The third recruit is an Ohio cornerback, the state's 14th best at that position, according to OhioVarsity.com. Carl Washington, a 5-10 Columbus product, committed to Akron over the weekend. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.55 seconds.
Also, Gaffney confirms that Ohio's two-time Mr. Football, Erick Howard, will sign with Akron. He had verbally committed to the Zips, then began to consider Toledo. The question now becomes: Will he qualify for grades? And if not, will he remain with the program once he does?
{ 2 comments }
Powered by
WordPress
Entries (RSS)
and Comments (RSS).
