Men's basketball
Dylan Ennis, a point guard from Illinois, gave the Zips their first verbal commitment for 2011.
A Canadian magazine had this to say about the former Ontario resident:
This 6′0 point guard from the class of 2011 has the makings of a pure point guard. Ennis possess good passing skills, a high basketball IQ and good patience, and great composure. His weaknesses are his thin body and the fact that he is not a very explosive player, but makes up for it by his outstanding 3 point shot. He is a true leader on the floor.
The PD's Elton Alexander mentioned that, and he also reports that Zeke Marshall is not looking like a starter in practice. Alexander believes that Marshall will have trouble with the talented centers around the MAC, like Kenneth Van Kempen (waiting for a punch line, or something).
Football
Tomorrow I will preview the Zips/Syracuse game.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Great to hear we're getting recruits on board for 2011 already.
As far as Zeke not looking like a starter, I think a lot of people forget he is a true freshman and transitioning from high school to the MAC is a tough adjustment. Heck, for a lot people athletes or not, just transitioning from high school to college takes time.
I have faith that the Akron coaching staff will have Zeke playing at a level where we'd like to see him in the not too distant future if for no other reason than he sounds very coachable which can be the downfall of many a stellar recruit. Still, I hope the expectations don't get the best of him this upcoming season. Sometimes we need to take a step back and realize he is not only a freshman but a true freshman who is barand new to the system.
On a side note, I think a big key toward the Zips progressing forward may be Ronnie Steward, does he look to be on track for a healthy campaign finally? He is one of the best high school players I've ever seen, I'd even rank him above Hitchens, Linhart, and B. McKnight at the prep level. By the way, I think its great the Zips recruit central Ohio (selfish reasons there obviously)
I thought this guy was a top 50 in the country recruit? Was he top 50 or top 500? You have to be kidding me? He can't crack the starting lineup?
GJ – you must not watch too much college basketball. There are plenty of freshman who have no problem making the transition from high school to the MAC. Look at what Humpty did for your team last year. Sure didnt seem like he had a hard time transitioning.
My gut tells me you have another Bruce Weinkein on your hands here (6 pts a game and some blocked shots). I hate to burst your bubble. Your fall in basketball this year could be greater than what you are experiencing this year in football. Look out below!!
Enjoy your once every 20 year appearance in the NCAA tournament. I don't think you'll be back for a while.