By Aaron Bracy
Special to Insider
AKRON SCOUTING REPORT
| Offensive Preference |
The Zips throw a lot of players at opponents, going nine deep, with all but reserve center Mike Bardo capable of hitting double figures. Coach Keith Dambrot likes his players to share the basketball and work the ball inside. But the Zips are also capable from long range and led the MAC by averaging eight 3-pointers per contest. Junior Nikola Cvetinovic has become a force offensively this season, leading Akron in scoring and rebounding. |
| Defensive Philosophy |
Dambrot preaches defensive toughness. “When we play defense, we win games,” he said recently. With a deep rotation, the Zips aren’t afraid to use their fouls. |
| Secret Strength |
Akron has a special supporter in NBA star LeBron James. Dambrot coached James at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School during James’ freshman and sophomore seasons when the Fighting Irish won a pair of state championships. The Zips’ uniforms and accessories are licensed under the Nike and LeBron James “LJ23″ trademarks. |
| Achilles’ Heel |
Akron doesn’t rebound the ball well and ranked near the bottom in the MAC in rebounding defense (36.5) and rebounding margin (-3.1). |
| Will Lose When … |
They fall behind. The Zips aren’t much of a comeback team and are just 3-10 when trailing at halftime. |
| Famous Last Words |
All Dambrot does is win and the Zips know how to handle the pressure of tournament play, having reached the conference tourney final in five straight seasons. However, Akron lacks a singular star that can carry an underdog in the NCAA tournament. Another item of note — if you’re thinking of picking Akron in an upset, the Zips were blown out 82-47 at Temple in mid-December. |
SEASON NOTES
| High point |
In a one-bid conference, there’s no room for error. The Zips had reached the conference tourney final in the previous four seasons, only to lose three times. They earned a trip to the field of 68 this year with a 66-65 overtime win over Kent State. This is Akron’s third NCAA appearance (1986, 2009 and 2011). |
| Lowlight |
Akron’s loss to Eastern Michigan in early February was its fifth setback in seven games, dropping the Zips to 12-10 and putting a sixth straight 20-plus-win season in jeopardy. |
| Most Revealing Moment |
The Zips clawed back from the slide by winning seven straight games from Feb. 9 to 26, before finishing the regular season with losses at Ohio and at Kent State. |
| Did You Know? |
The Zips have hit at least one 3-point basket in 342 straight games dating back to Dec. 27, 2000. |
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