Just a Blog From Akron Mailbag

You asked questions, we answered them.  Enjoy!

Q: Is Treon Sibley still going to play football at Akron?  I noticed he didn't sign yet. 

A: Treon is set to visit Akron this weekend and will be a member of the Akron Zips football team.

Q: What is the latest on Jaden Sayles?  When can we expect him to return?

As with any injury, a timeline for return is just a projection.  With that said, Jaden's original prognosis was missing 6-8 weeks,and it's been 3 weeks since his injury.  He'll get an x-ray this Monday, at which time we'll know more about how his wrist is recovering.  

Q: What is the latest on Emmanuel Olojakpoke?  Will he get an additional year of eligibility?  

A: The last update we heard was that Emmanuel is expected to make a full recovery and rejoin the Zips on the floor next season.  I'm sure he will apply for an extra year, but based on precedent it's doubtful he gets it, as he already played a good percentage of the season.

Q: What is up with Craig Eubanks?  I didn't see him on the bench against Miami.


A: While unsure of the reasoning, I have heard he is no longer on the team.  Please note, no confirmation has been made by Craig or the team.  

Q: Who is a name to watch when it comes to possible men's basketball recruits?

A: Neftali Alvarez from Miami Christian School is an intriguing name.  He's 6'1", 175 lbs, and is from Puerto Rico.  He has offers from Dayton, Colorado State, UMass, Wichita State, Arkansas State, Purdue, FIU, Virginia, Wyoming, VCU, Hofstra, and Georgia Tech.  He visited Arkansas State, Wichita State, and most recently, Akron.  He stated a week ago that he plans to commit after his senior season ends.  Neftali had an absurd quadruple double in his last game with 41 points, 16 assists, 11 rebounds, and 16 steals.


Q: How many former Zips are currently in MLS?

A: As you might guess, the list is long:

Jonathan Lewis - NYCFC
Saad Abdul-Salam - NYCFC
Niko De Vera - NYRB
Scott Caldwell - New England Revolution
Teal Bunbury - New England Revolution
Richie Laryea - Orlando City FC
Joao Moutinho - LAFC 
Darlington Nagbe - Atlanta United
Ben Zemanski - Portland Timbers
Zarek Valentin - Portland Timbers 
Adam Najem - Philadelphia Union
Kofi Sarkodie - San Jose Earthquakes 
Chris Korb - DC United
Darren Mattocks - DC United
Will Trapp - Columbus Crew 
Evan Bush - Montreal Impact
Dillon Serna - Colorado Rapids 

Stuart Holthusen and Nate Schultz were both drafted into the Timbers system but may still not make the team.

There are a few who've moved overseas and a few who've retired or are playing in USL, NASL, etc. A couple guys listed haven't featured in A squads yet and some are playing in USL affiliates for those clubs, but the majority do play.

Q: Should Zips fans be frustrated seeing Duquesne have success while Akron struggles?

A: Not at all.  First and foremost, as long as we're not battling for the same recruit or playing head-to-head, it''s OK to be happy for Keith Dambrot and his staff.  He's the most successful coach in Akron history and brought us many great memories.  Many were upset at him leaving, but it's important to remember that a successful coach spending 13 years in one place is rare in college sports, especially a mid-major.  We wish he and the Dukes nothing but success.

More importantly, no, you shouldn't be down on Akron.  They came into the season with a ton of inexperience and a lack of depth in their front court.  Losing Olojakpoke for the season and then Sayles for 6-8 weeks was a brutal pair of blows to the Zips.  Right now, they're playing eight guys - one senior, two juniors, one sophomore, and four freshmen.  They're extremely young.  With that said, they'll develop and gain experience over the course of this season and reinforcements are on the way next year in Deng Riak, Loren Jackson, Eric Hester (mid-season), and LePear Toles.  Pair those incoming players with the hopeful return of Olajakpoke and all but Duvivier returning and the Zips should see themselves back at the top of the Mid-American Conference.  

That's all for this edition of the Mailbag.  Send us a direct message on Twitter or email WeAreZipsNation@gmail.com with questions you want answered in future editions!





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