The University of Akron Athletics
Marshall Named One of Nation's Top 30 Impact Defenders
July 15 | Men's Basketball
Bleacher Report: 30 Impact Defenders for the 2011-12 Season
AKRON, Ohio – University of Akron junior center Zeke Marshall was named one of the Top 30 Impact Defenders in the nation for the 2011-12 season in a list recently released by Todd Hawkins, a writer for the Bleacher Report.
Marshall, who owns the freshman (59) and sophomore (92) season blocked shot school records, in addition to the single game (9) and single season (92) marks, helped the Zips to their second Mid-American Conference Tournament title and a second NCAA Tournament appearance in the last three seasons. He was named the MAC Tournament MVP after breaking the tournament record for blocked shots in a game (9) and in a single tournament (17).
On the defensive presence of Marshall, Hawkins had this to say:
"The Zips 7'0" center isn't a player typically seen outside college basketball's Power Six Conferences. In 2009, Marshall was rated No. 43 overall and the sixth-rated center according to Rivals. The McKeesport, Pa. native spurned offers from Pittsburgh, Boston College and Virginia before choosing Akron.
Marshall's length and timing allows him to start many fast-break opportunities through his shot-blocking ability. He's a great athlete that jumps well and continues to get stronger each year for Akron. Marshall averaged 2.6 blocks per game last season and recorded nine blocks against Kent State in the MAC conference tournament championship."
Hawkins also ranks Marshall as the No. 10 mid-major center in the nation.
The Akron center enters the 2011-12 season needing 15 swats (151) to break Romeo Travis' mark of 165 career blocked shots (2004-07). Marshall should reach the 100 games played mark this season after appearing in 71 games over his first two seasons.
