SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS
Anthony "Humpty" Hitchens is a true freshman point guard and a top candidate to be in the rotation. Hitchens averaged 21 points and six assists a game in leading Chillicothe (Ohio) HS to a Division II state title.

The Zips need help along the front line and 6-foot-8, 225-pound Andrew Parrish, out of Dayton, Ohio, could make an impact this season.

West Virginian Brett McClanahan is a three-point specialist. Alex Sullivan is a high-scoring guard from Painesville, Ohio. Forward Nikola Cvetinovic is redshirt candidate this season.

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: Two early home games could loom large if the Zips plan to work their way into the NCAA at-large mix. Akron will host Winthrop on Nov. 18 and Dayton on Dec. 6. The Zips lost to both of those teams on the road last season.

PROGRAM DIRECTION
The Zips may experience a slight drop off this season, but expect Akron to stay among the MAC's upper tier for the foreseeable future. Sophomore guard/forward Brett McKnight is going to arrive as a consistent double-figure scorer and a player capable of carrying a big load offensively for the next three seasons.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP
F Nate Linhart, F Chris McKnight, C Steve Bardo, G Steve McNees, G Brett McKnight.

ROSTER REPORT

--PG Ronnie Steward (hip injury) took a medical redshirt last season and is anxious to make an impact this season.

--C Steve Swiech (6-foot-9, 250) was a redshirt last season and will be a candidate to help fill the void with Jeremiah Wood graduating.

--SF Jimmy Conyers is listed as a senior, but with continued academic progress could regain his first season and be eligible for 2009-10.

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