Hankerson Hunter rounding into form
Slowly, the Zips are finding their rhythm at the offensive end.
The University of Akron men’s basketball team didn’t just crush Eastern Michigan 104-67 Friday night, it also took a step toward finding the kind of offensive balance for which it has been searching.
Top scorers Xavier Castaneda and Enrique Freeman again led the way, with 23 and 20 points, respectively. Those two have often been at the top of the box score for the Zips, but coach John Groce has been searching for another player or two to join them as offensive threats on a consistent basis.
The difference Friday night was the Zips had six players in double figures, including Trendon Hankerson (14 points), Sammy Hunter (13 points), Greg Tribble (10 points) and Amani Lyles (10 points).
Hankerson and Hunter, especially, played key roles as the Zips pulled away from Eastern Michigan, as the two combined to shoot 7 of- 14 from 3-point range.
Both players came into the program as transfers, Hankerson from Northern Illinois and Hunter from Ole Miss. It was known both could shoot, but the Zips just hadn’t yet seen that potential quite as much. It came pouring out Friday night, and it’s something the Zips hope is there to stay in an effort to give Castaneda and Freeman some additional scoring help as they make their way deeper into conference play.
“Obviously the shotmaking from 3 from Hunter and Hankerson, that’s what they do,” Groce said. “We knew that when we brought them [in]. Sometimes it takes just a little bit of time to get comfortable — new coach, new system, new teammates, new city, new school. I think those guys are starting to turn the corner in a real positive way and are obviously a huge part of what we do, and they’re great guys … the chemistry is getting better by the day.”
Sometimes, it just takes games, reps and the opportunity to find a rhythm as an offense. It has been inconsistent at times this season, but the Zips are slowly finding their footing.
“Like Sammy, the last few games, he’s stepped up, hit some good shots, and Trendon is hitting some good shots,” Freeman said. “I think guys are stepping up and our chemistry is getting better on offense. I think that just goes with college basketball in general. I think teams are playing to their strengths and building team chemistry, and I think we’re taking a step in the right direction.”
Tribble reaching double figures was of particular note considering his defensive responsibilities. At different points this season, he’s learned and then played every position except center, and he’s often been tasked with guarding the opponent’s best scorer.
“The dude is just a stud in terms of intelligence,” Groce said. “If you needed him to play center he could do it, probably. … He’s just so versatile both defensively and offensively, and is willing to sacrifice for the team. I have great appreciation for Greg.”
Ryan Lewis can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @ByRyanLewis.
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