Rising Star
McKeesport Center Headed To Akron
By Chris Dokish

It's no secret that in basketball, height is one of the most coveted traits for a player. The fact that extreme height and excellent athleticism often do not go together is the reason why the few that possess both traits become millionaires. McKeesport High School junior Zeke Marshall is a few years away from the point where he could be called a future pro player, but the intriguing big man is starting to make people believe that if it happens, it won't be a huge surprise.

Marshall surprised many by making a verbal commitment to play basketball at Akron last month, choosing the Zips over scholarship offers from Pitt, Xavier, Virginia Tech, George Mason and Duquesne.

"He developed such a great relationship with the staff," said Marshall's mother, Nicole Bozeman. "He really liked them all a lot. Secondly, it was for academic reasons. He loved their computer program and that's what he wants to major in."

Marshall is the sixth high-level Division 1 prospect from western Pennsylvania to choose another school over the University of Pittsburgh in the last few years. Jeannette's Terrelle Pryor chose to play football at Ohio State, Aliquippa's Herb Pope decided to move his troubles as far away from Pittsburgh as possible and play for New Mexico State, Yough's Ben McCauley decided that he preferred North Carolina State of the ACC, Schenley guard D.J. Kennedy chose St. John's, and Moon's Brian Walsh is headed to Xavier.

Only Schenley's DeJuan Blair stayed home to play for Pitt.

"He was not a fan of Pitt's campus," Bozeman said. "He wanted a campus feel, in the city, but not right in the city. Akron was just a good for him. Pitt's campus didn't fit his personality."

Marshall is considered a rising prospect and was just rated 37th in the Class of 2009 by Rivals.com. He needs to add weight-possibly as much as 30-40 pounds-but his shot blocking, interior presence and blossoming offensive game make him a legitimate post presence and an intriguing prospect.

"He is really starting to come on offensively," says Marshall's AAU coach, Rick Klimchock. "Recently we have played some very talented teams, including the New York Gauchos and the Florida Rams, and he averaged about 13 or 14 points a game over that time. That's a step up for him and I think you can see that part of his game starting to come on."

Marshall's height, 7'4" wingspan, and athleticism are all huge plusses for his future on the court. The fact that "he can run all day," according to Klimchock, is another rarity for such a tall player.

As far as defense, Klimchock, who is no stranger to talent having coached two-sport phenom Terrelle Pryor in high school, is not shy in his enthusiasm.

"I think if you ask people around the country they will probably tell you that he is the best shot blocker in the class. He is phenomenal at it."

Marshall can sign a binding letter of intent with Akron in November.