Hustle Belt - Alex Abreu pleads guilty to drug traffickingMAC Football, MAC Basketball, MAC Recruiting, MAC Baseball and all of the other #MACtion hijinks in between - hustlebeltblog@gmail.comhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50387/hustle-fav.png2013-06-10T20:59:59-04:00http://www.hustlebelt.com/rss/stream/38410292013-06-10T20:59:59-04:002013-06-10T20:59:59-04:00Akron's Abreu pleads guilty, avoids jail time
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XgeaLSLafCBCm-P54Q8sNILENfw=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47827933/large_hustlebelt.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The three month saga of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123126/alex-abreu">Alex Abreu's</a> drug trafficking charges came to an end in the courtroom, although his future at the University of Akron remains unclear. The Akron guard pleaded guilty to a felony charge of drug trafficking and faces a two year suspended sentence and 18 months of probation. Abreu was <a href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/2013/3/7/4076956/alex-abreu-arrested-for-marijuana-trafficking-suspended-by-team">first arrested on the heels</a> of the MAC tournament sending shock waves through the Zips fan base. The Zips would still go on to win the MAC tournament before getting blown out in the NCAA tournament. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The University of Akron released a statement on the situation:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>In a statement, the University of Akron said Abreu remains indefinitely suspended following today's verdict.</p>&mdash; Mike Popovich (@mpopovichREP) <a href="https://twitter.com/mpopovichREP/status/344236506896031744">June 10, 2013</a></blockquote><br><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>The statement also says the university and athletic department will review Abreu's case and determine his status at a later date.</p>&mdash; Mike Popovich (@mpopovichREP) <a href="https://twitter.com/mpopovichREP/status/344236789088808960">June 10, 2013</a></blockquote><br><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>There are two sides to the argument of whether Abreu should play this season for the Zips. One is that he went through the judicial process and should be free to move on with his life and basketball career. The other is that, well, he pleaded guilty to a felony. Everyone from the university to the athletic department to Keith Dambrot to the players will have a say in whether Abreu returns which means a lot of things will have to go right for Abreu. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>There will be a rush to compare this situation to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/101287/quincy-diggs">Quincy Diggs</a>, who missed last season due to a suspension, but is expected to return this upcoming season. However, the comparison is inept as Quincy Diggs never faced any criminal charges and the suspension was for a violation of university rules. </p>
<p>For Akron fans, they will have to continue to take a wait and see approach before the university and the athletic department make a final decision on the status of Alex Abreu.</p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/2013/6/10/4417000/akron-guard-alex-abreu-pleads-guilty-to-drug-trafficking-chargesmatt24eli2013-03-08T09:17:18-05:002013-03-08T09:17:18-05:00Alex Abreu Friday morning update
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XgeaLSLafCBCm-P54Q8sNILENfw=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47827933/large_hustlebelt.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The news isn't any more jarring this morning, but at least we know a little bit more about what happened. Per the ABJ, Abreu and 18*-year-old Austin Durgala, who <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/AAATriple3" target="_blank">self-identifies as a white rapper"</a> on YouTube, were charged with two third-degree felonies: possession of marijuana (five pounds of it) and marijuana trafficking.</p>
<p><i>(The ABJ and other sources are saying he's 18 years old; the Summit County Jail website lists Durgala as 21.)</i></p>
<p>A package en route to their apartment was identified by a K-9 unit to contain drugs, so police delivered the package undercover, then arrested the two when they accepted it.</p>
<p>Also, we found <a href="http://scsojms.summitoh.net/MatrixJMS/OffenderPictures/22/1.SCSO.13-0068922.001" target="_blank">Abreu's mug shot on the Summit County website</a>, as well as the <a href="http://courts.ci.akron.oh.us/cases/Akroncourtcases.nsf/Traffic?ReadForm&CATYPE=Crimnal&CASENUM=1302345" target="_blank">court case and charges against him</a>.</p>
<p>In terms of Zips fans, there's been a stark contrast in attitude. 24 hours ago, they were unafraid of any team and ready to be discussed nationally. Now they seem to be in a "we shall overcome" mentality — and I am purely going by <a href="https://twitter.com/zipsmbb" target="_blank">what the Zips MBB Twitter account is retweeting</a>.</p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/2013/3/8/4078676/alex-abreu-marijuana-arrest-packageMatt Sussman2013-03-07T23:08:42-05:002013-03-07T23:08:42-05:00Alex Abreu Replacements for the Zips
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Oh20akfC2pfYbd5tnq78wSIyBgk=/0x0:2497x1665/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9294765/20121209_gav_br1_176.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Alex Abreu is facing an indefinite suspension and Akron may need to move forward without their star point guard. A number of players will need to step up for Akron to win the MAC tournament.</p> <p>Information on the<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/2013/3/7/4076956/alex-abreu-arrested-for-marijuana-trafficking-suspended-by-team"> Alex Abreu arrest this afternoon</a> is still limited, but if the allegations are true, Alex Abreu's season and potentially career is in serious jeopardy. This season has seen a spirited winning streak and a 25-4 record that led to many high hopes for Akron fans. Alex Abreu has played a large role as the starting point guard in the Zips' success. The season will go on and Akron will still enter the MAC tournament as the number one seed. Are the Zips still the favorites? It's hard to say, but Alex Abreu is not the only star on this team and another Akron-Ohio finale still seems the most likely outcome in the MAC tournament.</p>
<p>Coach Keith Dambrot has one "test game" tomorrow to try and replace Alex Abreu to prepare for the MAC tournament and (hopefully) subsequent NCAA tournament.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>First let's take a look at what needs replaced.</p>
<p> </p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix">
<table class="zebra">
<thead class="super-head"><tr>
<th class="td-first"></th> <th colspan="2"></th> <th colspan="3">FG</th> <th colspan="3">3PT</th> <th colspan="3">FT</th> <th colspan="3">Rebounds</th> <th colspan="6">Misc</th>
</tr></thead>
<thead><tr>
<th class="td-first"></th> <th>G</th> <th>M</th> <th>M</th> <th>A</th> <th>Pct</th> <th>M</th> <th>A</th> <th>Pct</th> <th>M</th> <th>A</th> <th>Pct</th> <th>Off</th> <th>Def</th> <th>Tot</th> <th>Ast</th> <th>TO</th> <th>Stl</th> <th>Blk</th> <th>PF</th> <th>PPG</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody><tr>
<td class="td-name td-first">2012 - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123126/alex-abreu">Alex Abreu</a>
</td>
<td>29</td>
<td>30.2</td>
<td>3.2</td>
<td>7.8</td>
<td>40.9</td>
<td>1.7</td>
<td>4.4</td>
<td>39.4</td>
<td>2.2</td>
<td>2.7</td>
<td>81.0</td>
<td>0.7</td>
<td>1.8</td>
<td>2.5</td>
<td>6.0</td>
<td>2.9</td>
<td>1.2</td>
<td>0.1</td>
<td>1.7</td>
<td class="td-last">10.3</td>
</tr></tbody>
</table>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p> </p>
<p>The 30 minutes per game will probably not all be replaced by one player, but more of a PG by committee, at least until someone cements themselves as the clear point guard. This is no small feat for the Zips to obtain. Abreu was multifaceted as a slasher, a shooter, a ball handler, and a leader for the Zips all season.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix">
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix">
<table class="zebra">
<thead class="super-head"><tr>
<th class="td-first"></th> <th colspan="2"></th> <th colspan="3">FG</th> <th colspan="3">3PT</th> <th colspan="3">FT</th> <th colspan="3">Rebounds</th> <th colspan="6">Misc</th>
</tr></thead>
<thead><tr>
<th class="td-first"></th> <th>G</th> <th>M</th> <th>M</th> <th>A</th> <th>Pct</th> <th>M</th> <th>A</th> <th>Pct</th> <th>M</th> <th>A</th> <th>Pct</th> <th>Off</th> <th>Def</th> <th>Tot</th> <th>Ast</th> <th>TO</th> <th>Stl</th> <th>Blk</th> <th>PF</th> <th>PPG</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody><tr>
<td class="td-name td-first">2012 - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175471/carmelo-betancourt">Carmelo Betancourt</a>
</td>
<td>29</td>
<td>9.4</td>
<td>0.8</td>
<td>1.8</td>
<td>43.1</td>
<td>0.0</td>
<td>0.3</td>
<td>11.1</td>
<td>0.2</td>
<td>0.5</td>
<td>46.7</td>
<td>0.1</td>
<td>0.4</td>
<td>0.5</td>
<td>1.4</td>
<td>1.7</td>
<td>0.3</td>
<td>0.0</td>
<td>1.4</td>
<td class="td-last">1.8</td>
</tr></tbody>
</table>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<br id="1362713357552"><br>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p> </p>
<p>The first candidate to replace some of Abreu's minutes is freshman Carmelo Betancourt. He is the player most comparable to Abreu in size, slashing ability, and is also coincidentally from Puerto Rico. Where Betancourt lacks is experience and shooting as he has not made a three pointer all season. He may be forced into shooting situations should he see an extended role. The assist to turnover ratio cannot be comforting for Akron fans either.</p>
<p> </p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix">
<table class="zebra">
<thead class="super-head"><tr>
<th class="td-first"></th> <th colspan="2"></th> <th colspan="3">FG</th> <th colspan="3">3PT</th> <th colspan="3">FT</th> <th colspan="3">Rebounds</th> <th colspan="6">Misc</th>
</tr></thead>
<thead><tr>
<th class="td-first"></th> <th>G</th> <th>M</th> <th>M</th> <th>A</th> <th>Pct</th> <th>M</th> <th>A</th> <th>Pct</th> <th>M</th> <th>A</th> <th>Pct</th> <th>Off</th> <th>Def</th> <th>Tot</th> <th>Ast</th> <th>TO</th> <th>Stl</th> <th>Blk</th> <th>PF</th> <th>PPG</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody><tr>
<td class="td-name td-first">2012 - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52526/brian-walsh">Brian Walsh</a>
</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>24.3</td>
<td>2.7</td>
<td>6.3</td>
<td>43.2</td>
<td>1.4</td>
<td>3.5</td>
<td>39.2</td>
<td>1.0</td>
<td>1.3</td>
<td>75.7</td>
<td>1.0</td>
<td>2.6</td>
<td>3.6</td>
<td>1.6</td>
<td>0.6</td>
<td>1.3</td>
<td>0.1</td>
<td>1.7</td>
<td class="td-last">7.8</td>
</tr></tbody>
</table>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p><br id="1362713452100"></p>
<p>After Betancourt, Akron will have to look to non-traditional point guards. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/131896/brian-walsh">Brian Walsh</a> certainly provides the shooting and experience that Abreu provided, but will he be an effective ball-handler? He has been careful with the ball as a shooting guard, but that would become more difficult as the primary ball-handler and Akron is certain to see more full-court pressing if he were to take the helm at point guard. Of course the biggest problem of Walsh playing PG is that Akron would now be without its starting shooting guard.</p>
<p> </p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix">
<table class="zebra">
<thead class="super-head"><tr>
<th class="td-first"></th> <th colspan="2"></th> <th colspan="3">FG</th> <th colspan="3">3PT</th> <th colspan="3">FT</th> <th colspan="3">Rebounds</th> <th colspan="6">Misc</th>
</tr></thead>
<thead><tr>
<th class="td-first"></th> <th>G</th> <th>M</th> <th>M</th> <th>A</th> <th>Pct</th> <th>M</th> <th>A</th> <th>Pct</th> <th>M</th> <th>A</th> <th>Pct</th> <th>Off</th> <th>Def</th> <th>Tot</th> <th>Ast</th> <th>TO</th> <th>Stl</th> <th>Blk</th> <th>PF</th> <th>PPG</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody><tr>
<td class="td-name td-first">2012 - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/144997/deji-ibitayo">Deji Ibitayo</a>
</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>11.2</td>
<td>1.0</td>
<td>2.9</td>
<td>34.1</td>
<td>0.4</td>
<td>1.5</td>
<td>23.8</td>
<td>0.7</td>
<td>1.2</td>
<td>60.6</td>
<td>0.3</td>
<td>1.5</td>
<td>1.8</td>
<td>0.7</td>
<td>0.6</td>
<td>0.3</td>
<td>0.1</td>
<td>1.0</td>
<td class="td-last">3.1</td>
</tr></tbody>
</table>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p><br id="1362713817520"></p>
<p>Next up is sophomore Deji Ibitayo. He will certainly see an increase in minutes whether it's at point guard or shooting guard and will provide some athleticism. He's shown flashes as a shooter, but a career 23.4% 3-point shooter won't make anyone forget Abreu. I think it's more likely that Deji Ibitayo will see more minutes at shooting guard rather than point guard, but I would like to see Keith Dambrot give him a few possessions at the point come tomorrow night.</p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix">
<table class="zebra">
<thead class="super-head"><tr>
<th class="td-first"></th> <th colspan="2"></th> <th colspan="3">FG</th> <th colspan="3">3PT</th> <th colspan="3">FT</th> <th colspan="3">Rebounds</th> <th colspan="6">Misc</th>
</tr></thead>
<thead><tr>
<th class="td-first"></th> <th>G</th> <th>M</th> <th>M</th> <th>A</th> <th>Pct</th> <th>M</th> <th>A</th> <th>Pct</th> <th>M</th> <th>A</th> <th>Pct</th> <th>Off</th> <th>Def</th> <th>Tot</th> <th>Ast</th> <th>TO</th> <th>Stl</th> <th>Blk</th> <th>PF</th> <th>PPG</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody><tr>
<td class="td-name td-first">2012 - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52216/chauncey-gilliam">Chauncey Gilliam</a>
</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>14.6</td>
<td>1.8</td>
<td>4.8</td>
<td>38.7</td>
<td>1.0</td>
<td>2.9</td>
<td>34.2</td>
<td>0.5</td>
<td>0.6</td>
<td>75.0</td>
<td>0.6</td>
<td>1.1</td>
<td>1.7</td>
<td>0.7</td>
<td>0.6</td>
<td>0.6</td>
<td>0.0</td>
<td>1.4</td>
<td class="td-last">5.2</td>
</tr></tbody>
</table>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p><br id="1362714453695"></p>
<p>This is another example of a player who may not see minutes as a point guard, but should see his minutes increase if Abreu were to miss the MAC tournament. Gilliam has seen his minutes take a sharp decline since the beginning of the season, but now looks prime to earn some minutes back. He can provide a serious scoring punch for the Zips with a 45.6 career FG% and a 39.5 career 3P%.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A few things are for certain going forward. Akron will have to replace a star player should this suspension extend for the rest of the season and it cannot be done by just one player. Aside from the players listed above, everyone will need to step up from Keith Dambrot to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100459/zeke-marshall">Zeke Marshall</a> to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/144996/demetrius-treadwell">Demetrius Treadwell</a> and more to overcome this adversity and make it to the NCAA tournament.</p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/2013/3/7/4077716/alex-abreu-replacements-for-akronmatt24eli2013-03-07T19:10:01-05:002013-03-07T19:10:01-05:00Akron PG Alex Abreu arrested, suspended
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tYjY3IYg4EJyuKDC-M-OHaVnSV0=/558x404:2846x1929/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9284713/20121209_tjg_br1_141.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Zips point guard was jailed for some pretty serious charges, and Akron's dream basketball season hangs in the balance.</p> <p>Is this the best Akron basketball team ever? We may never find out as the glue which held together this wonderful Zips team is <a href="http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/zips-point-guard-abreu-suspended-following-arrest-1.379390" target="_blank">in jail for trafficking marijuana</a>.</p>
<p>He's had a spectacular on-court year, averaging six assists per game, second best in the MAC behind DJ Cooper. He's also scored over 10 points per contest, hitting nearly 40 percent of his 3-pointers. The Zips have announced he is suspended from the team, which if it sticks would sling freshman <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175471/carmelo-betancourt">Carmelo Betancourt</a>, who has averaged less than 10 minutes per game but has appeared in every contest, into a starting role. </p>
<p>Here's the basketball situation: Akron will finish their regular season Friday night at home against rival Kent State, a meaningless game as far as the standings are concerned. After that they'll warp straight to the MAC Basketball Tournament semifinals Friday night to play a team of unknown origin, and that's the game that matters, so if they can sort out this Abreu mess by then, perhaps things will be fine.</p>
<p>Mind you, let's hold off on ANY speculation for what has happened. All we know is he's in jail for these alleged charges. But what a terrible time for this to happen for everybody involved.</p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/2013/3/7/4076956/alex-abreu-arrested-for-marijuana-trafficking-suspended-by-teamMatt Sussman