Middleton bounces back
Work ethic unmatched on Zips
Adam Ferrise
Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: Sports
His 3-point percentage is a testament to his hard work. Never a bad shooter, Middleton's percentage has risen every year. As a freshman, he shot 35 percent from behind the arc and 38 as a sophomore.
It's no surprise that his points-per-game average has jumped accordingly, from five in his freshman season to 11 last year when he was named MAC Sixth Man of the Year.
"We can't win games without him," Dambrot said.
Middleton, however, may no be in the same role this year, at least to start the season.
Dambrot has indicated that since freshman Ronnie Steward's hip injury may take up to six weeks to heal, Middleton will probably be starting the season alongside Nick Dials in the Zips' backcourt, even though Dambrot prefers to utilize Middleton's energy by bringing him off the bench, if he's healthy enough.
Middleton was forced to sit out the Zips' exhibition game against Walsh College two Saturdays ago because the arthritis in his knee, which he has battled for the last two years, was bothering him. Dambrot said it was precautionary and that he would more than likely be fine for the season opener Friday at the Top of the World Classic in Alaska against South Carolina Upstate.
Middleton was so eager, he dressed and went through warm-ups even though he knew he wasn't going to play.
"He's the hardest worker I've ever had," Dambrot said. "And I've had a lot of hard workers over the years."
It's no surprise that his points-per-game average has jumped accordingly, from five in his freshman season to 11 last year when he was named MAC Sixth Man of the Year.
"We can't win games without him," Dambrot said.
Middleton, however, may no be in the same role this year, at least to start the season.
Dambrot has indicated that since freshman Ronnie Steward's hip injury may take up to six weeks to heal, Middleton will probably be starting the season alongside Nick Dials in the Zips' backcourt, even though Dambrot prefers to utilize Middleton's energy by bringing him off the bench, if he's healthy enough.
Middleton was forced to sit out the Zips' exhibition game against Walsh College two Saturdays ago because the arthritis in his knee, which he has battled for the last two years, was bothering him. Dambrot said it was precautionary and that he would more than likely be fine for the season opener Friday at the Top of the World Classic in Alaska against South Carolina Upstate.
Middleton was so eager, he dressed and went through warm-ups even though he knew he wasn't going to play.
"He's the hardest worker I've ever had," Dambrot said. "And I've had a lot of hard workers over the years."
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