A strong defensive and rebounding presence around the rim with the athleticism to run the floor, Ackerman devoted his first season in the program to adding muscle to his 6-11 frame, expanding his offensive repertoire and learning Patrick Chambers[apos] defensive principles. A coach[apos]s son, he possesses a nice 15 to 17-foot face-up jumper and the skill and versatility to pull opposing big men away from the basket as well as shot blocking skills.
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2012-13 SOPHOMORE
Saw action in a career-most 13 games scoring eight points and grabbing three rebounds on the year...played in 11 Big Ten games, scoring six points...scored his first career points with two in a career-most nine minutes in a victory over Bucknell.
2011-12 FRESHMAN
Ackerman saw limited action in 12 games, five in Big Ten play, playing a total of 26 minutes...recorded five rebounds with a season-high three at Boston College...worked hard in practice to improve his post game and in the weight room to add strength and bulk to his 6-11 frame...worked with coach Brad Pantall to add 15 pounds to his frame.
HIGH SCHOOL
Tabbed a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and ranked among the top twenty senior-to-be prospects in his region according to the New England Recruiting Report, Ackerman was a standout for the Hilltoppers at Worcester Academy...was nominated for the 2011 McDonalds[apos]s All-American basketball game...had a breakout summer on the AAU circuit, earning All-Tournament Team honors at the GymRat Challenge in Albany, N.Y. in the summer prior to his senior year...Ackerman grew two inches and added twenty-five pounds of muscle between his sophomore and junior seasons...Averaged 10 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game as a junior.
PERSONAL
The son of Tom and Gretchen Ackerman...born October 30, 1991 in Wellsboro, Pa....has an older sister, Meghann (26)...father was a high school and college basketball coach serving head coaching stints at NCAA division II programs Mansfield University (north central Pennsylvania) and Assumption College (Worcester, Mass.)...Tom earned PSAC East Coach of the Year honors in 1995 and 1997 while at Mansfield and led the Mounties to a No. 10 national ranking and 1997 NCAA Tournament...He was head coach at Assumption from 1999-00 to 2004-05, leading the Greyhounds to a regular season conference title in 2002.