Preview: Cincinnati's college basketball teams
Bill Koch, Shannon Russell and Rory Glynn, rglynn@enquirer.com 12 a.m. EST November 12, 2014


The University of Cincinnati head basketball coach Mick Cronin.(Photo: The Enquirer/Jeff Swinger)

The 2014-15 college basketball season is right around the corner, so we took a look at Cincinnati's top college basketball programs: UC, Xavier, NKU and Miami.

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

Coach: Mick Cronin (ninth season at UC, 162-107; 231-131 overall)

Probable starters

Octavius Ellis, 6-10 junior center, averaged 14.8 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.2 blocked shots last year at Trinity Valley (Tex.) College
Troy Caupain, 6-4 sophomore guard, averaged 5.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists
Ge'Lawn Guyn, 6-3 senior guard, averaged 4.5 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists
Gary Clark, 6-7 freshman forward, averaged 26.0 points, 7-0 rebounds and 4.0 assists at Clayton (N.C) High School.
Shaq Thomas, 6-7 junior forward, averaged 6.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.9 assists

Top reserves

Jermaine Sanders, 6-5 senior forward, averaged 5.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists
Kevin Johnson, 6-3 sophomore guard, averaged 3.7 points, 1.0 rebounds and 0.6 assists
Quadri Moore, 6-8 freshman forward, averaged 16.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists at Linden (N.J.) High School
Deshaun Morman, 6-3 freshman guard, redshirted last year due to injury
Farad Cobb, 6-1 junior guard, averaged 15.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists last year at Northwest Florida State College.
Coreontae DeBerry, 6-9 junior forward, averaged 11.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and blocked shots last year at Hutchinson (Mich.) Community College
Jamaree Strickland, 6-10 freshman center, redshirted last year
Zack Tobler, 6-5 sophomore forward, averaged 0.0 pts. 0.3 rebounds and 0.0 assists last year

What's new

UC has seven first-year players, including two true freshmen (Gary Clark and Quadri Moore), three junior college transfers (Octavius Ellis, Coreontae DeBerry and Farad Cobb), and two redshirt freshmen (Deshaun Morman and Jamaree Strickland). Five of those first-year players are forwards or centers and three are 6-foot-9 or taller, giving the Bearcats the biggest team they've had in years.

Familiar faces

Only two starters return – senior point guard Ge'Lawn Guyn and junior forward Shaq Thomas. But there are other contributors from last season that are back to assume larger roles. Among them are sophomore guards Kevin Johnson and Troy Caupain - both of whom showed flashes of potential last season in limited roles - and senior forward Jermaine Sanders.

Most likely to have a breakout season

Caupain showed the most promise among the three players in UC's freshman class last season. He played in all 34 games and although he didn't start in any of them, he logged an average of 19.1 minutes per game. He averaged only 5.4 points playing alongside All-American Sean Kilpatrick, but was aggressive on offense and did not shy away from pressure moments. He scored in double figures in five games and is expected to assume a starting role this season.

Player with something to prove

Junior center Octavius Ellis is back after spending the last two years at Trinity Valley (Tex.) College, where he was a first-team All-American. Ellis was at UC as a freshman but was dismissed from the program. He returns seemingly more mature physically and mentally and is being counted on as a shot blocker who will anchor UC's inside defense and provide an inside scoring threat.

Impact newcomer

Freshman forward Gary Clark averaged 26 points, 15 rebounds and 4.7 blocked shots as a senior at Clayton (N.C.) High School and has been very impressive during preseason practices, although he failed to impress during UC's two exhibition games. Still, the coaching staff is expecting big things from Clark.

Stat opponents should fear

The Bearcats ranked fourth nationally in scoring defense last season, allowing just 58.4 points per game. They were 25-6 when they held their opponent under 70 points, which they did in 31 of 34 games. With their top three defenders from last year gone, though, that will be a difficult stat to duplicate.

Most important player

With no returning player who averaged more than 6.8 points last season, there is no one to point to as the heart and soul of this team as there was last year with Kilpatrick. The Bearcats are counting on winning with depth and balanced scoring. But because of his role protecting the basket as a shot blocker along with his inside scoring ability, Ellis could very well be the player most important to UC's success.

Three key games

San Diego State: The Aztecs, who play at UC on Dec. 17, are the defending Mountain West Conference champions and have been picked to win the league again this year. They are ranked No. 17 nationally in the AP preseason Top 25 and feature two preseason all-league picks in Dwayne Polee II and Winston Shepard. This will be the first of two straight non-league games against Top 25 opponents for the Bearcats, who play Virginia Commonwealth on Dec. 20.
Connecticut: The defending national champs visit Fifth Third Arena on Jan. 29 after playing the Huskies at UConn on Jan. 10. All-American guard Shabazz Napier is gone, but his running mate, Ryan Boatright, returns as the American Athletic Conference pre-season Player of the Year. The Huskies are the preseason pick to win the league.
Xavier: This game has been moved to the middle of each school's conference season after being scheduled in December in each of the last three years. Neither team is ranked as the season begins but both teams boast a lot of talent and could very well be ranked by the time they meet on Feb. 18 at Fifth Third Arena. The Musketeers have won five of the last seven games between the two schools, but UC leads the overall series, 49-32.


Xavier University's head coach Chris Mack (Photo: The Enquirer/Gary Landers)

XAVIER UNIVERSITY

Coach: Chris Mack (sixth season, 111-57)

Probable starters

G Dee Davis, 6-0 senior (averaged 7.7 points and 4.7 assists last season)
G Brandon Randolph, 6-2 sophomore (2.6 points, 1.3 rebounds)
F Trevon Bluiett, 6-6 freshman (35.7 points, 11.4 rebounds at Park Tudor, Ind., HS)
F James Farr, 6-10 junior (4.6 points, 3.9 rebounds)
C Matt Stainbrook, 6-10 senior (10.6 points, 7.4 rebounds)

Key reserves

Myles Davis, 6-2 sophomore guard. Averaged 5.3 points, 1.5 rebounds.
Remy Abell, 6-4 junior guard. In 2012-13 at Indiana, averaged 4 points and 1.5 assists.
Jalen Reynolds, 6-10 sophomore forward. Averaged 3.8 points and 3.8 rebounds.

What's new

Gone are last year's leading scorers – Semaj Christon (NBA D-League) and Justin Martin (transferred to Southern Methodist University) – but Xavier has added six freshmen and an eligible transfer in former Indiana player Remy Abell. Every year the team is different, but this season more than half the 13-man roster will be taking the court for Xavier for the first time. Big East coaches showed their confidence in the newcomers by picking Xavier to finish fourth in the preseason poll.

Familiar faces

Senior point guard Dee Davis and senior center Matt Stainbrook, a preseason first-team All-Big East selection, anchor the Musketeers. Their veteran know-how is imperative with so many new college players in tow, and they're not the only ones with stabilizing ability. James Farr, Myles Davis, Brandon Randolph and Jalen Reynolds have played within Xavier's system and know what's expected on both ends of the court. Their experience and execution should help offset rookies' growing pains.

Most likely to have a breakout season

Myles Davis. The range of greatest improvement for many players comes between their freshman and sophomore seasons, and Davis has been working hard to make that a reality. He struggled with his specialty, 3-point shooting, down the stretch last season and was a step slow on defense. His 1-for-22 mark from three in the last eight games took a toll on his confidence. Davis vowed in the offseason to be more consistent. Based on the preseason, he's serious about making a bigger impact.

Player with something to prove

Jalen Reynolds. The sophomore had an amazing breakout game last February, scoring 17 points and grabbing 16 rebounds against a tough Saint John's frontcourt. But he only averaged 3.8 rebounds all season long. Reynolds is the most athletic player on the team, and usually the most athletic player on the court in any given game, so expecting closer to double-figure rebounds isn't unreasonable. The Musketeers need more from the 6-foot-10 forward to realize their potential.

Impact newcomer

Trevon Bluiett. The departure of Martin opened competition at the small forward position and the Musketeers have an answer in Bluiett, a prolific high school scorer with size and college-ready physique. The 6-foot-6 forward's scoring range spans from the rim to 3-point range, and he's capable of shifting to power forward when the team goes with a smaller lineup. If his defense mirrors his offense, Bluiett possesses the tools for a solid debut season.

Stat opponents should fear

46 percent. That's the number of scholarship players that form XU's freshman class. Not only is the heralded class talented and versatile, but no team knows exactly what Larry Austin Jr., Bluiett, Makinde London, JP Macura, Sean O'Mara and Edmond Sumner (when healthy) are capable of. Sumner is recovering from tendinitis in his knees, an issue since high school, and likely will miss the opener against Northern Arizona.

Most important player

Dee Davis. If the senior were to miss games with say, an injury, the experience level at point guard would plummet. This is Davis' team. He's the only fourth-year player on the roster and he comes to the table with a great depth of knowledge of Xavier's system. Last season he was second in the Big East with an average of 4.7 assists, and that was on a mediocre-shooting team. Imagine what he can do on a team with an even better offense.

Three key games

Dec. 13, at Missouri: XU faces three SEC teams this season, including its first true road game against the Tigers. A win would enhance the Musketeers' tournament resume and provide a shot of confidence.
Jan. 14, at Villanova: Villanova enters the season ranked 12th in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 and has been chosen by league coaches to win the Big East crown. Beating the Wildcats on their home court would be a major step forward in XU's quest for the conference title.
Feb. 18, at UC: The Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout is back on campus, this time at Fifth Third Arena – and late in the conference schedule. Boil down the rivalry hype and it's a nice resume builder for the winner.


NKU head coach Dave Bezold(Photo: Enquirer file)

NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

COACH: Dave Bezold (11th season, 181-116)

Probable starters

G Jordan Jackson, 6-2 senior (13.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.5 steals)
G Tyler White, 6-3 junior (10.8 ppg)
C Jalen Billups, 6-6 junior (9.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 32 blocks)
G Todd Johnson, 5-9 junior (8.7 ppg, 43% 3FG)
G Chad Jackson, 6-4 senior (redshirted last season)

Key reserves

G Anthony Monaco, 6-4 junior (84.8% FT)
F Daniel Camps, 6-5 sophomore (6.1 ppg)
G Cole Murray, 6-7 sophomore (5.7 ppg)

What's new

In the back half of a four-year reclassification period following the jump to NCAA Division I, the Norse are eligible for the first time for the eight-team Atlantic Sun conference tournament March 3-8. NKU is eligible for the NCAA tournament in 2016-17.

Familiar faces

The top six scorers and all but one player are back, and the Norse add a former starter who redshirted last season. Almost 94 percent of the offense returns. Jordan Jackson, Tyler White and Jalen Billups have garnered preseason all-conference mentions.

Most likely to have a breakout season

Daniel Camps earned eight starts as a freshman and ranked fifth on the team in scoring. His alley-oop dunk off an inbound pass at Florida Gulf Coast was an ESPN top-10 play. He's a 49.6-percent shooter, and scored 13 points against Kentucky.

Player with something to prove

The Norse regain the services of Chad Jackson, an outstanding 6-foot-4 athlete who redshirted last season after starting back-to-back campaigns. He averaged about 10 points and 5.5 rebounds while leading the team in steals both his sophomore and junior seasons. Until last season, he had never missed a start at NKU.

Impact newcomers

It'll be tough to crack the primary rotation, but there's redshirt junior post player Jared Bryant and freshman guard Tayler Persons. Bryant played two seasons at Chattanooga. Persons averaged 18.2 points as an Indiana Prep All-Star, one of 13 seniors named to the prestigious postseason team.

Stat opponents should fear

The Norse have just two seniors, the Jacksons. They are 65-18 all-time at The Bank of Kentucky Center.

Most important player

Jordan Jackson led the team and was 12th in the conference in scoring. He also led the team in assists and steals and was second in rebounds.

Three key games

The Norse begin the season in high-profile fashion with back-to-back road games at nationally ranked Wisconsin in the opener Friday, followed by fellow Big Ten power Nebraska on Sunday. The marquee event will be the Dec. 7 home game against the Big 12's West Virginia, coached by former Cincinnati coach Bob Huggins, who'll be making a rare return to the area.


Miami University basketball coach John Cooper(Photo: Enquirer file)

MIAMI UNIVERSITY

Coach: John Cooper (third season at Miami, 22-40; 65-92 overall)

Probable starters

G Geovonie McKnight, 6-3 Jr. (9.4 points, 3.6 rebounds)
G Will Sullivan, 6-3 Sr. (9.2 points)
G Eric Washington, 5-10 Jr. (transfer)
G Willie Moore, 6-3 Jr. (9.2 points)
F Chris Bryant, 6-8 Jr. (transfer)

Key reserves

G Jaryd Eustace, 6-7 So. (started two games)
F Joshua Oswald, 6-7 So. (started 19 games)
G Zach McCormick, 6-2 Fr. (Enquirer All-Star at Turpin)

What's new

Miami's newcomers include true freshmen (Zach McCormick, Logan McLane, Roderick Mills) and junior-college transfers (Chris Bryant, LJ Livingston, Kalif Wright), a transfer eligible after sitting a year (Eric Washington, Presbyterian) and one who has to sit to be eligible (Dion Wade, Auburn). The RedHawks also added three walk-on guards in Ali Barnes, Jake Bischoff and Tre Hawkins. Millett Hall, Miami's basketball home, also got a bit of a facelift with new red seats in the lower arena, a new court and upgraded lighting among the changes.

Familiar faces

Miami lost only two starters, but Will Felder and Quinten Rollins answered every tipoff last season, and Rollins is seventh all-time in Miami games started. Guards Geovonie McKnight and Will Sullivan are now the most experienced hands. Aussie import Joshua Oswald started 19 games.

Player with something to prove

Guard Willie Moore didn't make the impact some expected in his first season in Oxford. He showed flashes of tantalizing talent and was most productive in March, but shot just .396 from the field for the year and was foul- and turnover-prone at inopportune times. Miami needs more consistency from Moore.

Impact newcomer

Washington scored 16 points in the RedHawks' exhibition loss to Division II Edinboro (Pa.), adding five rebounds and five assists. Whether that's production the 5-10 Washington can replicate against D-I competition remains to be seen.

Stat Miami should fear

Since the Wally Szczerbiak-led Sweet 16 team, the RedHawks have gone to the NCAA tournament just once, in 2007.

Stat opponents should fear

Cooper's teams improved each of his three seasons at Tennessee State, making the NCAA tournament in the third. This is Cooper's third season in Oxford.

Most important player

Clearly, Miami will need its newcomers to have an impact, but consider this stat on Sullivan. He made three or more 3-pointers in a game six times last season, and Miami went 5-1 in those games. Sullivan was third in the MAC in 3-point percentage but can't always create his own shot, so he'll need help getting the looks he needs.

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/c.../18897429/

Bye Koch. Dinosaur.

Really, a team in another state and a team 45 minutes away are considered Cincinnati teams? Ugh...

(11-12-2014 11:43 PM)The T-Shirt Wrote:  Really, a team in another state and a team 45 minutes away are considered Cincinnati teams? Ugh...

It's about what the customer wants and the customer wants Miami basketball! Haha

(11-12-2014 11:43 PM)The T-Shirt Wrote:  Really, a team in another state and a team 45 minutes away are considered Cincinnati teams? Ugh...

Still part of the metro area. Just like Stanford and Cal would be included in the San Francisco paper although neither are in San Francisco...

(11-12-2014 11:43 PM)The T-Shirt Wrote:  Really, a team in another state and a team 45 minutes away are considered Cincinnati teams? Ugh...

Deal with it.

I take no issue to NKU being in the article. NKU's campus is a hop, skip and a jump away from downtown. Miami could have easily been ommitted due to distance and the fact they average about 1,500 fans a game. They would have attracted more readers by replacing the Redhawks with Cincinnati State (better program and more students/fans).

As an NKU grad I love seeing there stuff, I am very excited to have a mid major to root for in the future.

I've been to BOK Center several times and every time I go it blows me away that NKU has that arena and UC plays in 5/3 still.

Gary Clark starting doesn't seem remotely correct.

(11-13-2014 11:55 AM)cinbinsportsfan Wrote:  Gary Clark starting doesn't seem remotely correct.

I don't think anyone knows what to expect from the 4 spot at this point. Before the exhibitions, I think most close to the program considered him the clear frontrunner, but he was underwhelming in both exhibitions. I think everyone still expects him to be one of UC's best players in the not too distant future, but it may take a little longer than some may have expected.

The other options are Deberry at the 5 and Ellis at the 4. This seems less than ideal for multiple reasons. Those two are our best 5 men, so they need to eat virtually every minute at the 5. Obviously they can still play some together, but it's not gonna be much. Also, O's biggest strength in my opinion is his ability to protect the rim. You lose some of that if he is defending 4's instead of 5's.

Moore is a disaster defensively at this point.

Clark looked timid and unsure of himself.

Strickland isn't ready to play a significant role. He has missed way too much time over the last 4 years.

The last option is to go small with Shaq and Sanders together. But that isn't going to work against everyone.

The good news is we've got some time to figure it out.