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Nice article from Doc on JC:



With 12:10 left in the game, UC’s Jarron Cumberland made a three from the left wing that seemingly removed the contest from visiting Tulsa’s reach. Thirty-five seconds later, Justin Jenifer bottomed another three from the same spot that took the “seemingly’’ out of it. things.

It was 65-44 by then, in a game the Bearcats would win, 88-64.

More: Cincinnati Bearcats ride 3-point shooting to win over Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Jenifer greeted his three like he’d just seen his mom for the first time in a decade. He has a smile that could light up a dungeon. Cumberland’s reaction to his three? He waved his shooting hand briefly, down by his hip, as if he were swatting a fly.

That’s Cumberland.

So is this: On Cincinnati’s last possession of the first half, Cumberland noticed Tulsa was overplaying the 3-point line. Instead of taking that shot, Cumberland slipped into the high post and popped in a little jumper in the lane. “He’s thinking the game all the time,’’ Mick Cronin said.

Cumberland is the best player in the city, the steadiest, smoothest, coolest head between Clifton and Evanston. He’s also a (relatively) local guy, from Wilmington. We know almost nothing about him.

He likes tattoos. He has a tattoo on the back of his leg, of a lion, and this quote: “Love the life you live and live the life you love.’’ He likes lions. He loves his life. Apparently.

He likes shoes, too. What kind of shoes? Dunno.

How many pairs? No idea.

Why shoes? Couldn’t tell ya.

He has a face chiseled in the cut of mean. It could stop a truck. Jarron Cumberland could have been a bad guy in the old Grand Theft Auto video games.

His nickname is Ted. As in Teddy Bear.

Former Bearcat Kyle Washington gave him that name. I thought Washington was being ironic. He wasn’t. Cumberland is, in fact, the quietest, nicest guy in the Bearcats locker room. Apparently.

“The most soft-spoken guy of all time, the opposite of the way he looks,’’ Cronin said. “Until the ball goes up.’’

Cumberland plays under control. He plays basketball like a wise old man, if a wise old man could score from anywhere on the floor. If you’re a UC fan or Mick Cronin, Cumberland is soothing to watch. He’s a comfort on the floor. You don’t worry about the basketball when it’s in his hands.

Right?

“Oh, gosh yes,’’ Cronin said.

On Thursday, the Bearcats led Tulsa from buzzer-to-buzzer. They made basketball look like an easy game. The way Jarron Cumberland does. “Jarron is elite,’’ Cronin said. “He makes threes, he scores off the dribble, he gets fouled and he’s a great passer. Four-for-four.’’

UC is quietly in the midst of a very good season. The Bearcats are 17-3. They were 18-2 after 20 games last year. They scored 88 on Tulsa, while shooting just under 50 percent, from inside and out.

Back in early November, Ohio State shredded them 64-56, and I asked Cronin if UC was going to have a second scoring option beyond Cumberland. I wrote this:

“When Cumberland scores 22 and everyone else has 34, you might expect that question. When Cumberland makes seven of his 17 shots and everyone else goes 10-for-45, you might expect that question. For the record, 10-for-45 is a cool 22 percent. And we do mean cool.’’

Cronin chuckled at the question. He said he was more concerned about his defense. I thought he was nuts.

Thursday night, after the UC scoring machine rained pain on Tulsa, I asked Cronin, “What did you know after that Ohio State game that I did not?’’

“I knew we’d miss Jacob (Evans) and Kyle’s veteran defense. Obviously, we’d miss’’ Gary Clark’s D, said Cronin. “Kyle led us in blocked shots, Gary was defensive player of the year in our conference. Golden State drafted Jacob because they thought he could guard three positions.’’

Meantime, Cronin said he knew this team would score. “Justin (Jenifer) can really shoot, Cane (Broome) can come in with offense. Keith (Williams) can score in a lot of ways. And we had Jarron.’’

Yes. Him. Ted, the stone-faced sweetheart. “He’s a killer-mentality guy,’’ Cronin allowed. At a time in sports when no celebration seems too celebrational, and no moment too menial to be honored with end zone choreography, Cumberland cools it. Makes that three, brushes his hip. He’s a virtuoso, always in low key.

I wanted to run all this by Cumberland. He skipped out before I could. Ah, well. Quiet is the sound of a well-tuned game.

(01-25-2019 06:47 AM)bearcatmark Wrote:  

(01-24-2019 08:43 PM)Bearcatbdub Wrote:  I can tell this is a blowout by the # of pages in the thread.

The ecu game thread was 5 times longer. When people can't complain they don't know what to do.

You don't think people are going to come on here and extoll the virtues of a great offensive performance that was orchestrated by Mick, do you?

(01-25-2019 08:52 AM)OKIcat Wrote:  I couldn't attend but last night's game was a joy to watch. It sounded like the crowd was really getting into it for JJ's fine three point shooting. How rewarding that must be for a senior who has worked so hard to develop his game. He's an unheralded role player most nights but has been a key to this team's success so far.

If UC consistently shoots the ball that well it will be unstoppable the rest of the way. I don't expect that level of offensive proficiency, but a credible shooting performance Sunday in Philly and the 'Cats will prevail by a dozen. Temple is tough, but not top 25 great. If UC intends to win the AAC again, Sunday may be a (necessary) step in the right direction.

I've actually grown to like JT III as the commentator on ESPN. He's got a dry sense of humor and seems to respect Mick and the UC program a lot.

I'm happy as long as it isn't Dakich or Walton.

(01-25-2019 09:23 AM)Def Berkkat Wrote:  

(01-25-2019 06:47 AM)bearcatmark Wrote:  

(01-24-2019 08:43 PM)Bearcatbdub Wrote:  I can tell this is a blowout by the # of pages in the thread.

The ecu game thread was 5 times longer. When people can't complain they don't know what to do.

You don't think people are going to come on here and extoll the virtues of a great offensive performance that was orchestrated by Mick, do you?

Ha... no, but maybe celebrate Cumberland and what these other guys are doing. He'll probably be ignored by the nationally media, but Jarron Cumberland should absolutely be an All American at this point in the season. He's been brilliant night after night. This team as a top 30 offense is kind of absurd.

Uc has a lot of limited guys around Jarron, nearly all those guys have found roles that they are above average to excellent at to compliment him. Jenifer has become an elite spot up shooter, Brooks (despite a down game tonight) has become a really good one on one post player, Broome can improvise when things break down, Williams can break you down off the dribble when attention is drawn to Cumberland and is great in the open court, Scott has really developed that mid range spot up jumper...etc. UC doesn't have a lot of really versatile offensive players, but they have Cumberland who is brilliant and guys that understand what they are good at and play to their strengths. Really fun team to watch so far.

Cumberland is absolutely AAC player of the year right now, and really should be an All-American.

Someone needs to teach Brooks how to dunk the ball.

(01-25-2019 09:25 AM)bearcatmark Wrote:  

(01-25-2019 09:23 AM)Def Berkkat Wrote:  

(01-25-2019 06:47 AM)bearcatmark Wrote:  

(01-24-2019 08:43 PM)Bearcatbdub Wrote:  I can tell this is a blowout by the # of pages in the thread.

The ecu game thread was 5 times longer. When people can't complain they don't know what to do.

You don't think people are going to come on here and extoll the virtues of a great offensive performance that was orchestrated by Mick, do you?

Ha... no, but maybe celebrate Cumberland and what these other guys are doing. He'll probably be ignored by the nationally media, but Jarron Cumberland should absolutely be an All American at this point in the season. He's been brilliant night after night. This team as a top 30 offense is kind of absurd.

Uc has a lot of limited guys around Jarron, nearly all those guys have found roles that they are above average to excellent at to compliment him. Jenifer has become an elite spot up shooter, Brooks (despite a down game tonight) has become a really good one on one post player, Broome can improvise when things break down, Williams can break you down off the dribble when attention is drawn to Cumberland and is great in the open court, Scott has really developed that mid range spot up jumper...etc. UC doesn't have a lot of really versatile offensive players, but they have Cumberland who is brilliant and guys that understand what they are good at and play to their strengths. Really fun team to watch so far.

Cumberland is absolutely AAC player of the year right now, and really should be an All-American.

No way. We don’t want big accolades for him until next year.

The development of Brooks has been huge for this offense (Even when he has the days he can't make it) as it seems to force almost every team we play to double to post and we have gotten a lot of points on the pass out (And unfortunately missed a lot of those on looks of the road).

Fun game last night. Cronin did a lot more coaching of guys last night rather than screaming at them in frustration. The 3 point defense was much better than it's been this month. It also seemed like Tulsa got very few offensive rebounds. And nice to see the subs get some legit minutes too.

The offense relies a ton on Cumberland, but this team has a lot of non-overlapping parts around him: Scott's midrange game, Brooks underneath, Jenifer from 3, Williams's athleticism and improved shooting, and Broome's speed and quickness. They have some pieces.

(01-25-2019 09:29 AM)cpawstoney Wrote:  Someone needs to teach Brooks how to dunk the ball.

Yep, that's my pet peeve. However, i did see some encouraging behavior last night after he muffed the bank Mick immediately pulled him over, and on the next possession he was fouled on a particularly emphatic dunk attempt so the message seemed to get thru short term.

I also believe they should work with Elie to try shooting ft's Barry style underhand. That shot of his is never likely to produce consisten results at the ft line. It would be worth a look. 9/22 with several bank made ft's not good.

I'd like to take this time to point out that CBS did not rank Jarron Cumberland as one of the best 100 players in college basketball at the start of the year/

(01-25-2019 10:02 AM)dsquare Wrote:  

(01-25-2019 09:29 AM)cpawstoney Wrote:  Someone needs to teach Brooks how to dunk the ball.

Yep, that's my pet peeve. However, i did see some encouraging behavior last night after he muffed the bank Mick immediately pulled him over, and on the next possession he was fouled on a particularly emphatic dunk attempt so the message seemed to get thru short term.

I also believe they should work with Elie to try shooting ft's Barry style underhand. That shot of his is never likely to produce consisten results at the ft line. It would be worth a look. 9/22 with several bank made ft's not good.

Ellie is still wearing a splint on his shooting hand, which throws his shot off. He's been wearing it all year, must have been a bad finger break and a slow to heal one. According to Cronin Ellie is a much better shooter (and FT shooter) then we've seen, but the splint throws off his shot. Maybe he should start shooting right handed until his finger fully heals.

(01-25-2019 10:21 AM)skyblade Wrote:  

(01-25-2019 10:02 AM)dsquare Wrote:  

(01-25-2019 09:29 AM)cpawstoney Wrote:  Someone needs to teach Brooks how to dunk the ball.

Yep, that's my pet peeve. However, i did see some encouraging behavior last night after he muffed the bank Mick immediately pulled him over, and on the next possession he was fouled on a particularly emphatic dunk attempt so the message seemed to get thru short term.

I also believe they should work with Elie to try shooting ft's Barry style underhand. That shot of his is never likely to produce consisten results at the ft line. It would be worth a look. 9/22 with several bank made ft's not good.

Ellie is still wearing a splint on his shooting hand, which throws his shot off. He's been wearing it all year, must have been a bad finger break and a slow to heal one. According to Cronin Ellie is a much better shooter (and FT shooter) then we've seen, but the splint throws off his shot. Maybe he should start shooting right handed until his finger fully heals.

I wish that was it, but coming off his 4/20 last year i'll believe it when i see it. I think 2 of the 4 he made last year were banks as well. I guess at least those are on target and straight. You have to start somewhere.

(01-25-2019 10:02 AM)levydl Wrote:  Fun game last night. Cronin did a lot more coaching of guys last night rather than screaming at them in frustration. The 3 point defense was much better than it's been this month. It also seemed like Tulsa got very few offensive rebounds. And nice to see the subs get some legit minutes too.

The offense relies a ton on Cumberland, but this team has a lot of non-overlapping parts around him: Scott's midrange game, Brooks underneath, Jenifer from 3, Williams's athleticism and improved shooting, and Broome's speed and quickness. They have some pieces.

UC was +18 in rebounding margin last night. That's incredible.

(01-25-2019 10:41 AM)dsquare Wrote:  

(01-25-2019 10:21 AM)skyblade Wrote:  

(01-25-2019 10:02 AM)dsquare Wrote:  

(01-25-2019 09:29 AM)cpawstoney Wrote:  Someone needs to teach Brooks how to dunk the ball.

Yep, that's my pet peeve. However, i did see some encouraging behavior last night after he muffed the bank Mick immediately pulled him over, and on the next possession he was fouled on a particularly emphatic dunk attempt so the message seemed to get thru short term.

I also believe they should work with Elie to try shooting ft's Barry style underhand. That shot of his is never likely to produce consisten results at the ft line. It would be worth a look. 9/22 with several bank made ft's not good.

Ellie is still wearing a splint on his shooting hand, which throws his shot off. He's been wearing it all year, must have been a bad finger break and a slow to heal one. According to Cronin Ellie is a much better shooter (and FT shooter) then we've seen, but the splint throws off his shot. Maybe he should start shooting right handed until his finger fully heals.

I wish that was it, but coming off his 4/20 last year i'll believe it when i see it. I think 2 of the 4 he made last year were banks as well. I guess at least those are on target and straight. You have to start somewhere.

I'll believe Cronin. He's seen what the guys do over the off-season and where they've put in work. If he says Ellie worked a lot on FG shooting and was pretty solid before the finger injury I see no reason to disbelieve him. Not saying Ellie is an amazing FT shooter, but I expect he'd be around 60-65% without the splint.

Just an awesome shooting game, need to make this travel. Certainly an A+ game from the Coach on down. Make this travel to Philly.

(01-25-2019 12:45 PM)CincyBro Wrote:  Just an awesome shooting game, need to make this travel. Certainly an A+ game from the Coach on down. Make this travel to Philly.

Really helps the offense when Scott can hit some shots as he did last night. Only negative was foul shooting which we definitely will need to do better to win road and tournament games.

(01-25-2019 09:12 AM)bearcatmark Wrote:  

(01-25-2019 09:03 AM)Cat-Man Wrote:  

(01-25-2019 06:47 AM)bearcatmark Wrote:  

(01-24-2019 08:43 PM)Bearcatbdub Wrote:  I can tell this is a blowout by the # of pages in the thread.

The ecu game thread was 5 times longer. When people can't complain they don't know what to do.

This CRACKS me up how people try and keep pointing this out, trying to bash all of the "complainers". If you took the time to realistically think about it, it makes sense. When the team loses, it causes a reaction for people to come onto message boards to vent their frustration, talk about team deficiencies and whether they can/will be corrected, bash the coach, question his calls, etc etc. It happens at EVERY school. Heck, I'd say it happens in EVERY sport and fan base. On the flip side, there are only so many ways you can come on here and gush all over a team and talk about how great they are after/during a win. Basically, the team is doing what everyone wants them to do.....win. So what is there to talk about? It makes sense why there aren't many posts. Find another reason to bash the naysayers.

Plenty of interesting things to discuss when the team is playing well. Off the top of my head I'd love to see more discussion on Cumberland's brilliance this season, Jenifer morphing himself into an elite 3 point shooter, the way they have been moving the ball to get great looks on offense, Brooks' development as a low post scorer, the improvement in rebounding the last couple of games (which was a huge issue in the prior stretch), etc.

Hell there are areas that I still think this team has to get better in. The interior defense, which has largely been solid, wasn't that good yesterday. They gave up too many paint looks. Scott in particular wasn't aggressive enough when Tulsa attacked them inside. Though I thought the perimeter defense was better yesterday there were still defensive lapse due to bad communication.

The idea that there aren't things to talk positively about or critique in good performances doesn't sit right with me, but there seems to be an "i told you this team stinks" attitude that permeates the board every time UC has a bad game and those threads turn into the long ones. When UC plays well, there is silence.

That one goes both ways. There are plenty of folks who jump on here after a UCLA or Wich St. game to point fingers to the other side and say "I told you so....look how great this team is", maybe not as much as the negative people side, but that faction also exists. You don't think you are permeating that same atmosphere by making comments on how dead the threads are after wins? Sounds like a finger point to me.

Look, I don't think you are wrong at all about there are positive things to discuss. I'm just sayin that if you think message boards, chat rooms, twitter, etc Heck, even TALK RADIO are going to be a big love fest after wins, you haven't been paying attention the past 10-20 years. People are more prone to log/call in and vent their frustration, than to call/log in and comment on how great things are. It's just a fact.

I just think that it is silly to keep pointing it out the difference in the board traffic between wins and losses as there is a valid and logical reason why there is a difference.

(01-25-2019 10:18 AM)BcatMatt13 Wrote:  I'd like to take this time to point out that CBS did not rank Jarron Cumberland as one of the best 100 players in college basketball at the start of the year/

Sad. And unfortunately a lack of preseason hype puts a player behind the publicity curve before the opening tip of the first game. Great paradox that in the age where more college basketball is televised than ever before, a select few players names are repeated ad nauseam, especially by the Duke sycophants on the four letter network.

If Cumberland leads this team to the Sweet Sixteen he'll suddenly get a lot more attention nationally.