CSNbbs

Gates not surprised by slow start
11/28/11 at 5:18pm by bkoch

Based on their pre-season Top 25 ranking and their early schedule, a lot of UCi basketball fans assumed the Bearcats would be 5-0 at this point.

Senior forward Yancy Gates wasn’t so sure.

“I didn’t feel like we were going to be 5-0,” Gates said Monday, “just based on knowing my team. I think we started the season with success without earning it with being ranked. I know my teammates. We’ve never handled success well here.”

Gates was right. The Bearcats are 3-2 as they prepare to take on rival Miami (2-2) tomorrow night at Fifth Third Arena, having lost two of their last three games.

“This is my senior year, “Gates said. “I don’t get these games back. I sit up in the room. I could be watching TV but really not even paying attention to it because the past game is running through your head trying to think about what do I need to do different and what can the team do different to be the team we’re capable of being.

“It’s still early. We’ve only played five games, but pretty soon it’s going to be 10 games and you can’t keep saying it’s early. It has to turn around quick, like tomorrow quick. We don’t have no more time to waste on it. We’ve got to grow up and get it done.”

http://news.cincinnati.com/ucblog

Sounds like he knows his time here is running out, now only if he would play like it.

Gates hasn't been the issue. Biggest problem is the lack of depth and experience. We can talk about UC returning its top four scorers from last season and the team not living up to the hype; however, until Mick finds a bench that can help its not going to be pretty.

Part of me wishes Mick would start playing some of the newcomers more minutes but outside of Guyn everybody else scares the heck out of me. Would love an update on Parker's status.

(11-28-2011 06:46 PM)bearcatlawjd Wrote: [ -> ]Gates hasn't been the issue. Biggest problem is the lack of depth and experience. We can talk about UC returning its top four scorers from last season and the team not living up to the hype; however, until Mick finds a bench that can help its not going to be pretty.

Part of me wishes Mick would start playing some of the newcomers more minutes but outside of Guyn everybody else scares the heck out of me. Would love an update on Parker's status.

The starters have more than enough talent and experience to beat the likes of Presbyterian and Marshall. We don't exactly play an up-and-down, 40 minutes of hell style, so I don't see the need for a deep bench. Last year UK and OSU played with a rotation of 6-7 guys.

At some point the "can't handle success" thing has to be 100% the coaches fault. It was cute after Maui two years ago but now its just really frustrating. I don't know what Mick can do, but something needs to be done.

(11-28-2011 06:46 PM)bearcatlawjd Wrote: [ -> ]Gates hasn't been the issue. Biggest problem is the lack of depth and experience. We can talk about UC returning its top four scorers from last season and the team not living up to the hype; however, until Mick finds a bench that can help its not going to be pretty.

Part of me wishes Mick would start playing some of the newcomers more minutes but outside of Guyn everybody else scares the heck out of me. Would love an update on Parker's status.

Gates' defense in the Marshall game was atrocious. Guys beating him on the offensive glass all night long, particularly in the second half when Marshall got several dunks and second shot stick backs with Yancy watching 8-10 feet from the basket.

"i know my teammates. we don't handle success well." throwing them under the bus much? i haven't had the luxury of watching a game yet, but i don't think yancy is qualified to make that statement unless he includes himself

I know Yancey gets a lot of flak, but who is going to be able to fill his shoes next season?

(11-28-2011 11:50 PM)Lush Wrote: [ -> ]"i know my teammates. we don't handle success well." throwing them under the bus much? i haven't had the luxury of watching a game yet, but i don't think yancy is qualified to make that statement unless he includes himself

He said we, not they. I think that includes himself.

(11-29-2011 12:00 AM)WarningSigns Wrote: [ -> ]

(11-28-2011 11:50 PM)Lush Wrote: [ -> ]"i know my teammates. we don't handle success well." throwing them under the bus much? i haven't had the luxury of watching a game yet, but i don't think yancy is qualified to make that statement unless he includes himself

He said we, not they. I think that includes himself.

granted, but his entire quote doesn't exactly sound like he's being the senior leader he should be.