03-22-2017, 08:28 AM
Doc: Don't criticize Mick Cronin
The Morning Line
Paul Daugherty , pdaugherty@enquirer.com Published 12:47 p.m. ET March 20, 2017 | Updated 1:39 p.m. ET March 20, 2017
Mawnin’ Mobsters. Still in The Sac (almost literally) for two more days before I point the Hertz-mobile south to San Jose. If you’ve ever been to downtown SJ, you’ll understand why I’m lingering in the state capital as long as possible.
The Mourning After, it’s fair and should be safe to report that UC simply lost to a better team. For all sickened by Mick’s carping re the seedings, I ask you this: Do you honestly believe FSU, also a No. 3, loser to X, would have had even a puncher’s chance v. UCLA?
Me, neither.
For much of the 2nd half last night, that was as good an offensive team as I’ve seen in many a moon. That 63-second stretch where they pumped in three treys was as Holy S--- a span as I’ve seen all year. Even Steve Alford took a second afterward to remark about how remarkable it was. And Alford is still Indiana-gee whiz.
And Lonzo Ball. I don’t care if his dad is Al Capone, that kid is a cut above. The greatest players know when being pretty good isn’t good enough, and can turn it on at will. In the 2nd half, Ball had nine assists, and two of the dagger 3s that essentially ended UC’s year.
So. . .
What do you make of it?
I’ve already gotten some predictable, anti-Mick feedback. Why? His team played about as perfect a 1st half as it could last night. But here’s some news: UC ain’t UCLA. The Bruins have three guys expected to be 1st-rounnd NBA picks. They have Ball, probably the best PG in the game, and destined to leave UCLA as soon as the Bruins lose. They have Alford’s kid who, incredibly, is UCLA’s 5th leading scorer, all-time. Think of that roster he’s on.
People who think Cronin should be criticized simply overrate the ability of the Bearcats to compete at the proverbial highest level. They can catch lightning as they did the Final 4 year (when UTEP beat Kansas in Round 2.) They can muster an Elite 8 run, as Huggs did twice. They’re not UCLA. Or Duke, UNC, AZ etc etc.
UC basketball could be even better next year
Those frustrated that Xavier outdoes UC at tourney time should remember that the Musketeers don’t have the football anchor. Basketball is it, and they decided a long time ago that basketball was a most valuable marketing tool. Think of yourselves as fans of the University of Washington, which competes with little Gonzaga. Or even IU v. Butler. Same situation.
Meantime, a team that returns Clark, Washington, Cumberland, Evans and Jenifer (as well as a hotshot recruit or two, evidently) isn’t in bad shape. In fact, it’s in pretty good shape. This year, at least, UC got a lousy draw.
And please, Mick, upgrade the non-conference schedule.
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/b.../99412540/
The Morning Line
Paul Daugherty , pdaugherty@enquirer.com Published 12:47 p.m. ET March 20, 2017 | Updated 1:39 p.m. ET March 20, 2017
Cincinnati Bearcats guard Kevin Johnson (25) and Cincinnati Bearcats forward Kyle Washington (24), background, rest their hands on their hips in the final moments of the 79-67 loss to UCLA.
(Photo: The Enquirer/Kareem Elgazzar)
(Photo: The Enquirer/Kareem Elgazzar)
Mawnin’ Mobsters. Still in The Sac (almost literally) for two more days before I point the Hertz-mobile south to San Jose. If you’ve ever been to downtown SJ, you’ll understand why I’m lingering in the state capital as long as possible.
The Mourning After, it’s fair and should be safe to report that UC simply lost to a better team. For all sickened by Mick’s carping re the seedings, I ask you this: Do you honestly believe FSU, also a No. 3, loser to X, would have had even a puncher’s chance v. UCLA?
Me, neither.
For much of the 2nd half last night, that was as good an offensive team as I’ve seen in many a moon. That 63-second stretch where they pumped in three treys was as Holy S--- a span as I’ve seen all year. Even Steve Alford took a second afterward to remark about how remarkable it was. And Alford is still Indiana-gee whiz.
And Lonzo Ball. I don’t care if his dad is Al Capone, that kid is a cut above. The greatest players know when being pretty good isn’t good enough, and can turn it on at will. In the 2nd half, Ball had nine assists, and two of the dagger 3s that essentially ended UC’s year.
So. . .
What do you make of it?
I’ve already gotten some predictable, anti-Mick feedback. Why? His team played about as perfect a 1st half as it could last night. But here’s some news: UC ain’t UCLA. The Bruins have three guys expected to be 1st-rounnd NBA picks. They have Ball, probably the best PG in the game, and destined to leave UCLA as soon as the Bruins lose. They have Alford’s kid who, incredibly, is UCLA’s 5th leading scorer, all-time. Think of that roster he’s on.
People who think Cronin should be criticized simply overrate the ability of the Bearcats to compete at the proverbial highest level. They can catch lightning as they did the Final 4 year (when UTEP beat Kansas in Round 2.) They can muster an Elite 8 run, as Huggs did twice. They’re not UCLA. Or Duke, UNC, AZ etc etc.
UC basketball could be even better next year
Those frustrated that Xavier outdoes UC at tourney time should remember that the Musketeers don’t have the football anchor. Basketball is it, and they decided a long time ago that basketball was a most valuable marketing tool. Think of yourselves as fans of the University of Washington, which competes with little Gonzaga. Or even IU v. Butler. Same situation.
Meantime, a team that returns Clark, Washington, Cumberland, Evans and Jenifer (as well as a hotshot recruit or two, evidently) isn’t in bad shape. In fact, it’s in pretty good shape. This year, at least, UC got a lousy draw.
And please, Mick, upgrade the non-conference schedule.
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/b.../99412540/