Of the players eligibility remaining I would group them into these tiers:
S Tier (Players you have to keep)
Jizzle
Simas
Skillings
A Tier ( Players you would like to keep)
Aziz
B Tier (Players that could be replaced but you are better off keeping)
Day Day
C ( Players that if they moved on wouldn’t hurt you but potentially could still help if they stayed)
Reynolds
Vik
CJ Fredrick
Reed
TBD Tier ( Players we don’t know enough about but losing them may be a poor reflection of the culture)
Rayvon Griffith
D Tier ( Players that have not proven they belong at this level but eventually may work their way into the rotation)
Sage
CJ Anythony
I think you want to keep everyone in the S and A tier. With his injury you have to assume Day Day stays and the program would benefit from this but he could be replaced if he did leave. The real key is sorting out the C tier players, finding a role for Rayvon, and potentially deciding which D tier guys have the potential to develop or are culture guys that provide other intangibles.
I would be out of my mind stunned if Rayvon Griffith wasn't a Bearcat next year. Rayvon watching was one of my favorite things to do at games this year. He was front and center in everything. He was leading the team onto the court, muggin for the camera when UC was about to take the floor pregame. He was the main guy greeting teammates as they were announced as starters. He was the first guy on his feet during the action during the game. The guy seemed unbelievably engaged even as a redshirt. Pumped to see him take the floor next year.
(03-27-2024 09:34 AM)UCBearcatlawjd2 Wrote: [ -> ]Of the players eligibility remaining I would group them into these tiers:
S Tier (Players you have to keep)
Jizzle
Simas
Skillings
A Tier ( Players you would like to keep)
Aziz
B Tier (Players that could be replaced but you are better off keeping)
Day Day
C ( Players that if they moved on wouldn’t hurt you but potentially could still help if they stayed)
Reynolds
Vik
CJ Fredrick
Reed
TBD Tier ( Players we don’t know enough about but losing them may be a poor reflection of the culture)
Rayvon Griffith
D Tier ( Players that have not proven they belong at this level but eventually may work their way into the rotation)
Sage
CJ Anythony
I think you want to keep everyone in the S and A tier. With his injury you have to assume Day Day stays and the program would benefit from this but he could be replaced if he did leave. The real key is sorting out the C tier players, finding a role for Rayvon, and potentially deciding which D tier guys have the potential to develop or are culture guys that provide other intangibles.
Keep those first 5 and figure out the rest. I suspect at least one of the centers is gone. I suspect CJ will call it a career. I think Reed has a role on this roster, but it really depends if he prioritizes being a Bearcat or going to a lower level and getting to do a lot more. Solid bench guy seems his ceiling to me, but he made a big jump defensively, has shown to be a damn good rebounder, and I think will eventually provide some offense (though never be a guy that gets his own shot).
(03-27-2024 09:43 AM)bearcatmark Wrote: [ -> ] (03-27-2024 09:34 AM)UCBearcatlawjd2 Wrote: [ -> ]Of the players eligibility remaining I would group them into these tiers:
S Tier (Players you have to keep)
Jizzle
Simas
Skillings
A Tier ( Players you would like to keep)
Aziz
B Tier (Players that could be replaced but you are better off keeping)
Day Day
C ( Players that if they moved on wouldn’t hurt you but potentially could still help if they stayed)
Reynolds
Vik
CJ Fredrick
Reed
TBD Tier ( Players we don’t know enough about but losing them may be a poor reflection of the culture)
Rayvon Griffith
D Tier ( Players that have not proven they belong at this level but eventually may work their way into the rotation)
Sage
CJ Anythony
I think you want to keep everyone in the S and A tier. With his injury you have to assume Day Day stays and the program would benefit from this but he could be replaced if he did leave. The real key is sorting out the C tier players, finding a role for Rayvon, and potentially deciding which D tier guys have the potential to develop or are culture guys that provide other intangibles.
Keep those first 5 and figure out the rest. I suspect at least one of the centers is gone. I suspect CJ will call it a career. I think Reed has a role on this roster, but it really depends if he prioritizes being a Bearcat or going to a lower level and getting to do a lot more. Solid bench guy seems his ceiling to me, but he made a big jump defensively, has shown to be a damn good rebounder, and I think will eventually provide some offense (though never be a guy that gets his own shot).
We are basically on the page. I even agree with you on Reed.
I believe it was on X but Rayvon was shooting with McKinley after the last home game. I know people worry about the redshirt but I highly doubt he's looking elsewhere being a local guy with a friend coming in. The Newman 6th year obviously was unexpected considering he got injured after Rayvon's commitment and I imagine he probably understands that and is certainly better for having competed with John in practice for a year.
(03-27-2024 09:40 AM)bearcatmark Wrote: [ -> ]I would be out of my mind stunned if Rayvon Griffith wasn't a Bearcat next year.
I agree on Griffith. I'd keep Reynolds even though he's a defensive liability. He's not the only one who lacks defense. Can't understand some of the fans not wanting a 7 footer who's almost automatic when given a half decent entry pass. I'd keep Vic as well, I think he's given up on 3 point shooting and just needs to understand to stay down low and be a 7 footer. Aziz is a lock for me, he's a 7 foot shot blocker. The rest I'm on board with.
I'm mostly in agreement, but I've moved a few guys up/down a tier. I'm little bit harsher than you on Simas, largely because next year is his last year. Jizzle and Skillings are the two who belong in S Tier because of their longer term potential. I'm also moving Fredrick into the hasn't proven they belong, not because of playing ability, but because of health. Reynolds I simply do not want back, so I created a new tier for him, he has all the physical skills in the world, but his energy levels were poor throughout the season and I don't think that can be fixed. I'll take a guy with less physical skill who gives it his all over Reynolds any time.
S Tier (Players you have to keep)
Jizzle
Skillings
A Tier ( Players you would like to keep)
Simas
Aziz
Day Day
B Tier (Players that could be replaced but you are better off keeping)
Reed
C ( Players that if they moved on wouldn’t hurt you but potentially could still help if they stayed)
Vik
TBD Tier ( Players we don’t know enough about but losing them may be a poor reflection of the culture)
Rayvon Griffith
D Tier (Players who you don't want back)
Reynolds
E Tier ( Players that have not proven they belong at this level but eventually may work their way into the rotation)
CJ Fredrick
Sage
CJ Anthony
I think you want to keep everyone in the S and A tier. With his injury you have to assume Day Day stays and the program would benefit from this but he could be replaced if he did leave. The real key is sorting out the C tier players, finding a role for Rayvon, and potentially deciding which D tier guys have the potential to develop or are culture guys that provide other intangibles.
(03-27-2024 10:02 AM)icehole6 Wrote: [ -> ] (03-27-2024 09:40 AM)bearcatmark Wrote: [ -> ]I would be out of my mind stunned if Rayvon Griffith wasn't a Bearcat next year.
I agree on Griffith. I'd keep Reynolds even though he's a defensive liability. He's not the only one who lacks defense. Can't understand some of the fans not wanting a 7 footer who's almost automatic when given a half decent entry pass. I'd keep Vic as well, I think he's given up on 3 point shooting and just needs to understand to stay down low and be a 7 footer. Aziz is a lock for me, he's a 7 foot shot blocker. The rest I'm on board with.
We can't keep three centers who are all in their final year, not to mention there aren't enough minutes to go around. No way all three stay. We need to develop depth for the future, especially if Sage isn't the future. Going into 2025-26 with no centers and needing to hit in the transfer portal or be screwed is not a gamble I want to take.
Two problems with Reynolds, one is that his lack of effort never improved and was an issue all over the court. You can't build a culture of hard work if one guy is consistently standing and watching in games. The second is he was far from automatic this year, unless you are referring to automatic TO.
Vik I'd like to know what's going on. Did he quit? Did our fans booing him get into his head? I think he has the ability to be excellent, even to start over Aziz next year. But I'm expecting him to transfer. Getting benched for the final third of the season is not a good sign.
The only player on the roster I think is not up to standard is Vik.
Nobody wants to admit that we got better once Miller sat him.
Not sure where this lazy tag on Reynolds comes from. Name me one guy on that team that didn't get beat on defense, Newman included. Reynolds has the size to bang with B12 bigs and Vik is too skinny.
(03-27-2024 10:05 AM)skyblade Wrote: [ -> ]I'm mostly in agreement, but I've moved a few guys up/down a tier. I'm little bit harsher than you on Simas, largely because next year is his last year. Jizzle and Skillings are the two who belong in S Tier because of their longer term potential. I'm also moving Fredrick into the hasn't proven they belong, not because of playing ability, but because of health. Reynolds I simply do not want back, so I created a new tier for him, he has all the physical skills in the world, but his energy levels were poor throughout the season and I don't think that can be fixed. I'll take a guy with less physical skill who gives it his all over Reynolds any time.
S Tier (Players you have to keep)
Jizzle
Skillings
A Tier ( Players you would like to keep)
Simas
Aziz
Day Day
B Tier (Players that could be replaced but you are better off keeping)
Reed
C ( Players that if they moved on wouldn’t hurt you but potentially could still help if they stayed)
Vik
TBD Tier ( Players we don’t know enough about but losing them may be a poor reflection of the culture)
Rayvon Griffith
D Tier (Players who you don't want back)
Reynolds
E Tier ( Players that have not proven they belong at this level but eventually may work their way into the rotation)
CJ Fredrick
Sage
CJ Anthony
I think you want to keep everyone in the S and A tier. With his injury you have to assume Day Day stays and the program would benefit from this but he could be replaced if he did leave. The real key is sorting out the C tier players, finding a role for Rayvon, and potentially deciding which D tier guys have the potential to develop or are culture guys that provide other intangibles.
Really solid modifications that I can agree with. There is some wiggle room with a lot of these guys but the top five is pretty clear. I almost put Reed in B tier but wasn’t sure if that was overreacting to his defense and rebounding while ignoring the rest of his game.
Good opinions on here, my two cents: Need a big man scorer who commands other teams drop down and double team him.....someone to pressure Skillings for playing time ( Betsey, I hope ) ....backup pg if Thomas leaves and anyone who doesnt want to be here, adios.....
I didn't pay attention to anything UC once the NCAAs started.. What happened to Thomas? He wasn't in the box score last night.
(03-27-2024 11:06 AM)rath v2.0 Wrote: [ -> ]I didn't pay attention to anything UC once the NCAAs started.. What happened to Thomas? He wasn't in the box score last night.
Broke his foot
I think, if what people are saying about Vik having an attitude problem is true, you NEED to move him along. No questions asked, just get him out of that locker-room. End of story.
I think CJ Fredrick needs to have a serious medical evaluation. I'm thinking that if he has medical issues that are going to prevent him from playing, the doctors need to be frank with him and the school. Kind of like what happened with Prince Toyambi. No hard feelings. IF he can rehab, then he needs to be given a strict rehab and conditioning program and be willing to get on board with it.
I think we are all in agreement that Sage Tolontino has been a bust and needs to find a home at a lower level. The Coaching staff needs to help him find a more suitable home.
(03-27-2024 10:11 AM)skyblade Wrote: [ -> ]Two problems with Reynolds, one is that his lack of effort never improved and was an issue all over the court. You can't build a culture of hard work if one guy is consistently standing and watching in games. The second is he was far from automatic this year, unless you are referring to automatic TO.
We are on 2 different planets.
(03-27-2024 10:35 AM)Bear Catlett Wrote: [ -> ]The only player on the roster I think is not up to standard is Vik.
Nobody wants to admit that we got better once Miller sat him.
Not sure where this lazy tag on Reynolds comes from. Name me one guy on that team that didn't get beat on defense, Newman included. Reynolds has the size to bang with B12 bigs and Vik is too skinny.
Agree 100%. I want a guy who will bang with Big 12 bigs. I can live with the other issues. Lazy is to harsh IMO. I saw numerous times where other players bit on pick and rolls or their man they were guarding just flat out whipped them. I guess everyone has an opinion.
(03-27-2024 10:35 AM)Bear Catlett Wrote: [ -> ]The only player on the roster I think is not up to standard is Vik.
Nobody wants to admit that we got better once Miller sat him.
Not sure where this lazy tag on Reynolds comes from. Name me one guy on that team that didn't get beat on defense, Newman included. Reynolds has the size to bang with B12 bigs and Vik is too skinny.
I don't think its a matter of him getting beat on defense as much as it is his effort (or lack there of) going after rebounds, loose balls, and closing out and guarding the 3. Just to name a few. Not to mention the perceived sulking he does when he misses a shot, or doesn't get the foul call on his attempt.
(03-27-2024 12:26 PM)Cat-Man Wrote: [ -> ] (03-27-2024 10:35 AM)Bear Catlett Wrote: [ -> ]The only player on the roster I think is not up to standard is Vik.
Nobody wants to admit that we got better once Miller sat him.
Not sure where this lazy tag on Reynolds comes from. Name me one guy on that team that didn't get beat on defense, Newman included. Reynolds has the size to bang with B12 bigs and Vik is too skinny.
I don't think its a matter of him getting beat on defense as much as it is his effort (or lack there of) going after rebounds, loose balls, and closing out and guarding the 3. Just to name a few. Not to mention the perceived sulking he does when he misses a shot, or doesn't get the foul call on his attempt.
Yeah, I have no problem with a blown defensive assignment if a guy is trying. But the amount of times Reynolds is just standing and watching when he should be boxing out, rebounding or guarding is mind boggling.
(03-27-2024 12:29 PM)skyblade Wrote: [ -> ] (03-27-2024 12:26 PM)Cat-Man Wrote: [ -> ] (03-27-2024 10:35 AM)Bear Catlett Wrote: [ -> ]The only player on the roster I think is not up to standard is Vik.
Nobody wants to admit that we got better once Miller sat him.
Not sure where this lazy tag on Reynolds comes from. Name me one guy on that team that didn't get beat on defense, Newman included. Reynolds has the size to bang with B12 bigs and Vik is too skinny.
I don't think its a matter of him getting beat on defense as much as it is his effort (or lack there of) going after rebounds, loose balls, and closing out and guarding the 3. Just to name a few. Not to mention the perceived sulking he does when he misses a shot, or doesn't get the foul call on his attempt.
Yeah, I have no problem with a blown defensive assignment if a guy is trying. But the amount of times Reynolds is just standing and watching when he should be boxing out, rebounding or guarding is mind boggling.
I understand why people believe Reynolds has "checked out". It's not just been "body language" but actual production of late. When he's performing as he showed at times earlier this season he is the perfect complement to the style Aziz brings in terms of offering a different look in the post.
(03-27-2024 12:29 PM)skyblade Wrote: [ -> ] (03-27-2024 12:26 PM)Cat-Man Wrote: [ -> ] (03-27-2024 10:35 AM)Bear Catlett Wrote: [ -> ]The only player on the roster I think is not up to standard is Vik.
Nobody wants to admit that we got better once Miller sat him.
Not sure where this lazy tag on Reynolds comes from. Name me one guy on that team that didn't get beat on defense, Newman included. Reynolds has the size to bang with B12 bigs and Vik is too skinny.
I don't think its a matter of him getting beat on defense as much as it is his effort (or lack there of) going after rebounds, loose balls, and closing out and guarding the 3. Just to name a few. Not to mention the perceived sulking he does when he misses a shot, or doesn't get the foul call on his attempt.
Yeah, I have no problem with a blown defensive assignment if a guy is trying. But the amount of times Reynolds is just standing and watching when he should be boxing out, rebounding or guarding is mind boggling.
Did UC fans just not watch Temple when we were still in the AAC?
This is his game. Same guy. Didn't have a metamorphosis in the portal. He just consistently got more minutes at Temple.