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(03-22-2019 06:19 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  I just don't get why Mick can't get a Zion Williamson type? Or maybe at least a Ja Morant guy that everyone passes on.

If we could only be Duke. Or Mick could pick the PowerBall numbers - we would be damn good.

I know you're being facetious, and appreciate the humor, but to clarify we're not asking for that because that won't happen...but there are literally 100s of players between those guys and the people we pick up every year and it shows. We have guys who can only negatively contribute until they're juniors or seniors...and when you rely on them for effective depth, you're going to get killed by the teams who get those Top 150 types.

(03-22-2019 06:33 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 06:19 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  I just don't get why Mick can't get a Zion Williamson type? Or maybe at least a Ja Morant guy that everyone passes on.

If we could only be Duke. Or Mick could pick the PowerBall numbers - we would be damn good.

I know you're being facetious, and appreciate the humor, but to clarify we're not asking for that because that won't happen...but there are literally 100s of players between those guys and the people we pick up every year and it shows. We have guys who can only negatively contribute until they're juniors or seniors...and when you rely on them for effective depth, you're going to get killed by the teams who get those Top 150 types.

Exactly this. Also need to supplement with transfers. Scheme modernization on defense would help too.

(03-22-2019 06:42 PM)bearcatlawjd2 Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 06:33 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 06:19 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  I just don't get why Mick can't get a Zion Williamson type? Or maybe at least a Ja Morant guy that everyone passes on.

If we could only be Duke. Or Mick could pick the PowerBall numbers - we would be damn good.

I know you're being facetious, and appreciate the humor, but to clarify we're not asking for that because that won't happen...but there are literally 100s of players between those guys and the people we pick up every year and it shows. We have guys who can only negatively contribute until they're juniors or seniors...and when you rely on them for effective depth, you're going to get killed by the teams who get those Top 150 types.

Exactly this. Also need to supplement with transfers. Scheme modernization on defense would help too.

To add to this point...the two kids who murdered us today were a true freshman and a true sophomore. When's the last freshman or sophomore on our team who completely took over games? Those guys were ranked in the 70-110 range. There is literally no reason we cant get players like that, especially since there are anywhere between 5-10 of them a year in Ohio. Instead, we go with guys who will "fit a role" and who "can develop into something"...half of whom end up doing nothing for two to three years.

(03-22-2019 06:33 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 06:19 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  I just don't get why Mick can't get a Zion Williamson type? Or maybe at least a Ja Morant guy that everyone passes on.

If we could only be Duke. Or Mick could pick the PowerBall numbers - we would be damn good.

I know you're being facetious, and appreciate the humor, but to clarify we're not asking for that because that won't happen...but there are literally 100s of players between those guys and the people we pick up every year and it shows. We have guys who can only negatively contribute until they're juniors or seniors...and when you rely on them for effective depth, you're going to get killed by the teams who get those Top 150 types.

I was in the Vegas airport three years ago and had a long conversation with a guy that runs one of the elite basketball camps while we waited on our plane.

He said that Mick was well liked amongst his peers, young players and their families, and worked hard at getting to know the prospects that UC had a legit shot at. But then this guy looked at me straight on and said...."but why would any top player ever choose Cincinnati since they were no longer playing in the Big East." These kids want to play in the League and get as much national exposure via TV, social media, as possible. Cincinnati is in a fly over state. Half their games are played in empty arenas. No history of success at all recognized by the under-18 year old crowd. Even our NBA guys in the last 20 years really never left a mark except for blowing in LeBron's ear.

It's a tough, uphill battle for UC these days. Thus my venom for being left behind in this silly league - Tulane really. Oh No!

CBS proclaimed a P6 including the Big East for basketball. So how many schools comprise those six leagues? If each school gets just 2 after the blue bloods get their pick of the litter, not much out there. UC gets what's left or a hometown kid that decides to stay. No one in Raleigh Durham wanted Gary. Jacob was passed on by all the southern powers. And Jarron stayed home.

Boys, its not going to get any better. Maybe all the player development Cronin puts together will pay off one season in the future. Should have last year - and he f'd up. League Championships, cutting those AAC nets down, is the best we can hope for most years.

Really, its exactly like football. No shot at all for the National Championship. Once in a blue moon maybe make a NYE bowl. And be happy with a league championship and a minor bowl game victory.

(03-22-2019 07:09 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 06:33 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 06:19 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  I just don't get why Mick can't get a Zion Williamson type? Or maybe at least a Ja Morant guy that everyone passes on.

If we could only be Duke. Or Mick could pick the PowerBall numbers - we would be damn good.

I know you're being facetious, and appreciate the humor, but to clarify we're not asking for that because that won't happen...but there are literally 100s of players between those guys and the people we pick up every year and it shows. We have guys who can only negatively contribute until they're juniors or seniors...and when you rely on them for effective depth, you're going to get killed by the teams who get those Top 150 types.

I was in the Vegas airport three years ago and had a long conversation with a guy that runs one of the elite basketball camps while we waited on our plane.

He said that Mick was well liked amongst his peers, young players and their families, and worked hard at getting to know the prospects that UC had a legit shot at. But then this guy looked at me straight on and said...."but why would any top player ever choose Cincinnati since they were no longer playing in the Big East." These kids want to play in the League and get as much national exposure via TV, social media, as possible. Cincinnati is in a fly over state. Half their games are played in empty arenas. No history of success at all recognized by the under-18 year old crowd. Even our NBA guys in the last 20 years really never left a mark except for blowing in LeBron's ear.

It's a tough, uphill battle for UC these days. Thus my venom for being left behind in this silly league - Tulane really. Oh No!

CBS proclaimed a P6 including the Big East for basketball. So how many schools comprise those six leagues? If each school gets just 2 after the blue bloods get their pick of the litter, not much out there. UC gets what's left or a hometown kid that decides to stay. No one in Raleigh Durham wanted Gary. Jacob was passed on by all the southern powers. And Jarron stayed home.

Boys, its not going to get any better. Maybe all the player development Cronin puts together will pay off one season in the future. Should have last year - and he f'd up. League Championships, cutting those AAC nets down, is the best we can hope for most years.

Really, its exactly like football. No shot at all for the National Championship. Once in a blue moon maybe make a NYE bowl. And be happy with a league championship and a minor bowl game victory.

Ok...cool...then explain this...

https://247sports.com/college/memphis/Se...l/Commits/

(03-22-2019 07:19 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 07:09 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 06:33 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 06:19 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  I just don't get why Mick can't get a Zion Williamson type? Or maybe at least a Ja Morant guy that everyone passes on.

If we could only be Duke. Or Mick could pick the PowerBall numbers - we would be damn good.

I know you're being facetious, and appreciate the humor, but to clarify we're not asking for that because that won't happen...but there are literally 100s of players between those guys and the people we pick up every year and it shows. We have guys who can only negatively contribute until they're juniors or seniors...and when you rely on them for effective depth, you're going to get killed by the teams who get those Top 150 types.

I was in the Vegas airport three years ago and had a long conversation with a guy that runs one of the elite basketball camps while we waited on our plane.

He said that Mick was well liked amongst his peers, young players and their families, and worked hard at getting to know the prospects that UC had a legit shot at. But then this guy looked at me straight on and said...."but why would any top player ever choose Cincinnati since they were no longer playing in the Big East." These kids want to play in the League and get as much national exposure via TV, social media, as possible. Cincinnati is in a fly over state. Half their games are played in empty arenas. No history of success at all recognized by the under-18 year old crowd. Even our NBA guys in the last 20 years really never left a mark except for blowing in LeBron's ear.

It's a tough, uphill battle for UC these days. Thus my venom for being left behind in this silly league - Tulane really. Oh No!

CBS proclaimed a P6 including the Big East for basketball. So how many schools comprise those six leagues? If each school gets just 2 after the blue bloods get their pick of the litter, not much out there. UC gets what's left or a hometown kid that decides to stay. No one in Raleigh Durham wanted Gary. Jacob was passed on by all the southern powers. And Jarron stayed home.

Boys, its not going to get any better. Maybe all the player development Cronin puts together will pay off one season in the future. Should have last year - and he f'd up. League Championships, cutting those AAC nets down, is the best we can hope for most years.

Really, its exactly like football. No shot at all for the National Championship. Once in a blue moon maybe make a NYE bowl. And be happy with a league championship and a minor bowl game victory.

Ok...cool...then explain this...

https://247sports.com/college/memphis/Se...l/Commits/

exactly

The Mick apologists have no leg to stand on.

It's the arena: nope (brand new)

It's the conference: nope (ask Memphis)

what else?

(03-22-2019 07:19 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 07:09 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 06:33 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 06:19 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  I just don't get why Mick can't get a Zion Williamson type? Or maybe at least a Ja Morant guy that everyone passes on.

If we could only be Duke. Or Mick could pick the PowerBall numbers - we would be damn good.

I know you're being facetious, and appreciate the humor, but to clarify we're not asking for that because that won't happen...but there are literally 100s of players between those guys and the people we pick up every year and it shows. We have guys who can only negatively contribute until they're juniors or seniors...and when you rely on them for effective depth, you're going to get killed by the teams who get those Top 150 types.

I was in the Vegas airport three years ago and had a long conversation with a guy that runs one of the elite basketball camps while we waited on our plane.

He said that Mick was well liked amongst his peers, young players and their families, and worked hard at getting to know the prospects that UC had a legit shot at. But then this guy looked at me straight on and said...."but why would any top player ever choose Cincinnati since they were no longer playing in the Big East." These kids want to play in the League and get as much national exposure via TV, social media, as possible. Cincinnati is in a fly over state. Half their games are played in empty arenas. No history of success at all recognized by the under-18 year old crowd. Even our NBA guys in the last 20 years really never left a mark except for blowing in LeBron's ear.

It's a tough, uphill battle for UC these days. Thus my venom for being left behind in this silly league - Tulane really. Oh No!

CBS proclaimed a P6 including the Big East for basketball. So how many schools comprise those six leagues? If each school gets just 2 after the blue bloods get their pick of the litter, not much out there. UC gets what's left or a hometown kid that decides to stay. No one in Raleigh Durham wanted Gary. Jacob was passed on by all the southern powers. And Jarron stayed home.

Boys, its not going to get any better. Maybe all the player development Cronin puts together will pay off one season in the future. Should have last year - and he f'd up. League Championships, cutting those AAC nets down, is the best we can hope for most years.

Really, its exactly like football. No shot at all for the National Championship. Once in a blue moon maybe make a NYE bowl. And be happy with a league championship and a minor bowl game victory.

Ok...cool...then explain this...

https://247sports.com/college/memphis/Se...l/Commits/

Not that I have a huge problem with Mick, but Gonzaga does just fine in a smaller conference. They have none of the advantages of p5 yet are a re-occurring one seed. Memphis also seems about to explode and they are in our conference. It is a little more complicated than conference and Mick has some of the blame.

(03-22-2019 09:39 PM)rosewater Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 07:19 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 07:09 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 06:33 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 06:19 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  I just don't get why Mick can't get a Zion Williamson type? Or maybe at least a Ja Morant guy that everyone passes on.

If we could only be Duke. Or Mick could pick the PowerBall numbers - we would be damn good.

I know you're being facetious, and appreciate the humor, but to clarify we're not asking for that because that won't happen...but there are literally 100s of players between those guys and the people we pick up every year and it shows. We have guys who can only negatively contribute until they're juniors or seniors...and when you rely on them for effective depth, you're going to get killed by the teams who get those Top 150 types.

I was in the Vegas airport three years ago and had a long conversation with a guy that runs one of the elite basketball camps while we waited on our plane.

He said that Mick was well liked amongst his peers, young players and their families, and worked hard at getting to know the prospects that UC had a legit shot at. But then this guy looked at me straight on and said...."but why would any top player ever choose Cincinnati since they were no longer playing in the Big East." These kids want to play in the League and get as much national exposure via TV, social media, as possible. Cincinnati is in a fly over state. Half their games are played in empty arenas. No history of success at all recognized by the under-18 year old crowd. Even our NBA guys in the last 20 years really never left a mark except for blowing in LeBron's ear.

It's a tough, uphill battle for UC these days. Thus my venom for being left behind in this silly league - Tulane really. Oh No!

CBS proclaimed a P6 including the Big East for basketball. So how many schools comprise those six leagues? If each school gets just 2 after the blue bloods get their pick of the litter, not much out there. UC gets what's left or a hometown kid that decides to stay. No one in Raleigh Durham wanted Gary. Jacob was passed on by all the southern powers. And Jarron stayed home.

Boys, its not going to get any better. Maybe all the player development Cronin puts together will pay off one season in the future. Should have last year - and he f'd up. League Championships, cutting those AAC nets down, is the best we can hope for most years.

Really, its exactly like football. No shot at all for the National Championship. Once in a blue moon maybe make a NYE bowl. And be happy with a league championship and a minor bowl game victory.

Ok...cool...then explain this...

https://247sports.com/college/memphis/Se...l/Commits/

Not that I have a huge problem with Mick, but Gonzaga does just fine in a smaller conference. They have none of the advantages of p5 yet are a re-occurring one seed. Memphis also seems about to explode and they are in our conference. It is a little more complicated than conference and Mick has some of the blame.

Gonzaga is the only exception to the rule. Cincinnati is the closest thing to the second exception to the rule. Memphis has done nothing yet and are about to lose 5 seniors who were 5 of their top 6 in terms of minutes played. Next year we see what Penny can do with a team full of highly recruited underclassmen and not with players he inherited. It likely won't take too long for Memphis fans to turn on him if they don't make the NCAA tournament.

(03-22-2019 09:46 PM)skyblade Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 09:39 PM)rosewater Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 07:19 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 07:09 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 06:33 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  I know you're being facetious, and appreciate the humor, but to clarify we're not asking for that because that won't happen...but there are literally 100s of players between those guys and the people we pick up every year and it shows. We have guys who can only negatively contribute until they're juniors or seniors...and when you rely on them for effective depth, you're going to get killed by the teams who get those Top 150 types.

I was in the Vegas airport three years ago and had a long conversation with a guy that runs one of the elite basketball camps while we waited on our plane.

He said that Mick was well liked amongst his peers, young players and their families, and worked hard at getting to know the prospects that UC had a legit shot at. But then this guy looked at me straight on and said...."but why would any top player ever choose Cincinnati since they were no longer playing in the Big East." These kids want to play in the League and get as much national exposure via TV, social media, as possible. Cincinnati is in a fly over state. Half their games are played in empty arenas. No history of success at all recognized by the under-18 year old crowd. Even our NBA guys in the last 20 years really never left a mark except for blowing in LeBron's ear.

It's a tough, uphill battle for UC these days. Thus my venom for being left behind in this silly league - Tulane really. Oh No!

CBS proclaimed a P6 including the Big East for basketball. So how many schools comprise those six leagues? If each school gets just 2 after the blue bloods get their pick of the litter, not much out there. UC gets what's left or a hometown kid that decides to stay. No one in Raleigh Durham wanted Gary. Jacob was passed on by all the southern powers. And Jarron stayed home.

Boys, its not going to get any better. Maybe all the player development Cronin puts together will pay off one season in the future. Should have last year - and he f'd up. League Championships, cutting those AAC nets down, is the best we can hope for most years.

Really, its exactly like football. No shot at all for the National Championship. Once in a blue moon maybe make a NYE bowl. And be happy with a league championship and a minor bowl game victory.

Ok...cool...then explain this...

https://247sports.com/college/memphis/Se...l/Commits/

Not that I have a huge problem with Mick, but Gonzaga does just fine in a smaller conference. They have none of the advantages of p5 yet are a re-occurring one seed. Memphis also seems about to explode and they are in our conference. It is a little more complicated than conference and Mick has some of the blame.

Gonzaga is the only exception to the rule. Cincinnati is the closest thing to the second exception to the rule. Memphis has done nothing yet and are about to lose 5 seniors who were 5 of their top 6 in terms of minutes played. Next year we see what Penny can do with a team full of highly recruited underclassmen and not with players he inherited. It likely won't take too long for Memphis fans to turn on him if they don't make the NCAA tournament.

We were presented with an argument that no top players want to play in this conference...gave a clear example that that is not a valid argument, and now are told that our evidence about there being numerous teams able to recruit solid players in small conferences doesn't matter because a coach inherited players? What are you even trying to say in opposition to our point?

That isn't even counting the fact that Rhode Island, St. Louis, Buffalo, Western Kentucky, UNLV, Nevada, and Utah State have all pulled 4 or 5 star players in the last two years. Hell, WKU and Nevada each got 5* guys (yes WKU's was only on campus for two weeks before things fell apart for him). There are clearly tons of examples of people being able to recruit in these conferences, but they dont matter apparently. All the while, we're battling the likes of powerhouses Stephen F. Austin and Montana for our role players, if they even held other offers (in Nsoseme's case that's entirely in doubt).

UConn, WSU, Memphis, and Houston are lapping us in recruiting now...I'm thinking we have 1 more season before we're back to struggling for a tourney bid...after next year our teams looks BAD without significant growth the likes of which does not seem possible, and Curtis has to basically be the second coming based on us not getting any other commits this season despite having a spot.

Every time I look up someone we are recruiting, they are also being recruited by Xavier.

I think the deliberate pace hurts recruiting. Kids want to go up and down and shoot 3s. That's the opposite of Cincinnati basketball.

(03-22-2019 10:32 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  We were presented with an argument that no top players want to play in this conference...gave a clear example that that is not a valid argument, and now are told that our evidence about there being numerous teams able to recruit solid players in small conferences doesn't matter because a coach inherited players? What are you even trying to say in opposition to our point?

That isn't even counting the fact that Rhode Island, St. Louis, Buffalo, Western Kentucky, UNLV, Nevada, and Utah State have all pulled 4 or 5 star players in the last two years. Hell, WKU and Nevada each got 5* guys (yes WKU's was only on campus for two weeks before things fell apart for him). There are clearly tons of examples of people being able to recruit in these conferences, but they dont matter apparently. All the while, we're battling the likes of powerhouses Stephen F. Austin and Montana for our role players, if they even held other offers (in Nsoseme's case that's entirely in doubt).

UConn, WSU, Memphis, and Houston are lapping us in recruiting now...I'm thinking we have 1 more season before we're back to struggling for a tourney bid...after next year our teams looks BAD without significant growth the likes of which does not seem possible, and Curtis has to basically be the second coming based on us not getting any other commits this season despite having a spot.

This, our 2017 and 2018 recruiting classes have been awful by Cincinnati standards. The writing is on the wall after Cumberland leaves. Literally, our entire bench was incapable of scoring besides Cane who wasn't exactly an efficient scorer either.

(03-22-2019 04:25 PM)bearcat72 Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 04:24 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  We were having a discussion in the stands after the game...who is the 5th starter next year?

Moore? May as well run out 4 guys
Fredericks? See above
Johnson? Mick obviously trusts him with his 12 seconds today.
Curtis? Here's hoping he is as advertised


Just sad...11 years and you cant build any depth at all. Backup bugs may as well be cones on offense, backup wings make the team worse when they touch the ball. How do you get here after 11 years?

Posted this in another thread. S.Curtis doesn't play defense and therefore Cronin will not play him, alah Logan Johnson this year!

??? Not sure what games you are watching. Cronin switched Logan Johnson in explicitly for his defense this year.

I am concerned about recent recruiting, however, I believe that we have plenty of talent on the roster for the forseeable future. Next year we return Cumberland a top 15 player. I think Nasier will be incredible on his current trajectory. He plays great rim defense and can contribut 8-12. Williams flashed in many instances including that awful shot that at mid season was pretty good. He just needs to become more consistent. Trevon Scott is a very good player that can score and rebound. He has developed a midrange game and an outside shot. So who fills the last role. Samari will not be ready for a starting role. Trevor Moore is not ready, I will leave it at that. Logan Johnson is far and away the best athlete off the bench. He can dominate his opposite number defensively, but I have not seen a shot or point guard capabilities yet. Lastly, we could go big with Mamado or Elle. I think that would be disaster. So, we are looking for a point guard. Lets see if he can snag a grad transfer. The second best option imho would be logan johnson. I am not convinced that Cumberland to point for most minutes is a good idea

(03-23-2019 07:05 AM)rosewater Wrote:  I am concerned about recent recruiting, however, I believe that we have plenty of talent on the roster for the forseeable future. Next year we return Cumberland a top 15 player. I think Nasier will be incredible on his current trajectory. He plays great rim defense and can contribut 8-12. Williams flashed in many instances including that awful shot that at mid season was pretty good. He just needs to become more consistent. Trevon Scott is a very good player that can score and rebound. He has developed a midrange game and an outside shot. So who fills the last role. Samari will not be ready for a starting role. Trevor Moore is not ready, I will leave it at that. Logan Johnson is far and away the best athlete off the bench. He can dominate his opposite number defensively, but I have not seen a shot or point guard capabilities yet. Lastly, we could go big with Mamado or Elle. I think that would be disaster. So, we are looking for a point guard. Lets see if he can snag a grad transfer. The second best option imho would be logan johnson. I am not convinced that Cumberland to point for most minutes is a good idea

I'm not seeing it. I hope you are right and I'm wrong.

(03-22-2019 07:09 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 06:33 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 06:19 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  I just don't get why Mick can't get a Zion Williamson type? Or maybe at least a Ja Morant guy that everyone passes on.

If we could only be Duke. Or Mick could pick the PowerBall numbers - we would be damn good.

I know you're being facetious, and appreciate the humor, but to clarify we're not asking for that because that won't happen...but there are literally 100s of players between those guys and the people we pick up every year and it shows. We have guys who can only negatively contribute until they're juniors or seniors...and when you rely on them for effective depth, you're going to get killed by the teams who get those Top 150 types.

I was in the Vegas airport three years ago and had a long conversation with a guy that runs one of the elite basketball camps while we waited on our plane.

He said that Mick was well liked amongst his peers, young players and their families, and worked hard at getting to know the prospects that UC had a legit shot at. But then this guy looked at me straight on and said...."but why would any top player ever choose Cincinnati since they were no longer playing in the Big East." These kids want to play in the League and get as much national exposure via TV, social media, as possible. Cincinnati is in a fly over state. Half their games are played in empty arenas. No history of success at all recognized by the under-18 year old crowd. Even our NBA guys in the last 20 years really never left a mark except for blowing in LeBron's ear.

It's a tough, uphill battle for UC these days. Thus my venom for being left behind in this silly league - Tulane really. Oh No!

CBS proclaimed a P6 including the Big East for basketball. So how many schools comprise those six leagues? If each school gets just 2 after the blue bloods get their pick of the litter, not much out there. UC gets what's left or a hometown kid that decides to stay. No one in Raleigh Durham wanted Gary. Jacob was passed on by all the southern powers. And Jarron stayed home.

Boys, its not going to get any better. Maybe all the player development Cronin puts together will pay off one season in the future. Should have last year - and he f'd up. League Championships, cutting those AAC nets down, is the best we can hope for most years.

Really, its exactly like football. No shot at all for the National Championship. Once in a blue moon maybe make a NYE bowl. And be happy with a league championship and a minor bowl game victory.

Interesting...the Big Ten should just hang it up then, being the definition of flyover country they have no hope of success—no good players will ever consider them. The Big 12, SEC, ACC in even worse shape then. At least the Big Ten has Rutgers going for it I guess. No wonder the PAC 12 is so dominant.

Our attendance has been good and we actually seem to get decent TV exposure. We seem to be able to make the Top 25 reasonably often. We are in the tournament getting exposure every year even if it is the usual flame out. I guess I’m not buying your Vegas buddy much.

(03-23-2019 07:05 AM)rosewater Wrote:  I am concerned about recent recruiting, however, I believe that we have plenty of talent on the roster for the forseeable future. Next year we return Cumberland a top 15 player. I think Nasier will be incredible on his current trajectory. He plays great rim defense and can contribut 8-12. Williams flashed in many instances including that awful shot that at mid season was pretty good. He just needs to become more consistent. Trevon Scott is a very good player that can score and rebound. He has developed a midrange game and an outside shot. So who fills the last role. Samari will not be ready for a starting role. Trevor Moore is not ready, I will leave it at that. Logan Johnson is far and away the best athlete off the bench. He can dominate his opposite number defensively, but I have not seen a shot or point guard capabilities yet. Lastly, we could go big with Mamado or Elle. I think that would be disaster. So, we are looking for a point guard. Lets see if he can snag a grad transfer. The second best option imho would be logan johnson. I am not convinced that Cumberland to point for most minutes is a good idea

I mostly agree with your post But the bench really needs to improve.

Our starters were more than good enough to win yesterday. Just about the only time Iowa made their moves yesterday was when Brooks was on the bench, in foul trouble. The times he was in, I'd even go as far to say he was influencing the game even more than JC was.

But, other than Broome, the bench was horrific yesterday.

Especially agree that the scariest prospect for next year is that the fourth starter will be either Moore or Lo. I favor Lo, but I have the sinking feeling it will be Trevor, especially after Mick's talk of making JC a point guard. What WON'T happen, is a grad transfer.

(03-23-2019 08:00 AM)Ring of Black Wrote:  

(03-23-2019 07:05 AM)rosewater Wrote:  I am concerned about recent recruiting, however, I believe that we have plenty of talent on the roster for the forseeable future. Next year we return Cumberland a top 15 player. I think Nasier will be incredible on his current trajectory. He plays great rim defense and can contribut 8-12. Williams flashed in many instances including that awful shot that at mid season was pretty good. He just needs to become more consistent. Trevon Scott is a very good player that can score and rebound. He has developed a midrange game and an outside shot. So who fills the last role. Samari will not be ready for a starting role. Trevor Moore is not ready, I will leave it at that. Logan Johnson is far and away the best athlete off the bench. He can dominate his opposite number defensively, but I have not seen a shot or point guard capabilities yet. Lastly, we could go big with Mamado or Elle. I think that would be disaster. So, we are looking for a point guard. Lets see if he can snag a grad transfer. The second best option imho would be logan johnson. I am not convinced that Cumberland to point for most minutes is a good idea

I mostly agree with your post But the bench really needs to improve.

Our starters were more than good enough to win yesterday. Just about the only time Iowa made their moves yesterday was when Brooks was on the bench, in foul trouble. The times he was in, I'd even go as far to say he was influencing the game even more than JC was.

But, other than Broome, the bench was horrific yesterday.

Especially agree that the scariest prospect for next year is that the fourth starter will be either Moore or Lo. I favor Lo, but I have the sinking feeling it will be Trevor, especially after Mick's talk of making JC a point guard. What WON'T happen, is a grad transfer.

Yes, Yes and Yes. Not just yesterday, but the home Houston game and there is probably many other instances when our bench was destroyed by the other team.

(03-23-2019 07:08 AM)Bearcats#1 Wrote:  

(03-23-2019 07:05 AM)rosewater Wrote:  I am concerned about recent recruiting, however, I believe that we have plenty of talent on the roster for the forseeable future. Next year we return Cumberland a top 15 player. I think Nasier will be incredible on his current trajectory. He plays great rim defense and can contribut 8-12. Williams flashed in many instances including that awful shot that at mid season was pretty good. He just needs to become more consistent. Trevon Scott is a very good player that can score and rebound. He has developed a midrange game and an outside shot. So who fills the last role. Samari will not be ready for a starting role. Trevor Moore is not ready, I will leave it at that. Logan Johnson is far and away the best athlete off the bench. He can dominate his opposite number defensively, but I have not seen a shot or point guard capabilities yet. Lastly, we could go big with Mamado or Elle. I think that would be disaster. So, we are looking for a point guard. Lets see if he can snag a grad transfer. The second best option imho would be logan johnson. I am not convinced that Cumberland to point for most minutes is a good idea

I'm not seeing it. I hope you are right and I'm wrong.

You don't generally though. I believe you were saying Scott and Brooks aren't D1 quality players at the beginning of this year.

Next year we are in excellent shape. Brooks last year was one of the best offensive rebounders we've ever had (better then Gary) and came miles with his offensive ability, he will only get better. Scott has developed a solid outside shooting game, with off-season work he can be a 35% 3-point shooter and open up driving lanes. Cumberland will be one of the best players in the NCAA. Williams should show more consistency next year and average 12-15 points. The 5th is a bit of a mystery, but I expect Moore to make the jump. If he can't there are other options: Fredericks, Johnson, Curtis or a grad-transfer PG (Mick offered to one a few months ago).

I'd say recent recruiting hasn't been great, but it hasn't been as bad as many have made it out to be. Williams was a high 3-low 4 star recruit and looked good through most of conference play, but he faded at the end of the year (maybe not used to the grind of the full season). Moore is a very good shooter and I expect him to finally get the mental side down by next year. Diarra came in as a high rated project and was expected to take a few years to be ready to play, I'd say his development is about on pace. Nsoseme was the #1 center in Canada and has the physical ability to become a great player. Hardnett and Johnson were both well rated and Prince wasn't on any recruiting radars because he reclassified. Give them another year or two of development and we will be fine.

i like the idea of giving trevor a shot. he's got a good mid range game and can rebound. if he doesn't work out it's gotta be diarra

(03-22-2019 10:32 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 09:46 PM)skyblade Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 09:39 PM)rosewater Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 07:19 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(03-22-2019 07:09 PM)Ragpicker Wrote:  I was in the Vegas airport three years ago and had a long conversation with a guy that runs one of the elite basketball camps while we waited on our plane.

He said that Mick was well liked amongst his peers, young players and their families, and worked hard at getting to know the prospects that UC had a legit shot at. But then this guy looked at me straight on and said...."but why would any top player ever choose Cincinnati since they were no longer playing in the Big East." These kids want to play in the League and get as much national exposure via TV, social media, as possible. Cincinnati is in a fly over state. Half their games are played in empty arenas. No history of success at all recognized by the under-18 year old crowd. Even our NBA guys in the last 20 years really never left a mark except for blowing in LeBron's ear.

It's a tough, uphill battle for UC these days. Thus my venom for being left behind in this silly league - Tulane really. Oh No!

CBS proclaimed a P6 including the Big East for basketball. So how many schools comprise those six leagues? If each school gets just 2 after the blue bloods get their pick of the litter, not much out there. UC gets what's left or a hometown kid that decides to stay. No one in Raleigh Durham wanted Gary. Jacob was passed on by all the southern powers. And Jarron stayed home.

Boys, its not going to get any better. Maybe all the player development Cronin puts together will pay off one season in the future. Should have last year - and he f'd up. League Championships, cutting those AAC nets down, is the best we can hope for most years.

Really, its exactly like football. No shot at all for the National Championship. Once in a blue moon maybe make a NYE bowl. And be happy with a league championship and a minor bowl game victory.

Ok...cool...then explain this...

https://247sports.com/college/memphis/Se...l/Commits/

Not that I have a huge problem with Mick, but Gonzaga does just fine in a smaller conference. They have none of the advantages of p5 yet are a re-occurring one seed. Memphis also seems about to explode and they are in our conference. It is a little more complicated than conference and Mick has some of the blame.

Gonzaga is the only exception to the rule. Cincinnati is the closest thing to the second exception to the rule. Memphis has done nothing yet and are about to lose 5 seniors who were 5 of their top 6 in terms of minutes played. Next year we see what Penny can do with a team full of highly recruited underclassmen and not with players he inherited. It likely won't take too long for Memphis fans to turn on him if they don't make the NCAA tournament.

We were presented with an argument that no top players want to play in this conference...gave a clear example that that is not a valid argument, and now are told that our evidence about there being numerous teams able to recruit solid players in small conferences doesn't matter because a coach inherited players? What are you even trying to say in opposition to our point?

That isn't even counting the fact that Rhode Island, St. Louis, Buffalo, Western Kentucky, UNLV, Nevada, and Utah State have all pulled 4 or 5 star players in the last two years. Hell, WKU and Nevada each got 5* guys (yes WKU's was only on campus for two weeks before things fell apart for him). There are clearly tons of examples of people being able to recruit in these conferences, but they dont matter apparently. All the while, we're battling the likes of powerhouses Stephen F. Austin and Montana for our role players, if they even held other offers (in Nsoseme's case that's entirely in doubt).

UConn, WSU, Memphis, and Houston are lapping us in recruiting now...I'm thinking we have 1 more season before we're back to struggling for a tourney bid...after next year our teams looks BAD without significant growth the likes of which does not seem possible, and Curtis has to basically be the second coming based on us not getting any other commits this season despite having a spot.

Gonzaga is the one exception to the rule. Memphis is living on local connections through Penny, players are ignoring the conference to play for a local school, with a NBA coach who they know well - and is likely using financial connections. Like with the NCAA tournament you can look at the other rare team that pulls in a great recruits (or goes on a run), but for every one of those teams there are another 100 that tried and failed. Striking gold with a 5-star a few times a decade isn't a good recruiting strategy (look at the teams you listed, only Buffalo has been better then UC this year and not by much). Mick will likely bring in a 5-star at some point (and has gotten a number of low 4 stars), but it can't and shouldn't be the basis of his program.