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(12-10-2018 08:52 AM)bearcatmark Wrote:  

(12-10-2018 08:46 AM)RealDeal Wrote:  

(12-10-2018 08:27 AM)bearcatmark Wrote:  The metrics I look at always adjust for competition level. Uc was second behind UVA last year in adjusted defense but their actual number was one of the best in the kenpom era.

It's easy to see why when looking at other metrics. They were second in the country in 2 point percentage defense. They were 7th in 3 point percentage defense. They were 5th in block rate. They were 25th in steal percentage and 20th in forced turnover percentage. So they were aggressive at forcing turnovers and blocking shots but didn't foul and didn't leave themselves exposed for easy shots. It was a pretty incredible combination last year.

I honestly believe we may have had our best perimeter defender and best post defender of the recent era on the same team. There's a reason both those guys are in the NBA on guaranteed contracts.

This year's team looks like they've got a chance to be a top 10 caliber defense and could be special again next year as we only have two seniors who are both undersized guards. Replace a lot of those minutes with Logan Johnson's athleticism in addition to added development from the existing roster and you're looking at a top 5 defense.

Clark might not have been our best one on one post defender in recent memory (he's on the list of he's not) but his combination of on ball, help side and versatility to be switched into all kinds of players was unique and made him such a weapon.

Likewise Evans was one of the 3 or 4 best one on one bearcat perimeter defenders of my lifetime but what made him the best wing defender I think uc has had since Huggins arrived was his incredible help d that you don't see from other things. Additionally he could be switched on bigs and still be an elite defender. We were incredibly lucky to have those guys.

Agree on both. I heard Cronin say several times that Clark was just so solid in every aspect of the game, but not outstanding in any single category. Sounds like a left handed compliment but it wasn't. Gary just got it done and now he's doing the same in the NBA.

Regarding Evans, go out on YouTube and watch a couple of those highlight videos from last season; UCLA is one that stands out in my mind. His defense was superb given his combination of length and quickness.

I think many of us were concerned about how this year's team might perform losing two such players. Since the opener, it's hard to complain about what this coaching staff and players have done to keep Bearcat basketball at a high level. Neither of the next two would be bad losses if the conference season goes well. A split would be great; a sweep would put this team back on the front pages.

Finally, anyone else amused by the tepid response to the Shootout from local media? Ken Broo's opening graphic was a big X; if I'd had the volume down I would have thought the Muskies won. And the headline at Cincinnati.com was, "UC snags Crosstown Shootout win". Looked more like a beatdown to me. Thankfully, we might not have to hear much more about X this season.