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at AAC basketball media day

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/...945704002/

Fletcher Page, Cincinnati EnquirerPublished 4:54 a.m. ET Oct. 14, 2019

Here's what John Brannen walked into when he accepted the Cincinnati basketball coaching job.

UC is one of just six programs, joining Duke, Kansas, North Carolina, Michigan State and Gonzaga, to make nine straight trips to the NCAA Tournament. And the Bearcats 89 victories the past three seasons is tied with Duke and Michigan for the third most in the country, behind the Zags and Villanova.

That's the recent past, achieved under the direction of Mick Cronin.

The future is in the hands of Brannen.

Cronin bolted for UCLA after another first-weekend letdown in the Big Dance, opening the spot for Brannen to jump from Northern Kentucky. It will be up to him to advance the Bearcats to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2012.

Here's a few questions Brannen will likely face in his first trip to AAC basketball media day Monday in Philadelphia.

Can a team with so many new faces defend the AAC Tournament crown?

As is customary in coaching transitions, the Bearcats will look vastly different this season than last.

The roster has as more newcomers (eight) as those returning, creating an obvious task for Brannen. He has to mix four freshmen (Zach Harvey, Mike Adams-Woods, Jeremiah Davenport, Prince Toyambi) and transfers Chris McNeal, Jaevin Cumberland, Jay Sorolla and Chris Vogt in with star Jarron Cumberland and mainstays Keith Williams and Trevon Scott.

How quickly can that happen? That's a great segue for the next question...

How does an injury-filled roster survive a tough non-conference schedule?

The Brannen era opens with a loaded non-conference schedule, with nine out of 16 opponents who qualified for postseason play last season (six in the NCAA Tournament).

This includes Ohio State, Tennessee, Iowa and, of course, rival Xavier. And the Bearcats will navigate this portion potentially with a couple of expected contributors sidelined.

Junior guard Trevor Moore will miss at least a month with, "an Achilles issue," Brannen said before Midnight Madness last week. Davenport is out until at least December after having knee surgery, and redshirt freshman forward Toyambi is out indefinitely (undisclosed).

A challenging slate in November and December could be a great for team building. But with players expected to miss significant time, will Brannen be forced to start over once the deck is full again in January?

Where does Jarron Cumberland go from here?

Already one of the best players in the country, what might John Brannen's preference for up-tempo pace and offense do for the reigning AAC Player of the Year?

Cumberland averaged nearly 19 points per game last season before flirting with the NBA. His choice to return to UC was an obvious boost for Brannen's initial campaign, with 100 percent health the only thing in question after the nagging foot issue that bothered Cumberland last season cost him summer workouts and initial fall practices.

Who emerges to help Trevon Scott in the paint?

Scott, the senior big man, hit his stride down the stretch last season, scoring in double figures in five of the Bearcats' final six games. He returns for a final campaign after averaging nearly seven rebounds a game last season, giving the Bearcats a legitimate post presence.

But who else will be counted on?

Dependable rim protecter Nysier Brooks was among those who opted to transfer, leaving a void alongside Scott.

Redshirt sophomore Mamoudou Diarra is athletic but raw and transfers Chris Vogt and Jay Sorolla are both 7-footers with experience.

(10-14-2019 09:10 AM)Cat-Man Wrote:  at AAC basketball media day

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/...945704002/

Fletcher Page, Cincinnati EnquirerPublished 4:54 a.m. ET Oct. 14, 2019

Here's what John Brannen walked into when he accepted the Cincinnati basketball coaching job.

UC is one of just six programs, joining Duke, Kansas, North Carolina, Michigan State and Gonzaga, to make nine straight trips to the NCAA Tournament. And the Bearcats 89 victories the past three seasons is tied with Duke and Michigan for the third most in the country, behind the Zags and Villanova.

That's the recent past, achieved under the direction of Mick Cronin.

The future is in the hands of Brannen.

Cronin bolted for UCLA after another first-weekend letdown in the Big Dance, opening the spot for Brannen to jump from Northern Kentucky. It will be up to him to advance the Bearcats to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2012.

Here's a few questions Brannen will likely face in his first trip to AAC basketball media day Monday in Philadelphia.

Can a team with so many new faces defend the AAC Tournament crown?

As is customary in coaching transitions, the Bearcats will look vastly different this season than last.

The roster has as more newcomers (eight) as those returning, creating an obvious task for Brannen. He has to mix four freshmen (Zach Harvey, Mike Adams-Woods, Jeremiah Davenport, Prince Toyambi) and transfers Chris McNeal, Jaevin Cumberland, Jay Sorolla and Chris Vogt in with star Jarron Cumberland and mainstays Keith Williams and Trevon Scott.

How quickly can that happen? That's a great segue for the next question...

How does an injury-filled roster survive a tough non-conference schedule?

The Brannen era opens with a loaded non-conference schedule, with nine out of 16 opponents who qualified for postseason play last season (six in the NCAA Tournament).

This includes Ohio State, Tennessee, Iowa and, of course, rival Xavier. And the Bearcats will navigate this portion potentially with a couple of expected contributors sidelined.

Junior guard Trevor Moore will miss at least a month with, "an Achilles issue," Brannen said before Midnight Madness last week. Davenport is out until at least December after having knee surgery, and redshirt freshman forward Toyambi is out indefinitely (undisclosed).

A challenging slate in November and December could be a great for team building. But with players expected to miss significant time, will Brannen be forced to start over once the deck is full again in January?

Where does Jarron Cumberland go from here?

Already one of the best players in the country, what might John Brannen's preference for up-tempo pace and offense do for the reigning AAC Player of the Year?

Cumberland averaged nearly 19 points per game last season before flirting with the NBA. His choice to return to UC was an obvious boost for Brannen's initial campaign, with 100 percent health the only thing in question after the nagging foot issue that bothered Cumberland last season cost him summer workouts and initial fall practices.

Who emerges to help Trevon Scott in the paint?

Scott, the senior big man, hit his stride down the stretch last season, scoring in double figures in five of the Bearcats' final six games. He returns for a final campaign after averaging nearly seven rebounds a game last season, giving the Bearcats a legitimate post presence.

But who else will be counted on?

Dependable rim protecter Nysier Brooks was among those who opted to transfer, leaving a void alongside Scott.

Redshirt sophomore Mamoudou Diarra is athletic but raw and transfers Chris Vogt and Jay Sorolla are both 7-footers with experience.

New system for players, tougher schedule and league members but can anybody argue that barring injuries(Jarron in particular) that we are way more experienced,deeper and better offensively than entering last season.

Update: According to Fletcher Page of the Enquirer ...Jarron has returned to practice today.

We still have a lot of key pieces pending Cumberland’s health. PG is a bit of a question mark but that really wasn’t a particular position of strength for us last year and we did ok. If Adams or McNeal can be steady they don’t have to be spectacular we should be fine. We will miss Brooks’ defensive presence in the lane- but he did foul a bunch and missed significant stretches of time. If these 2 7 footers can come in and clog up the lane a bit and grab some boards it may end up being a bit of a wash.

Really disappointed about Prince; it sounds serious for him. I really liked what I was reading about him.

Preseason Player of the Year

Jarron Cumberland, Sr., G, Cincinnati

Preseason Rookie of the Year

James Wiseman, Fr., C, Memphis *

Preseason First Team

Jarron Cumberland, Sr., G, Cincinnati *

Quinton Rose, Sr., G, Temple

DeJon Jarreau, R-Jr., G, Houston

James Wiseman, Fr., C, Memphis

Laquincy Rideau, R-Sr., G, USF

Preseason Second Team

Alexis Yetna, R-So., F, USF

Jayden Gardner, So., F, ECU

Nate Pierre-Louis, Jr, G, Temple

Alterique Gilbert, R-Jr., G, UConn

David Collins, Jr., G, USF

Christian Vital, Jr., G, UConn

* unanimous selection

2019-20 American Athletic Conference men's basketball preseason poll

T-1: Houston (7 first-place votes) 113

T-1: Memphis (4) 113

3: Cincinnati (1) 94

4: Wichita State 88

5: USF 79

6: UConn 75

7: Temple 72

8: SMU 47

9: UCF 40

10: Tulsa 36

11: ECU 20

12: Tulane 15

Has anyone ever gotten any info. on Prince's injury? This is one of the more mysterious situations i can remember.

It's a health thing that is completely unrelated to any choice or activity on his part or anyone else's for that matter, just bad luck. Hoping he can end up playing - if some cars just "look fast", that dude just looks like he can ball. In great shape. Would provide rebounding and toughness.

(10-14-2019 09:10 AM)Cat-Man Wrote:  at AAC basketball media day

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/...945704002/

Fletcher Page, Cincinnati EnquirerPublished 4:54 a.m. ET Oct. 14, 2019

Here's what John Brannen walked into when he accepted the Cincinnati basketball coaching job.

UC is one of just six programs, joining Duke, Kansas, North Carolina, Michigan State and Gonzaga, to make nine straight trips to the NCAA Tournament. And the Bearcats 89 victories the past three seasons is tied with Duke and Michigan for the third most in the country, behind the Zags and Villanova.

That's the recent past, achieved under the direction of Mick Cronin.

The future is in the hands of Brannen.

Cronin bolted for UCLA after another first-weekend letdown in the Big Dance, opening the spot for Brannen to jump from Northern Kentucky. It will be up to him to advance the Bearcats to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2012.

Here's a few questions Brannen will likely face in his first trip to AAC basketball media day Monday in Philadelphia.

Can a team with so many new faces defend the AAC Tournament crown?

As is customary in coaching transitions, the Bearcats will look vastly different this season than last.

The roster has as more newcomers (eight) as those returning, creating an obvious task for Brannen. He has to mix four freshmen (Zach Harvey, Mike Adams-Woods, Jeremiah Davenport, Prince Toyambi) and transfers Chris McNeal, Jaevin Cumberland, Jay Sorolla and Chris Vogt in with star Jarron Cumberland and mainstays Keith Williams and Trevon Scott.

How quickly can that happen? That's a great segue for the next question...

How does an injury-filled roster survive a tough non-conference schedule?

The Brannen era opens with a loaded non-conference schedule, with nine out of 16 opponents who qualified for postseason play last season (six in the NCAA Tournament).

This includes Ohio State, Tennessee, Iowa and, of course, rival Xavier. And the Bearcats will navigate this portion potentially with a couple of expected contributors sidelined.

Junior guard Trevor Moore will miss at least a month with, "an Achilles issue," Brannen said before Midnight Madness last week. Davenport is out until at least December after having knee surgery, and redshirt freshman forward Toyambi is out indefinitely (undisclosed).

A challenging slate in November and December could be a great for team building. But with players expected to miss significant time, will Brannen be forced to start over once the deck is full again in January?

Where does Jarron Cumberland go from here?

Already one of the best players in the country, what might John Brannen's preference for up-tempo pace and offense do for the reigning AAC Player of the Year?

Cumberland averaged nearly 19 points per game last season before flirting with the NBA. His choice to return to UC was an obvious boost for Brannen's initial campaign, with 100 percent health the only thing in question after the nagging foot issue that bothered Cumberland last season cost him summer workouts and initial fall practices.

Who emerges to help Trevon Scott in the paint?

Scott, the senior big man, hit his stride down the stretch last season, scoring in double figures in five of the Bearcats' final six games. He returns for a final campaign after averaging nearly seven rebounds a game last season, giving the Bearcats a legitimate post presence.

But who else will be counted on?

Dependable rim protecter Nysier Brooks was among those who opted to transfer, leaving a void alongside Scott.

Redshirt sophomore Mamoudou Diarra is athletic but raw and transfers Chris Vogt and Jay Sorolla are both 7-footers with experience.

I’ll add a 5th question

Is this roster going to be able to defend enough to win against quality opponents?

Jarron’s cousin can shoot but he had some of the worst defensive splits in the the Horizon league and new guys generally are not ready to defend at this level. I doubt Vogt and the guy from Spain will up to snuff on that side of the ball, either. Should be interesting to watch.

(10-14-2019 01:35 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  

(10-14-2019 09:10 AM)Cat-Man Wrote:  at AAC basketball media day

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/...945704002/

Fletcher Page, Cincinnati EnquirerPublished 4:54 a.m. ET Oct. 14, 2019

Here's what John Brannen walked into when he accepted the Cincinnati basketball coaching job.

UC is one of just six programs, joining Duke, Kansas, North Carolina, Michigan State and Gonzaga, to make nine straight trips to the NCAA Tournament. And the Bearcats 89 victories the past three seasons is tied with Duke and Michigan for the third most in the country, behind the Zags and Villanova.

That's the recent past, achieved under the direction of Mick Cronin.

The future is in the hands of Brannen.

Cronin bolted for UCLA after another first-weekend letdown in the Big Dance, opening the spot for Brannen to jump from Northern Kentucky. It will be up to him to advance the Bearcats to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2012.

Here's a few questions Brannen will likely face in his first trip to AAC basketball media day Monday in Philadelphia.

Can a team with so many new faces defend the AAC Tournament crown?

As is customary in coaching transitions, the Bearcats will look vastly different this season than last.

The roster has as more newcomers (eight) as those returning, creating an obvious task for Brannen. He has to mix four freshmen (Zach Harvey, Mike Adams-Woods, Jeremiah Davenport, Prince Toyambi) and transfers Chris McNeal, Jaevin Cumberland, Jay Sorolla and Chris Vogt in with star Jarron Cumberland and mainstays Keith Williams and Trevon Scott.

How quickly can that happen? That's a great segue for the next question...

How does an injury-filled roster survive a tough non-conference schedule?

The Brannen era opens with a loaded non-conference schedule, with nine out of 16 opponents who qualified for postseason play last season (six in the NCAA Tournament).

This includes Ohio State, Tennessee, Iowa and, of course, rival Xavier. And the Bearcats will navigate this portion potentially with a couple of expected contributors sidelined.

Junior guard Trevor Moore will miss at least a month with, "an Achilles issue," Brannen said before Midnight Madness last week. Davenport is out until at least December after having knee surgery, and redshirt freshman forward Toyambi is out indefinitely (undisclosed).

A challenging slate in November and December could be a great for team building. But with players expected to miss significant time, will Brannen be forced to start over once the deck is full again in January?

Where does Jarron Cumberland go from here?

Already one of the best players in the country, what might John Brannen's preference for up-tempo pace and offense do for the reigning AAC Player of the Year?

Cumberland averaged nearly 19 points per game last season before flirting with the NBA. His choice to return to UC was an obvious boost for Brannen's initial campaign, with 100 percent health the only thing in question after the nagging foot issue that bothered Cumberland last season cost him summer workouts and initial fall practices.

Who emerges to help Trevon Scott in the paint?

Scott, the senior big man, hit his stride down the stretch last season, scoring in double figures in five of the Bearcats' final six games. He returns for a final campaign after averaging nearly seven rebounds a game last season, giving the Bearcats a legitimate post presence.

But who else will be counted on?

Dependable rim protecter Nysier Brooks was among those who opted to transfer, leaving a void alongside Scott.

Redshirt sophomore Mamoudou Diarra is athletic but raw and transfers Chris Vogt and Jay Sorolla are both 7-footers with experience.

I’ll add a 5th question

Is this roster going to be able to defend enough to win against quality opponents?

Jarron’s cousin can shoot but he had some of the worst defensive splits in the the Horizon league and new guys generally are not ready to defend at this level. I doubt Vogt and the guy from Spain will up to snuff on that side of the ball, either. Should be interesting to watch.

The good news is that we can take a step back defensively and still be a very good defensive team.

A lot will also depend on how the team adapts to a new defensive scheme, though from what Brannen has stated it will mostly be man.

In regards to Jaevin’s poor defensive splits, how was the overall teams splits? If it wasn’t a focus for his team that could explain a portion of it.

Definitely some questions, but overall I feel pretty good about the team but a lot will come down to how Brannen manages the roster, including in game management to maximize strengths and minimize players weaknesses.

(10-14-2019 02:45 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  

(10-14-2019 01:35 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  

(10-14-2019 09:10 AM)Cat-Man Wrote:  at AAC basketball media day

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/...945704002/

Fletcher Page, Cincinnati EnquirerPublished 4:54 a.m. ET Oct. 14, 2019

Here's what John Brannen walked into when he accepted the Cincinnati basketball coaching job.

UC is one of just six programs, joining Duke, Kansas, North Carolina, Michigan State and Gonzaga, to make nine straight trips to the NCAA Tournament. And the Bearcats 89 victories the past three seasons is tied with Duke and Michigan for the third most in the country, behind the Zags and Villanova.

That's the recent past, achieved under the direction of Mick Cronin.

The future is in the hands of Brannen.

Cronin bolted for UCLA after another first-weekend letdown in the Big Dance, opening the spot for Brannen to jump from Northern Kentucky. It will be up to him to advance the Bearcats to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2012.

Here's a few questions Brannen will likely face in his first trip to AAC basketball media day Monday in Philadelphia.

Can a team with so many new faces defend the AAC Tournament crown?

As is customary in coaching transitions, the Bearcats will look vastly different this season than last.

The roster has as more newcomers (eight) as those returning, creating an obvious task for Brannen. He has to mix four freshmen (Zach Harvey, Mike Adams-Woods, Jeremiah Davenport, Prince Toyambi) and transfers Chris McNeal, Jaevin Cumberland, Jay Sorolla and Chris Vogt in with star Jarron Cumberland and mainstays Keith Williams and Trevon Scott.

How quickly can that happen? That's a great segue for the next question...

How does an injury-filled roster survive a tough non-conference schedule?

The Brannen era opens with a loaded non-conference schedule, with nine out of 16 opponents who qualified for postseason play last season (six in the NCAA Tournament).

This includes Ohio State, Tennessee, Iowa and, of course, rival Xavier. And the Bearcats will navigate this portion potentially with a couple of expected contributors sidelined.

Junior guard Trevor Moore will miss at least a month with, "an Achilles issue," Brannen said before Midnight Madness last week. Davenport is out until at least December after having knee surgery, and redshirt freshman forward Toyambi is out indefinitely (undisclosed).

A challenging slate in November and December could be a great for team building. But with players expected to miss significant time, will Brannen be forced to start over once the deck is full again in January?

Where does Jarron Cumberland go from here?

Already one of the best players in the country, what might John Brannen's preference for up-tempo pace and offense do for the reigning AAC Player of the Year?

Cumberland averaged nearly 19 points per game last season before flirting with the NBA. His choice to return to UC was an obvious boost for Brannen's initial campaign, with 100 percent health the only thing in question after the nagging foot issue that bothered Cumberland last season cost him summer workouts and initial fall practices.

Who emerges to help Trevon Scott in the paint?

Scott, the senior big man, hit his stride down the stretch last season, scoring in double figures in five of the Bearcats' final six games. He returns for a final campaign after averaging nearly seven rebounds a game last season, giving the Bearcats a legitimate post presence.

But who else will be counted on?

Dependable rim protecter Nysier Brooks was among those who opted to transfer, leaving a void alongside Scott.

Redshirt sophomore Mamoudou Diarra is athletic but raw and transfers Chris Vogt and Jay Sorolla are both 7-footers with experience.

I’ll add a 5th question

Is this roster going to be able to defend enough to win against quality opponents?

Jarron’s cousin can shoot but he had some of the worst defensive splits in the the Horizon league and new guys generally are not ready to defend at this level. I doubt Vogt and the guy from Spain will up to snuff on that side of the ball, either. Should be interesting to watch.

The good news is that we can take a step back defensively and still be a very good defensive team.

A lot will also depend on how the team adapts to a new defensive scheme, though from what Brannen has stated it will mostly be man.

In regards to Jaevin’s poor defensive splits, how was the overall teams splits? If it wasn’t a focus for his team that could explain a portion of it.

Definitely some questions, but overall I feel pretty good about the team but a lot will come down to how Brannen manages the roster, including in game management to maximize strengths and minimize players weaknesses.

We got nice seasons and we will remember Justin and Cain as great Bearcats but I don't think they were lock down defensive players. We definitely have more length at our guard position this year.

(10-14-2019 02:51 PM)cincybb51 Wrote:  

(10-14-2019 02:45 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  

(10-14-2019 01:35 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  

(10-14-2019 09:10 AM)Cat-Man Wrote:  at AAC basketball media day

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/...945704002/

Fletcher Page, Cincinnati EnquirerPublished 4:54 a.m. ET Oct. 14, 2019

Here's what John Brannen walked into when he accepted the Cincinnati basketball coaching job.

UC is one of just six programs, joining Duke, Kansas, North Carolina, Michigan State and Gonzaga, to make nine straight trips to the NCAA Tournament. And the Bearcats 89 victories the past three seasons is tied with Duke and Michigan for the third most in the country, behind the Zags and Villanova.

That's the recent past, achieved under the direction of Mick Cronin.

The future is in the hands of Brannen.

Cronin bolted for UCLA after another first-weekend letdown in the Big Dance, opening the spot for Brannen to jump from Northern Kentucky. It will be up to him to advance the Bearcats to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2012.

Here's a few questions Brannen will likely face in his first trip to AAC basketball media day Monday in Philadelphia.

Can a team with so many new faces defend the AAC Tournament crown?

As is customary in coaching transitions, the Bearcats will look vastly different this season than last.

The roster has as more newcomers (eight) as those returning, creating an obvious task for Brannen. He has to mix four freshmen (Zach Harvey, Mike Adams-Woods, Jeremiah Davenport, Prince Toyambi) and transfers Chris McNeal, Jaevin Cumberland, Jay Sorolla and Chris Vogt in with star Jarron Cumberland and mainstays Keith Williams and Trevon Scott.

How quickly can that happen? That's a great segue for the next question...

How does an injury-filled roster survive a tough non-conference schedule?

The Brannen era opens with a loaded non-conference schedule, with nine out of 16 opponents who qualified for postseason play last season (six in the NCAA Tournament).

This includes Ohio State, Tennessee, Iowa and, of course, rival Xavier. And the Bearcats will navigate this portion potentially with a couple of expected contributors sidelined.

Junior guard Trevor Moore will miss at least a month with, "an Achilles issue," Brannen said before Midnight Madness last week. Davenport is out until at least December after having knee surgery, and redshirt freshman forward Toyambi is out indefinitely (undisclosed).

A challenging slate in November and December could be a great for team building. But with players expected to miss significant time, will Brannen be forced to start over once the deck is full again in January?

Where does Jarron Cumberland go from here?

Already one of the best players in the country, what might John Brannen's preference for up-tempo pace and offense do for the reigning AAC Player of the Year?

Cumberland averaged nearly 19 points per game last season before flirting with the NBA. His choice to return to UC was an obvious boost for Brannen's initial campaign, with 100 percent health the only thing in question after the nagging foot issue that bothered Cumberland last season cost him summer workouts and initial fall practices.

Who emerges to help Trevon Scott in the paint?

Scott, the senior big man, hit his stride down the stretch last season, scoring in double figures in five of the Bearcats' final six games. He returns for a final campaign after averaging nearly seven rebounds a game last season, giving the Bearcats a legitimate post presence.

But who else will be counted on?

Dependable rim protecter Nysier Brooks was among those who opted to transfer, leaving a void alongside Scott.

Redshirt sophomore Mamoudou Diarra is athletic but raw and transfers Chris Vogt and Jay Sorolla are both 7-footers with experience.

I’ll add a 5th question

Is this roster going to be able to defend enough to win against quality opponents?

Jarron’s cousin can shoot but he had some of the worst defensive splits in the the Horizon league and new guys generally are not ready to defend at this level. I doubt Vogt and the guy from Spain will up to snuff on that side of the ball, either. Should be interesting to watch.

The good news is that we can take a step back defensively and still be a very good defensive team.

A lot will also depend on how the team adapts to a new defensive scheme, though from what Brannen has stated it will mostly be man.

In regards to Jaevin’s poor defensive splits, how was the overall teams splits? If it wasn’t a focus for his team that could explain a portion of it.

Definitely some questions, but overall I feel pretty good about the team but a lot will come down to how Brannen manages the roster, including in game management to maximize strengths and minimize players weaknesses.

We got nice seasons and we will remember Justin and Cain as great Bearcats but I don't think they were lock down defensive players. We definitely have more length at our guard position this year.

Agree, and that was one reason we seemed to give up too many open looks from 3 last year.

I’m excited to see what Brannen will get accomplished. I hope he is able to start with a Tourney bid and at least a S16 run. Would be a huge boon for his recruiting.

I'll plop this here...

More from AAC Basketball Media Day...

Honestly I expect the answer to all these questions is Jarron Cumberland. If he plays like an all-american the cats have enough around him to do serious damage.

(10-14-2019 02:45 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  

(10-14-2019 01:35 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  

(10-14-2019 09:10 AM)Cat-Man Wrote:  at AAC basketball media day

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/...945704002/

Fletcher Page, Cincinnati EnquirerPublished 4:54 a.m. ET Oct. 14, 2019

Here's what John Brannen walked into when he accepted the Cincinnati basketball coaching job.

UC is one of just six programs, joining Duke, Kansas, North Carolina, Michigan State and Gonzaga, to make nine straight trips to the NCAA Tournament. And the Bearcats 89 victories the past three seasons is tied with Duke and Michigan for the third most in the country, behind the Zags and Villanova.

That's the recent past, achieved under the direction of Mick Cronin.

The future is in the hands of Brannen.

Cronin bolted for UCLA after another first-weekend letdown in the Big Dance, opening the spot for Brannen to jump from Northern Kentucky. It will be up to him to advance the Bearcats to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2012.

Here's a few questions Brannen will likely face in his first trip to AAC basketball media day Monday in Philadelphia.

Can a team with so many new faces defend the AAC Tournament crown?

As is customary in coaching transitions, the Bearcats will look vastly different this season than last.

The roster has as more newcomers (eight) as those returning, creating an obvious task for Brannen. He has to mix four freshmen (Zach Harvey, Mike Adams-Woods, Jeremiah Davenport, Prince Toyambi) and transfers Chris McNeal, Jaevin Cumberland, Jay Sorolla and Chris Vogt in with star Jarron Cumberland and mainstays Keith Williams and Trevon Scott.

How quickly can that happen? That's a great segue for the next question...

How does an injury-filled roster survive a tough non-conference schedule?

The Brannen era opens with a loaded non-conference schedule, with nine out of 16 opponents who qualified for postseason play last season (six in the NCAA Tournament).

This includes Ohio State, Tennessee, Iowa and, of course, rival Xavier. And the Bearcats will navigate this portion potentially with a couple of expected contributors sidelined.

Junior guard Trevor Moore will miss at least a month with, "an Achilles issue," Brannen said before Midnight Madness last week. Davenport is out until at least December after having knee surgery, and redshirt freshman forward Toyambi is out indefinitely (undisclosed).

A challenging slate in November and December could be a great for team building. But with players expected to miss significant time, will Brannen be forced to start over once the deck is full again in January?

Where does Jarron Cumberland go from here?

Already one of the best players in the country, what might John Brannen's preference for up-tempo pace and offense do for the reigning AAC Player of the Year?

Cumberland averaged nearly 19 points per game last season before flirting with the NBA. His choice to return to UC was an obvious boost for Brannen's initial campaign, with 100 percent health the only thing in question after the nagging foot issue that bothered Cumberland last season cost him summer workouts and initial fall practices.

Who emerges to help Trevon Scott in the paint?

Scott, the senior big man, hit his stride down the stretch last season, scoring in double figures in five of the Bearcats' final six games. He returns for a final campaign after averaging nearly seven rebounds a game last season, giving the Bearcats a legitimate post presence.

But who else will be counted on?

Dependable rim protecter Nysier Brooks was among those who opted to transfer, leaving a void alongside Scott.

Redshirt sophomore Mamoudou Diarra is athletic but raw and transfers Chris Vogt and Jay Sorolla are both 7-footers with experience.

I’ll add a 5th question

Is this roster going to be able to defend enough to win against quality opponents?

Jarron’s cousin can shoot but he had some of the worst defensive splits in the the Horizon league and new guys generally are not ready to defend at this level. I doubt Vogt and the guy from Spain will up to snuff on that side of the ball, either. Should be interesting to watch.

The good news is that we can take a step back defensively and still be a very good defensive team.

A lot will also depend on how the team adapts to a new defensive scheme, though from what Brannen has stated it will mostly be man.

In regards to Jaevin’s poor defensive splits, how was the overall teams splits? If it wasn’t a focus for his team that could explain a portion of it.

Definitely some questions, but overall I feel pretty good about the team but a lot will come down to how Brannen manages the roster, including in game management to maximize strengths and minimize players weaknesses.

His numbers were sorta biblical at times.. Ole style.

He’s not known for his defense. Perhaps that changes.

(10-14-2019 02:51 PM)cincybb51 Wrote:  

(10-14-2019 02:45 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  

(10-14-2019 01:35 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  

(10-14-2019 09:10 AM)Cat-Man Wrote:  at AAC basketball media day

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/...945704002/

Fletcher Page, Cincinnati EnquirerPublished 4:54 a.m. ET Oct. 14, 2019

Here's what John Brannen walked into when he accepted the Cincinnati basketball coaching job.

UC is one of just six programs, joining Duke, Kansas, North Carolina, Michigan State and Gonzaga, to make nine straight trips to the NCAA Tournament. And the Bearcats 89 victories the past three seasons is tied with Duke and Michigan for the third most in the country, behind the Zags and Villanova.

That's the recent past, achieved under the direction of Mick Cronin.

The future is in the hands of Brannen.

Cronin bolted for UCLA after another first-weekend letdown in the Big Dance, opening the spot for Brannen to jump from Northern Kentucky. It will be up to him to advance the Bearcats to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2012.

Here's a few questions Brannen will likely face in his first trip to AAC basketball media day Monday in Philadelphia.

Can a team with so many new faces defend the AAC Tournament crown?

As is customary in coaching transitions, the Bearcats will look vastly different this season than last.

The roster has as more newcomers (eight) as those returning, creating an obvious task for Brannen. He has to mix four freshmen (Zach Harvey, Mike Adams-Woods, Jeremiah Davenport, Prince Toyambi) and transfers Chris McNeal, Jaevin Cumberland, Jay Sorolla and Chris Vogt in with star Jarron Cumberland and mainstays Keith Williams and Trevon Scott.

How quickly can that happen? That's a great segue for the next question...

How does an injury-filled roster survive a tough non-conference schedule?

The Brannen era opens with a loaded non-conference schedule, with nine out of 16 opponents who qualified for postseason play last season (six in the NCAA Tournament).

This includes Ohio State, Tennessee, Iowa and, of course, rival Xavier. And the Bearcats will navigate this portion potentially with a couple of expected contributors sidelined.

Junior guard Trevor Moore will miss at least a month with, "an Achilles issue," Brannen said before Midnight Madness last week. Davenport is out until at least December after having knee surgery, and redshirt freshman forward Toyambi is out indefinitely (undisclosed).

A challenging slate in November and December could be a great for team building. But with players expected to miss significant time, will Brannen be forced to start over once the deck is full again in January?

Where does Jarron Cumberland go from here?

Already one of the best players in the country, what might John Brannen's preference for up-tempo pace and offense do for the reigning AAC Player of the Year?

Cumberland averaged nearly 19 points per game last season before flirting with the NBA. His choice to return to UC was an obvious boost for Brannen's initial campaign, with 100 percent health the only thing in question after the nagging foot issue that bothered Cumberland last season cost him summer workouts and initial fall practices.

Who emerges to help Trevon Scott in the paint?

Scott, the senior big man, hit his stride down the stretch last season, scoring in double figures in five of the Bearcats' final six games. He returns for a final campaign after averaging nearly seven rebounds a game last season, giving the Bearcats a legitimate post presence.

But who else will be counted on?

Dependable rim protecter Nysier Brooks was among those who opted to transfer, leaving a void alongside Scott.

Redshirt sophomore Mamoudou Diarra is athletic but raw and transfers Chris Vogt and Jay Sorolla are both 7-footers with experience.

I’ll add a 5th question

Is this roster going to be able to defend enough to win against quality opponents?

Jarron’s cousin can shoot but he had some of the worst defensive splits in the the Horizon league and new guys generally are not ready to defend at this level. I doubt Vogt and the guy from Spain will up to snuff on that side of the ball, either. Should be interesting to watch.

The good news is that we can take a step back defensively and still be a very good defensive team.

A lot will also depend on how the team adapts to a new defensive scheme, though from what Brannen has stated it will mostly be man.

In regards to Jaevin’s poor defensive splits, how was the overall teams splits? If it wasn’t a focus for his team that could explain a portion of it.

Definitely some questions, but overall I feel pretty good about the team but a lot will come down to how Brannen manages the roster, including in game management to maximize strengths and minimize players weaknesses.

We got nice seasons and we will remember Justin and Cain as great Bearcats but I don't think they were lock down defensive players. We definitely have more length at our guard position this year.

Wait, what?

IMO Justin Jennifer was one of the best defensive point guards who got the bulk of minutes at the position that we have had at UC in decades He was plus plus on that end. On the other hand Cain was dreadful on D way too often. Was not strong enough and went under almost every pick.

JJ was good in the right matchups but was limited due to size and athleticism. I believe it was against Houston they had to bench him due to their speed. I wouldn't call him a plus defender at all.

Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk

(10-14-2019 08:23 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  

(10-14-2019 02:45 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  

(10-14-2019 01:35 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  

(10-14-2019 09:10 AM)Cat-Man Wrote:  at AAC basketball media day

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/...945704002/

Fletcher Page, Cincinnati EnquirerPublished 4:54 a.m. ET Oct. 14, 2019

Here's what John Brannen walked into when he accepted the Cincinnati basketball coaching job.

UC is one of just six programs, joining Duke, Kansas, North Carolina, Michigan State and Gonzaga, to make nine straight trips to the NCAA Tournament. And the Bearcats 89 victories the past three seasons is tied with Duke and Michigan for the third most in the country, behind the Zags and Villanova.

That's the recent past, achieved under the direction of Mick Cronin.

The future is in the hands of Brannen.

Cronin bolted for UCLA after another first-weekend letdown in the Big Dance, opening the spot for Brannen to jump from Northern Kentucky. It will be up to him to advance the Bearcats to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2012.

Here's a few questions Brannen will likely face in his first trip to AAC basketball media day Monday in Philadelphia.

Can a team with so many new faces defend the AAC Tournament crown?

As is customary in coaching transitions, the Bearcats will look vastly different this season than last.

The roster has as more newcomers (eight) as those returning, creating an obvious task for Brannen. He has to mix four freshmen (Zach Harvey, Mike Adams-Woods, Jeremiah Davenport, Prince Toyambi) and transfers Chris McNeal, Jaevin Cumberland, Jay Sorolla and Chris Vogt in with star Jarron Cumberland and mainstays Keith Williams and Trevon Scott.

How quickly can that happen? That's a great segue for the next question...

How does an injury-filled roster survive a tough non-conference schedule?

The Brannen era opens with a loaded non-conference schedule, with nine out of 16 opponents who qualified for postseason play last season (six in the NCAA Tournament).

This includes Ohio State, Tennessee, Iowa and, of course, rival Xavier. And the Bearcats will navigate this portion potentially with a couple of expected contributors sidelined.

Junior guard Trevor Moore will miss at least a month with, "an Achilles issue," Brannen said before Midnight Madness last week. Davenport is out until at least December after having knee surgery, and redshirt freshman forward Toyambi is out indefinitely (undisclosed).

A challenging slate in November and December could be a great for team building. But with players expected to miss significant time, will Brannen be forced to start over once the deck is full again in January?

Where does Jarron Cumberland go from here?

Already one of the best players in the country, what might John Brannen's preference for up-tempo pace and offense do for the reigning AAC Player of the Year?

Cumberland averaged nearly 19 points per game last season before flirting with the NBA. His choice to return to UC was an obvious boost for Brannen's initial campaign, with 100 percent health the only thing in question after the nagging foot issue that bothered Cumberland last season cost him summer workouts and initial fall practices.

Who emerges to help Trevon Scott in the paint?

Scott, the senior big man, hit his stride down the stretch last season, scoring in double figures in five of the Bearcats' final six games. He returns for a final campaign after averaging nearly seven rebounds a game last season, giving the Bearcats a legitimate post presence.

But who else will be counted on?

Dependable rim protecter Nysier Brooks was among those who opted to transfer, leaving a void alongside Scott.

Redshirt sophomore Mamoudou Diarra is athletic but raw and transfers Chris Vogt and Jay Sorolla are both 7-footers with experience.

I’ll add a 5th question

Is this roster going to be able to defend enough to win against quality opponents?

Jarron’s cousin can shoot but he had some of the worst defensive splits in the the Horizon league and new guys generally are not ready to defend at this level. I doubt Vogt and the guy from Spain will up to snuff on that side of the ball, either. Should be interesting to watch.

The good news is that we can take a step back defensively and still be a very good defensive team.

A lot will also depend on how the team adapts to a new defensive scheme, though from what Brannen has stated it will mostly be man.

In regards to Jaevin’s poor defensive splits, how was the overall teams splits? If it wasn’t a focus for his team that could explain a portion of it.

Definitely some questions, but overall I feel pretty good about the team but a lot will come down to how Brannen manages the roster, including in game management to maximize strengths and minimize players weaknesses.

His numbers were sorta biblical at times.. Ole style.

He’s not known for his defense. Perhaps that changes.

He seems capable enough that he shouldn’t be a huge liability, so it will be up to Brannen, and to a lesser extent Jarron, Treyvon Scott, Keith Williams, and the other leaders to make sure he brings it on the defensive end as well.

We’ll see, I guess. He was a bad defender in the Horizon. Asking for a lot to change all the sudden in year 5.

I like Brannen a lot and have great respect for what he's done in the off-season. With that said, I don't think we have any idea what to expect on the court with all the new players in the mix and a vastly different style of play. And I want to believe Cumberland's foot is healed and won't be a nagging concern all season. As Jarron goes, so go the Bearcats this year.