2016-2017 Season

[UCBearcats]

I've never been happier to be so wrong about a team in my life. I said before the season that this team had no depth and wouldn't be nearly as good as everyone was predicting (WRONG). I said as recently as a few weeks back that Mick was starting to get his claws into our guys and sucking the offensive life out of them (WRONG). I didn't think Kyle Washington would contribute much on offense, I didn't think Gary would improve much, I didn't think Cumberland would make much of an impact until next season, and I predicted we'd head for another 11 seed in the NCAA's. (WRONG, WRONG, WRONG and WRONG)

This is FINALLY the type of season I've wanted to see from a Mick Cronin team all along. No, we don't have All Americans on the roster and we're not ranked in the top 5 but we're 19-2 and we're handling all the games we should be handling. Mick has the guys playing great basketball. His teams have always played great defense but it appears he's found enough offense on this roster and he's adjusted enough to allow for this team to win a number of different ways. Sky is the limit for this team, I am officially excited for March. I can't remember the last time I said that in February and actually meant it. Go Cats!!

 

[GarradJ21]

I've never been happier to be so wrong about a team in my life. I said before the season that this team had no depth and wouldn't be nearly as good as everyone was predicting (WRONG). I said as recently as a few weeks back that Mick was starting to get his claws into our guys and sucking the offensive life out of them (WRONG). I didn't think Kyle Washington would contribute much on offense, I didn't think Gary would improve much, I didn't think Cumberland would make much of an impact until next season, and I predicted we'd head for another 11 seed in the NCAA's. (WRONG, WRONG, WRONG and WRONG)

This is FINALLY the type of season I've wanted to see from a Mick Cronin team all along. No, we don't have All Americans on the roster and we're not ranked in the top 5 but we're 19-2 and we're handling all the games we should be handling. Mick has the guys playing great basketball. His teams have always played great defense but it appears he's found enough offense on this roster and he's adjusted enough to allow for this team to win a number of different ways. Sky is the limit for this team, I am officially excited for March. I can't remember the last time I said that in February and actually meant it. Go Cats!!

Good to read

 

[HoosierCat]

I've never been happier to be so wrong about a team in my life. I said before the season that this team had no depth and wouldn't be nearly as good as everyone was predicting (WRONG). I said as recently as a few weeks back that Mick was starting to get his claws into our guys and sucking the offensive life out of them (WRONG). I didn't think Kyle Washington would contribute much on offense, I didn't think Gary would improve much, I didn't think Cumberland would make much of an impact until next season, and I predicted we'd head for another 11 seed in the NCAA's. (WRONG, WRONG, WRONG and WRONG)

This is FINALLY the type of season I've wanted to see from a Mick Cronin team all along. No, we don't have All Americans on the roster and we're not ranked in the top 5 but we're 19-2 and we're handling all the games we should be handling. Mick has the guys playing great basketball. His teams have always played great defense but it appears he's found enough offense on this roster and he's adjusted enough to allow for this team to win a number of different ways. Sky is the limit for this team, I am officially excited for March. I can't remember the last time I said that in February and actually meant it. Go Cats!!

Welcome aboard. J/k lol.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

I've never been happier to be so wrong about a team in my life. I said before the season that this team had no depth and wouldn't be nearly as good as everyone was predicting (WRONG). I said as recently as a few weeks back that Mick was starting to get his claws into our guys and sucking the offensive life out of them (WRONG). I didn't think Kyle Washington would contribute much on offense, I didn't think Gary would improve much, I didn't think Cumberland would make much of an impact until next season, and I predicted we'd head for another 11 seed in the NCAA's. (WRONG, WRONG, WRONG and WRONG)

This is FINALLY the type of season I've wanted to see from a Mick Cronin team all along. No, we don't have All Americans on the roster and we're not ranked in the top 5 but we're 19-2 and we're handling all the games we should be handling. Mick has the guys playing great basketball. His teams have always played great defense but it appears he's found enough offense on this roster and he's adjusted enough to allow for this team to win a number of different ways. Sky is the limit for this team, I am officially excited for March. I can't remember the last time I said that in February and actually meant it. Go Cats!!

glad your back on the train

 

[2bearcatdad]

I've never been happier to be so wrong about a team in my life. I said before the season that this team had no depth and wouldn't be nearly as good as everyone was predicting (WRONG). I said as recently as a few weeks back that Mick was starting to get his claws into our guys and sucking the offensive life out of them (WRONG). I didn't think Kyle Washington would contribute much on offense, I didn't think Gary would improve much, I didn't think Cumberland would make much of an impact until next season, and I predicted we'd head for another 11 seed in the NCAA's. (WRONG, WRONG, WRONG and WRONG)

This is FINALLY the type of season I've wanted to see from a Mick Cronin team all along. No, we don't have All Americans on the roster and we're not ranked in the top 5 but we're 19-2 and we're handling all the games we should be handling. Mick has the guys playing great basketball. His teams have always played great defense but it appears he's found enough offense on this roster and he's adjusted enough to allow for this team to win a number of different ways. Sky is the limit for this team, I am officially excited for March. I can't remember the last time I said that in February and actually meant it. Go Cats!!

You may have to reconsider your signatures soon.

Glad to hear you're excited. I am also.

 

[Garybearcat]

You may have to reconsider your signatures soon.

Glad to hear you're excited. I am also.

Well it takes a big man to write I'm wrong that many times. I would always prefer being wrong about believing my team can do more than I could dream possible. Everyone is different. It's maybe why I take NCAA tourney losses so hard. Right now I'm dreaming of an NCAA Championship.

 

[TheLongHaul]

I've basically said from the beginning of the year that this is Mick's best team and that two things needed to happen for them to be very successful: (1) Caupain has to step up and be a very good PG, and (2) Cumberland has to develop so that he can be the main SG going into post season. So far both are on track. Caupain has played much better since conference play and Cumberland should be eating into KJ's minutes. KJ is the only weak spot in the lineup and if Cumberland can take the majority of his minutes than this team can be very dangerous.

Cumberland is thankfully giving Mick no other option than to play him. Not to bash KJ but I've said all along his defense is overrated and I still believe that. He can be a good defender, not great, and an occasional spot up shooter. That's it. Cumberland offers so much more.

 

[JasonS]

I've basically said from the beginning of the year that this is Mick's best team and that two things needed to happen for them to be very successful: (1) Caupain has to step up and be a very good PG, and (2) Cumberland has to develop so that he can be the main SG going into post season. So far both are on track. Caupain has played much better since conference play and Cumberland should be eating into KJ's minutes. KJ is the only weak spot in the lineup and if Cumberland can take the majority of his minutes than this team can be very dangerous.

Cumberland is thankfully giving Mick no other option than to play him. Not to bash KJ but I've said all along his defense is overrated and I still believe that. He can be a good defender, not great, and an occasional spot up shooter. That's it. Cumberland offers so much more.

What do you have, other than opinion, that KJ is a good defender at best? Frankly, when I watch him play defense, I am consistently impressed. He is not going to be a great offensive player but this team doesn't need him to be. They need him to play defense and shoot when open. I think KJ is more valuable to this team than you give him credit for. In addition, he is very unselfish and never complains about the minutes he gets. Pretty amazing for a senior who is local and has all that pressure on him.

 

[Garybearcat]

What do you have, other than opinion, that KJ is a good defender at best? Frankly, when I watch him play defense, I am consistently impressed. He is not going to be a great offensive player but this team doesn't need him to be. They need him to play defense and shoot when open. I think KJ is more valuable to this team than you give him credit for. In addition, he is very unselfish and never complains about the minutes he gets. Pretty amazing for a senior who is local and has all that pressure on him.

Agreed!
I really enjoyed the post game press conference a few games back with Cumberland & Johnson. It was Cumberland's first and Johnson was really helping and encouraging him with the process and being a great teammate. When Cumberland shows us leadership on the court we can thank Bearcat teammates like Kevin who are showing him the examples of great leadership.You can't put this in a boxscore but it's just as important to making a team great. Kevin is going to be missed next year in ways we never see.

 

[TheLongHaul]

What do you have, other than opinion, that KJ is a good defender at best? Frankly, when I watch him play defense, I am consistently impressed. He is not going to be a great offensive player but this team doesn't need him to be. They need him to play defense and shoot when open. I think KJ is more valuable to this team than you give him credit for. In addition, he is very unselfish and never complains about the minutes he gets. Pretty amazing for a senior who is local and has all that pressure on him.

Well first of all, it is my opinion that he is isn't a great defender. Do you have stats to prove he is a great defender? How about that time in the X game where he unwisely went for a steal on Blueitt and then fouled him on a 3 point shot. I could bet he leads the team in fouling three point shooters. IMO great defenders don't do that as frequently as he does. I would also argue that a lock down defender never gives up 40 points to a player. Now I know KJ wasn't on him the whole time, but still, if you have a lock down defender a guy doesn't score 40 points. Sorry, I just disagree. I think if KJ was a great offensive player you all wouldn't be saying this, but it seems like when people struggle offensively they have to grasp onto something. Again, he is a good defender, not great, and not good enough to overcome all his other liabilities.

Also, yes, this team doesn't need anyone to be a great offensive player, but it sure as hell helps when they are. KJ isn't a "shoot when open" guy. He is 4th on the team in FG attempts. I would agree he should be that guy, but he isn't. He is last amongst non-walkon players in percentage. Cumberland has played about 250 less minutes and has more rebounds, assists, and blocks. If this team wants to make a deep run, Cumberland is going to be needing the vast majority of KJ's minutes.

 

[TheLongHaul]

Agreed!
I really enjoyed the post game press conference a few games back with Cumberland & Johnson. It was Cumberland's first and Johnson was really helping and encouraging him with the process and being a great teammate. When Cumberland shows us leadership on the court we can thank Bearcat teammates like Kevin who are showing him the examples of great leadership.You can't put this in a boxscore but it's just as important to making a team great. Kevin is going to be missed next year in ways we never see.

KJ is a good leader, no doubt. Love his energy, passion, and excitement he brings to games. I just think Cumberland is the better player and should be getting his minutes.

 

[mdchick]

KJ is a good leader, no doubt. Love his energy, passion, and excitement he brings to games. I just think Cumberland is the better player and should be getting his minutes.

Cumberland will get his minutes and so will KJ don't forget they play on the floor at the same time as eachother when Evans is out and sometimes Clark is our only big and they are all in there. That being said I think Cumberland is better than KJ but I don't mind him coming off the bench to give us a nice lift/spark.

Ps anyone else close there eyes when KJ has like a 2-1 fast break, he doesn't do to well at driving to the lane ether.

 

[juckerrules]

KJ is a good leader, no doubt. Love his energy, passion, and excitement he brings to games. I just think Cumberland is the better player and should be getting his minutes.

JR does better in many stats you can measure...points, percentages, rebounds,however, KJ still is a better defender & does it with far fewer fouls..not to say JR isn't a good defender, & he brings a bigger body to the table. KJ is also a better ft shooter, but JR has a way better assist/to ratio. Too bad we can't conflate them into one player.

Overall, JR has so much more upside it's not even close. I like the way Mick has been gradually mixing him in more and more...we need them both & the team chemistry seems great.

 

[Cin City]

I think they work well together. KJ brings the added defensive dimension to the team/game and JC is more offensive oriented. I like them both. I think KJ, having been around 4 years, is demonstrative in helping our younger guys understand leadership, and having JC to learn from a senior is invaluable. Just my .2 cents. I've always loved KJ though. Very appreciative of what he has done for the program.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Bottom line is the 2 guard was a concern of many posting here heading into the season. The combined play of JC and KJ has eliminated that concern. A big reason for our success to this point is the play of KJ and JC. Our 2 guard production is not a problem. it has been very good.

 

[waterhead]

Well first of all, it is my opinion that he is isn't a great defender. Do you have stats to prove he is a great defender? How about that time in the X game where he unwisely went for a steal on Blueitt and then fouled him on a 3 point shot. I could bet he leads the team in fouling three point shooters. IMO great defenders don't do that as frequently as he does. I would also argue that a lock down defender never gives up 40 points to a player. Now I know KJ wasn't on him the whole time, but still, if you have a lock down defender a guy doesn't score 40 points. Sorry, I just disagree. I think if KJ was a great offensive player you all wouldn't be saying this, but it seems like when people struggle offensively they have to grasp onto something. Again, he is a good defender, not great, and not good enough to overcome all his other liabilities.

Also, yes, this team doesn't need anyone to be a great offensive player, but it sure as hell helps when they are. KJ isn't a "shoot when open" guy. He is 4th on the team in FG attempts. I would agree he should be that guy, but he isn't. He is last amongst non-walkon players in percentage. Cumberland has played about 250 less minutes and has more rebounds, assists, and blocks. If this team wants to make a deep run, Cumberland is going to be needing the vast majority of KJ's minutes.

KJ is a great defender. Pointing to a few things he's done wrong is not convincing. We have the reigning Defensive POY in conference and that guy didn't even win the award on our own team and coach says "It wasn't even close".

Now, with that being said. I'm not sure I prefer the "subbing to strength" philosophy since we often get off to slow starts. As long as KJ keeps up his recent play and doesn't regress to the start of the season KJ...I am fine with subbing to Cumberland. However, if KJ regresses, we definitely need to start Cumberland. He's so much better at just about everything other than on ball defense.

Cumberland was a little shy in the beginning so I think coach has brought him along nicely and his confidence is probably through the roof right now. He's ready for a bigger role it seems!

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

KJ is a great defender. Pointing to a few things he's done wrong is not convincing. We have the reigning Defensive POY in conference and that guy didn't even win the award on our own team and coach says "It wasn't even close".

Now, with that being said. I'm not sure I prefer the "subbing to strength" philosophy since we often get off to slow starts. As long as KJ keeps up his recent play and doesn't regress to the start of the season KJ...I am fine with subbing to Cumberland. However, if KJ regresses, we definitely need to start Cumberland. He's so much better at just about everything other than on ball defense.

Cumberland was a little shy in the beginning so I think coach has brought him along nicely and his confidence is probably through the roof right now. He's ready for a bigger role it seems!

a lot of Cumberland's minutes come situationally. He plays the 2 and the 3. He gives the coach a very nice fall back if Evans or KJ get in foul trouble. He also is rotated late in game offense to defense. If we go small he is out there with KJ. Freshman also have a penchant for picking up fouls. Using him the way that Mick does not only safeguards him but he fills in for others if they get in foul trouble. If you start him and he picks up two quick ones you've lost you flexibility. He is getting his minutes and just like the X game they have been valuable minutes. In my opinion Coach is using him very well. I think you'll see his role grow but his additional minutes will come from lots of places not just KJ's.

 

[2bearcatdad]

a lot of Cumberland's minutes come situationally. He plays the 2 and the 3. He gives the coach a very nice fall back if Evans or KJ get in foul trouble. He also is rotated late in game offense to defense. If we go small he is out there with KJ. Freshman also have a penchant for picking up fouls. Using him the way that Mick does not only safeguards him but he fills in for others if they get in foul trouble. If you start him and he picks up two quick ones you've lost you flexibility. He is getting his minutes and just like the X game they have been valuable minutes. In my opinion Coach is using him very well. I think you'll see his role grow but his additional minutes will come from lots of places not just KJ's.

Agree with this.

We now have a couple of nice offense / defense switches for Cronin to utilize in the 2nd half of close games - Washington / Brooks and KJ / JC.

It's nice to have flexibility within the lineup.

 

[waterhead]

a lot of Cumberland's minutes come situationally. He plays the 2 and the 3. He gives the coach a very nice fall back if Evans or KJ get in foul trouble. He also is rotated late in game offense to defense. If we go small he is out there with KJ. Freshman also have a penchant for picking up fouls. Using him the way that Mick does not only safeguards him but he fills in for others if they get in foul trouble. If you start him and he picks up two quick ones you've lost you flexibility. He is getting his minutes and just like the X game they have been valuable minutes. In my opinion Coach is using him very well. I think you'll see his role grow but his additional minutes will come from lots of places not just KJ's.

I'm okay with starting KJ for a couple of reasons. He is a senior and SHOULD be more ready for hostile environments. Cumberland is proving to be a gamer though. Second would be KJ can guard one of the top two perimeter players on the other team along with Evans. Starting Washington and Cumberland might give us two soft spots on D.

However, if KJ loses his recent found confidence in shooting, he becomes a cog in the wheel on offense. Cumberland offers a better shooting %, much better passing to the interior, and much better creating/driving ability. He's better at rebounding, assists, and getting to the line as well.

All in all KJ just has to keep playing great D and making his 3's at a clip of 33% or better. If he can do that...we have other play makers on offense...but the offense will just not flow nearly as well as when Cumberland is in.

 

[justinhub2003]

Sooo. This dynamic of KJ starting and Cumberland being a scorer off the bench is working.

Why the hell would you change what's working ?

I mean if Cumberland starts and KJ comes of the bench then we have no really reliable scorer in when they do a mass sub. Tre, nysier, justin, KJ aren't gonna hold down the fort on the offensive end.

This dynamic that we have works. Cumberland will be a 3 year starter, but right now it works.