2016-2017 Season

[jacobkdoyle]

he boarded,scored and defended and was on he floor for 30+ a game. How fresh you think he should look.

No need to be so defensive Waite. It's ok. No one is saying Clark isn't good. But even our coach said getting up and down the floor so much early in the year last year was hardest on DeBerry and Clark. No big deal. He's a JR now. He knows how to get through a game. Everyone is just hoping he can maintain his high level of play for the entire game, and season.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

I guess I just didn't like how it was worded. He will certainly help his game by being in better condition. But the fact is he worked his tail off last year. I understand everyone should strive to get better.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

With the Reds done and the Bengals on the verge of losing 4 of the first 6, coupled with our Cats in the toilet I hope Cronin and team can give us something to cheer about this year. As a diehard Cincy sports fan it has been a long season to this point.

 

[Bearcat513]

With the Reds done and the Bengals on the verge of losing 4 of the first 6, coupled with our Cats in the toilet I hope Cronin and team can give us something to cheer about this year. As a diehard Cincy sports fan it has been a long season to this point.

Agreed Waite. I am ready for the college basketball season to start! Tired of watching less than ideal football from the teams I cheer for

 

[waterhead]

No need to be so defensive Waite. It's ok. No one is saying Clark isn't good. But even our coach said getting up and down the floor so much early in the year last year was hardest on DeBerry and Clark. No big deal. He's a JR now. He knows how to get through a game. Everyone is just hoping he can maintain his high level of play for the entire game, and season.

It's hard on anyone going for 30 plus minutes. I just hope we use our backups as much as possible when games aren't hanging in the balance. It's better for everyone involved. We need fresh players late in the season. I wish we had 1 or 2 more players on the roster for that reason.

 

[BearcatSpaniard513]

It's hard on anyone going for 30 plus minutes. I just hope we use our backups as much as possible when games aren't hanging in the balance. It's better for everyone involved. We need fresh players late in the season. I wish we had 1 or 2 more players on the roster for that reason.

After seeing Quadri in the tourney game and him being in the best shape of his life, I hope he contributes a lot more this season. He certainly has the confidence and could be a nice surprise...

 

[waterhead]

After seeing Quadri in the tourney game and him being in the best shape of his life, I hope he contributes a lot more this season. He certainly has the confidence and could be a nice surprise...

If he buys in and accepts the role he can play there are plenty of minutes available. He just needs to be a little more disciplined on the court and work on footwork for defense. I hope Jenifer buys in too. A little more discipline and focus on D. I think there are minutes for him this year since we are thin on the wing. He won't get much at PG in big games...probably 5 minutes...but there are other minutes available. In games where we have comfortable leads and if we see any ankle sprains or foul trouble on the wing.

We only have 10 active players and our starters will need some rest. know your role and accept it. That's how you will earn trust and more minutes from the coach. There are no bench players that have proved much yet on the court between Brooks, Scott, Cumberland, Jenifer, or Moore. There is a lot of opportunity here for guys who hustle and play smart. Points should be the last thing on their mind at this point. distribute, rebound, set picks, hold on to the ball, defend, block shots, get steals, make a bucket or two.

 

[GarradJ21]

Is anyone worried about our defense this year? Besides KJ and Gary there's no one I'm that confident in for defense. We will probably want Cumberland in a lot too if KJ is struggling so there goes that defender. Cronin has made comments about trying to get Cumberland to defend which is understandable but that will be a liability. Washington apparently gets in foul trouble.

My point being is Hamilton and the dude from St. Joes. killed us. Our offense was great those games but our D killed us in those moments. If we had Shaq it would have been a different story. I hope we aren't wishing for different defenders this year. Scott might be a high energy guy but he's still a freshman.

 

[L-T]

Is anyone worried about our defense this year? Besides KJ and Gary there's no one I'm that confident in for defense. We will probably want Cumberland in a lot too if KJ is struggling so there goes that defender. Cronin has made comments about trying to get Cumberland to defend which is understandable but that will be a liability. Washington apparently gets in foul trouble.

My point being is Hamilton and the dude from St. Joes. killed us. Our offense was great those games but our D killed us in those moments. If we had Shaq it would have been a different story. I hope we aren't wishing for different defenders this year. Scott might be a high energy guy but he's still a freshman.

The object is to outscore the other team. I could care less about our defense as long as we win the game. It's a given that there will be some years where our offense struggles (pretty much every year under Mick) and the defense will have to be better and vice versa. We should have a good offense this year that can hopefully overcome a defense that might not be up to our usual standards. However, it's rare for us to suck on defense, so I fully expect us to be competent in that area by season's end. Being better offensively is much more important in my opinion. I think it will ultimately land us some better recruits than having a program known for winning games 46-44. Our offense has been getting a little better over the last few years and I think that is starting to show in the quality of recruits we're starting to land. I hope that trend continues.

 

[GarradJ21]

The object is to outscore the other team. I could care less about our defense as long as we win the game. It's a given that there will be some years where our offense struggles (pretty much every year under Mick) and the defense will have to be better and vice versa. We should have a good offense this year that can hopefully overcome a defense that might not be up to our usual standards. However, it's rare for us to suck on defense, so I fully expect us to be competent in that area by season's end. Being better offensively is much more important in my opinion. I think it will ultimately land us some better recruits than having a program known for winning games 46-44. Our offense has been getting a little better over the last few years and I think that is starting to show in the quality of recruits we're starting to land. I hope that trend continues.

I can agree, and I can never assume our defense is going to be awful, so I like where your head is at. I just remembered getting so frustrated watching Hamilton because it looked too easy.

 

[Doogle]

L-T is right. Defense is only worth as many points as it can put in the margin of victory. And there are things that can be taught, and things that can't. Talent is one of those things that can't. I argued for years that Huggs' teams overachieved in the regular season based on effort alone, but in the tournament you have to have players that can create and score on their own. The UCLA double overtime game was a perfect example. EVERYONE plays harder in the tournament.

Ideally, you'd like to have a team that plays excellent defense but also executes a crisp offense with skilled players at different positions that can score the ball (I know, duh Captain Obvious). Mick is slowly getting those skilled players. Clark, Evans, hopefully Cumberland and even Washington. This new class is an even bigger step in that direction with Broome, Williams, etc. And he's augmenting each class with some situational guys and raw talent that could be developed, along with shot blockers, etc.

All that's left is to implement a system that allows these individuals to flourish as a team and develop the raw talent into polished talent. This is where I think a lot of folks on this board feel like Mick hasn't proven himself yet. I'm expecting big, big things from the team this season. We shall see.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

The object is to outscore the other team. I could care less about our defense as long as we win the game. It's a given that there will be some years where our offense struggles (pretty much every year under Mick) and the defense will have to be better and vice versa. We should have a good offense this year that can hopefully overcome a defense that might not be up to our usual standards. However, it's rare for us to suck on defense, so I fully expect us to be competent in that area by season's end. Being better offensively is much more important in my opinion. I think it will ultimately land us some better recruits than having a program known for winning games 46-44. Our offense has been getting a little better over the last few years and I think that is starting to show in the quality of recruits we're starting to land. I hope that trend continues.

I think Micks teams are always going to guard. Coming up under Huggins and Pitino means its in his DNA. Both Guys recruit tough kids who are grinders and guard. To this point they have been able to recruit guys who are athletic enough to guard and can also put points on the board. I think Mick may be turning the corner. I agree playing more up tempo can help recruiting but they still will be required to guard. You may not hit shots every night but you can guard every minute of every game. That's his style and its what his mentors have been very successful with.

I am a bit worried about our interior defense but everything I'm hearing about Brooks is by years end he will be a capable presence in the middle of our defense if needed.

I think you will see a bit more offense this year but if your expecting us to run up and down the floor you may be disappointed. We may be a year away from that yet. Our efficiency should be better this year and while I think will miss Ellis's defensive presence in the middle early on I think we will improve our offence with Washington.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

I think Micks teams are always going to guard. Coming up under Huggins and Pitino means its in his DNA. Both Guys recruit tough kids who are grinders and guard. To this point they have been able to recruit guys who are athletic enough to guard and can also put points on the board. I think Mick may be turning the corner. I agree playing more up tempo can help recruiting but they still will be required to guard. You may not hit shots every night but you can guard every minute of every game. That's his style and its what his mentors have been very successful with.

I am a bit worried about our interior defense but everything I'm hearing about Brooks is by years end he will be a capable presence in the middle of our defense if needed.

I think you will see a bit more offense this year but if your expecting us to run up and down the floor you may be disappointed. We may be a year away from that yet. Our efficiency should be better this year and while I think will miss Ellis's defensive presence in the middle early on I think we will improve our offence with Washington.

I think the ship has sailed on anyone expectting that.

 

[justinhub2003]

I think the ship has sailed on anyone expectting that.

With Caupain I don't think were ever going to be a run first offense. But Running and free flowing don't have to go hand in hand. I want to see more movement away from the ball. I want to see everyone moving.

A lot of coaches love what TC brings, in that he is a steady PG who protects the ball. And I've heard coaches compliment his pace and steadiness. I think he can play his game that way this season and as long as the guys around him move with out the ball, we will be fine.

BUT when Jenifer is in the game, I could see us being a lot faster. And It would be a good strategy as well. With TC playing the mid tempo, slow and steady PG, then Jenifer coming in and pushing the ball up the court. It could be a dynamic that works but to make it really effective, Jenifer needs to be given the chance to run the offense with the best players on the floor.

I'd love to see what jenifer could do with the following line ups:
Small Ball Lineup:
PG Jenifer
SG Troy
SG Cumberland/KJ
SF Evans
PF Clark

And then also getting some with TC and the rest of the normal guys
PG Jenifer
SG TC
SF Evans
PF Clark
PF Washington


If we are truly going to give Jenifer a shot to see what he can do, we can't just throw him in there with a bunch of other freshman from the second team, he needs to play with our scorers

 

[jacobkdoyle]

With Caupain I don't think were ever going to be a run first offense. But Running and free flowing don't have to go hand in hand. I want to see more movement away from the ball. I want to see everyone moving.

A lot of coaches love what TC brings, in that he is a steady PG who protects the ball. And I've heard coaches compliment his pace and steadiness. I think he can play his game that way this season and as long as the guys around him move with out the ball, we will be fine.

BUT when Jenifer is in the game, I could see us being a lot faster. And It would be a good strategy as well. With TC playing the mid tempo, slow and steady PG, then Jenifer coming in and pushing the ball up the court. It could be a dynamic that works but to make it really effective, Jenifer needs to be given the chance to run the offense with the best players on the floor.

I'd love to see what jenifer could do with the following line ups:
Small Ball Lineup:
PG Jenifer
SG Troy
SG Cumberland/KJ
SF Evans
PF Clark

And then also getting some with TC and the rest of the normal guys
PG Jenifer
SG TC
SF Evans
PF Clark
PF Washington


If we are truly going to give Jenifer a shot to see what he can do, we can't just throw him in there with a bunch of other freshman from the second team, he needs to play with our scorers

I don't see Caupain as anything other than the PG. I think Jenifer will come in for Caupain if he needs a break, or if we're up by a ton. If Jenifer and Caupain have to play together bc of fouls or injury, I'd bet on Caupain bringing the ball up and running things. I know we talk about Caupain moving off the ball and Jenifer getting a chance, but I just don't see it. I guess we could see a million different lineups in exhibition and cupcake games. But Jenifer at PG and Caupain at the 2 in any close game, or any game that matters? I just can't see it.

 

[waterhead]

L-T is right. Defense is only worth as many points as it can put in the margin of victory. And there are things that can be taught, and things that can't. Talent is one of those things that can't. I argued for years that Huggs' teams overachieved in the regular season based on effort alone, but in the tournament you have to have players that can create and score on their own. The UCLA double overtime game was a perfect example. EVERYONE plays harder in the tournament.

Ideally, you'd like to have a team that plays excellent defense but also executes a crisp offense with skilled players at different positions that can score the ball (I know, duh Captain Obvious). Mick is slowly getting those skilled players. Clark, Evans, hopefully Cumberland and even Washington. This new class is an even bigger step in that direction with Broome, Williams, etc. And he's augmenting each class with some situational guys and raw talent that could be developed, along with shot blockers, etc.

All that's left is to implement a system that allows these individuals to flourish as a team and develop the raw talent into polished talent. This is where I think a lot of folks on this board feel like Mick hasn't proven himself yet. I'm expecting big, big things from the team this season. We shall see.

UConn is a great example of what happens when a team with offensive talent plays harder D come tournament time. I agree that our teams have been victims of not having enough offensive fire power during the tournaments when other teams start to match our effort on D.

I like the direction things are heading.

 

[L-T]

I think Micks teams are always going to guard. Coming up under Huggins and Pitino means its in his DNA. Both Guys recruit tough kids who are grinders and guard. To this point they have been able to recruit guys who are athletic enough to guard and can also put points on the board. I think Mick may be turning the corner. I agree playing more up tempo can help recruiting but they still will be required to guard. You may not hit shots every night but you can guard every minute of every game. That's his style and its what his mentors have been very successful with.

I am a bit worried about our interior defense but everything I'm hearing about Brooks is by years end he will be a capable presence in the middle of our defense if needed.

I think you will see a bit more offense this year but if your expecting us to run up and down the floor you may be disappointed. We may be a year away from that yet. Our efficiency should be better this year and while I think will miss Ellis's defensive presence in the middle early on I think we will improve our offence with Washington.

Waite, why did Mick only inherit that one piece of DNA from Huggs and Pitino? He obviously didn't inherit their recruiting prowess (signing blue chip players) or their ability to develop great players who can score, or their ability to achieve high rankings and winning championships. Huggs's last 11 teams averaged 76, 77, 67, 78, 74, 78, 74, 76, 80, 80, 81 for an average of 77 per game. Mick's teams have averaged 67 per game and has only gotten above 70 once in ten years, and that is playing a plethora of cupcakes each year where he runs up those point totals and averages. Pitino's teams have been in the mid-70s with an occasional 80 pt. average as well. So, the DNA that Mick should have inherited was guard and play offense, not just guard and slow the ball down on offense. The fact that he obviously is over-emphasizing the defensive end of the ball, is what the difference is between where our bar is today, and where it should, or could, be.

Hopefully. that 73 pt. offensive average last year is a sign of things to come. The trick now is to figure out how to get the higher point totals, while still maintaining the tough defense. Huggs and Pitino figured that out and have flourished. Our defensive average of 63 last year was the highest in about the last 7 years, so I'm hoping that Mick is not over-obsessing on that number.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

Waite, why did Mick only inherit that one piece of DNA from Huggs and Pitino? He obviously didn't inherit their recruiting prowess (signing blue chip players) or their ability to develop great players who can score, or their ability to achieve high rankings and winning championships. Huggs's last 11 teams averaged 76, 77, 67, 78, 74, 78, 74, 76, 80, 80, 81 for an average of 77 per game. Mick's teams have averaged 67 per game and has only gotten above 70 once in ten years, and that is playing a plethora of cupcakes each year where he runs up those point totals and averages. Pitino's teams have been in the mid-70s with an occasional 80 pt. average as well. So, the DNA that Mick should have inherited was guard and play offense, not just guard and slow the ball down on offense. The fact that he obviously is over-emphasizing the defensive end of the ball, is what the difference is between where our bar is today, and where it should, or could, be.

Hopefully. that 73 pt. offensive average last year is a sign of things to come. The trick now is to figure out how to get the higher point totals, while still maintaining the tough defense. Huggs and Pitino figured that out and have flourished. Our defensive average of 63 last year was the highest in about the last 7 years, so I'm hoping that Mick is not over-obsessing on that number.

We averaged 73 bc of how we played in the first handful of games. We only cracked 60 in regulation 1 time in AAC road games. We should average 70+ ppg in our 18 game AAC schedule, no problem. I'll be pretty ticked if we don't.

 

[justinhub2003]

I initially thought Albany would be a great team to test out different lineups against a relatively decent team.
Then realized, they graduated their two best players.

They were #121 in kenpom last year.

Thats one thing that sucks about our scheduling, were always a year too late on the really good mid major teams or low major teams. Its not our fault really, just happens.

Last year we played Robert Morris, who the year prior went to the Tournament and was 183 in Kenpom, then we play them and they end up the 303 team in kenpom. Kills our SOS

Albany will be the same for us this year.

Bowling green another example as they went from 115 in kenpom to 230. same for Norfolk state..

Just wish we could be ahead of the curve a bit and schedule buy games to teams who will finish in the Kenpom 200 or better, i think those early games against non 300+ schools would really help us find out who we are quicker and not get over confident.

That All said, we will quickly learn who we are early on this season as our 3rd game is no Joke and our 4th (win or lose really) game could be absolutely insane. The schedule this year will keep us from being overly confident because we dont have a long stretch of games against really bad teams.

 

[BearcatSpaniard513]

I am a bit worried about our interior defense but everything I'm hearing about Brooks is by years end he will be a capable presence in the middle of our defense if needed.

Brooks, plus we have the AAC defensive player of the year for 2 more years