Cronin says still looking

[Btown Bearcat]

Got this from Bill Kochs Blog at http://cincinnati.com/blogs/uc/


Mick Cronin is still looking for players for next season, but he says he won’t sign a player just to fill out his roster. The Bearcats are currently two scholarships below the NCAA limit of 13.

“There’s players,” Cronin said. “There’s always players. (But) I would rather have scholarships than guys that couldn’t help our team. Scholarships are gold. You’re not going to play 13 guys. We’re a development program so if you can get a guy that fits your program that’s great. I don’t want anybody that’s going to ruin our program. We’ve got a good team. We’re going to have a good year. Now would we like to add somebody? Sure, if he can help us win. But we’re not going to add somebody just for fanfare, which goes on a lot in college basketball.”

Asked what kind of player would ruin his program, Cronin pointed to players who sign with unrealistic expectations and then are disenchanted when those expectations are not met.

“The guys in our program understand that it’s about our program and our team and their development is important to us, but it’s part of the process of winning here,” Cronin said. “We’re not going to sacrifice winning so some guy can shoot wild shots. Our guys in our program understand, look, here’s how we do things. We teach you how to play and we teach you how to play right and that will give you a chance to have a career. How much you develop will depend on how much effort you put in, how much work you put in, but we’re not going to bring some guy in here that’s got his own agenda and is going to ruin our chemistry and ruin our program.

“That being said, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we’re looking to add somebody that can help us. It’s every day. It never ends.”

 

[handwaver]

Message sent?

Is there anything to read between the lines? such as, Hey Obekpa, we're not waiting forever.

Or, could it mean the Cats have given up on signing Obekpa and are pushing hard elswhere?

Or perhaps it's just what coaches always do...always on the lookout for talent - the timing just seems odd.

 

[Btown Bearcat]

If you wanna take it there he also said we dont want someone that will hurt the program. He may of meant recruiting violations. I do agree with him tho that you cant just sign someone to make the fans happy its not worth it. Just like in baseball in july when fans want teams to trade no matter what

 

[UnivCincy]

I love the way Cronin is building this program. I don't think that his statements were directed at anyone in particular, but they are easily applicable to this board's recent vitriol concerning Obekpa.

Cincinnati's success doesn't depend upon one individual. This is a team, and not one player stands above the rest. We, as fans, may glorify individual performances, but in doing so, we often neglect Cronin's system and its successes. He wants players who are committed to personal development, who want to play Cincinnati's style of basketball. If there is a great player out there who desires to be a part of this system, then Cincinnati will gladly take him. Otherwise, other talented players are awaiting to seize the opportunity.

 

[Scheids21]

I don't read much into it. I think he just simply answered the question like any good coach would: Of course were always looking, but we aren't giving out scholarships just to complete a roster. Still good to hear.

 

[ralph1950]

Is John Reik available?

 

[bearcat jeff]

I would like to land Collins. I think we'll be alright in the post.

 

[dp3113]

I would like to land Collins. I think we'll be alright in the post.

agreed. i am more worried about the post beyond this year into next year- especially since two our or perimeter studs- cash and parker- will be gone. this year they will help cover up the lack of presence in the post.

and to add to this discussion....a lot of what cronin said seemed to be veiled comments about lance. i know cronin and lance still have a good relationship and lance still comes back for games, but i think it is fair to say cronin isn't going to have another "experiment" with a player that could disrupt chemistry again.

 

[cincycpaw]

aa lot of what cronin said seemed to be veiled comments about lance. i know cronin and lance still have a good relationship and lance still comes back for games, but i think it is fair to say cronin isn't going to have another "experiment" with a player that could disrupt chemistry again.

I kinda thought it just a way for Cronin to say I have a plan and don't expect highly ranked recruits because I'm not going after them.


Or, it could be that he has swung and missed so much recently that he is now coming out to say... "I meant to do that".

 

[bearcat jeff]

I kinda thought it just a way for Cronin to say I have a plan and don't expect highly ranked recruits because I'm not going after them.


Or, it could be that he has swung and missed so much recently that he is now coming out to say... "I meant to do that".

Fact is many of the so called swing and misses aren't misses at all. There are times once you get into the recruitment of a player you learn more and decide he isn't right for you. That doesn't mean the player isn't a good player, it just means he isn't right for your program. Also, many players want assurances of playing time or starting positions. They aren't going to get that from Mick. Mick may say, "there is playing time available and we think you have the ability to fill that" but he doesn't promise anything. He is straight forward in recruiting. It is widely accepted that 2012 is not a deep class. He is dead on with saying UC will not/should not sign players who can't be part of the program. As hard as it is for some to accept, UC is not UK, Duke, UNC, and their best move is to recruit good players who will be here 4 years and improve.

 

[cincycpaw]

Fact is many of the so called swing and misses aren't misses at all. There are times once you get into the recruitment of a player you learn more and decide he isn't right for you. That doesn't mean the player isn't a good player, it just means he isn't right for your program. Also, many players want assurances of playing time or starting positions. They aren't going to get that from Mick. Mick may say, "there is playing time available and we think you have the ability to fill that" but he doesn't promise anything. He is straight forward in recruiting. It is widely accepted that 2012 is not a deep class. He is dead on with saying UC will not/should not sign players who can't be part of the program. As hard as it is for some to accept, UC is not UK, Duke, UNC, and their best move is to recruit good players who will be here 4 years and improve.

Isn't that what I said?

Heck I added a smiley to show it was a joke.

 

[bearcat jeff]

Isn't that what I said?

Heck I added a smiley to show it was a joke.

Wasn't being critical. Just putting thoughts out there. Sorry if it came across wrong.

 

[Doodie]

Is cronin done recruiting for next year?

 

[bearcat jeff]

Is cronin done recruiting for next year?

Not by a long way.

 

[Doodie]

Well I guess I mean is he done recruiting for this year. Are there any big men he is looking at?

 

[bearcat jeff]

Well I guess I mean is he done recruiting for this year. Are there any big men he is looking at?

Mick truly is always recruiting. There may be a surprise pop but I don't believe we will see one. Can't see Collins signing after UC just signed two guards. There is plenty of guard depth and wing depth but the question remains about their confidence in the bench at the point. I suppose they could look for low post depth but outside of Dickerson I don't believe there are any that could help, but I don't know the juco ranks well.