Early non-conf schedule debate

[bearcat jeff]

As a preseason top-25 team, Cincinnati's nonconference schedule is certainly worthy of criticism. But coach Mick Cronin makes a good point in the difficulties of getting into the elite tournaments as a Big East team. Tournaments are not allowed to take two teams from a conference, and a team can return to a tournament on a four-year cycle. That makes it very tough for a team like Cincinnati, which doesn't have as high a profile, to move ahead of teams such as Connecticut, Syracuse, Georgetown and Villanova for some of the elite tournaments. Pitt has chosen to stay away from the neutral-site events of late, so that takes the Panthers out of the mix for a Maui or Orlando event. That's why Cronin elected for a makeshift, multi-team event. He landed Marshall as a partner, and the Thundering Herd will be a viable contender for second behind Memphis in Conference USA. Still, the schedule, which includes Xavier (an annual series), at Georgia, Oklahoma and Marshall, could have used at least one more given top-25 team. Xavier is the only squad on this list that the Bearcats can comfortably say will be an NCAA tournament team -- as of now.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/6709434/drummond-play-uconn-2011

 

[TheLivingLegend]

A reoccurring theme under cronin? To early to say that I suppose...

But I guess the fact of the matter is this, playing in the Big East decides your fate plain and simple. While some of those early season games where boring to watch it helped UC add to the win column.

However Im not sure how I feel about it.

 

[Who Dey Time]

Scheduling has always been a very tricky deal. In the old CUSA days you almost had to try to schedule as many difficult games as possible since the bottom half of the league was so poor.

Complete opposite though playing in the Big East. Like LL said, if UC has success within the league that would almost assure them of a NCAA bid by itself.

This year's OOC schedule is certainly stronger than last years and it could be bolstered if UGA maintains its NCAA status from last year and Oklahoma shows improvement under Kruger which is expected.

Also, I still think there is the potential for one more "big" game in the OOC so time will tell.

 

[psax889906]

I'd like to have one more big game but I think the schedule has some good challenges as of right now... I'll be interested to see where Oklahoma is at under their new regime...

 

[Thegreatone]

I think we would all like to have another big name opponet but money is a big issue here. Big East will make or break us. No doubt.

 

[bearcat jeff]

I think we would all like to have another big name opponet but money is a big issue here. Big East will make or break us. No doubt.

Win in the BEast there is no problem. You'll get plenty of big wins. If you have a marginal year then there could be an issue unless 2-3 of those teams make the NCAA. Surely you could get a couple 100-150 rpi type teams to get involved in the self made tournament.

 

[dp3113]

it is funny that an espn employee is critical of the schedule- because we were at espn's mercy for the sec/big east matchup. if espn gives us UK, Vandy, or UF instead of UGA- this isn't a discussion.

 

[psax889906]

it is funny that an espn employee is critical of the schedule- because we were at espn's mercy for the sec/big east matchup. if espn gives us UK, Vandy, or UF instead of UGA- this isn't a discussion.

Good point- also have to remember the Duke match up that never happened last year.

 

[JasonS]

Good point- also have to remember the Duke match up that never happened last year.

You mean the Duke match up that ESPN nixed? Thanks for nothing ESPN.

 

[psax889906]

You mean the Duke match up that ESPN nixed? Thanks for nothing ESPN.

That was my point.

 

[psax889906]

http://cincinnati.247sports.com/Article/Cronin-wants-to-build-legacy-30279

A look into what Cronin and the AD is trying to do:

The schedule is almost complete, but Cronin is still out looking for one more marquee game to round out the home schedule. Unfortunately he hasn't been able to turn the open date into a big money regional rivalry game like he was looking for yet.

“We have one game we're trying to finish, and the only message I would try to send to our fans is I think it's important for people to understand, we make every effort with CBS and ESPN to get nationally televised non league games,” Cronin said. “For different reasons Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio State are not playing the Bearcats right now. It's not that the Bearcats aren't interested, but that's not going on. It's just not happening.”

Cronin wants Bearcat fans to know getting those type of teams on the schedule has been a priority, and that it isn't his program looking to hide behind an inflated non-conference slate.

“I think it's important that our fans know that we want those games,” said Cronin. “We're not the team that is not interested in those games. We'd love to have more regional big name rivalry games home and home for our fans. That's not available to us right now, but it doesn't mean that we're going to stop trying to pursue those games.”

With those options apparently out of reach Cronin is still searching for that perfect fit to round out the 2011-2012 schedule. While there is nothing set in stone yet, he is still working hard to make sure that last piece of the puzzle is worth the wait.

“We're trying to get a big name home and home opponent into 5/3 Arena,” Cronin said. “Somebody that will attract recruits, and will be impressive to recruits and obviously will be a very impressive game to our season ticket holders.”

 

[bearcat jeff]

http://cincinnati.247sports.com/Article/Cronin-wants-to-build-legacy-30279

A look into what Cronin and the AD is trying to do:

I know Mick is somewhat bitter over Matta taking the game when the program was in the gutter and unwilling to play now. I'd look to the ACC, Big 12, or Pac 10 if the regional match ups aren't a go.

Thanks for trying Mick.

 

[BoKnows]

I'd love to see UC get in a decent tournament early in the year, but I'm not overly concerned about having a strong nonconference schedule.

Last year it hurt UC only because they weren't ranked in the preseason. I'd rather see UC go into the Big East undefeated with only two good wins than see them play four top-25 teams and go in 11-2. Now that we have some national respect it shouldn't matter who we play outside of the Big East.

Syracuse never plays anyone in their nonconference schedule but because they start the season in the top 20, they are usually around the top 10 by the time Big East play comes around.

I don't see how any UC fans can hate on Mick for a weak preseason schedule when they play more top 25 teams in the big east than they would over the course of two full seasons when they were in Conference USA.

The only argument I could see is that it prepares them more for the tournament like it did for UCONN last year. But with 9 big East teams in the tournament, chances are we are still going to have to beat a Big East team to get into the Elite 8.

 

[BigBiscuit34]

I completely agree with BoKnows... potentially being ranked in the preseason Top 25 will make a significant difference as far as how others view UC and a weaker preseason schedule. If UC runs through their Non-Conf schedule it is going to be hard to move them out of the top 25 as they continue to win or drop a game or two. Then as everyone else has stated the BE schedule is going to truly determine UC's postseason fate...

 

[TheLivingLegend]

I completely agree with BoKnows... potentially being ranked in the preseason Top 25 will make a significant difference as far as how others view UC and a weaker preseason schedule. If UC runs through their Non-Conf schedule it is going to be hard to move them out of the top 25 as they continue to win or drop a game or two. Then as everyone else has stated the BE schedule is going to truly determine UC's postseason fate...

These are facts.

But as a fan going to watch UC hammer some clown university can be tiresome and a bit boring, for the average fan. Getting people back into the stands seems to be a problematic issue on its own.

As for the team, I dont believe it helps them prepare for BE competition.

 

[psax889906]

These are facts.

But as a fan going to watch UC hammer some clown university can be tiresome and a bit boring, for the average fan. Getting people back into the stands seems to be a problematic issue on its own.

As for the team, I dont believe it helps them prepare for BE competition.

Do you want murderer's row? I think Georgia, XU, Oklahoma and Marshall will provide solid tests early on to prepare for the Big East... and as Mick has stated they are still hoping to get a big game to round out the schedule. I like balance. If they find that extra game, I think the OOC schedule will be just right.


And as for the schedule not preparing them for the Big East- I'd disagree to a point. I think the games last year helped build the team's confidence and allowed them to play above their potential at points during the Big East season... I also think a healthy dose of cupcakes this season won't be a bad thing, considering all the freshmen we have that will need to contribute, in one way or another. They are going to need minutes and those will be good games to get them significant minutes in.

 

[TheLivingLegend]

Do you want murderer's row? I think Georgia, XU, Oklahoma and Marshall will provide solid tests early on to prepare for the Big East... and as Mick has stated they are still hoping to get a big game to round out the schedule. I like balance. If they find that extra game, I think the OOC schedule will be just right.


And as for the schedule not preparing them for the Big East- I'd disagree to a point. I think the games last year helped build the team's confidence and allowed them to play above their potential at points during the Big East season... I also think a healthy dose of cupcakes this season won't be a bad thing, considering all the freshmen we have that will need to contribute, in one way or another. They are going to need minutes and those will be good games to get them significant minutes in.

Logically it makes great sense to play this type of schedule. Its a perfect fit for getting your team where they need to be, the NCAA tournament. I just think its a tough sell for those half hearted fans that UC NEEDS to come back.

As for ur second comment... Touche'

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

Do you want murderer's row? I think Georgia, XU, Oklahoma and Marshall will provide solid tests early on to prepare for the Big East... and as Mick has stated they are still hoping to get a big game to round out the schedule. I like balance. If they find that extra game, I think the OOC schedule will be just right.


And as for the schedule not preparing them for the Big East- I'd disagree to a point. I think the games last year helped build the team's confidence and allowed them to play above their potential at points during the Big East season... I also think a healthy dose of cupcakes this season won't be a bad thing, considering all the freshmen we have that will need to contribute, in one way or another. They are going to need minutes and those will be good games to get them significant minutes in.

I agree that they don't need a very difficult top heavy like an X or Memphis needs..however I think we all agree that the killers in the schedule will be the extremely bad--bad teams. As we all know those games pull down the SOS and create a negative perception among the media talking-heads. The problem is that more revenue needs to be generated (meaning high profile games/ more people at games) to get these mediocre bad teams that won't kill the SOS (see Wright State and Miami)...so it's a vicious cycle of need for money and need for fans. Hopefully they can attempt some creative ways of fundraising especially from alumni, because I read an article a while ago that ranked Cincinnati as one of the most dependent on student fee's, government support, ect. meaning that the alumni and local corporations aren't involved at all.

 

[david aka the TYZ]

I think what hurt UC more than anything last year was them being ranked next to last (344 out of 345 I believe) in non-conf SOS in one publication. The media sees that and just runs with it. Plenty of big name teams run soft schedules, just no one really pays that close attention. Trying to get recognition with that soft schedule made it tough on them too. I honestly thought they were good last year, but understood the "Well, beat somebody good mentality." They did and it was kind of old news come March when it really mattered. They earned a 6 seed, which means a top 24 team and that seemed just about right to me. When a good team can lose 7 or 8 games in conference, you really don't want to many L's coming from the non-conference schedule. 12 and 13 loss teams can find themselves on the wrong side of the bubble. I think this year's schedule is ideal. It has some known names, but nobody that is just lights out tough. I wouldn't mind having one Duke or Kentucky type on the schedule every year, but I don't want to play several.