Early Predictions and Player Analysis for next year

[Thegreatone]

You have got to be excited that we will have another veteran group to lead this team. Our biggest strengths will easily be Cashmere, SK, and Parker in the backcourt. That is a really strong lineup. I expect huge years from all 3.

I will go through each player and give some expectations and predictions:

Top Players (Full Confidence)

Cashmere: Will need to be our best player. He will be a senior and PG. Extremely confident in Cash at this point. I think he could be a top 10 PG in the country. Not worried with his off season at all.

SK: If he can improve his handles (which were already better than his freshman year) he can be lethal. He will be gaurded by the other teams best player but that probably wasn't much different than this year. I am not sure if he will stay at 3 or move to a 2. I think he will be fine at either.

Parker: If Park can improve his quickness just a little bit I think he can be a force. I love Parker. I think SK ultimately moves to 2 and Parker goes to a 3. After banging around with some of the biggest players in the country he will not be afraid of any guard.

The Young Guys (Need to make naturally next step)

Jerry Davis III: I expect more minutes from Jerry. He has shown the ability to score as a freshman. He has a really nice shot. I think he just needs to have the natural improvement from fresh to sophmore. We won't need him to be a star or even a major contributer next season. We do need him to be able to come in and score some points. We need him to be able to do what he did in the Big East what he did verse OOC.

Ge-Lawn Guyn: I think he has the second most upside as anyone who played this year. Athletic, strong, quick. He could be an all Big East defensive player one day. Has a nice shot too. Just needs that year to get more comfortable. Turned it over way too much. He will need to take minutes away from Cash to keep him fresh. Very excited with Guyn.

Jermaine Sanders: I think early we all were a little disappointed that Jermaine wasnt going to be able to contribute more than he did but we saw glimpes. His 3 pt % was really strong this year. Jermaine just needs to improve quickness. I think it is as simple as that. I the he could be a SK type of player but he needs a strong off-season. He is a dark horse to start IMO.

Kelvin Gaines: Athletically could be our best player. At 6'11 he is big and can really get up. Will have every opportunity to start. He doesn't have to be a big offensive threat. He needs to be able to defend the hoop and not foul. He has had 2 years to practive against Yancy so I hope that helps.

The Key Off Season Guys:

If these guys have great off seasons I think we could potentially be a top 15 team. If they dont I think we could see little to no improvement from the past 2 years.

Cheik Moodbj: Hampered by suspensions and injuries really got him off to a bad start this year. We have seen glimpses of what he can do. He seems so uncomfortable at times. If he can improve this off season and gain an offensive game and limit the fouls it would be huge. I dont trust Gaines yet and he is the only other person who has body to bang.

Shaq Thomas: Not sure what to expect from Shaq. I dont think much because I never do from freshman. But its hard not to get excited about a guy who is 6'7 and plays like a gaurd from all accounts. Needs to have great off season and pack on weight. Should be at least 205. If he turns out to be a stud next year he could be a darkhorse to start. Would love to see him and Jackson on the press.

Justin Jackson: Can be dominate in transition game. Can he get to that point in half court game? He is so athletic for a PF. There are few, if any, PF that can stat in front of him. I think his offensive game was hampered by a lack of confidence. He saw the gaurds as scorers and Yancy as a scorer. If he can become a half court player it could make the difference between pretty good and very good for us as a team. A lot of big men struggle their first couple years so expecting him to do that isnt unreasonable. Would love to see Justin add 15 pound of muscle.

Newcomers:

Titus Rubles: I always like having one JUCO because you know what you are going to get and you dont need to wait around for them. Seems like a solid addition and a guy who is going to rebound. Built guy. I expect some good minutes out of Titus because you do not bring in JUCO's unless they are going to help immediately.

The Biggest Question and Highest Upside:

Octavious Ellis:

He is getting freaking tall. Still growing and right now about 6'10 and looking like he might get to 6'11. He was pleasantly surprising early in the year showing a good shot. He is so freaking long and can really run. Sky is the limit with this guy. If he can refine things I think he could be a homerun major talent in a couple of years. We need bigs. I dont expect him to start or even score a bunch next year but he can add such an element.


**We are going to be very long and athletic in the upcoming years. With guys like Ellis, Thomas, and Gaines we will not be short on athleticism. I am excited for the future and next year already looks to be strong but we need some good off seasosn to take the next step**

What do you think?

 

[ralph1950]

NCAA Champions next season as that is what UC plays for.

Mick WILL win the NCAA Tourney at UC, it is simply a matter of when.

 

[bearcats87]

justin jackson

I agree about the three guards, will be nice to have them back next year. I think you downplay Justin's potential a bit. Look at how quick he gets back on D to block shots, and the kid definitely has got some hops. He needs to get a little sharper on offense; he turned over the ball some last night, also missed a couple bounce passes on back cuts.
I totally agree about him just needing to gain some confidence and a few pounds. If his back stays healthy, he shows signs of being an intimidating shot blocker and hopefully a good rebounder.

 

[Thegreatone]

I am very high on Justin. We are talking about a soph here. In transition he is a beast. If he can improve his halfcourt game he could be a game changer.

 

[UCBearcats]

Cashmere is the man and I expect a 1st Team All Big East season out of him next year. It wasn't that long ago that there was a thread out there about benching him and putting G'Lawn in the starting lineup.

To me next season's success is all about the development of Cheik and or Gaines. Our guards are going to be strong and I expect more contribution from guys like G'Lawn, Davis and Sanders.

Don't really know what to expect from Shaq and I'll go ahead and assume that Ellis won't be much of a contributor since he'll basically be a freshman again next year. I'm not big on the idea of relying on a freshman as a difference maker, unless you're getting Calapari type recruits.

The X factor is Rubles, can he bang down low and get boards?

Should be an interesting season, I'm looking forward to it. I really hope Gaines and Cheik dedicate themselves to improving their games this offseason, if just one of them can get better we're going to have a good outlook next year.

 

[Thegreatone]

I agree 100 %. I dont think we need our center to make up all of Yancy's production because we will have increased production from the bench and I expect all the gaurds to make improvements too.

 

[BearcatMick]

NCAA Champions next season as that is what UC plays for.

Mick WILL win the NCAA Tourney at UC, it is simply a matter of when.

What an absurd statement.

Mick will win much more than 1 NCAA tourney. Mick is one of if not the best coach in the country

 

[ucswais]

I agree 100 %. I dont think we need our center to make up all of Yancy's production because we will have increased production from the bench and I expect all the gaurds to make improvements too.

With points, I agree. Rebounding and defense he masked a TON of problems when he was on the floor. Finding someone to fill that role will determine our BE record at minimum. I like Jackson a lot, but I don't think he has the size for it. I'm looking hard at Rubles, Obekpa (maybe), or even Gaines. One of those guys needs to hit the weight room starting today because there are minutes to be had for anyone who can take that physical role next year.

 

[Thegreatone]

Cheik and Gaines will have to fill that role. Again, it wont be the entire production but we will will make it up together.

 

[UCBearcats]

I agree 100 %. I dont think we need our center to make up all of Yancy's production because we will have increased production from the bench and I expect all the gaurds to make improvements too.

You're right, we don't need to replace Yancy, with the improved guards we just need bigs who can contribute on the defensive end and grab a ton of boards. We're going to be very similar to the Jay Wright Villanova teams in terms of makeup. I still expect that we're going to rely heavily on defense and rebounding though because that is the style that Mick plays.

If Gaines can improve his footwork, hands and awareness I think he can play a huge role next year. He has a knack for blocking shots but he's got to get better with his hands and his positioning to grab the boards. If his footwork gets better he'll be able to clog up the post and keep himself out of foul trouble.

I'm not big on JJ to fill this role. He can run the floor and gets some nice blocks on D but he's not a very good rebounder and plays too out of control. I like Jackson but just not in a game changer type of a role. He's a great energy guy to come off the bench but I don't expect he's ever going to give us a significantly better production than we saw out of him this season. No doubt he'll develop into a better player, I just don't see him being a huge difference maker.

 

[Thegreatone]

You're right, we don't need to replace Yancy, with the improved guards we just need bigs who can contribute on the defensive end and grab a ton of boards. We're going to be very similar to the Jay Wright Villanova teams in terms of makeup. I still expect that we're going to rely heavily on defense and rebounding though because that is the style that Mick plays.

If Gaines can improve his footwork, hands and awareness I think he can play a huge role next year. He has a knack for blocking shots but he's got to get better with his hands and his positioning to grab the boards. If his footwork gets better he'll be able to clog up the post and keep himself out of foul trouble.

I'm not big on JJ to fill this role. He can run the floor and gets some nice blocks on D but he's not a very good rebounder and plays too out of control. I like Jackson but just not in a game changer type of a role. He's a great energy guy to come off the bench but I don't expect he's ever going to give us a significantly better production than we saw out of him this season. No doubt he'll develop into a better player, I just don't see him being a huge difference maker.

Probably agree about Justin but lets remember he is only a sophomore. He will progress. He needs to get under control and improve half court game.

Youre spot on about his rebounding. This HAS to improve.

 

[dbieon12]

Core Guys:

Cashmere Wright. The run without Yancy, the run late in the season, and the run in the Big East tournament were all eye openers. I'm always frustrated when he doesn't shoot more often. I felt more comfortable with him shooting the ball than I did with Dixon. He's got a silky smooth 12 foot jumpshot which can extend to near 27 feet.

Jaquan Parker. Warrior. A guy should put the ball on the court more often. His 3pt shot is okay but it can disappear. He's most effective putting the ball on the court and getting to the hoop or pulling up 10-15 feet away and making a two.

Sean Kilpatrick. Scorer. He's going to be a big part of the team next season as we'll need him to put up points in bunches. He's still a streaky shooter, hopefully he can become more consistent this offseason and during the year.

Justin Jackson. Energy guy. "Action Jackson". I don't see him as a pure 5 or a pure 4. He's got length and did anyone else notice his offensive game got a little better at the end of the year. He developed a (still raw) swim move around a post defender. He's also got an interesting bank shot when in the paint. Strength could help him rebound but so could positioning and awareness particularly in half court situations. Teams were never prepared to play against him. In transition he was a beast and when he was involved offensively he had some rocket passes.

Peripheral Guys: (will need some of these guys to step up from time to time)

Cheik Mbodj. He's got size. He needs to work on his footwork and positioning. Strength would help him rebound more effectively and be able to go up strong. If he becomes a consistent 8pts/8rebs kind of guy he could be very valuable.

Jermaine Sanders. This kid has potential. Can score from inside and outside. Would like to see him work on his post play.

Jeremiah Davis III. I want to see what this kid can do with consistent minutes. At this point he would be my choice to be groomed as a replacement to Cash. He's good defensively on the ball but had trouble beating screens in the limited time he played which may be a concern.

Ge'Lawn Guyn. He got better with more time but I wouldn't be comfortable with him controlling the ball. He turned the ball over frequently. He's made impact plays already and should become more important next season.

Shaq Thomas. Most seem to be high on this kid. I don't expect much from freshmen but being a red-shirt has really helped Cashmere Wright - and hopefully the same can happen here. He should be a guy who gives us 8-10 points per game (hopefully - I don't expect more at this point).

Octavius Ellis. Wild-card. If he's ready to play, we have a better front-court immediately. If not we may have a guy who can get experience and spell Mbodj, Gaines and Jackson in games.

Kelvin Gaines. He's got size and I expect him to get 15-20 minutes consistently next season. He showed some promise but has some developing to do.

Titus Rubles. He could be the favorite to become an immediate impact (and core player). What he brings will be valuable. We lose rebounding in Yancy, and we pick some up with Rubles. He also will give the team another scoring option (hopefully).

 

[Eternal E]

Clearly its way too early but here are my thoughts on the guys:

Returning Starters
G Cashmere Wright: He will need to take his game to the next level, his leadership skills have greatly improved and I think he'll be the catalyst of the team next year. His ability to score and control a game will be vital. I am thinking he'll average between 12-16 points per game and be an All-Big East player.

G Sean Kilpatrick: He always could score but he'll need to work on his handles even more to help break down his man. Knowing the type of kid he is, he'll be in the gym as often as possible to improve his game. I am thinking he will average between 13-19 points per game and return to the All-Big East team.

G Jaquan Parker: I hope he really works on his offensive game in the offseason, if he could just finish around the rim more consistently he'll be a star. He will be toughest guy on the floor and will battle for every rebound, at this point that is a given. I think he'll average between 10-14 points per game.

Bench Guys
F Justin Jackson: I love his energy and excitement that he brings but it is time he grows up and matures as a player. His work this summer will be key for this team as he needs to be become the 4th scorer on this team.

G/F Shaq Thomas: Will be anther key to the team, especially if he can have a SK like freshman year. Athletic slasher and can really score the ball, his shot needs more work but he should contribute some.

G/F Jermaine Sanders: Has a good feel for the game and always seems to be in the right spot offensively, evident by the back cuts he had in each NCAA game. I think confidence is a key issue with him, he'll need to work hard on his game and conditioning to see major minutes but he should contribute some.

G Ge'lawn Guy: He is a very good on the ball defender, but was shaky with the ball on offense, didn't seem confident in making plays. He will get minutes because he can really guard people and has a good looking shot. The kid has the attitude that Bearcat fans of old will love, he is very fiery.

G Jeremiah Davis III: I really like his feel for the game as well, he needs to improve on becoming more of a PG, as I think he has the best shot to back up Cash. He's got a good stroke and will probably be one of the first guys off the bench.

C Kelvin Gaines: I really like how hard he works for position in the post and how freakishly athletic he is at 6 foot 10. He needs to continue to work on his hands especially for rebounding and he'll be able to contribute 8-10 minutes a game, he is still has a ways to go to be a legit contributor.

F/C Cheik Mbodj: This whole season has been a disaster for him, he got hurt early and then got suspended and basically his whole flow was ruined. As Mick has stated he should be more like the guy they recruited next year as I think he'll end up starting at the 5.

F Octavius Ellis: Love the upside but he has a ways to go like Gaines, he should be able to get in and press some but I am concerned about his size against Big East teams, he shows great effort and is an emotional guy. I look for 5-10 minutes in the non conference and probably 0-3 minutes in the Big East.

Incoming Recruits
F Titus Rubles: #2 JUCO recruit in the nation, will take a while to get him adjusted but he loves to rebound by his own admission and will probably end up being a starter at the 4.

F/C Chris Obekpa?: I hope.

Next season starters:
G Cashmere Wright RS Sr.
G Sean Kilpatrick RS Jr.
G Jaquan Parker Sr.
F Titus Rubles Jr.
F Cheik Mbodj Sr.

 

[JasonS]

I think Justin Jackson will make a big leap on the offensive end this offseason and you will see him starting at the 4 for this team.

 

[Eternal E]

Jackson's best role will be as a 6th man, not saying he isn't good enough to start but I like him the most coming off the bench.

 

[JasonS]

Jackson's best role will be as a 6th man, not saying he isn't good enough to start but I like him the most coming off the bench.

I don't agree. He will be better next year at staying out of foul trouble and he will work hard this off season to improve his game. You want a guy with his energy out there as much as possible. If he can develop a solid 15 foot jumper and continue to improve his handle a bit, he can be a monster for this team the next two years. He has only scratched the surface of his potential.

 

[Thegreatone]

We need someone to step into Justin role as a spark off the bench. Maybe Guyn? Maybe Obepka? Ellis?

 

[Thegreatone]

I think you will see a more uptempo brand of basketball. Our bigs will be much more agile than Yancy. Our bench will be much deeper and ready to contribute. I think we will press much more and look for quick transition points.

 

[UCBearcats]

I think you will see a more uptempo brand of basketball. Our bigs will be much more agile than Yancy. Our bench will be much deeper and ready to contribute. I think we will press much more and look for quick transition points.

We already know these guys can shoot the 3 so the hope is that next season's offense will have a little more structure that what we saw post brawl. We need to stay uptempo but hopefully we see a lot more slashing and and a lot more penetration by the guards, especially against the zone. If we can move the ball into the middle of the defense in the half court sets we're going to have the option of dumping to a big, pulling up or kicking it out for an open 3. I think Mick has finally grown as an offensive coach and hopefully he'll go back to the drawing board in the offseason and devise a new offense for these guards to succeed in.

Hope Jason is right about JJ, it would be a huge lift. He certainly doesn't seem like the type who isn't going to work hard to improve his game, right now I don't see it, but I hope he can become that impact player. It would be huge for this team.

 

[ME80]

What an absurd statement.

Mick will win much more than 1 NCAA tourney. Mick is one of if not the best coach in the country

Will we have to listen to this love fest all offseason?