Early Thoughts

[bearcat jeff]

We have a few games under our belts. Here's a few of my thoughts so far:

Troy Caupain - Like what I see and where he's going. I would like his outside shot to be more consistent and for him to be more agressive toward the basket, but he has a nice overall stat line and I think he's on pace to be a really good player. I have to remind myself he just turned 19 and physically has a lot of growth to do still. 9.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 2.7 apg isn't bad but that assist number needs to increase and the 2.1 tpg has to go down or remain the same. He's shooting .435 from the field, 83% from the ft line and 35% from the arc.

Gary Clark - He has lived up to what I had hoped and is going to be way better. 8.9 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.7 bpg, and throwing in 1 steal per game for good measure. He's shooting 58% and 75% from the foul line. Most impressive is that nearly half his rebounds are on the offensive end. He leads the team in that area.

Octavious Ellis - He has turned a question mark into an exclamation point! He has been the most consistent Bearcat. 9.7 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 2.6 bpg. Him and Clark are very good as a combo on the offensive glass. Ellis has grabbed 21 offensive boards secondly only to Clark's 26.

With Johnson and Deberry showing signs of coming around, along with Morman's agressiveness, I like what I see so far. We've seen flashes from Cobb and Moore as well and Shaq finally showed up the last game.

I'm still concerned with the 2 & 3 positions but overall I see the team starting to play and not think. I've lost none of my enthusiasm for what I think the team can be. There will be moments we pull our hair out but in the end I think we will really enjoy this young group and watching them come together.

That's my thoughts, what's yours?

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Jeff, like what I have seen so far.

TC is progressing but my dream is we get a PG who can penetrate and dish a bit more effectively. TC still looks more like a combo guard then a true PG to me. He reminds me more of a young Dixion then Cash.

Clark is certainly a guy who has skills and a lot of room to grow. As soon as him and Ellis become better acquainted on the court we will get many more easy baskets. I have seen at least a few times when GC has tried to slip a pass to one of our bigs only for them to mishandle it. He is starting to get a lot of defensive attention when he gets the ball down low. It should help our inside out game and open up offensive rebounding opportunities when the weak side comes to double.

While I was happy to see Shaq step up,its the consistent effort we need that other teams need to game plan for that is missing. When he does that it will make everyone else better.

Our interior defense needs work. But our perimeter D with Mormon on the floor is very good. KJ is a good defender and his shot is starting to fall but he needs to take better care of the basketball. Cobb,DeBerry.Sanders and Guyn give us good depth.

If Strickland leaves, would like to see Mick land a quality big in next years class.

Without a true PG running a uptempo offense will be a work in progress that probably won't hit on all cylinders until Jennifer gets here. Love the way the kid passes the ball. Could be the missing link Mick needs to really run the pressing uptempo offense we all want. Haven't had that true PG since Cash left. It was also a shame injuries really limited his effectiveness. As good as he was he could have been better.

 

[UCalum08]

I agree with both assessments. To add to waites comment about if Strickland leaves and landing a quality big.... I completely agree and this needs to be emphasized. I'm thinking if I am a skilled big man, why not come to Cincy?!! Clearly we need one to turn our offense into being efficient. I would be a focal point and get quality minutes. Mick needs to sell this and get a high quality big.

 

[bearcat jeff]

I think as the season goes on the youngsters will be better at feeding the post and people will find put low post game, while not spectacular, is sufficient. It is our perimeter play that has lacked.

 

[IDC]

Responding to the recruiting big men to replace Strickland comments, if Mick gets another big, I sure hope he's either skilled, mobile or both.

Mick's history of recruiting bigs who don't move well (Biggie, Big Dave) is not good, and these type of players don't fit in with Mick's system. How many times has Mick said, I would've loved to play so and so more but the other team went small? He's already said this about Deberry, but Deberry actually has some moves.

Guys like Ellis, Clark, JJ, Rubles, they all can move and some are skilled. These are the types of guys I think Mick should go after. Not the traditional 6'10 240 lb center, becuase those guys won't get PT in Mick's system.

There's going to be exciting times watching this team grow with the core of Caupain, Clark, Morman, Johnson, Moore and Jenifer.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

I agree with what you guys are saying. But a couple things... I think out of 13 scholarships you have to have a 6'10" 240 true C on the roster. Even if it is someone who doesn't get a ton of regular time. I also think Caupain's outside shooting has been fine. But I agree with the part about wanting him to be more aggresive towards the basket. He's a really good FT shooter, so like Waite says hopefully he really finds that part of the game as an upperclassman when Jenifer allows him to play off the ball more often.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

Also, Mick has talked about Morman improving his ball handling. I'd be interested in seeing him run the point some as he gets older. He could be a little college version of Russell Westbrook with his ability to get in the lane.

 

[cincrulz11]

We have a few games under our belts. Here's a few of my thoughts so far:

Troy Caupain - 2.7 apg isn't bad but that assist number needs to increase and the 2.1 tpg has to go down or remain the same.

I think the turnover number is going to go down. He didn't turn it over a lot as a freshman and he's had 1 turnover or less in 5 of 8 games, he just had a couple sloppy games. Most of his turnovers also seem to be mental errors instead of a lack of ability to hold on to the ball.

His assist numbers are likely to always suffer until we run a real offense. Very tough to get assists in certain games with this offense. He's obviously capable of racking them up (6 vs. Stony Brook, 6 vs Morehead).

 

[bearcat jeff]

I think the turnover number is going to go down. He didn't turn it over a lot as a freshman and he's had 1 turnover or less in 5 of 8 games, he just had a couple sloppy games. Most of his turnovers also seem to be mental errors instead of a lack of ability to hold on to the ball.

His assist numbers are likely to always suffer until we run a real offense. Very tough to get assists in certain games with this offense. He's obviously capable of racking them up (6 vs. Stony Brook, 6 vs Morehead).

And the inability of guys to at times hit shots hurts him as well. But if he'd penetrate more he's create better shots for his teammates.

 

[Mcginnjw]

We have a few games under our belts. Here's a few of my thoughts so far:

Troy Caupain - Like what I see and where he's going. I would like his outside shot to be more consistent and for him to be more agressive toward the basket, but he has a nice overall stat line and I think he's on pace to be a really good player. I have to remind myself he just turned 19 and physically has a lot of growth to do still. 9.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 2.7 apg isn't bad but that assist number needs to increase and the 2.1 tpg has to go down or remain the same. He's shooting .435 from the field, 83% from the ft line and 35% from the arc.

Gary Clark - He has lived up to what I had hoped and is going to be way better. 8.9 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.7 bpg, and throwing in 1 steal per game for good measure. He's shooting 58% and 75% from the foul line. Most impressive is that nearly half his rebounds are on the offensive end. He leads the team in that area.

Octavious Ellis - He has turned a question mark into an exclamation point! He has been the most consistent Bearcat. 9.7 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 2.6 bpg. Him and Clark are very good as a combo on the offensive glass. Ellis has grabbed 21 offensive boards secondly only to Clark's 26.

With Johnson and Deberry showing signs of coming around, along with Morman's agressiveness, I like what I see so far. We've seen flashes from Cobb and Moore as well and Shaq finally showed up the last game.

I'm still concerned with the 2 & 3 positions but overall I see the team starting to play and not think. I've lost none of my enthusiasm for what I think the team can be. There will be moments we pull our hair out but in the end I think we will really enjoy this young group and watching them come together.

That's my thoughts, what's yours?

So far I am very happy with our post play. Ellis and Clark have exceeded my expectations up to this point.

I think our guards are coming around. our perimeter shooting is still inconsistent, but that is to be expected with college Bball.

The future looks very bright. On a side note, our conference looks terrible so far.

 

[david aka the TYZ]

Clark has been the biggest surprise for me. I know its not a large sample size but I would've been happy if he looked this good by late in his sophomore year much less 8 games into his freshman year. I'm really excited to watch him grow.

Ellis has kind of emerged as the most consistent. If nothing else he is the guy on the team the opponent will have the most trouble defending due to his size/athleticism.

Caupain's numbers are solid and I am happy with his performance overall but he definitely needs to sure up his ball handling. He still doesn't seem great against pressure. As far as assists go, yeah he's the facilitator of the offense but until this offense as a whole passes the ball better and moves without the ball assists will be hard to come by.

Guyn and Sanders seem to have owned the leadership role well according to various things I've read and that's what we need most from them. I was hoping to see both of them step up their production this year some though.

Shaq is Shaq. I don't think he'll ever be the explosive player we all want.

The rest of the guys seem to have all shown flashes with no consistency. KJ and Morman and Moore are all young and I think will have solid careers. Moore really needs to work on his footwork. How to move his feet on offense and to be more agile and light-footed on defense. KJ needs to be better with his passing and not turn the ball over. As a shooter he can only be effective when his shots are falling. Same goes for Cobb. I like his quickness, although sometimes he has too quick a trigger to shoot. But when his shot isn't falling what will he bring to the table? KJ at least can finish around the rim some, which is nice if he could drive or on offensive rebounds. Morman really excites me. I like his fearlessness and aggressiveness. Once he can control that, watch out. DeBerry just needs to get in better condition. He will help this year especially when we need size down low. He is really strong around the rim with a soft touch. A year in our program and another offseason of conditioning and I'm hoping he's a beast next year.

I definitely like the upside of our team. Hopefully the Ole Miss game was an anomoly and a wake up call. Last game looked light years better. I just want to see continued improvement as the year progresses. I don't think heart or desire will be an issue with this team. If they find their identity on offense and sure up some defensive issues there's no reason to think they can't compete for another conference title. These next three games are interesting. I'm not sure if I'm scared or excited to watch them...

 

[bearcat8290]

Positive:

Clark has been a very nice surprise. He was nervous the first couple of pre season games, but he now understands that he belongs. Moore looked really good last week. I think he made two threes and grabbed some nice rebounds. He's has good foot work, just needs some schooling and when to put the ball on the floor (too much dribbling) and posting up. Apparently, he did not do alot in high school according to Mick. Caupain has looked good. I think he tends to take a couple of possessions off, then comes back hard. If he played hard all the time, he'd be outstanding. He penetrates nicely and runs the team well. Moorman has looked outstanding over the past two games. He got in the seams in the zones recently, passed well, played enthusiastic defense, scored when the opportunity presented itself and has provided a spark to the team. Looking forward to watching him play. Deberry filled in nicely for Ellis against Stony Brook.

Negative:

Ellis did not have a good game against Stony Brook. Not sure what happened. Johnson has been inconsistent in all phases of his game. I'm waiting for Cobb to be a consistent scorer from the outside. Thomas had a good 2nd half against Stony Brook, but up to that point, he is shooting off balance shots, not playing good consistent defense and does not appear to be focused ie (poor foul shooting and rebounding).

 

[waterhead]

Ellis and Clark!! Sounds like a super-hero duo or historic expedition

I was worried coming into the season that we would be strong at guard and weak at the 4-5. Boy was I wrong! So far I would say just the opposite which is a great thing because we have so many guard options that some of them are bound to step forward.

We need to run our offense through Ellis and Clark and not around the perimeter. If Moore and DeBarry can solidify their defense and conditioning they will be more than serviceable. Moore will be a star some day!

The big question is what to expect from our guards. Obviously Caupain is going to get 30 minutes or so. The only thing holding him back is his high (slow) dribble which affects his ability to be quick and change direction.

Our seniors? I am not expecting much change here except for they need to be as vocal as possible and be leaders for the young kids. We know what they bring to the table.

So...that leave us with Cobb, Johnson, Morman, and Thomas. We need two of these guys to step up and become the clear consistent starters at the 2 and 3. If not we have 6 guards fighting for back up point guard minutes and minutes at the 2 and 3. We can play matchups or we can run with the hot hand for the night.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Ellis and Clark!! Sounds like a super-hero duo or historic expedition

I was worried coming into the season that we would be strong at guard and weak at the 4-5. Boy was I wrong! So far I would say just the opposite which is a great thing because we have so many guard options that some of them are bound to step forward.

We need to run our offense through Ellis and Clark and not around the perimeter. If Moore and DeBarry can solidify their defense and conditioning they will be more than serviceable. Moore will be a star some day!

The big question is what to expect from our guards. Obviously Caupain is going to get 30 minutes or so. The only thing holding him back is his high (slow) dribble which affects his ability to be quick and change direction.

Our seniors? I am not expecting much change here except for they need to be as vocal as possible and be leaders for the young kids. We know what they bring to the table.

So...that leave us with Cobb, Johnson, Morman, and Thomas. We need two of these guys to step up and become the clear consistent starters at the 2 and 3. If not we have 6 guards fighting for back up point guard minutes and minutes at the 2 and 3. We can play matchups or we can run with the hot hand for the night.

Mick would love to run the offense inside out. Our guards have a hard time delivering the ball to the post. Every game i've been to this year i have seen the guards miss open men. Hopefully they get better as the year goes on.

The most impressive thing about Clark is, he knows what to do with the ball. He can post up or make a close quarter pass or kick the ball out.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

Moorman has looked outstanding over the past two games. He got in the seams in the zones recently, passed well, played enthusiastic defense, scored when the opportunity presented itself and has provided a spark to the team. Looking forward to watching him play.

Ellis did not have a good game against Stony Brook. Not sure what happened.

1. It is Morman
2. Umm...he got kicked out of the game...?

 

[BCM]

1. It is Morman
2. Umm...he got kicked out of the game...?

He's on UC, he should have the ability to metaphysically and spiritually alter the results of the games when not actually present. Why Mick can't recruit this type of player is beyond me.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

He's on UC, he should have the ability to metaphysically and spiritually alter the results of the games when not actually present. Why Mick can't recruit this type of player is beyond me.

Ha yeah we've needed an Antoine Tyler type for years.

 

[BCM]

I didn't even know I was making a reference, talk about obscure.

 

[waterhead]

Mick would love to run the offense inside out. Our guards have a hard time delivering the ball to the post. Every game i've been to this year i have seen the guards miss open men. Hopefully they get better as the year goes on.

The most impressive thing about Clark is, he knows what to do with the ball. He can post up or make a close quarter pass or kick the ball out.

I agree. I would almost rather see someone other than Caupain running point because he's long and is a good crisp passer and should be able to get the ball down there better from the wing than a few of the other guys. I think Morman might be better at it than Cobb, KJ, or Thomas. Sanders is also decent at it. There is no reason Thomas shouldn't be our best entry passer from the wing but he's probably the worst.

If we are up against zone I would almost rather see KJ and/or Cobb up top and Caupain on one of the wings with Morman or Sanders.

 

[Ryno99]

See I would disagree, Sanders has been horrible at the entry pass this year, refusing to even look inside most of the time.