Going Forward

[swg]

I really like the ND offense. They have a great mixture of ball handlers, athleticism, and most importantly, just about everyone on the team can shoot or go inside.
Xavier has a great mix as well, as painful as it is to say. Then again, we can say that about any other team that doesn't have UC on it's jersey.

It's painful to hear announcers say that our best offensive option is to drive inside, throw the ball up, and get a put back if the initial attempt doesn't fall.
Until this changes, folks, I'm not certain there will be much change in our fortunes.
Our FT's might get marginally better. Toyloy departs, but so does DV. Call it a wash. Freshman are fairly unreliable to state that they will improve our percentage.
Even so, does it truly impact our offense significantly? Probably not.
Yes, the IQ on the floor can increase...with good coaching. But unless we have guys that can truly shoot and score (yes, both are different and important), I don't see how the team dramatically improves.

I hate to say it, but if I were MC, I would seriously take a look at the team, and see who can contribute going forward. I'm big on loyalty, but Mick doesn't have the same luxury some coaches enjoy. Assuming that MC returns as coach next year, which I do think will happen, I have to believe that Thomas will want to see marked improvement in the team's performance.
So what's the answer? I would honestly consider cutting Biggie loose and finding a SG or SF who can flat out shoot (sorry Dickie V). While the signing day is over, I would assume (foolishly I know) that there are options out there to at least consider.

If this isn't the answer for Mick, I'm not sure what else he can do aside from trying the same, and hoping for a different result?

 

[swg]

Is it likely? Maybe not. However, if I'm clinging to a sinking ship, I'm going to start looking for a life jacket.
Do we put all the burdon on:

1) Hoping LS, Gates, Davis, Cash suddenly become dependable scorers?
2) Relying on three incoming frosh to turn things around? I wouldn't, if I were coaching...using LS as an example of consistency.
3) Hoping that the team next year can put it all together, and improve the scoring per game by a fair margin?

This is one of the reasons why I'd like to see us grab a JC transfer, if there is one out there.

 

[ralph1950]

Kilpatrick will be a freshman in eligibility years but has practiced with the team all season. Plus freshman become sophomores, sophomores become juniors, juniors become seniors.

 

[swg]

Kilpatrick will be a freshman in eligibility years but has practiced with the team all season. Plus freshman become sophomores, sophomores become juniors, juniors become seniors.

I think he'll be good, but will his and the other incoming frosh have the kind of impact next year that alters this team significantly? That's the question I have. The current team will improve, but I think most UC fans expected much more this year already. When does it all come together, and does Biggie fit into that equation? Something to consider, at the least.

 

[ohioubearcat]

Kilpatrick will be a freshman in eligibility years but has practiced with the team all season. Plus freshman become sophomores, sophomores become juniors, juniors become seniors.

Only problem with this is I dont know who on our team has taken that step forward. Dixon, Davis, Wilks have all stayed the same. I could argue Bishop has taken a small step, but not nearly what should be expected.

We need more kids in the gym at 2 am with lance and killa

 

[ready2go]

Only problem with this is I dont know who on our team has taken that step forward. Dixon, Davis, Wilks have all stayed the same. I could argue Bishop has taken a small step, but not nearly what should be expected.

We need more kids in the gym at 2 am with lance and killa

Yes! Especially since Mick can't make them better on his time.

I'm not sure there is even a valid argument that you can name one player that has gotten better under Mick... certaintly not Vaughn, Gates seems the same as last year if not worse and Toyloy, well not much to say about him, atleast he plays hard. Adam H was 8'10 and in 2 years wasn't taught to dunk the ball. Biggie was a work in progress and hasnt seen much of the court.

 

[swg]

Does Mick consider dumping Biggie? I'm normally one to vociferously oppose such action, and if not for MC needing to win next year, I wouldn't even bring it up. However, desperate times...

 

[lumberjack]

Does Mick consider dumping Biggie? I'm normally one to vociferously oppose such action, and if not for MC needing to win next year, I wouldn't even bring it up. However, desperate times...

you mean take a large sh*t!

 

[swg]

The ads are improving at least. You're favorite ones I haven't seen for some time now.

 

[lumberjack]

I really like the ND offense. They have a great mixture of ball handlers, athleticism, and most importantly, just about everyone on the team can shoot or go inside.
Xavier has a great mix as well, as painful as it is to say. Then again, we can say that about any other team that doesn't have UC on it's jersey.

It's painful to hear announcers say that our best offensive option is to drive inside, throw the ball up, and get a put back if the initial attempt doesn't fall.
Until this changes, folks, I'm not certain there will be much change in our fortunes.
Our FT's might get marginally better. Toyloy departs, but so does DV. Call it a wash. Freshman are fairly unreliable to state that they will improve our percentage.
Even so, does it truly impact our offense significantly? Probably not.
Yes, the IQ on the floor can increase...with good coaching. But unless we have guys that can truly shoot and score (yes, both are different and important), I don't see how the team dramatically improves.

I hate to say it, but if I were MC, I would seriously take a look at the team, and see who can contribute going forward. I'm big on loyalty, but Mick doesn't have the same luxury some coaches enjoy. Assuming that MC returns as coach next year, which I do think will happen, I have to believe that Thomas will want to see marked improvement in the team's performance.
So what's the answer? I would honestly consider cutting Biggie loose and finding a SG or SF who can flat out shoot (sorry Dickie V). While the signing day is over, I would assume (foolishly I know) that there are options out there to at least consider.

If this isn't the answer for Mick, I'm not sure what else he can do aside from trying the same, and hoping for a different result?

shooting and scoring points is a problem and as you know it would be great if that was all it was to fix this team. this team has other problems, lots of them and serious ones. We all watch. no sugar coating. I am still shocked that any one would defend this team after a pattern that is a trend. forget the point spread but you can always atleast almost always pick the winner. My favorite is either throwing the ball to the other team in multiple poss. or turning it over after our time outs.

 

[swg]

How good would this team be with the Hansbrough kid from ND? A good passer, dribbler, and shooter. How bout just ONE of the Purdue kids? Our problems lie mainly on offense. Cash will improve, but by how much? What is sorely needed is someone to direct the offense, and a consistent outside shooter. You didn't honestly believe UC would have a repeat of the first half 7-10 in the 2nd, did you?

 

[Thegreatone]

You dont dump a kid like Biggie who has given you effort for 3 years. He should have transferred this year.

I appreciate what biggie has done. He simply isnt that good.

 

[swg]

I understand that. But if YOUR job is on the line, which I believe Mick's is next year, I would seriously consider it, for sure.