"I was wrong about Mick Cronin..."

[BearcatAlum1]

I've seen plenty of threads that have fans confessing they were wrong about Mick. Most state, "I questioned if he was the guy, but I'm now in full support of Mick."

What exactly does this mean? We're hot and playing well right now, but we're going to eventually lose again (hopefully not!!!). Will these people and critics once again call for Mick's head if we fall on tough times?

I am in favor of criticism, but even losses do not mean the coach must go. I think Mick has proven that: 1) he knows basketball; 2) players can succeed in his system; 3) players improve in his program; 4) he is capable of leading this program back to national heights; and 5) he can be a personal relations nightmare with some of his statements .

I just hope people still support the coach and program when things are not going nearly as well. We're going to lose games. Mick will make some mistakes, just like ALL other coaches. BUT, when things are going poorly, we need to have a fanbase that still attends home games, still creates a great homecourt advantage, still buys season tickets and still believes in our coaches/players. We need an atmosphere like we had yesterday...it was electric!

Criticism is fine. I'm in favor of criticism. But, it doesn't mean we have to jump on the "fire Mick Cronin" bandwagon that a few people always seem to form because they long for Bob Huggins and criticize every little move that is made.

 

[psax889906]

That faith in the program (and coach) is being built as we speak. The backlash after the UCONN game wasn't that bad. I'd be interested to see how people responded if we lost to Villanova on Wednesday...

It's something that's built over time. If they can have another successful season next year and get back to the NCAA Tournament again, I think that will help solidify a lot of the good will being built right now. Some people will never come around or come back. But at the same time a lot of people are coming back right now and a lot of new UC fans are being created as we speak.

 

[ohioubearcat]

I was also thinking about this with the recent success the program has had. I've always been on the fence with Mick, trying to give him the benefit of the doubt, but growing more impatient the past year or so. To me I think the crititcism of Mick was mostly unfair, considering the circumstances, but sometimes warranted.

I'm not ready to give Mick a lifetime contract like Huggs had up until Zimpher came to town, but Mick should be getting the support Bob recieved. This would easily be one of Huggins top 10 teams if he were still here. With continued support of the coach and the program by the fans, we can bring this town back to the basketball powerhouse it once was.

Like BA1 stated.....this program will go through more struggles, but I think Mick has proved that he is more than capable to handle the job. I'm curious as to what people think it will take in order for the fanbase to put their complete trust in Mick like Huggs had. Can he ever get it, or are there too many people that want to hate on him just to hate?

Best week to be a bearcat fan in the past decade.....hands down!

 

[psax889906]

Like BA1 stated.....this program will go through more struggles, but I think Mick has proved that he is more than capable to handle the job. I'm curious as to what people think it will take in order for the fanbase to put their complete trust in Mick like Huggs had. Can he ever get it, or are there too many people that want to hate on him just to hate?

Some will never come back- but at the same time new fans are being garnered by their recent play.

 

[ohioubearcat]

Some will never come back- but at the same time new fans are being garnered by their recent play.

I might be naive here but I can't believe some fans would never come back if Mick restores the program back to the national spotlight.

Hypothetically what if he brings the program to a level that Pitt is now operating at? In the NCAA each year, competitve in the BE, and every few years seems to have the type of team that has a legitimate final 4 run in them.

 

[bearcat jeff]

I've seen plenty of threads that have fans confessing they were wrong about Mick. Most state, "I questioned if he was the guy, but I'm now in full support of Mick."

What exactly does this mean? We're hot and playing well right now, but we're going to eventually lose again (hopefully not!!!). Will these people and critics once again call for Mick's head if we fall on tough times?

I am in favor of criticism, but even losses do not mean the coach must go. I think Mick has proven that: 1) he knows basketball; 2) players can succeed in his system; 3) players improve in his program; 4) he is capable of leading this program back to national heights; and 5) he can be a personal relations nightmare with some of his statements .

I just hope people still support the coach and program when things are not going nearly as well. We're going to lose games. Mick will make some mistakes, just like ALL other coaches. BUT, when things are going poorly, we need to have a fanbase that still attends home games, still creates a great homecourt advantage, still buys season tickets and still believes in our coaches/players. We need an atmosphere like we had yesterday...it was electric!

Criticism is fine. I'm in favor of criticism. But, it doesn't mean we have to jump on the "fire Mick Cronin" bandwagon that a few people always seem to form because they long for Bob Huggins and criticize every little move that is made.

Great post BA1. Playing in this league there will always be ups an downs. The margin between 3rd and 12th in this league is razor thin. Next year there will be 6 newcomers on the team. I think they have a good enough base to still be good, but somebody is going to have to give them quality minutes off the bench. The potential starting line up will be solid with Cash, Dixon, Kilpatrick, Jackson and Gates. I'm excited about Sanders and his potential to contribute immediately. I will feel much better if UC signs a solid juco big that allows them to be 7-8 deep.

 

[psax889906]

I might be naive here but I can't believe some fans would never come back if Mick restores the program back to the national spotlight.

Hypothetically what if he brings the program to a level that Pitt is now operating at? In the NCAA each year, competitve in the BE, and every few years seems to have the type of team that has a legitimate final 4 run in them.

Some is a relative term. Might be a couple thousand- might be a couple hundred. As you're pointing at, it depends on the overall success of the program as winning cures all.

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

The one thing that I never really thought about was the evolution and improvements that Mick has made as a coach. I guess I never really thought that he was learning on the job too along with this senior class. I think he has finally turned the corner as a coach, and hopefully can sustain this success. I think next year will be the testament to see who the "true fans" are because they are going to be reliant on newcomers, especially in the paint and will probably struggle and some points of the season.

 

[BearcatAlum1]

Great post BA1. Playing in this league there will always be ups an downs. The margin between 3rd and 12th in this league is razor thin. Next year there will be 6 newcomers on the team. I think they have a good enough base to still be good, but somebody is going to have to give them quality minutes off the bench. The potential starting line up will be solid with Cash, Dixon, Kilpatrick, Jackson and Gates. I'm excited about Sanders and his potential to contribute immediately. I will feel much better if UC signs a solid juco big that allows them to be 7-8 deep.

1. You're absolutely correct about the margin for error being razor thin. All it takes are a few games for people to deem the season a "success" or "failure."

2. We are going to have a decent drop-off on defense next year. Believe it or not, but this team will lose valuable pieces: experience, size and athleticism. While the graduating seniors are not the most offensively gifted, they play great defense and have size. Ibra is 6'11". Bishop 6'6". Both those guys play solid defense, with Bishop among the best wing defenders in the BE.

3. I don't mind JJ at the 4, but he MUST gain weight. He needs to add 20lbs in the offseason.

4. A few freshmen must step-up. Jermaine Sanders and Shaq Thomas are the obvious candidates, but we will also need Gaines to have a productive season. I also expect Jeremiah Davis or Ge'lawn Guyn to emerge as the backup PG, getting about 10 minutes a game.

 

[ralph1950]

Everybody loves you when you win (except those who hate you for going to work for Rick Pitino).

 

[BearcatAlum1]

The one thing that I never really thought about was the evolution and improvements that Mick has made as a coach. I guess I never really thought that he was learning on the job too along with this senior class. I think he has finally turned the corner as a coach, and hopefully can sustain this success. I think next year will be the testament to see who the "true fans" are because they are going to be reliant on newcomers, especially in the paint and will probably struggle and some points of the season.

There will definitely be struggles.

However, we return 3 starters: Cash, Dixon and Gates.

We return Cash at point guard, which should provide stability in our offense. Dixon returns at the shooting guard spot and has played well there all year. Gates gives us a 6'9" 260lb post player that offers defense and scoring. The foundation is fine for next year. Also, these three are our top 3 scorers this season...

Question marks for me:

1. Can Kilpatrick continue to improve his game, or is he content? He needs to improve his defense and ball-handling. If he can do that, he'll get 15pts/game.

2. Can JJ add weight? He must bang in the post and give us 25-30 minutes/game. If JJ adds weight, we'll be fine.

3. What will Kelvin Gaines contribute in the frontcourt? He is considered the most athletic and physical big man on the roster, but will that translate into solid minutes in the game?

4. How will Parker contribute?

5. What freshmen will contribute, and to what extent?

********Yes, I'm still enjoying the current season and am extremely excited for BET and NT play to begin. That being said, this is a forum for fans and this is well within reason to discuss as we enter post-season play.***********

 

[ohioubearcat]

There will definitely be struggles.

However, we return 3 starters: Cash, Dixon and Gates.

We return Cash at point guard, which should provide stability in our offense. Dixon returns at the shooting guard spot and has played well there all year. Gates gives us a 6'9" 260lb post player that offers defense and scoring. The foundation is fine for next year. Also, these three are our top 3 scorers this season...

Question marks for me:

1. Can Kilpatrick continue to improve his game, or is he content? He needs to improve his defense and ball-handling. If he can do that, he'll get 15pts/game.

2. Can JJ add weight? He must bang in the post and give us 25-30 minutes/game. If JJ adds weight, we'll be fine.

3. What will Kelvin Gaines contribute in the frontcourt? He is considered the most athletic and physical big man on the roster, but will that translate into solid minutes in the game?

4. How will Parker contribute?

5. What freshmen will contribute, and to what extent?

********Yes, I'm still enjoying the current season and am extremely excited for BET and NT play to begin. That being said, this is a forum for fans and this is well within reason to discuss as we enter post-season play.***********

I would add 1 Question.....Any way Yancy leaves early?

 

[bearcat jeff]

1. You're absolutely correct about the margin for error being razor thin. All it takes are a few games for people to deem the season a "success" or "failure."

2. We are going to have a decent drop-off on defense next year. Believe it or not, but this team will lose valuable pieces: experience, size and athleticism. While the graduating seniors are not the most offensively gifted, they play great defense and have size. Ibra is 6'11". Bishop 6'6". Both those guys play solid defense, with Bishop among the best wing defenders in the BE.

3. I don't mind JJ at the 4, but he MUST gain weight. He needs to add 20lbs in the offseason.

4. A few freshmen must step-up. Jermaine Sanders and Shaq Thomas are the obvious candidates, but we will also need Gaines to have a productive season. I also expect Jeremiah Davis or Ge'lawn Guyn to emerge as the backup PG, getting about 10 minutes a game.

I think a full offseason and summer will do wonders for JJ. I'm very excited to watch his development. He has the ability to hit 12-15 ft. shots and with some added size his driving game will improve.

I'm giving G the early nod to get minutes at the point, but not counting out JD with his size and ability to score. G is more of a true point and defensively he would be better pressing.

 

[bearcat jeff]

I would add 1 Question.....Any way Yancy leaves early?

I don't think so. If he plays a full season with the energy he has the past 5 games, and really works on his post game over the offseason, he could be a first round pick after next season.

 

[ralph1950]

I would add 1 Question.....Any way Yancy leaves early?

With a real possibility of the NBA going on strike and Mick being able to point out what the senior year meant to K Mart I would doubt it.

 

[JeromyM]

eventhough it was just in warmups yesterday....I watched Jackson stroke 5 or 6 threes in a row. He can shoot the ball....I feel he gets too nervous right now, and gets frustrated really easily. I can't count how many times he's came out of a game...and punched his seat prior to sitting down.....If you've seen Gaines, you will know that guy is built like a WWE wrestler, another year in the weight room, this kid will be big as Yancy...I feel Gaines will contribute. Our bench will be a question mark next year...and should we go with a three guard lineup? Cash, Dixon, and SK?? I just wish Cashmere would drive more...open the game with a couple drives and that opens up the pass. Dixon....I look to have a similar season to this year. SK, could have a breakout season 14-18 pts a game, if he can learn to drive a little better. I look for Parker to transfer in the offseason. I don't know what really happened to him...but he's done nothing this season. He played better than Cashmere last season....this year...he can't get into a game. We will be in a situation where freshman will have to contribute for us to have a successful season. We have the potential for another 20 win NCAA tourny team....I know one thing....I doubt we'll be picked 12 again next year.


WE HAVE THE BEST BACKCOURT IN THE NATION NEXT YEAR!! NO DOUBT IN MY MIND.

 

[david aka the TYZ]

I would add 1 Question.....Any way Yancy leaves early?

I don't think so. If he plays a full season with the energy he has the past 5 games, and really works on his post game over the offseason, he could be a first round pick after next season.

Depends on who he listens to. I'm sure he'll have the whispers in his ears to go and get paid. And it's not an issue of is he ready or not, so lets not go there. We all know he's not ready, that doesn't mean he won't declare. That never seems to be a factor with players. If he listens to Mick and it seems his father would be in Mick's corner then he will stay. If he listens to the stupidity of the world then he might do something stupid.

 

[psax889906]

eventhough it was just in warmups yesterday....I watched Jackson stroke 5 or 6 threes in a row. He can shoot the ball....I feel he gets too nervous right now, and gets frustrated really easily. I can't count how many times he's came out of a game...and punched his seat prior to sitting down.....If you've seen Gaines, you will know that guy is built like a WWE wrestler, another year in the weight room, this kid will be big as Yancy...I feel Gaines will contribute. Our bench will be a question mark next year...and should we go with a three guard lineup? Cash, Dixon, and SK?? I just wish Cashmere would drive more...open the game with a couple drives and that opens up the pass. Dixon....I look to have a similar season to this year. SK, could have a breakout season 14-18 pts a game, if he can learn to drive a little better. I look for Parker to transfer in the offseason. I don't know what really happened to him...but he's done nothing this season. He played better than Cashmere last season....this year...he can't get into a game. We will be in a situation where freshman will have to contribute for us to have a successful season. We have the potential for another 20 win NCAA tourny team....I know one thing....I doubt we'll be picked 12 again next year.


WE HAVE THE BEST BACKCOURT IN THE NATION NEXT YEAR!! NO DOUBT IN MY MIND.

Justin's battle is a psychological one. Yes he needs to continue to work on his overall game and add weight- but his maturation is going to add so much to his game. Once he's able to harness all of his energy he'll go to the next level. I have little doubt from what I've seen/read/heard about him that he will take those next steps. The only question is how quickly?


JaQuan has to make his mind up like guys like LD and Biggie did. He could transfer to a smaller school and become a full time starter. Or, he could work his ass off and using his experience and skills become a valuable member of this team. I think he can still be a very valuable member of this team next year.

I don't know about best back court in the nation but it will certainly be the best back court in Mick's 6 years here.

 

[JasonS]

I don't think so. If he plays a full season with the energy he has the past 5 games, and really works on his post game over the offseason, he could be a first round pick after next season.

I agree. No way Yancy goes pro after this year unless he averages 20 and 10 in the Tourney and leads this team to a National Championship. Even then, I think he would come back.

As for SK, I think BA1 posed the question about him being content or would he continue to improve. I can tell you from everything I have read, he is a gym rat. You can already see his defense improve from the beginning of the year until now. I expect SK to be our leading scorer next year unless Yancy has a Kenyon Martin senior year which is not out of the question.

 

[david aka the TYZ]

There will definitely be struggles.

However, we return 3 starters: Cash, Dixon and Gates.

We return Cash at point guard, which should provide stability in our offense. Dixon returns at the shooting guard spot and has played well there all year. Gates gives us a 6'9" 260lb post player that offers defense and scoring. The foundation is fine for next year. Also, these three are our top 3 scorers this season...

Question marks for me:

1. Can Kilpatrick continue to improve his game, or is he content? He needs to improve his defense and ball-handling. If he can do that, he'll get 15pts/game.

2. Can JJ add weight? He must bang in the post and give us 25-30 minutes/game. If JJ adds weight, we'll be fine.

3. What will Kelvin Gaines contribute in the frontcourt? He is considered the most athletic and physical big man on the roster, but will that translate into solid minutes in the game?

4. How will Parker contribute?

5. What freshmen will contribute, and to what extent?

********Yes, I'm still enjoying the current season and am extremely excited for BET and NT play to begin. That being said, this is a forum for fans and this is well within reason to discuss as we enter post-season play.***********

Good points. Offense wasn't our strength this year, so I don't see the losses this year making it any worse. Hopefully one of the freshman can come in and replace what Bishop provided offensively and even Davis who always seemed to have a big shot in big games. Gaines and JJ's improvement should easily replace what Thomas brought offensively. The question is defense. We win with two styles of defense. One was a good press implemented at the right times. Davis and Wilks were very instrumental in this so that could be a concern. Second was great halfcourt defense. Where he have gotten beaten was when players leave their man to help and leave that guy for an open jumper. Two of the main culprits for this were Kilpatrick and Jackson. I think they will both improve in this area. That is typical freshman stuff. Both of these players want to be better and will put the work in to do so.