Low Post Needs

[bearcat jeff]

With God's Gift taking his time to make a decision we've seen the typical fan reactions. "The longer it goes, the worse it is for the Bearcats" has echoed across message boards. And while that may or may not be true, what is it that the Bearcats need in terms of low post help for next season?

My opinion is that of all the available bigs that GG would best fit the needs of this team in terms of size, athleticism and ability. He would likely be able to come in and contribute in a variety of ways immediately. But even he would have an adjustment to make and we need to temper our expectations.

As it now stands UC will have 3 players with Big East size that can play in the low post next season. We know what we'll get from Justin Jackson and Yancy Gates in terms of talent and ability. Kelvin Gaines has put in a lot of hard work, but his contribution to this team is an unknown. He certainly has the tools to eventually make an impact in the low post and will have to contribute in some way next season for this team to be successful. Outside of these 3 the cupboard is bare.

Octavious Ellis is simply not physically ready to compete in the low post in a league such as the Big East. He has used his natural God given gifts to rebound and defend in high school, but at roughly 185-190 pounds that simply will not work in this league. To expect him to add 40 pounds of muscle before October is unrealistic and simply isn't going to happen. In my opinion the best option for him would be to prep for a season. He certainly isn't going to be able to come in and give this team what it needs in the post.

Cheikh Mbodji has the size this team needs and has very good statistics for his juco team. We all know that doesn't always translate well in D1 basketball but he doesn't need to duplicate 15 ppg and 7 rpg. This team needs somebody to give it some minutes defensively and rebound. If he can add 6 ppg and 5-6 rpg that would be enough.

There are other "bodies" out there but signing a guy like Philip Jurick imo is very unlikely. My guess is he will end up at WVU or with an SEC school. That's too bad because I think he would give the Bearcats exactly what they need in terms of size, defense and rebounding. His shot blocking ability would be a tremendous asset as well.

It is an absolute necessity for Cincinnati to sign at least one player that can come in and give them minutes at the 4/5 position next season. They have playing time to offer on a team that will be projected by most to be in the top 25 teams nationally. It's become somewhat clear that they would like to bring in two players. A transfer would only help if he could play immediately, unless a second player were signed that could do so as well. If Cincinnati could sign a contributor this season I would not be opposed to a guy like Wally Judge being brought in because no high school player is going to come in and be able to contribute in his first two season like Judge would be able to in his last two. However, this can only happen if a contributor can be found for 2011.

God's Gift is still the best answer for the coming season. As I stated several times I believe UC still has a better than average chance of bringing him on board and you can't blame him for wanting to explore his options to find the right fit for himself. But the fact is this team cannot afford to strike out in their search for low post help. Bringing in at least one guy is vital to guard against injury and foul trouble. Who that guy may be is yet to be seen but we all need to realize he doesn't need to be a superstar. He simply needs to able to play hs role. The coming weeks should be interesting indeed as Mick and Co. work to fill this most important need on the Bearcat roster.

 

[ralph1950]

God's Gift! God's Gift!

As a side note last Thursday ESPN came out with the Watch ESPN APP.

If you have Time Warner Cable you can now watch ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU live on your iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. I do not know if it is available on android phones. What a great day!

 

[cincinnati insanity]

Do we have a run down of who legitimately Mick is going after to fill the void left by Ibrahima?
1- God's Gift Achiuwa
2-Cheikh
3- Possibly Ryan Rhoomes
4 whatever happend to nezmanda brezbradica
5?

 

[dp3113]

With God's Gift taking his time to make a decision we've seen the typical fan reactions. "The longer it goes, the worse it is for the Bearcats" has echoed across message boards. And while that may or may not be true, what is it that the Bearcats need in terms of low post help for next season?

My opinion is that of all the available bigs that GG would best fit the needs of this team in terms of size, athleticism and ability. He would likely be able to come in and contribute in a variety of ways immediately. But even he would have an adjustment to make and we need to temper our expectations.

As it now stands UC will have 3 players with Big East size that can play in the low post next season. We know what we'll get from Justin Jackson and Yancy Gates in terms of talent and ability. Kelvin Gaines has put in a lot of hard work, but his contribution to this team is an unknown. He certainly has the tools to eventually make an impact in the low post and will have to contribute in some way next season for this team to be successful. Outside of these 3 the cupboard is bare.

Octavious Ellis is simply not physically ready to compete in the low post in a league such as the Big East. He has used his natural God given gifts to rebound and defend in high school, but at roughly 185-190 pounds that simply will not work in this league. To expect him to add 40 pounds of muscle before October is unrealistic and simply isn't going to happen. In my opinion the best option for him would be to prep for a season. He certainly isn't going to be able to come in and give this team what it needs in the post.

Cheikh Mbodji has the size this team needs and has very good statistics for his juco team. We all know that doesn't always translate well in D1 basketball but he doesn't need to duplicate 15 ppg and 7 rpg. This team needs somebody to give it some minutes defensively and rebound. If he can add 6 ppg and 5-6 rpg that would be enough.

There are other "bodies" out there but signing a guy like Philip Jurick imo is very unlikely. My guess is he will end up at WVU or with an SEC school. That's too bad because I think he would give the Bearcats exactly what they need in terms of size, defense and rebounding. His shot blocking ability would be a tremendous asset as well.

It is an absolute necessity for Cincinnati to sign at least one player that can come in and give them minutes at the 4/5 position next season. They have playing time to offer on a team that will be projected by most to be in the top 25 teams nationally. It's become somewhat clear that they would like to bring in two players. A transfer would only help if he could play immediately, unless a second player were signed that could do so as well. If Cincinnati could sign a contributor this season I would not be opposed to a guy like Wally Judge being brought in because no high school player is going to come in and be able to contribute in his first two season like Judge would be able to in his last two. However, this can only happen if a contributor can be found for 2011.

God's Gift is still the best answer for the coming season. As I stated several times I believe UC still has a better than average chance of bringing him on board and you can't blame him for wanting to explore his options to find the right fit for himself. But the fact is this team cannot afford to strike out in their search for low post help. Bringing in at least one guy is vital to guard against injury and foul trouble. Who that guy may be is yet to be seen but we all need to realize he doesn't need to be a superstar. He simply needs to able to play hs role. The coming weeks should be interesting indeed as Mick and Co. work to fill this most important need on the Bearcat roster.

do you really think Mbodji's stats are "very good"? juco basketball is really bad now.

 

[bearcat jeff]

do you really think Mbodji's stats are "very good"? juco basketball is really bad now.

Good relative to where he is, how's that?

 

[dp3113]

Good relative to where he is, how's that?

thats fair. i just dont think people realize now how bad juco is relative to what it once was. 15 and 7 might mean he can contribute but not much more than that.

 

[bearcat jeff]

thats fair. i just dont think people realize now how bad juco is relative to what it once was. 15 and 7 might mean he can contribute but not much more than that.

Don't need much more than that in my opinion. Not saying that's the guy, but UC doesn't need a star to come in and there's not one out there. They need a contributor.

 

[bearcat jeff]

Do we have a run down of who legitimately Mick is going after to fill the void left by Ibrahima?
1- God's Gift Achiuwa
2-Cheikh
3- Possibly Ryan Rhoomes
4 whatever happend to nezmanda brezbradica
5?

God's Gift/Cheikh Mbodji is in holding mode. The Ryan Rhoomes boat has sailed. I'd be lying if I said I knew what became of the UC and Nemanja Bezbradica relationship. As I reported in the 2011 recruiting thread, UC has Jervon Pressley coming in on April 28th, but as of now I don't believe he has a qualifying SAT score. Mick will find somebody to fill the void. Again, we need somebody to rebound and play defense not a star player.

 

[C I N C Y]

Bezbradica is 2012. Was going to try and get his work done for 2011 but that did not happen. I am not sure if we are still recruiting him or not.

 

[anbuc88]

BearcatJeff, great thread. My only question would be concerning Ellis. Rather than having him go the prep route, wouldn't it be better to have him on campus and sit him out for a redshirt year (or even a partial qualifying year). He would be able to practice with the team, get his academics in order, and spend a year under Dave Andrews tutelege, increasing his overall strength. He would be available for the 2012-13 season, and would know the system. He could then be a solid contributer to that squad.

 

[dp3113]

BearcatJeff, great thread. My only question would be concerning Ellis. Rather than having him go the prep route, wouldn't it be better to have him on campus and sit him out for a redshirt year (or even a partial qualifying year). He would be able to practice with the team, get his academics in order, and spend a year under Dave Andrews tutelege, increasing his overall strength. He would be available for the 2012-13 season, and would know the system. He could then be a solid contributer to that squad.

ellis would count against the scholarship count of 13 in that case. if he goes prep, we have 2 scholarships available this spring and the staff appears to be want to add 2 bigs.

 

[anbuc88]

ellis would count against the scholarship count of 13 in that case. if he goes prep, we have 2 scholarships available this spring and the staff appears to be want to add 2 bigs.

Thats true, but that would mean Ellis would take one of the 2 currently available scholarships for '12-13. I'm not sure if Mick has a chance at Hammons AND Macon, but as thing currently set up, he would only be able to take one of the 2. Additionally, if the staff is very high on Ellis, he could sign with someone else. I guess the question is if a rotation of Yancy, JJ, Gaines, and a JC big is servicable for the frontcourt. This year they had Yancy, IT, and JJ playing most of the 4-5 minutes, with an infrequent appearance by Biggie. They could also go small and have Shaq Thomas play the 4 at times, like Wilks did. It will be interesting to see how things play out.

 

[psax889906]

Thats true, but that would mean Ellis would take one of the 2 currently available scholarships for '12-13. I'm not sure if Mick has a chance at Hammons AND Macon, but as thing currently set up, he would only be able to take one of the 2. Additionally, if the staff is very high on Ellis, he could sign with someone else. I guess the question is if a rotation of Yancy, JJ, Gaines, and a JC big is servicable for the frontcourt. This year they had Yancy, IT, and JJ playing most of the 4-5 minutes, with an infrequent appearance by Biggie. They could also go small and have Shaq Thomas play the 4 at times, like Wilks did. It will be interesting to see how things play out.

I've said ever since the Ellis to prep school rumors started that if he was to go that route it was very likely he would NOT become a Bearcat in the end.

 

[dp3113]

Thats true, but that would mean Ellis would take one of the 2 currently available scholarships for '12-13. I'm not sure if Mick has a chance at Hammons AND Macon, but as thing currently set up, he would only be able to take one of the 2. Additionally, if the staff is very high on Ellis, he could sign with someone else. I guess the question is if a rotation of Yancy, JJ, Gaines, and a JC big is servicable for the frontcourt. This year they had Yancy, IT, and JJ playing most of the 4-5 minutes, with an infrequent appearance by Biggie. They could also go small and have Shaq Thomas play the 4 at times, like Wilks did. It will be interesting to see how things play out.

being realistic here- Macon is a WVU lean and is in danger of not even qualifying. Hammons likes UC but is a long way from ending the process. Anyways, with a class of 6-7 guys coming in + Gaines in the class- it is realistic to think there will be attrition to that class after next year opening up another scholarship. Wright could go pro if he has a huge year- who knows?? these situations have a way or working themselves out. point is, you cant waste time worrying about scholarships for 2012 when you still havent even filled your 2011 scholarships yet.

gaines is not in a position right now to give UC legitimate minutes next year. if he is the only backup down low- that is trouble. as for ellis- his other offers were auburn and murray state. he's from memphis and the tigers didnt even offer him- and they like athletic up and down bigs. maybe we get him, maybe we dont. my only point is that if he goes prep and doesnt end up at UC, we arent exactly losing the crown jewel of the class.

if uc wants to play big next year, they need to bring in more bodies capable on contributing next year, because right now they only have 2 big men capable of playing more than 10 minutes a game.

 

[dp3113]

Thats true, but that would mean Ellis would take one of the 2 currently available scholarships for '12-13. I'm not sure if Mick has a chance at Hammons AND Macon, but as thing currently set up, he would only be able to take one of the 2. Additionally, if the staff is very high on Ellis, he could sign with someone else. I guess the question is if a rotation of Yancy, JJ, Gaines, and a JC big is servicable for the frontcourt. This year they had Yancy, IT, and JJ playing most of the 4-5 minutes, with an infrequent appearance by Biggie. They could also go small and have Shaq Thomas play the 4 at times, like Wilks did. It will be interesting to see how things play out.

also, no one said UC would force ellis to go prep. in fact it was said on the boards that he might be forced to go himself because he might not qualify.

 

[anbuc88]

also, no one said UC would force ellis to go prep. in fact it was said on the boards that he might be forced to go himself because he might not qualify.

If he doesn't qualify, then it is a moot point and he would have to go prep or the JUCO route. My only question was that if there was a choice of redshirting him versus going the prep route, wouldn't it be better to have him in the fold and get him stronger, both academically and physically. I know Mick tends to talk up recruits (like all coaches do), but he said that Ellis was identified early by Coach Davis before his recruitment blew up. Thats why his offer list looks so sparse. Not saying that he is a 5 star, but someone who could blossom into a solid BE player. Viewing his u-tube video, it seems like he has high ceiling and a big upside. I know only the highlights are shown, but it still looks impressive. Additionally, from what I have read, the 2012 recruiting class if filled with quality big men. I wonder if it isn't worth saving a scholarship and offering it to someone form this class, rather than using it on a second spring leftover JUCO (maybe unfair, but thats how I view Mbodji as no one on here had heard of him 1 week ago).

 

[psax889906]

If he doesn't qualify, then it is a moot point and he would have to go prep or the JUCO route. My only question was that if there was a choice of redshirting him versus going the prep route, wouldn't it be better to have him in the fold and get him stronger, both academically and physically. I know Mick tends to talk up recruits (like all coaches do), but he said that Ellis was identified early by Coach Davis before his recruitment blew up. Thats why his offer list looks so sparse. Not saying that he is a 5 star, but someone who could blossom into a solid BE player. Viewing his u-tube video, it seems like he has high ceiling and a big upside. I know only the highlights are shown, but it still looks impressive. Additionally, from what I have read, the 2012 recruiting class if filled with quality big men. I wonder if it isn't worth saving a scholarship and offering it to someone form this class, rather than using it on a second spring leftover JUCO (maybe unfair, but thats how I view Mbodji as no one on here had heard of him 1 week ago).

I do think you make a fair point about Coach Davis getting in on him early. We can't credit the coaching staff for it's ability to recruit and find talent with one hand and then say losing Ellis wouldn't hurt much because he has a shallow offer list. You either trust the staff or you don't. Ellis verballed when multiple spots were still available in the 2011 class... the staff must see something in him they REALLY like.

 

[bearcat jeff]

I certainly never said he "was" going prep. Matter of fact I made a point to only say it was whispers and rumors. Hate how these things grow legs. Typically why I don't post a lot of what I hear. Some disregard that I say "whispers and rumors" and take them for gospel. Not pointing the finger at anyone just saying it happens. Makes for good talk but gets the talk way off track. There is only one scholarship. Till something, if anything at all happens, that is all there will be. This opening is important to the success of this team and that's why Mick has so many recruits coming in. It has to be filled and hopefully it is filled by the best guy available. Also, remember Ellis at this time last year was a top 150 guy.

 

[psax889906]

I certainly never said he "was" going prep. Matter of fact I made a point to only say it was whispers and rumors. Hate how these things grow legs. Typically why I don't post a lot of what I hear. Some disregard that I say "whispers and rumors" and take them for gospel. Not pointing the finger at anyone just saying it happens. Makes for good talk but gets the talk way off track. There is only one scholarship. Till something, if anything at all happens, that is all there will be. This opening is important to the success of this team and that's why Mick has so many recruits coming in. It has to be filled and hopefully it is filled by the best guy available. Also, remember Ellis at this time last year was a top 150 guy.

Agreed that it needs to be kept in perspective.

It seems to me the real debate here surrounds Kelvin. Some believe he can provide 5-10 solid minutes of PT a night while others have implied it will be difficult for him to crack the regular rotation. My main argument has been and will be that what is needed from Kelvin is not offense. I expect Yancy to pick up his production next year and score at least 15 a game. I also expect JJ to continue to develop and add upwards of 10 a game. All that is needed from Kelvin is solid defense and rebounding. Couple that with him cleaning up any garbage around the basket and I skeptical as to why some don't believe he can contribute, at the level that is needed, next year.

 

[dp3113]

If he doesn't qualify, then it is a moot point and he would have to go prep or the JUCO route. My only question was that if there was a choice of redshirting him versus going the prep route, wouldn't it be better to have him in the fold and get him stronger, both academically and physically. I know Mick tends to talk up recruits (like all coaches do), but he said that Ellis was identified early by Coach Davis before his recruitment blew up. Thats why his offer list looks so sparse. Not saying that he is a 5 star, but someone who could blossom into a solid BE player. Viewing his u-tube video, it seems like he has high ceiling and a big upside. I know only the highlights are shown, but it still looks impressive. Additionally, from what I have read, the 2012 recruiting class if filled with quality big men. I wonder if it isn't worth saving a scholarship and offering it to someone form this class, rather than using it on a second spring leftover JUCO (maybe unfair, but thats how I view Mbodji as no one on here had heard of him 1 week ago).

ellis was a top 150 player on rivals his junior year. he was a known entity.