Memphis (Senior Day)

[david aka the TYZ]

Great game, great crowd last night. Even had the firecrackers perform at halftime and they always impress. What a way for the seniors to go out at home. Couldn't have been a better opponent. Memphis is good, but they play absolutely no defense. Glad we were able to take advantage. My only negative of the night was the three steps and go to the line the refs employed late in the game to keep stopping the clock and run the score up. The refs in our conference seriously suck. Usually you talk about the refs must have a plane to catch because they don't want to stop the clock. Last night was the opposite. Maybe, like the rest of us, they wanted our seniors on the floor as long as possible and they were doing their part. I wish this game had ended the regular season. Quick turnaround after an emotional game. Saturday is a must win for the conference title.

As far as Dave is concerned, I feel for him. I, too, hate that he has been relegated to walk-on duty in some games but it is what it is. He only fits a certain role and unfortunately it's not our #1 gameplan and Memphis isn't the best match-up for him as quick as they are. Bottom line is everybody has a role on this team and last night was way too important a game to play someone just for the sake of playing them. It really does suck for Dave. I figured Mick would get him in at some point late and start taking the starting seniors out earlier but Memphis was threatening to come back and with the refs stopping the clock and Memphis shooting foul shots the game was by no means in hand. While Dave might not have got his just send-off, he is an important part of this team and his number will be called on at some point in the post-season to provide some key minutes and play. Keep your head up Dave, we need you.

 

[bearcat jeff]

What a wonderful night last night was. These last two games embody what this program used to be, what it is, and what it will be. Those two atmospheres were as good as any that Huggs ever gave us. It was like being in basketball heaven. I can't explain how phenominal it was to be a part of it. One of my criticisms of Mick was that he's never regained this atmosphere that we once had almost every game, but he's done it now. I absolutely hate that this "home" season has come to an end. And I pray that Mick, now that he has this program rolling, can find a way to somehow keep this momentum going with next year's roster.

There was a day when I would go into depression at season's end, and long about August, that anticipation and excitement would start to build until around October when I could almost not function as a human being because I wanted the season to start so bad. We had the midnight madnesses to at least give us fanatics a taste of things to come. Those were so much fun. Those feelings had left me since the Nancy Zimpher debacle. But after last night, I'm ready to send my UCATS fee in now for next year.

The whole Dave Nyarsuk situation was sad. I'll give Mick the benefit of the doubt until more details come out. If he did refuse to go in, he may have been sending a nessage at Mick for holding him to the same level as the walk-on. Dave has done a great job for us this year when called upon in a lot of key situations, so my personal feeling is that he could have easily been inserted for a few meaningful minutes at any point of that game. I'm not one that cares all that much about whether a senior starts or not. This was a monster game for us in terms of importance, so I'm not upset at Mick at all for not starting him. Sorry Dave.....but thank you for your great time here as a Bearcat.

A lot of my Mick criticisms have been answered this year, so I'll stay focused on the positives in this post. It was great to see players crying and in a loving embrace with the head coach. I've voiced that criticism in year's past. Most of his senior nights have been devoid of tears, and have involved mostly handshakes with departing seniors, but this year was very moving and it's great to see genuine relationships developing between players and coach. When that kind of love develops, and Huggs seemed to have it in spades, it carrys over to how the team performs on the floor and the effort that is generated. These guys play hard for their coach. After witnessing last night, I get it. I love seeing the hugs and tears!!!! Let's all hope we close this great season out in style on Saturday, exorcising the past demons of 12:00 Saturday games, and bring home a championship. That would be a fitting end to such a wonderful season!

Nice post and I agree with you and others who say "it was an important game". Even though the UC offense was clicking, Once Memphis starting hitting 3's I was never comfortable with the lead and I'll bet neither was Mick Cronin. This team is out to win a championship. Everyone was given the opportunity to be honored. That's the last word from me on that subject.

This is my in my 41 years this is my favorite Bearcat team. They maximize all that they are on a given night, and outside of twice, I think they've left everything they had on the court. Every team has some of those nights where mentally they just aren't there. The elite teams minimize it.

I loved the Kenyon Martin senior year and the Steve Logan senior year. I loved the Andy Kennedy team. Loved the Final Four team and still think they were way more talented than anybody gave them credit for and Damon Flint along side Danny Fortson. And et me say the Mick's sweet 16 team was dear to my heart. But this team is my favorite because of the cast of characters and the way they represent the name of that jersey and get so much out of their God given talents. I also admire their humbleness in knowing defense if their key to winning and committing themselves to it the way they have.

 

[bearcat jeff]

Great game, great crowd last night. Even had the firecrackers perform at halftime and they always impress. What a way for the seniors to go out at home. Couldn't have been a better opponent. Memphis is good, but they play absolutely no defense. Glad we were able to take advantage. My only negative of the night was the three steps and go to the line the refs employed late in the game to keep stopping the clock and run the score up. The refs in our conference seriously suck. Usually you talk about the refs must have a plane to catch because they don't want to stop the clock. Last night was the opposite. Maybe, like the rest of us, they wanted our seniors on the floor as long as possible and they were doing their part. I wish this game had ended the regular season. Quick turnaround after an emotional game. Saturday is a must win for the conference title.

As far as Dave is concerned, I feel for him. I, too, hate that he has been relegated to walk-on duty in some games but it is what it is. He only fits a certain role and unfortunately it's not our #1 gameplan and Memphis isn't the best match-up for him as quick as they are. Bottom line is everybody has a role on this team and last night was way too important a game to play someone just for the sake of playing them. It really does suck for Dave. I figured Mick would get him in at some point late and start taking the starting seniors out earlier but Memphis was threatening to come back and with the refs stopping the clock and Memphis shooting foul shots the game was by no means in hand. While Dave might not have got his just send-off, he is an important part of this team and his number will be called on at some point in the post-season to provide some key minutes and play. Keep your head up Dave, we need you.

Great post gotta rep that.

 

[Scheids21]

Last night was the first game I've gotten to go to all year, and man did I pick a good one. I got there at 6:15 to be there for senior ceremonies and the student section was already packed and chanting. Don't ask me if I teared up when Sean walked to center court, because I'd rather not lie. He is officially my favorite Bearcat of all time and his number needs to be put up next to Kenyon's. I saw him on Calhoun Street a few hours later and told him he played a great game. He is just a great guy and represents the school, program, and city so well.

The crowd was fantastic; completely in it and just enjoying watching this team play. I think the best way to describe it was fun. All the fans were in a great mood, and I agree with others that there was a different mentality to the game. I don't remember ever watching us play a top 20 team where I wasn't even concerned about losing. I just thought there was no way they could lose.

The seniors played amazing. If Rubles can play like that the next few weeks, watch out. Not sure if anyone saw Cronin's quote when asked if he was going to make sure Rubles mom was at all the games going forward. Cronin said well theres a couple games in Dallas in a few weeks.

I love this team.

 

[bearcat jeff]

Last night was the first game I've gotten to go to all year, and man did I pick a good one. I got there at 6:15 to be there for senior ceremonies and the student section was already packed and chanting. Don't ask me if I teared up when Sean walked to center court, because I'd rather not lie. He is officially my favorite Bearcat of all time and his number needs to be put up next to Kenyon's. I saw him on Calhoun Street a few hours later and told him he played a great game. He is just a great guy and represents the school, program, and city so well.

The crowd was fantastic; completely in it and just enjoying watching this team play. I think the best way to describe it was fun. All the fans were in a great mood, and I agree with others that there was a different mentality to the game. I don't remember ever watching us play a top 20 team where I wasn't even concerned about losing. I just thought there was no way they could lose.

The seniors played amazing. If Rubles can play like that the next few weeks, watch out. Not sure if anyone saw Cronin's quote when asked if he was going to make sure Rubles mom was at all the games going forward. Cronin said well theres a couple games in Dallas in a few weeks.

I love this team.

I've said all season if this team can have 3 people score in double figures nightly and get 16-22 bench points, they will be very difficult to beat. They are simply too consistent on the defensive end and an adequate offense makes them able to beat anybody.

The keys going forward? Low turnover numbers, JJ staying on the floor and Titus Rubles playing like his season is nearly over when on offense like he did last night (not saying 24 a night but 10-12). He shoots ft's well and has the ability to drive and get fouled and score without having to make jumpshots. If UC has that and the occasional Thomas, Sanders, Caupain double figure game, watch out.

 

[david aka the TYZ]

Great post gotta rep that.

Thanks, been awhile since I've been repped...

So I went to the box score to see how bad the score was run up late last night. Memphis hit a 3 at the 2:59 mark to pull within 78-66. So the last three minutes saw a 19-18 scoring advantage for UC with a total of 23 foul shots taken (17 by us).

 

[UCalum08]

Side note...was anyone else annoyed with Memphis's Michael Dixon? Not only is he a*s ugly but every time time I saw him he was crying about something. Not to mention he totally flopped on Rubles elbow.

 

[Bearcat Rob]

Side note...was anyone else annoyed with Memphis's Michael Dixon? Not only is he a*s ugly but every time time I saw him he was crying about something. Not to mention he totally flopped on Rubles elbow.

Haha yes!! I was thinking that all game, cant stand that guy, and certainly is dog-crap ugly