Mick a Candidate for UNLV?

[JasonS]

I don't deny that it is VERY important. It absolutely is...but some of the higher end guys we've been able to land despite the perceived disadvantages have really struggled to grow as players. The arena doesn't much matter in that regard.

True. But some of the off the radar guys developed into very good to great players. Recruiting is about percentages. The higher percentage of 4 and 5 star players you have, the better you are likely to be. Doesn't always work out that way but the odds swing in your favor.

 

[Bearcat Rob]

We better hear from mick tomarrow

 

[UCBearcats]

Last time I checked, you can draft players in the Pros and they have to play for you or don't play. Doesn't work that way in college. Arenas matter whether you like it or not. Think back to when you were 17 or 18. If you went somewhere with a cool arena compared to somewhere with an outdated one, it would leave an impression on you.

I don't disagree, a new arena will have an impact......I don't believe that impact will be enough to elevate our program all that much.

When I think back to when I was 16 or 17 I think back to going to UC basketball games that were sold out every night. Playing in the same poorly designed arena we play in today and in a conference that was just as "mid major" as the one we're in today.

We were able to get it done at a much higher level back then. The fact that we can't get it done now at the same level won't change much just because our arena has been renovated. Unless either of us has a crystal ball I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree for now and see how it plays out.

 

[UCBearcats]

We better hear from mick tomarrow

Madman is going to be p i s s e d

 

[jacobkdoyle]

Last time I checked, you can draft players in the Pros and they have to play for you or don't play. Doesn't work that way in college. Arenas matter whether you like it or not. Think back to when you were 17 or 18. If you went somewhere with a cool arena compared to somewhere with an outdated one, it would leave an impression on you.

Yeah my brother played D-1 baseball and chose the newly renovated field/baseball specific player lounge. It definitely matters. He had never really even heard of New Mexico State beforehand (It also helped that he was in 80 degree weather in the mountains with no rain). But the facilities were very important.

 

[JasonS]

I don't disagree, a new arena will have an impact......I don't believe that impact will be enough to elevate our program all that much.

When I think back to when I was 16 or 17 I think back to going to UC basketball games that were sold out every night. Playing in the same poorly designed arena we play in today and in a conference that was just as "mid major" as the one we're in today.

We were able to get it done at a much higher level back then. The fact that we can't get it done now at the same level won't change much just because our arena has been renovated. Unless either of us has a crystal ball I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree for now and see how it plays out.

UC had poor timing in building the Shoe. When it was built, multipurpose arenas were in. Shortly after, NBA style arenas became all the rage. Sometimes you don't realize your car is a POS until your friend pulls up next to you in a brand new Corvette and then you start to look around and realize you are driving a POS. I think that is what happened to UC.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

I would love the updated arena, etc to happen. But at the same time, would a new arena mean guys like Shaq Thomas suddenly make progress in their game over the course of 4-5 years? Once the guys are here, the arena perk for recruiting goes out the window.

are you expecting that if we get the arena that Mick never misses on a recruit. How about this, the frequency in which it occurs would have to go down. And as I mentioned if he doesn't perform up to expectations you fire him? The difference that everyone has is each persons expectations are different. I think for what Mick has to work with he does a good job. I'm pleased enough that I'm willing to give him the opportunity to improve on his results and provide him a better venue to do so. It's more then obvious his bosses feel the same way. We debate this everyday in every thread. If I was as unhappy with the product as some who post I would not waste my time watching, posting or most certainly supporting financially. For someone like L-T who is financially invested with tickets and booster donations if I wanted to make a statement I wouldn't waste my time convincing a bunch of fans who ocassionally go to games but I would withdraw my support to the university. No one hear can fire Mick or force a change. What the old saying money talks and BS walks. You think the BOT cares about someone posting on a blog how disatified with he progtpram as long as he continues to send his check. His constant complaining adds to the interest.

 

[AZ BEARCAT]

I wonder if they took him to the chicken ranch. You used to be able to catch a chopper up the street from the Tropicana out to the ranch in the old days. Lol!!! Not that I would ever have done that. I'm Catholic for goodness sake.

LOL! V E G A S!!!!!!!

 

[Madman81]

Madman is going to be p i s s e d

it's more simple shit, like repeatedly getting your/you're and there/their/they're mixed up, that is annoying and demonstrates a lack of education.

but "tomarrow" and "leathal" make people look pretty dumb, too.

 

[UCalum08]

I don't disagree, a new arena will have an impact......I don't believe that impact will be enough to elevate our program all that much.

When I think back to when I was 16 or 17 I think back to going to UC basketball games that were sold out every night. Playing in the same poorly designed arena we play in today and in a conference that was just as "mid major" as the one we're in today.

We were able to get it done at a much higher level back then. The fact that we can't get it done now at the same level won't change much just because our arena has been renovated. Unless either of us has a crystal ball I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree for now and see how it plays out.

But you also need to take into account how different life and college sports are. Back when you were 16,17, TV's weren't what they are now, it was better for ppl to go to the games. Not so much now. It's all about fan amenities and experience. Current arena lacks all of that. I mean, just the concourses alone are a joke. They still have box TVs, some don't even have a clear picture. It's embarrassing. The food is a travesty. Cincy is a food town and Aramark to me is on the same level as high school concessions. The restrooms....horrid. These are things that have me furious as donating alum. It's pretty disrespectful from the AD, President, BOT to expect a winning program when they haven't invested in simply amenities. I understand why coach is pissed.

 

[ZCat]

Madman I am not sure what you are trying to do here. Some of us are at work and have nothing better to do then leaf through 180 pages of non sense to get to the two or three posts that say anything. By holding people to higher standards you are infringing on the right to free speech and my right to laugh at the multiple idiotic arguments that have occurred since this non new story started. Please do not screw up my way to waste my day.

Hilarious. First sentence got me rolling.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

are you expecting that if we get the arena that Mick never misses on a recruit. How about this, the frequency in which it occurs would have to go down. And as I mentioned if he doesn't perform up to expectations you fire him? The difference that everyone has is each persons expectations are different. I think for what Mick has to work with he does a good job. I'm pleased enough that I'm willing to give him the opportunity to improve on his results and provide him a better venue to do so. It's more then obvious his bosses feel the same way. We debate this everyday in every thread. If I was as unhappy with the product as some who post I would not waste my time watching, posting or most certainly supporting financially. For someone like L-T who is financially invested with tickets and booster donations if I wanted to make a statement I wouldn't waste my time convincing a bunch of fans who ocassionally go to games but I would withdraw my support to the university. No one hear can fire Mick or force a change. What the old saying money talks and BS walks. You think the BOT cares about someone posting on a blog how disatified with he progtpram as long as he continues to send his check. His constant complaining adds to the interest.

As frustrated as I get at times, I do believe it is in the best interest of UC Basketball for Cronin to stay and have the things that were promised, delivered. You're right, if it goes wrong a few years in, then we always have a healthier option than what would be presented if we started from scratch tomorrow.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

But you also need to take into account how different life and college sports are. Back when you were 16,17, TV's weren't what they are now, it was better for ppl to go to the games. Not so much now. It's all about fan amenities and experience. Current arena lacks all of that. I mean, just the concourses alone are a joke. They still have box TVs, some don't even have a clear picture. It's embarrassing. The food is a travesty. Cincy is a food town and Aramark to me is on the same level as high school concessions. The restrooms....horrid. These are things that have me furious as donating alum. It's pretty disrespectful from the AD, President, BOT to expect a winning program when they haven't invested in simply amenities. I understand why coach is pissed.

Graet post. The other thing is attendance across the board in college basketball is down. Someone can check me on this but I think I remember reading that. It fits in with why they are calling the games different and changing some rules to promote more offense which is also down.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

But you also need to take into account how different life and college sports are. Back when you were 16,17, TV's weren't what they are now, it was better for ppl to go to the games. Not so much now. It's all about fan amenities and experience. Current arena lacks all of that. I mean, just the concourses alone are a joke. They still have box TVs, some don't even have a clear picture. It's embarrassing. The food is a travesty. Cincy is a food town and Aramark to me is on the same level as high school concessions. The restrooms....horrid. These are things that have me furious as donating alum. It's pretty disrespectful from the AD, President, BOT to expect a winning program when they haven't invested in simply amenities. I understand why coach is pissed.

Damn right. I used to work at Wrigley Field...Levy Restaurants is 1,000% the way to go.

 

[UCBearcats]

But you also need to take into account how different life and college sports are. Back when you were 16,17, TV's weren't what they are now, it was better for ppl to go to the games. Not so much now. It's all about fan amenities and experience. Current arena lacks all of that. I mean, just the concourses alone are a joke. They still have box TVs, some don't even have a clear picture. It's embarrassing. The food is a travesty. Cincy is a food town and Aramark to me is on the same level as high school concessions. The restrooms....horrid. These are things that have me furious as donating alum. It's pretty disrespectful from the AD, President, BOT to expect a winning program when they haven't invested in simply amenities. I understand why coach is pissed.

I understand all of those things and your points are valid. I also know that all of those thing you mentioned will significantly increase the costs associated with attending UC games. The bottom line is winning with enough regularity to create excitement within your fan base is what puts butts in seats. To do that you need to be ranked, have top players, and compete for championships. We used to do that, we don't anymore and if we were doing those things today people would come regardless of the food and the tube TVs.

People are not going to spend the added money to watch the same product that's on the floor today in a new arena. People already don't come to games as is, once the newness of that arena wears out it's going to take more than flat screens and upgraded food options to get people in the door.

I guess the good news for me is that when that time comes Mick will be all out of excuses. The bad news is that I'll have to sit through 3 or 4 more seasons of mediocre basketball to get there. Hopefully he gets some of those upgraded recruits everyone is talking about so the next coach can actually do something with them.

Then again, Mick could always decide to leave for UNLV tomorrow, in which case things will be looking up.

Mick could also prove me wrong and raise the bar on this program in which case I'll have to eat a ton of crow. At that point I won't care though because I'll have my UC basketball program back. I'm not very bearish on this scenario playing out.

 

[JasonS]

As frustrated as I get at times, I do believe it is in the best interest of UC Basketball for Cronin to stay and have the things that were promised, delivered. You're right, if it goes wrong a few years in, then we always have a healthier option than what would be presented if we started from scratch tomorrow.

This is the biggest thing to remember in my mind. If you give Mick what he asks for and it doesn't improve, fire him and bring someone else in with a better arena to attract a better coach.

 

[UCalum08]

Graet post. The other thing is attendance across the board in college basketball is down. Someone can check me on this but I think I remember reading that. It fits in with why they are calling the games different and changing some rules to promote more offense which is also down.

It is down for sure. The fact that we do get 10k + for good occ and more conference games is impressive considering the dilapidated arena. It shows that this fan base just wants to see a winner. If we would have beat Iowa St and Butler, the 2016 home games all would have been 11k+. We finished with 3 straight near sellouts.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

It is down for sure. The fact that we do get 10k + for good occ and more conference games is impressive considering the dilapidated arena. It shows that this fan base just wants to see a winner. If we would have beat Iowa St and Butler, the 2016 home games all would have been 11k+. We finished with 3 straight near sellouts.

I think the next two years will be very good for the team. Especially if Mick can bring in a difference making PG when TC leaves. We all like to say how crappy the AAC is but they did get 4 teams in this year.

 

[UCBearcat4ever]

Tomorrow is Decision day per latest Vegas article
http://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/unlv-rebels/basketball/unlv-awaits-decision-cincinnati-s-cronin

 

[JasonS]

I think the next two years will be very good for the team. Especially if Mick can bring in a difference making PG when TC leaves. We all like to say how crappy the AAC is but they did get 4 teams in this year.

The AAC isn't much different than CUSA was with us, UL, Marquette and Memphis. A top heavy league with some pretty good teams. The difference is the money. The gap between a league like the AAC and the power 5 conferences keeps widening and it makes it harder to keep up.