Mick's Call For Help

[bearcat jeff]

One thing that is apparent over the course of the past few days is that Mick Cronin is asking for help from the university he loves and serves. His comments about seizing the momentum and having a solid foundation to build on speaks to a much bigger issue. Is the University of Cincinnati willing to do what it takes to move this program forward?

One thing that has been completely overlooked the past five seasons is the restrictive budget Mick has had to operate under. I believe there are only two schools in the Big East with smaller budgets and South Florida is now stepping up so that number may shrink.

If the fans and administration want to see this program move further forward there has to be an investment. Mick, his staff and the players have made theirs and done their part. It's tough enough to recruit to an urban school, it is extremely hard when you have inferior facilities. Winning isn't going to be enough in todays landscape of spoiled athletes.

Mick has sent out a call for help. The question is will the unversity and fans step up and answer it? If not, no matter how much loyalty he has for a school he loves, you have to wonder if Mick will grow tired of pushing the cart uphill all by himself.

 

[cincycpaw]

The comments by Mick make sense. Seems maybe 1 year too early in his approach though, but not really a big deal.

My opinion would be for Mick to throw the full court press on getting fans in the seats. That is the #1 priority and I think it should be the entire focus until it is fixed.

Then, use that $ to start doing all of the other things.

I think it is a tough sell at this point for Mick until he shows the Admin that he can get people's butts in the seats. This year finished strong and should make that achievable next year.

 

[JasonS]

The comments by Mick make sense. Seems maybe 1 year too early in his approach though, but not really a big deal.

My opinion would be for Mick to throw the full court press on getting fans in the seats. That is the #1 priority and I think it should be the entire focus until it is fixed.

Then, use that $ to start doing all of the other things.

I think it is a tough sell at this point for Mick until he shows the Admin that he can get people's butts in the seats. This year finished strong and should make that achievable next year.

Butts in the seats aren't going to create the kind of revenue this program needs to compete in the Big East. They need more big money donors and that responsibility falls on Mike Thomas. Getting new sponsors will be aided by having more people in the stands for sure but I don't think it has to be a this than that approach. MT should be out looking for big time donors now and not waiting for next season and I believe that he is. The top priority should be to find a donor willing to give big money towards a new arena.

UC should have affiliations with large corporations in Cincinnati such as Kroger, GE and Proctor and Gamble to name a few. They have Fifth Third as a sponsor but they should be trying to get more big money corporations to use UC as an advertising outlet.

 

[cincycpaw]

Butts in the seats aren't going to create the kind of revenue this program needs to compete in the Big East. They need more big money donors and that responsibility falls on Mike Thomas. Getting new sponsors will be aided by having more people in the stands for sure but I don't think it has to be a this than that approach. MT should be out looking for big time donors now and not waiting for next season and I believe that he is. The top priority should be to find a donor willing to give big money towards a new arena.

UC should have affiliations with large corporations in Cincinnati such as Kroger, GE and Proctor and Gamble to name a few. They have Fifth Third as a sponsor but they should be trying to get more big money corporations to use UC as an advertising outlet.

No kidding it doesn't solve all the problems. But until you have them, you can't get the other stuff done.

You don't think MT is always looking for big time donors?

A big time donor for a new arena huh? What are you going to tell them..."well, sure we only fill 1/3 of the arena most of last year, but we still need $$$$$$ so that we can build an arena that seats 20,000+"

 

[cincycpaw]

UC should have affiliations with large corporations in Cincinnati such as Kroger, GE and Proctor and Gamble to name a few. They have Fifth Third as a sponsor but they should be trying to get more big money corporations to use UC as an advertising outlet.

Agree. And those people want to advertise to a full house and a ton of people watching at home. This should improve next year. So, the momentum is building.

 

[CincyBeerCo]

No kidding it doesn't solve all the problems. But until you have them, you can't get the other stuff done.

You don't think MT is always looking for big time donors?

A big time donor for a new arena huh? What are you going to tell them..."well, sure we only fill 1/3 of the arena most of last year, but we still need $$$$$$ so that we can build an arena that seats 20,000+"

We sure as he!! were'nt selling out Cincinnati Gardens when UC built the Shoe. Having a brand new arena draws fans and having a new/full arena was an asset that most definitely helped Bob Huggins' teams win from the get go. Bob's first game as head coach just so happened to be the first game at the Shoe. Just sayin'.

 

[catsfan32]

How is it that Cincy has like 11 or so fortune 500 companies and we are only affiliated with 5/3. We need to get Kroger, P&G, GE, Scripps, etc on board if we haven't already. There's huge money in Cincinnati both in Corporations and Private individuals, we HAVE to get some major donors to jump on board to compete. Lucky for us Cincy has plenty of potential Big Fish!

 

[JasonS]

No kidding it doesn't solve all the problems. But until you have them, you can't get the other stuff done.

You don't think MT is always looking for big time donors?

A big time donor for a new arena huh? What are you going to tell them..."well, sure we only fill 1/3 of the arena most of last year, but we still need $$$$$$ so that we can build an arena that seats 20,000+"

I know MT is looking for donors. My point was that he shouldn't be waiting on fans showing up to have these conversations.

Here is what you tell the corporate donors. You are going to have your name on an arena, court, practice facility, etc for a program that is a Top 25 program with many games on national television. Every time they announce where they are bringing the game from they will say "Welcome from Proctor & Gamble Arena in Cincinnati, OH." Your name will be on the floor and the advertisements courtside which will not only be seen by fans in the seats but by fans on television. It will be associated with an awesome and beautiful arena.

With this program in the Big East and on the ESPN family of networks for every single conference game, there is something to sell already. Having a team that will more than likely be preseason Top 25 next year is something to sell. The ability to attract the big time corporate sponsors is here and now. Do you think there are some people who don't go to games because sitting up top is not that pleasant at 5/3 arena? I have heard many people say that.

 

[JasonS]

How is it that Cincy has like 11 or so fortune 500 companies and we are only affiliated with 5/3. We need to get Kroger, P&G, GE, Scripps, etc on board if we haven't already. There's huge money in Cincinnati both in Corporations and Private individuals, we HAVE to get some major donors to jump on board to compete. Lucky for us Cincy has plenty of potential Big Fish!

BINGO!!

 

[psax889906]

I agree with the overall sentiment here that unless a single big time donor steps up (individual or corporate) there will be no arena renovation or plan for a new one... the sell to those potential donors, like the sell to potential recruits, got easier with the product on court Mick, Mike Thomas and UC can show them now. A 26 win team in the NCAA Tournament.

As a sidenote to that how much more national coverage on a game to game basis do we expect for UC next year? Instead of all the ESPN3.com and ESPNU matchups hopefully we see at least a half dozen games on ESPN or ESPN2.

 

[Juliepitzer]

I agree with all said but Cronin has to do his part as well. His spring and summer hybernation and disappearing act does not help in bringing about a new, energized fan base. Case in point. The last 2 seasons, my neighbor (who runs a local athletic youth league for baseball, basketball, football, and soccer) contacted the University of Cincinnati's athletic department to request their coaches to be guest speakers at events and clinics. They recieved responses from Coach Jones, Coach Cleary I believe his name was, and Coach Elliot. All 3 attended an event at one time or another. No response was ever recieved from Cronin. An attempt was made to message him at his email address and it was also ignored. This percieved arrogance, right or wrong, does not help in bringing in new fans IMO. By the way, I do hate mentioning his name so I wont. They did recieve a response from the Norwood U. coach. He declined but sent 1 of his assistants. Get out in the suburbs Mick. You will be welcomed.

 

[bearcat jeff]

I agree with all said but Cronin has to do his part as well. His spring and summer hybernation and disappearing act does not help in bringing about a new, energized fan base. Will it cure everything if he gets out there, no. But it will help. IMO of course.

JP I agree Mick has to be an active part of "the sell", but when you are at a disadvantage in areas of recruiting you have to make it up in others. That means more face time and more selling on the recruiting trail.

 

[psax889906]

Here is my post from over on BCL about the current tensions between Mick Cronin and the administration:

I still believe when all is said and done we will look back at this period of Cronin's tenure as him posturing for the things he needs to be successful. Of course he's "listening" to these overtures from other schools. But I don't think it's within the same hemisphere as the "listening" that was done by Brian Kelly when ND came calling.

1: Notre Dame was BK's dream job- The University of Cincinnati is Mick's dream job.

2: Even with those points set aside, I don't believe the jobs Mick's name is being mentioned with are anywhere near the level of the Notre Dame job. it's not a Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio State, Duke, Syracuse, etc. In my opinion Cronin would be a fool (which I certainly do not think he is) to leave for a position (at this point in his career) below those blue bloods.

3: Why, after five seasons of excruciatingly difficult work, would he give up on this school, administration and program because of a few months worth of snags in negotiations? I've been one of the most adamant supporters of Cronin throughout his time in Clifton. Many (most) would call me an apologist. With that as context I will be the first to say I'm not going to join in a pity party for the man. This program deserves and NEEDS better support from it's fans, athletic department and university. With that said, Mick Cronin knew the restraints he would be faced with when he signed on the dotted line. And I'm talking about more than on the basketball court. He knew the debt that had been accrued by previous administrations over the constant construction that occurred in Clifton in the 90's and into the new millennium. If Mick Cronin is willing to walk away from what he has BEGUN to build here because of these roadblocks he knew he would deal with, it's possible he isn't quite as determined as I thought.

My summation of this entire situation revolves around caution- not panic. I sympathize with both parties. Mick Cronin has shouldered expectations of building a winner from the ground up, all the while being allowed resources that dictated otherwise. Mike Thomas has had to handle pressure from the two largest revenue sports on campus to increase each's funding- when the funds simply were not and are not there.

I believe both parties are going to have to make compromises in order to see the program as a whole continue to grow and be successful. As UC and Thomas have had to do with football, they are going to have to begin getting more creative in regards to how they go about raising funds and getting the words, "Cincinnati Bearcats Basketball" on everyone's tongues.

For all his positive career traits no one has ever claimed Mick Cronin to be a fund raising machine. He is not a political orator with honey dripping from his lips i.e. Brian Kelly. Because of that he relies on his product on the court. I'm certain he realizes one strong season is not enough to completely reverse the harm that was done to this program. After spending five years building it back up, he needs to take a page out of his own book and realize getting to the mountain top in many ways will be even more difficult than getting from sea level to base camp. I recall a quote of his a few years ago after UC had pulled itself out of the cellar of the Big East. He stressed to everyone going from 16th to 10th wasn't the difficult part, but going from 10th to 1st rather, was the challenge. Both Mike Thomas and Mick Cronin need to keep this in mind. If they work together there is no doubt a plan can be put in place to annually and systematically increase the basketball budget in accordance with increased revenue. To expect a boost of the budget by several million from one year to the next is in many ways unrealistic given the universities current economic landscape. However- far more intelligent men than myself should surely be able to come up with a plan that sees the budget increased from it's current status to a respectable point (I believe Pitt has already been used as a landmark in this area) within another five year period; All the while in accordance with continued success, growth and expansion by the team, it's on court results and off court revenue.

 

[JasonS]

I don't understand the following from your statement, psax. "With that as context I will be the first to say I'm not going to join in a pity party for the man."

I don't see anything Mick doing as asking for anyone's pity. He has flat our said that he is not about the money on a personal level. That's not his goal. He has said he does just fine for himself. What is wrong with wanting the advantages that other programs in your conference have? He has to compete with them on the floor and for recruits and is going to be deemed successful or not based on how he does against them. Notice that Mick did not open his mouth about any of this until he had a winning product on the court. I really think this may have been the plan all along. Get the program to a winning situation and then do everything in your power to better the program for the long haul. I don't see anything wrong with this. If Mick is going to use the rumors of him going to other schools as a way to get things to better the program, I am all behind it. Brian Kelly did this for the football program and people applauded him for it. Mick does it for the basketball program, which is the face of the University, and he is ridiculed for it. Keep doing what you're doing, Mick. I hope people wise up before it is too late and Mick decides that he has done all he can do at UC and leaves for greener pastures.

 

[psax889906]

I don't understand the following from your statement, psax. "With that as context I will be the first to say I'm not going to join in a pity party for the man."

I don't see anything Mick doing as asking for anyone's pity. He has flat our said that he is not about the money on a personal level. That's not his goal. He has said he does just fine for himself. What is wrong with wanting the advantages that other programs in your conference have? He has to compete with them on the floor and for recruits and is going to be deemed successful or not based on how he does against them. Notice that Mick did not open his mouth about any of this until he had a winning product on the court. I really think this may have been the plan all along. Get the program to a winning situation and then do everything in your power to better the program for the long haul. I don't see anything wrong with this. If Mick is going to use the rumors of him going to other schools as a way to get things to better the program, I am all behind it. Brian Kelly did this for the football program and people applauded him for it. Mick does it for the basketball program, which is the face of the University, and he is ridiculed for it. Keep doing what you're doing, Mick. I hope people wise up before it is too late and Mick decides that he has done all he can do at UC and leaves for greener pastures.

Jason,

A few points:

The hottest "rumor" is that Mick is very close to signing a new contract with a substantial Pay Raise. I'm not going to crucify the guy for it, because he deserves it- but if it wasn't about his money why not put that pay raise towards either his staff or the overall budget? Once again this is all just rumor at this point so we'll see what happens.

One strong season does not (even given these circumstances) give him the platform to strong arm the administration into giving him what he wants immediately, or see him leave.

My second post from that thread on BCL:

I think it's already been documented on here that the University and Mike Thomas have already shown what many considered to be too much "loyalty" and patience with Mick Cronin as is. Some wanted him gone after year three, most wanted him gone after year four. I'd say that patience and "loyalty" paid off- wouldn't you? So I think it's time Mick exercises some of that same patience while he is being rewarded. Per the point in my initial post I don't see many solutions in which this thing gets fixed in one (or two) years time. It's going to take years to fix but that doesn't mean both parties can't work through it together.

If Mick Cronin really wants to leave, he should take caution. He' already been through hell- and the grass is NOT always greener on the other side.

I've got no problem with Mick using all of this as leverage. But I don't see the solution being a quick one here. He must realize that.

 

[Thegreatone]

I have been a huge MC supporter for a long time. But for people to be sreaming and yelling that UC needs to promise him the world is absurd. Keep the man paid as best we can. Fans need to show up to the games. Plain and simple.

 

[JasonS]

Jason,

A few points:

The hottest "rumor" is that Mick is very close to signing a new contract with a substantial Pay Raise. I'm not going to crucify the guy for it, because he deserves it- but if it wasn't about his money why not put that pay raise towards either his staff or the overall budget? Once again this is all just rumor at this point so we'll see what happens.

One strong season does not (even given these circumstances) give him the platform to strong arm the administration into giving him what he wants immediately, or see him leave.

My second post from that thread on BCL:



I've got no problem with Mick using all of this as leverage. But I don't see the solution being a quick one here. He must realize that.

Are you hearing something I am not? While I am sure a new contract will have a pay raise with it (and I am ok with that), I have not heard anything where Mick has given any kind of ultimatum. Maybe I missed something? I agree that he should not be strong-arming the administration and honestly, I don't think he is.

As for a quick solution, I don't think Mick is under the impression that they are going to spend $10-20 Million more next year on basketball. I think he wants people in the administration and the current and future boosters to start thinking about it though. I knew that UC was behind in spending on athletics in general. I had no idea how far behind they really were. Maybe this knowledge will prompt someone or some company with the resources who love UC basketball to help in this matter? The first rule in any negotiation is to aim high. You'll never get it if you never ask for it.

Of course, this is just my opinion and understanding of the situation. I could be completely wrong. I hope not though.

 

[psax889906]

Are you hearing something I am not? While I am sure a new contract will have a pay raise with it (and I am ok with that), I have not heard anything where Mick has given any kind of ultimatum. Maybe I missed something? I agree that he should not be strong-arming the administration and honestly, I don't think he is.

As for a quick solution, I don't think Mick is under the impression that they are going to spend $10-20 Million more next year on basketball. I think he wants people in the administration and the current and future boosters to start thinking about it though. I knew that UC was behind in spending on athletics in general. I had no idea how far behind they really were. Maybe this knowledge will prompt someone or some company with the resources who love UC basketball to help in this matter? The first rule in any negotiation is to aim high. You'll never get it if you never ask for it.

Of course, this is just my opinion and understanding of the situation. I could be completely wrong. I hope not though.

I completely agree with you. Honestly one of my main gripes with this entire situation is that it's gotten so public so quickly by way of message board and innuendo. I know I'm only adding to it myself. I know Mick Cronin isn't to blame for this but I hate that some of the less glamorous sides of negotiations are leaking out.

 

[JasonS]

I completely agree with you. Honestly one of my main gripes with this entire situation is that it's gotten so public so quickly by way of message board and innuendo. I know I'm only adding to it myself. I know Mick Cronin isn't to blame for this but I hate that some of the less glamorous sides of negotiations are leaking out.

I agree with you on this for sure. I have complete faith that this is going to work out the way we all want it to. When negotiations go public, it is rarely a good thing for anyone involved. I don't think either side intended for this to go public which is what is the most disappointing part about the whole thing.

 

[psax889906]

What gets lost in all this is that the overwhelming majority of us all want the same thing right now. Mick Cronin as the head coach next year (and into the future) and the basketball budget increased. It's how we get there that is going to cause debate.