My thoughts

[bearcat jeff]

First of all UC is 15-3 and I'm happy with that. Yes, they could very well be 18-0 but I'll take what we got at this point. Every team hits a funk, i.e. Notre Dame, as the season progresses. Other teams have more game tape to wach and make adjustments and then you have to counter. Plus, players go thru times of poor mental and physical play. It's just part of a long season.

However, this season has felt so far like promise unfulfilled. Even when playing well there seemed to be something missing. It could be the 4th scorer, the lack of basketball iq I speak of, or the poor inside play, but so far this season it "feels" like this team has failed to meet it's potential entirely. Their effort is inconsistent and though they talk like they want to be great, I don't get the feeling the players want to give every play the attention it deserves. The end of last nights game is a good case in point. Players not moving on offense or defense in the last 2 minutes. In their mind the game was over while physically it was still being played. The major impediment to this teams progress to me is mental toughness. Not from the big 3, but from the supporting cast.

I think the 4th scorer issue can be solved collectively thru Sanders and Thomas. Sanders had 2 points, 3 rebounds (2 of them offensive), and 2 assists. Thomas scored 4 points. Both seem to be getting more comfortable. They have to play and are the teams best options for another scorer and bench points.

On the low post the Bearcats don't need a beast, they just need the guys they have to finish their opportunities. This comes down to toughness and want to. I would love to see Cincinnati utilize the mid-range more to compensate for the lack of a low post presence and as a way to keep teams from extending the perimeter.

The bench is a major question mark and let's be honest, it isn't good to be searching for pieces in mid-January. Again, Sanders and Thomas have shown promise. JJ is maybe having his worst year as a Bearcat and Rubles would be great off the bench, but I don't like him starting. The 4 spot is a gaping hole to me. You either keep giving Rubles the minutes and let him grow or you have to go small. I think Rubles is going to be better next year or even later this year, but right now he seems lost and unsure to me. Like Sanders and Thomas I believe he is a huge piece to Feb/March for this team. GG has to step up and just play. I can almost see him think out there and he looks to the bench after every play it seems. If I'm Mick I run my starting 5 out and Nyarsuk, Sanders, Thomas, JJ or Rubles (whoever isn't starting), and GG in limited minutes. Nyarsuk splits with Mbodji, Sanders and JJ/Rubles gets 12-15 mpg, Thomas and GG 8-10 unless Thomas is hot and he can eat some of Sanders minutes.

Mentally they have to want more and understand what it takes to get there. Mick has to find a way to break thru the lethargic nature of this team. They are not tough in the mold we are used to. Not tough mentally or physically and they lack iq. Effort can overcome a lot of things and if this team would give 40 minutes of effort to both sides of the ball even with the limitations they'll be fine. Problem is so far we haven't seen it. This is a leadership issue both in the locker room and from the coaching staff. Kilpatrick said he needs to step up and carry his weight as a leader like Cash does. Collectively, Cash, JP, SK and JJ should be all over these guys when effort isn't given. That's hard to do when only Cash and JP are consistently giving it up on both sides of the court.

Bad news is they seem to still be slumping. Good news is they are 15-3 with room and time to grow but time is running out and answers need to be found sooner rather then later.

 

[Bearcat91]

I agree for the most part about there seems to be something missing on this team. We have a solid group of players that seem like they are still trying to figure out how to mesh well and play as a team.

As far as lineup goes I still think Rubles should get the start. I think we are all too quick to forget that this really is his first year playing D1 so he's almost like a sophomore. Freshmen typically play in scrub time unless they are something special and I compare D2 bball to D1 bball in scrub time. Also, he seems to be the only one besides Cash who will actually drive to the basket and we need that. Jaquon does is sometimes and SK hardly at all. SK needs to look back at that X game and all the time he drove to the rim and got points from it and put that back into his game.

Starting lineup should stay Cash, SK, Jaquon, Rubles, Mbodj. Ideally I would love to see JJ start in place of Mbodj for a game just to see how that would work but JJ is having a terrible year and should be coming off the bench. This team can go far in the tourney and I'd rather slump now and win games than slump come March.

 

[TheLongHaul]

I agree with most but I like Thomas way more than Sanders. Sanders proved yet again that he can't be trusted with the ball in his hands. He plays scared and isn't a threat at all on the offensive end. If he is WIDE open he might be able to make a shot but he has the slowest release I've ever seen. And the form just isn't pretty either....Shaq on the other hand plays with a lot of confidence and is so much more athletic than Sanders. His shot isn't great but it has been good enough to at least keep the defense honest.

JJ is terrible so they are going to have to live with Rubles and let him grow on the job. He has the potential. Hell, he is the second best ball handler behind Cash.

SK and Parker need to step it up and play like veterans. Their turnovers last night were atrocious. SK's defense was bad and they both hurt the team by trying to draw a foul every time they dribble off a pick.

Hopefully Cash realizes the blueprint for how to be successful. He is one of the best PG's in the country if and when he drives to the basket.

 

[UCalum08]

I agree with most but I like Thomas way more than Sanders. Sanders proved yet again that he can't be trusted with the ball in his hands. He plays scared and isn't a threat at all on the offensive end. If he is WIDE open he might be able to make a shot but he has the slowest release I've ever seen. And the form just isn't pretty either....Shaq on the other hand plays with a lot of confidence and is so much more athletic than Sanders. His shot isn't great but it has been good enough to at least keep the defense honest.

JJ is terrible so they are going to have to live with Rubles and let him grow on the job. He has the potential. Hell, he is the second best ball handler behind Cash.

SK and Parker need to step it up and play like veterans. Their turnovers last night were atrocious. SK's defense was bad and they both hurt the team by trying to draw a foul every time they dribble off a pick.

Hopefully Cash realizes the blueprint for how to be successful. He is one of the best PG's in the country if and when he drives to the basket.

I agree with all your points and the one in bold I think have been the biggest disappointment. Not just last night but over the past 5-6 games these two have carelessly turned over the ball looking like a rookie freshman. Also, ft's are ft's but last night was a clear example of how poor ft shooting can lose you a game. I will say it seems most of the time we make them down the stretch which is more frustrating because that is telling me, just a straight lack of focus and concentration. If you can make them in the final minute you damn well be able to make them at any point in the game.

I agree with both Jeff and Longhaul points about Thomas over Sanders. It would be a lot of to ask a freshman be a strong 4th scorer when you can tell he doesn't have the confidence yet. But to counter my own point, Sanders hasn't shown much of any confidence in 2 years so why not Thomas? What is really infuriating is when guys like SK, Parker, GE, Sanders get any kind of pressure on them while dribbling their mind instantly switches to panic mode. At this stage in their games that simply should not happen but I don't see it changing this year.

I also think somehow having SK, Cash, Parker have limited the growth of the sophomores because its clear they oh so heavily depend on them. Its mid January and no one can say that other players on our team have gotten better since last year. Maybe if Cash has to sit out a game or two, which I hope not, but if needed this can give someone else to step in and prove themselves. I hate it, but it seems like no one on our bench wants to be a leader and prove they have game. Honestly, I hope Thomas breaks out of his shell and shows it because he has the ability to. I just won't count on that too much since he is a freshman but we need players to step up.

On a side note, some of these sophomores need to do some serious work on their skills in the off season. I never really hear much about them putting in work but they need to attend some NBA player's skill camp or something. I was reading about Melvin and Young for Depaul, both of them went to the Kevin Durant camp the past off season. Dion Dixon went to the Lebron camp during his time. They need to get serious work in against other strong competition to progress.

 

[TheLongHaul]

^ Parker is shooting 55% from the FT. That is unacceptable for a senior guard. And it's not like it's just a small sample size, he averages 4 attempts a game. That would be bad for a freshman big man. For a senior guard to be shooting that poorly from the FT stripe is horrible.

 

[bearcat jeff]

I agree with most but I like Thomas way more than Sanders. Sanders proved yet again that he can't be trusted with the ball in his hands. He plays scared and isn't a threat at all on the offensive end. If he is WIDE open he might be able to make a shot but he has the slowest release I've ever seen. And the form just isn't pretty either....Shaq on the other hand plays with a lot of confidence and is so much more athletic than Sanders. His shot isn't great but it has been good enough to at least keep the defense honest.

JJ is terrible so they are going to have to live with Rubles and let him grow on the job. He has the potential. Hell, he is the second best ball handler behind Cash.

SK and Parker need to step it up and play like veterans. Their turnovers last night were atrocious. SK's defense was bad and they both hurt the team by trying to draw a foul every time they dribble off a pick.

Hopefully Cash realizes the blueprint for how to be successful. He is one of the best PG's in the country if and when he drives to the basket.

Sanders and Thomas have almost identical numbers. Thomas has to get some arc on his shot. He shoots too flat. There are things I like with both of them. I just think Thomas has a chance to be dynamic. I'd like to see more 4 guard with one of them and Cash, SK, JP on the floor and I wish Davis was available to play because we could use another legitimate shooter.

 

[TheLongHaul]

Sanders and Thomas have almost identical numbers. Thomas has to get some arc on his shot. He shoots too flat. There are things I like with both of them. I just think Thomas has a chance to be dynamic. I'd like to see more 4 guard with one of them and Cash, SK, JP on the floor and I wish Davis was available to play because we could use another legitimate shooter.

I agree his shot is too flat but where he will contribute the most is attacking the basket and his shot being flat isn't as much of a concern then. Sanders is just too slow and unathletic to be effective out there. He'd be better in a set type offense where he is the 4th or 5th option. In an offense where you have to create off the dribble he doesn't add much. And this team doesn't create enough wide open looks for him to add value with his shot.

 

[UCalum08]

^ Parker is shooting 55% from the FT. That is unacceptable for a senior guard. And it's not like it's just a small sample size, he averages 4 attempts a game. That would be bad for a freshman big man. For a senior guard to be shooting that poorly from the FT stripe is horrible.

Amen. Its unreal that a senior guard can be that bad.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

First of all UC is 15-3 and I'm happy with that. Yes, they could very well be 18-0 but I'll take what we got at this point. Every team hits a funk, i.e. Notre Dame, as the season progresses. Other teams have more game tape to wach and make adjustments and then you have to counter. Plus, players go thru times of poor mental and physical play. It's just part of a long season.

However, this season has felt so far like promise unfulfilled. Even when playing well there seemed to be something missing. It could be the 4th scorer, the lack of basketball iq I speak of, or the poor inside play, but so far this season it "feels" like this team has failed to meet it's potential entirely. Their effort is inconsistent and though they talk like they want to be great, I don't get the feeling the players want to give every play the attention it deserves. The end of last nights game is a good case in point. Players not moving on offense or defense in the last 2 minutes. In their mind the game was over while physically it was still being played. The major impediment to this teams progress to me is mental toughness. Not from the big 3, but from the supporting cast.

I think the 4th scorer issue can be solved collectively thru Sanders and Thomas. Sanders had 2 points, 3 rebounds (2 of them offensive), and 2 assists. Thomas scored 4 points. Both seem to be getting more comfortable. They have to play and are the teams best options for another scorer and bench points.

On the low post the Bearcats don't need a beast, they just need the guys they have to finish their opportunities. This comes down to toughness and want to. I would love to see Cincinnati utilize the mid-range more to compensate for the lack of a low post presence and as a way to keep teams from extending the perimeter.

The bench is a major question mark and let's be honest, it isn't good to be searching for pieces in mid-January. Again, Sanders and Thomas have shown promise. JJ is maybe having his worst year as a Bearcat and Rubles would be great off the bench, but I don't like him starting. The 4 spot is a gaping hole to me. You either keep giving Rubles the minutes and let him grow or you have to go small. I think Rubles is going to be better next year or even later this year, but right now he seems lost and unsure to me. Like Sanders and Thomas I believe he is a huge piece to Feb/March for this team. GG has to step up and just play. I can almost see him think out there and he looks to the bench after every play it seems. If I'm Mick I run my starting 5 out and Nyarsuk, Sanders, Thomas, JJ or Rubles (whoever isn't starting), and GG in limited minutes. Nyarsuk splits with Mbodji, Sanders and JJ/Rubles gets 12-15 mpg, Thomas and GG 8-10 unless Thomas is hot and he can eat some of Sanders minutes.

Mentally they have to want more and understand what it takes to get there. Mick has to find a way to break thru the lethargic nature of this team. They are not tough in the mold we are used to. Not tough mentally or physically and they lack iq. Effort can overcome a lot of things and if this team would give 40 minutes of effort to both sides of the ball even with the limitations they'll be fine. Problem is so far we haven't seen it. This is a leadership issue both in the locker room and from the coaching staff. Kilpatrick said he needs to step up and carry his weight as a leader like Cash does. Collectively, Cash, JP, SK and JJ should be all over these guys when effort isn't given. That's hard to do when only Cash and JP are consistently giving it up on both sides of the court.

Bad news is they seem to still be slumping. Good news is they are 15-3 with room and time to grow but time is running out and answers need to be found sooner rather then later.

Jeff, what is missing is a big man that can at least requirre someone from the opposing team to guard him. This team is absolutely a treat to watch. They absolutely play hard an get after you defensively. Every game is a war. Without a inside out capability it is very difficult to be consistent on the offensive end. Couple that with some very young inexperienced bench players and in my mind we are over achieving. We really lack ball handlers after cash. You can see Mick is trying to get Parker ready to take on a Dixion role after the youngsters proved not up to the challenge. Fatigue,match ups and foul trouble hinder Mick at times. Rubles,Sanders and Thomas all have had moments and will continue to grow. Hopefully with more PT the group will make more of a impact. They all have shown flashes. That said, make know mistake this is a very good team. one that the opposition better be ready to battle for 40 minutes. Not being a program that can attract a team of 1 and doners. I am more than happy with their performance.

 

[cincycpaw]

Amen. Its unreal that a senior guard can be that bad.

Parker is successful mostly through effort, not so much talent. So, he is what he is and we are lucky that he gives as much effort as he does or we would be in real trouble.

But, effort only gets you so far. You need to have the talent.

 

[UCalum08]

Parker is successful mostly through effort, not so much talent. So, he is what he is and we are lucky that he gives as much effort as he does or we would be in real trouble.

But, effort only gets you so far. You need to have the talent.

I love everything Parker brings and most games he comes to play. His ft's I have questioned every year. I am just shocked they haven't improved. Of course one of our only guards who successfully gets to the basketball or gets fouled is a liability with ft's. Typical

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Parker is successful mostly through effort, not so much talent. So, he is what he is and we are lucky that he gives as much effort as he does or we would be in real trouble.

But, effort only gets you so far. You need to have the talent.

Parker is a very talented player. He just isn't a PG. He has a good handle, nice slashing move to the hole and has a nice shot. He defends very well and boards against much bigger opponents. To say he isn't talented is laughable. Like most of the Cats he plays hard and gets the most out of his ability. This doesn't mean he isn't talented. Lots of teams in the BE would love to have a player with his abilities. Would you like to compare were this team was beginning last year starting with the X game until now as opposed to prior to the X game when we didn't have him.

 

[cincycpaw]

Parker is a very talented player. He just isn't a PG. He has a good handle, nice slashing move to the hole and has a nice shot. He defends very well and boards against much bigger opponents. To say he isn't talented is laughable. Like most of the Cats he plays hard and gets the most out of his ability. This doesn't mean he isn't talented. Lots of teams in the BE would love to have a player with his abilities. Would you like to compare were this team was beginning last year starting with the X game until now as opposed to prior to the X game when we didn't have him.

I love what Parker brings with his effort. He is a decent player that plays hard making him a pretty good player and sometimes a great player.

I guess in your mind saying someone gives great effort and that is why he is good means that I don;t think he is a good player????

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

I love what Parker brings with his effort. He is a decent player that plays hard making him a pretty good player and sometimes a great player.

I guess in your mind saying someone gives great effort and that is why he is good means that I don;t think he is a good player????

Cincy I suggest you re-read your post. What other conclusion would you have me make. Your comment "But, effort only gets you so far. You need to have the talent". does that now imply you were questioning his talent. Sorry If I misunderstood but you were either not very clear in your comment or my reading comprehension skills need work.

 

[BearcatMick]

Cincy I suggest you re-read your post. What other conclusion would you have me make. Your comment "But, effort only gets you so far. You need to have the talent". does that now imply you were questioning his talent. Sorry If I misunderstood but you were either not very clear in your comment or my reading comprehension skills need work.

Cincy was very clear with his comment. It wasn't a dig at Parker at all

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Cincy was very clear with his comment. It wasn't a dig at Parker at all

Well that certainly clears it up for me. LMAO!!!! But, effort only gets you so far. You need to have the talent. Does that not imply he lacks talent? Please enlighten me Doctor.

 

[nparker1]

if i remember correctly, Parker was being used as a PG his freshman year...my concern with Parker at the time he was being used as a PG was not his handles, but his speed...up until the last 5 games, i considered Parker to be reliable at the least with the ball...he is what he is and he is a guy with a skill set/body style than can play the 2-3-4 positions, and not a PG...but i am really hoping he regains his confidence during this time without Cash, and do what he did last year, and put the team on his back and lead the charge...

 

[cincycpaw]

Cincy I suggest you re-read your post. What other conclusion would you have me make. Your comment "But, effort only gets you so far. You need to have the talent". does that now imply you were questioning his talent. Sorry If I misunderstood but you were either not very clear in your comment or my reading comprehension skills need work.

Parker lacks the talent to be an elite Big east player. He is a notch below Cash and SK. But, because he plays hard, he sometimes plays at the elite level.

And, if he had more elite talent level, he'd make more free throws. As a guard you know.