New Style

[Bearcat_NTS]

So only a few days in and my thread gets closed...

anyways, What are your thoughts on the new style Cincinnati is going to play with next season? I like that they are going to return to the run and gun offense they had when Gates was out last year. It will be exciting to see the press and the guys in the open court a lot more. Rebounding will be the biggest issue. Is Cheikh Mbodji ready to be a leading rebounder on a top 25 team? That kind of scares me.

 

[BearcatMick]

They will play uptempo with pressure all over the court. This teams asset is speed. They may lack size but they more than make up for it in athleticism, speed and 3 point shooting

Expect an offense that will be guard oriented like last year and lots of 3's. I expect them to run teams out of the gym offensively

I think they'll have trouble against big deliberate physical teams that slow down the pace and eat up the shot clock.

There is no reason not to go to games this year. This team will be incredibly fun to watch

 

[Scheids21]

So only a few days in and my thread gets closed...

anyways, What are your thoughts on the new style Cincinnati is going to play with next season? I like that they are going to return to the run and gun offense they had when Gates was out last year. It will be exciting to see the press and the guys in the open court a lot more. Rebounding will be the biggest issue. Is Cheikh Mbodji ready to be a leading rebounder on a top 25 team? That kind of scares me.

Agreed. My guess is he will continue to be a role player. Obviously none of us can be sure but my guess is Jackson and Rubles will play the "5" a lot as we will be playing a very small lineup. I hope Cheikh can be solid this year ,but Im not sure he will be much more than a rotational player, maybe 15 minutes a game. We will need to run teams to death because our front court is thin literally and figuratively.

 

[mdchick]

Agreed. My guess is he will continue to be a role player. Obviously none of us can be sure but my guess is Jackson and Rubles will play the "5" a lot as we will be playing a very small lineup. I hope Cheikh can be solid this year ,but Im not sure he will be much more than a rotational player, maybe 15 minutes a game. We will need to run teams to death because our front court is thin literally and figuratively.

I am very interested to see how much gaines has improved, he has shown flashes of good basketball, his conditioning seemed to be a problem last year, he runs the floor well, but a guess he needed to work on his stamina, I can see him playing the 5 more than rubles will be. the great thing about our team this year is we have an unlimited amount of line ups we can have on the court at a time, and that makes it incredibly difficult for defenses to guard us. which would mean they may be dropping into the zone a lot more especially when sk is not in the game. I'd like to see shaq play the 4 at times with sk jaquon and cash on the floor, and then with JJ.... that would be an exciting group to watch play together.

 

[psax889906]

I am very interested to see how much gaines has improved, he has shown flashes of good basketball, his conditioning seemed to be a problem last year, he runs the floor well, but a guess he needed to work on his stamina, I can see him playing the 5 more than rubles will be. the great thing about our team this year is we have an unlimited amount of line ups we can have on the court at a time, and that makes it incredibly difficult for defenses to guard us. which would mean they may be dropping into the zone a lot more especially when sk is not in the game. I'd like to see shaq play the 4 at times with sk jaquon and cash on the floor, and then with JJ.... that would be an exciting group to watch play together.

I wonder how much Shaq's shooting has improved. He could be our Kevin Durant in that with his size for his position he should be able to get his shot off against virtually anyone, from anywhere on the floor.

 

[Gnomey]

If Gaines puts it together at some point, he'll be damn near unstoppable.
I think he will, but obviously, it's a project. How fast he gets there will depend on his desire to be good.
Jackson needs to produce more and needs to improve as a presence in the post.
I'm really curious about Rubles. He reminds me of Huggins era UC. Seems like a gamer, got a fire in his belly. Shot is a little weird, but it works for him. He could provide some presence. Mbodj I think will be a little better, but overall, we need him for his size and his defense.

When it comes to the wings, Shaq Thomas needs to improve his shooting and his muscle mass, but what he has going for him is his explosiveness and his basketball IQ. He makes some damn good passes/plays in transition.
Sanders I think, will be a solid player this year and a very good one in those upcoming. Not the most athletic, but still not slow foot speed, has good basketball IQ, can shoot and handles himself pretty well.
Also has an element of toughness about him. I still remember when he played center against Oklahoma last year.

Backcourt is sound. We can't have terrible shooting nights like we had last year. I think with more time Parker will impress, if he works on his shooting, he'll have a great year. If Wright stays healthy, this offensive will be damn good. Kilpatrick will need to improve his game without the ball and be able to create his own shot, as opposed to being limited to spot up shooting.
I imagine Guyn will play some backup point, I like his game. If he can spell Wright and continue to be the best on ball perimeter defender, great.
Jeremiah Davis will get some time, I think he'll do okay. I think whatever he did to get on Cronins bad side, Mick needs to get over it.
His lack of time toward the end of the season was inexusable.

 

[bearcat jeff]

I wonder how much Shaq's shooting has improved. He could be our Kevin Durant in that with his size for his position he should be able to get his shot off against virtually anyone, from anywhere on the floor.

Shaq needs to get consistent lift on his shot. He has been working on doing that.

 

[dp3113]

If Gaines puts it together at some point, he'll be damn near unstoppable.
I think he will, but obviously, it's a project. How fast he gets there will depend on his desire to be good.
Jackson needs to produce more and needs to improve as a presence in the post.
I'm really curious about Rubles. He reminds me of Huggins era UC. Seems like a gamer, got a fire in his belly. Shot is a little weird, but it works for him. He could provide some presence. Mbodj I think will be a little better, but overall, we need him for his size and his defense.

When it comes to the wings, Shaq Thomas needs to improve his shooting and his muscle mass, but what he has going for him is his explosiveness and his basketball IQ. He makes some damn good passes/plays in transition.
Sanders I think, will be a solid player this year and a very good one in those upcoming. Not the most athletic, but still not slow foot speed, has good basketball IQ, can shoot and handles himself pretty well.
Also has an element of toughness about him. I still remember when he played center against Oklahoma last year.

Backcourt is sound. We can't have terrible shooting nights like we had last year. I think with more time Parker will impress, if he works on his shooting, he'll have a great year. If Wright stays healthy, this offensive will be damn good. Kilpatrick will need to improve his game without the ball and be able to create his own shot, as opposed to being limited to spot up shooting.
I imagine Guyn will play some backup point, I like his game. If he can spell Wright and continue to be the best on ball perimeter defender, great.
Jeremiah Davis will get some time, I think he'll do okay. I think whatever he did to get on Cronins bad side, Mick needs to get over it.
His lack of time toward the end of the season was inexusable.

what has possibly given you the idea that gaines could be unstoppable? just because he can run well for a big man? he is still a long, long, long ways away. there is a big difference between being a contributor and being unstoppable. you need to get to be a contributor before you can even approach the "unstoppable" talk.

gaines will not be playing a lot this year, and that is saying a lot considering how weak and thin we are in the post.

 

[Gnomey]

what has possibly given you the idea that gaines could be unstoppable? just because he can run well for a big man? he is still a long, long, long ways away. there is a big difference between being a contributor and being unstoppable. you need to get to be a contributor before you can even approach the "unstoppable" talk.

Disagree.
Anyone with that build, and speed, with the addition of skills should be unstoppable. He just doesn't have the skills. There is no such thing as a contributor in his case. If all he can do is "contribute", I'm blaming a lack of effort. He's powerful, fast, can leap and is long. Add that to his shear mass and there is no "contribute". Either he is totally dominant, or a project that never came to fruition; as far as I'm concerned.

I'm well aware he's a long ways off. That's why I said "if he ever puts it together". I'm not going to praise him for 4-5 points a game.

gaines will not be playing a lot this year, and that is saying a lot considering how weak and thin we are in the post.

I never asserted he would be, I'm well aware the situation in the front court.

 

[ready2go]

Disagree.
Anyone with that build, and speed, with the addition of skills should be unstoppable. He just doesn't have the skills. There is no such thing as a contributor in his case. If all he can do is "contribute", I'm blaming a lack of effort. He's powerful, fast, can leap and is long. Add that to his shear mass and there is no "contribute". Either he is totally dominant, or a project that never came to fruition; as far as I'm concerned.

I'm well aware he's a long ways off. That's why I said "if he ever puts it together". I'm not going to praise him for 4-5 points a game.







I never asserted he would be, I'm well aware the situation in the front court.

Im glad someone has finally seen what I saw last season. He was not unstoppable , but he can def be a presense in the paint.

He will def contribute

 

[handwaver]

Im glad someone has finally seen what I saw last season. He was not unstoppable , but he can def be a presense in the paint.

He will def contribute

He needs to get it together this year! How long can someone be a "project" before they become a complete bust/waste of time. He's been with the team 2 years now. Sure, one was a r/s year, but he was at practice every day for 2 years now, as well as with some traveling team in Europe during summer of '11. I would be satisfied with something like 15 - 18 minutes/game, 6-8 points/game, 6 boards and a couple of blocks. I would consider that, at least, progress. Much less, and I'm thinking Biggie redux.

 

[ready2go]

He needs to get it together this year! How long can someone be a "project" before they become a complete bust/waste of time. He's been with the team 2 years now. Sure, one was a r/s year, but he was at practice every day for 2 years now, as well as with some traveling team in Europe during summer of '11. I would be satisfied with something like 15 - 18 minutes/game, 6-8 points/game, 6 boards and a couple of blocks. I would consider that, at least, progress. Much less, and I'm thinking Biggie redux.

I felt that the few minutes he was in this past year, he was a difference maker. He may not have made all the plays, but he sure was a presence in the middle and from what I saw a team leader. And yes he was only a redshirt freshman

He had some blocked shots, bodied up well down low and was pulling guys together on the court.

The guy looks like Tarzan, so hopefully he can bring it all together and with more consistent playing time, I look for him to do so

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

"Kelvin Gaines is progressing. His last few workouts I think he's improving. There's days I wonder if he's going to be able to help us this year, but then the last few I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. He's trying to build up his endurance. I think he could end up helping us "

http://cincinnati.247sports.com/Article/Exclusive-Mick-Cronin-QA-Part-3-82064

I am not expecting much of anything out of Gaines this year, maybe something like 5-7 minutes a block or two and 5 fouls.

 

[handwaver]

"Kelvin Gaines is progressing. His last few workouts I think he's improving. There's days I wonder if he's going to be able to help us this year, but then the last few I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. He's trying to build up his endurance. I think he could end up helping us "

http://cincinnati.247sports.com/Article/Exclusive-Mick-Cronin-QA-Part-3-82064

I am not expecting much of anything out of Gaines this year, maybe something like 5-7 minutes a block or two and 5 fouls.

I like the "light at the end of the tunnel", but not the "He's trying to build up his endurance." Are you kidding me? After two years in the program, he doesn't have endurance? Is he lazy or what?! My daughter was not a runner....she started training (on her own, no trainers, coaches, facilities etc.)...and after 6 -8 weeks, ran a sub 2 hr. half marathon - and she's a 34 year old mother of three! Endurance? Give me a break - you can't will the skill, but anyone who works can have endurance. Grow a pair, Kelvin!

 

[mdchick]

I like the "light at the end of the tunnel", but not the "He's trying to build up his endurance." Are you kidding me? After two years in the program, he doesn't have endurance? Is he lazy or what?! My daughter was not a runner....she started training (on her own, no trainers, coaches, facilities etc.)...and after 6 -8 weeks, ran a sub 2 hr. half marathon - and she's a 34 year old mother of three! Endurance? Give me a break - you can't will the skill, but anyone who works can have endurance. Grow a pair, Kelvin!

When mick took this kid he knew he was going to be a gamble, he saw a very raw 6' 10" basketball player, with amazing athletic ability and upside. He new he was going to red-shirt him and he new it was going to take sometime, im sure there are a lot of sophmores on our team this year that would love to play 12-15 mins per game this year, i'm not saying he's going to the NBA I'm just saying I can definitely see him being a solid contributor for cincy bball by the end of his senior year. (The kid is starting to get Jacked too....)

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

I like the "light at the end of the tunnel", but not the "He's trying to build up his endurance." Are you kidding me? After two years in the program, he doesn't have endurance? Is he lazy or what?! My daughter was not a runner....she started training (on her own, no trainers, coaches, facilities etc.)...and after 6 -8 weeks, ran a sub 2 hr. half marathon - and she's a 34 year old mother of three! Endurance? Give me a break - you can't will the skill, but anyone who works can have endurance. Grow a pair, Kelvin!

Does your daughter have to lug around a 6 foot 10 frame at 230 pounds? That takes a much greater toll on the body.

 

[Gnomey]

We took a gamble on him, because he has all the potential in the world.
He has all the tools you could want, minus the game.
If it doesn't work out, you at least have someone who can block, play some defense, get a couple boards and add some size.
He just has to get familiar with basketball and he is improving.
Last year, against weaker competition, he seemed to get better each week, it was when we hit the Oklahoma game he had problems.
This year, he'll get some more experience and if he has dedicated himself, as a junior/senior, he'll be able to unlock his potential.
The question is, how much does he want to be good? The hungrier he is, the quicker he'll get there.

 

[handwaver]

Does your daughter have to lug around a 6 foot 10 frame at 230 pounds? That takes a much greater toll on the body.

It's all relative...doesn't he have bigger muscles, a longer stride etc.
Michael Phelps is big (yes, it's water) - doesn't bother him..Usain Bolt is 6'5"...lots of athletic NFL players, not to mention NBA...did Kareem wilt because he didn't have enough endurance? (the Wilt pun not intended)

I just think endurance is a matter of will, repetition and hard work - you either have it or you don't - did Kenyon have endurance problems going into the 3rd year of his UC career?

 

[dp3113]

Disagree.
Anyone with that build, and speed, with the addition of skills should be unstoppable. He just doesn't have the skills. There is no such thing as a contributor in his case. If all he can do is "contribute", I'm blaming a lack of effort. He's powerful, fast, can leap and is long. Add that to his shear mass and there is no "contribute". Either he is totally dominant, or a project that never came to fruition; as far as I'm concerned.

I'm well aware he's a long ways off. That's why I said "if he ever puts it together". I'm not going to praise him for 4-5 points a game.







I never asserted he would be, I'm well aware the situation in the front court.

this still doesn't explain how a 6'10 guy who cannot see the floor on a team that had minimal depth last year could be "unstoppable." how many uc players in our lifetime in college hoops have been unstoppable? 3? fortson, martin, and logan? and you think the guy who cannot even see the floor could be unstoppable? come on. i love enthusiasm. i think this will be the best uc team since 2002, but to say gaines could be unstoppable is just absurd.

basketball is a lot more than having physical tools. if you love players whose only skills are running and jumping then darnell wills must be your favorite player in uc history. being able to run and jump in no way makes you potentially unstoppable. kelvin might be a contributor for uc during his career, but players who are already 21 and still don't have a CLUE how to play basketball are never going to be unstoppable. if you want to say he could be a decent player id understand that, but to say unstoppable, that is just outlandish.

 

[ready2go]

this still doesn't explain how a 6'10 guy who cannot see the floor on a team that had minimal depth last year could be "unstoppable." how many uc players in our lifetime in college hoops have been unstoppable? 3? fortson, martin, and logan? and you think the guy who cannot even see the floor could be unstoppable? come on. i love enthusiasm. i think this will be the best uc team since 2002, but to say gaines could be unstoppable is just absurd.

basketball is a lot more than having physical tools. if you love players whose only skills are running and jumping then darnell wills must be your favorite player in uc history. being able to run and jump in no way makes you potentially unstoppable. kelvin might be a contributor for uc during his career, but players who are already 21 and still don't have a CLUE how to play basketball are never going to be unstoppable. if you want to say he could be a decent player id understand that, but to say unstoppable, that is just outlandish.

I wont say the kid is going to be unstoppable, but at 6'10 and more athletic than most guys that size in college, i think he can def help this team. Lets not forget he is only gong to be a sophomore.

I remember the Cats had a guy named Aaron Ace McGee who avg about 3ppg as a fresh and saw minimal time. He transferred to a juco and became an all american at Oklahoma. Lets not give up on Kelvin yet, patience