Next years team

[Bearcat_NTS]

I want to warn you UC fans not to become disgruntled if your team losses its exhibition against Bellarmine. It will not mean that UC is no good this year, Bellarmine should be very good. Bellarmine played UC relatively close last year and they should be better this year. I don't think UC will be as good as last year, at least not right out of the box.

I am warning you because a few years ago when Bellarmine beat Xavier, X fans were besides themselves with angst for losing to a D2 team. Of course Bellarmine went on to win the D2 championship. This BU team may have more talent than that team.

This season in particular will be a process. We lost basically all of our scoring so it will take some time to get into gear. I don't think UC will lose to Bellarmine but it wouldn't shock me. I recall Syracuse losing to a DII team the same year they won the Big East and made the Final 4. Last year, Carleton from Canada beat Wisconsin by 13 and lost to Syracuse in OT. This summer Carleton crushed Memphis by 20 twice. Mick plays teams like Carleton and Bellermine because he knows they are well coached and will force UC to execute well. Those teams are probably better than some of the 300+ RPI schools we will see this year (thankfully we don't play too many this season).

 

[bearcat jeff]

I want to warn you UC fans not to become disgruntled if your team losses its exhibition against Bellarmine. It will not mean that UC is no good this year, Bellarmine should be very good. Bellarmine played UC relatively close last year and they should be better this year. I don't think UC will be as good as last year, at least not right out of the box.

I am warning you because a few years ago when Bellarmine beat Xavier, X fans were besides themselves with angst for losing to a D2 team. Of course Bellarmine went on to win the D2 championship. This BU team may have more talent than that team.

The thing I worry about early is turnovers. I think this team will be better out of the gate than people think, I just think they'll play too fast at times and and turn the ball over. They will play defense and rebound. Offense is the question mark but imo this team will pass well and be balanced on offense. My biggest question is when the game is close who is going to make plays and when the other team is on a run who is going to step up and stop the bleeding? They may lose an exhibition game and I hope regardless of the outcome that it's close throughout. It will help this team begin to identify this stuff and answer some questions early.

For the record, I don't think they will lose either exhibition game but think the Bellarmine game will be close and back and forth.

 

[Patrick Bateman]

I want to warn you UC fans not to become disgruntled if your team losses its exhibition against Bellarmine. It will not mean that UC is no good this year, Bellarmine should be very good. Bellarmine played UC relatively close last year and they should be better this year. I don't think UC will be as good as last year, at least not right out of the box.

I am warning you because a few years ago when Bellarmine beat Xavier, X fans were besides themselves with angst for losing to a D2 team. Of course Bellarmine went on to win the D2 championship. This BU team may have more talent than that team.

UC fans should know better. The year they went to the final four they lost to Athletes in Action that preseason.

 

[anbuc88]

I want to warn you UC fans not to become disgruntled if your team losses its exhibition against Bellarmine. It will not mean that UC is no good this year, Bellarmine should be very good. Bellarmine played UC relatively close last year and they should be better this year. I don't think UC will be as good as last year, at least not right out of the box.

I am warning you because a few years ago when Bellarmine beat Xavier, X fans were besides themselves with angst for losing to a D2 team. Of course Bellarmine went on to win the D2 championship. This BU team may have more talent than that team.

This UC team also has more talent than that PukeU team. Regardless, UC will not lose to Bellarmine. The disparity in athletic talent will be too much for them to keep up with.

 

[Knightmoves]

This UC team also has more talent than that PukeU team. Regardless, UC will not lose to Bellarmine. The disparity in athletic talent will be too much for them to keep up with.

I am disputing the alleged disparity in talent. It's not anywhere near as big as you think it is. Bellarmine is long and can shoot the rock. UC is probably quicker, but not as skilled. Bellarmine will have to execute extremely well to win, but the thing about them is that they almost always do execute well. I do believe that the big difference between higher level D1 and the best D2 teams(and lower D1) is the D1 teams are capable of playing much better defense.

The trap for a team like UC playing their first exhibition game against a D2 team is that UC may not come with their best defensive effort. They will find that is some ways, Bellarmine is as hard to guard as anybody they will be playing and if they don't bring their best defensive effort, they will get embarrassed.

 

[JasonS]

I am disputing the alleged disparity in talent. It's not anywhere near as big as you think it is. Bellarmine is long and can shoot the rock. UC is probably quicker, but not as skilled. Bellarmine will have to execute extremely well to win, but the thing about them is that they almost always do execute well. I do believe that the big difference between higher level D1 and the best D2 teams(and lower D1) is the D1 teams are capable of playing much better defense.

The trap for a team like UC playing their first exhibition game against a D2 team is that UC may not come with their best defensive effort. They will find that is some ways, Bellarmine is as hard to guard as anybody they will be playing and if they don't bring their best defensive effort, they will get embarrassed.

You sound like a Bellarmine fan, and that's fine, but you are a bit nuts. To say a high major D1 program is not as skilled as a D2 team, is completely crazy. The size disparity between UC and Bellarmine (and I haven't even looked at their roster but I can already tell you there is a major size discrepancy) will be the biggest difference on the court. Typically, the only reason D2 schools can be close in a game like this is because they all can shoot the three and if they have a great shooting night, they have a chance. The problem for Bellarmine is that UC's defensive strength is going to be on the perimeter, especially early on in the season.

 

[Basketball.com]

I want to warn you UC fans not to become disgruntled if your team losses its exhibition against Bellarmine. It will not mean that UC is no good this year, Bellarmine should be very good. Bellarmine played UC relatively close last year and they should be better this year. I don't think UC will be as good as last year, at least not right out of the box.

I am warning you because a few years ago when Bellarmine beat Xavier, X fans were besides themselves with angst for losing to a D2 team. Of course Bellarmine went on to win the D2 championship. This BU team may have more talent than that team.

Both teams have 8 men that are 6'5 or better. and UC has 5 men that are 6'1 ranging to 6'4 which Bellarmine has 9 men ranging from 5'8 to 6'2 so the Height is there on both teams. UC is Defiantly the more talented team and physical. I Pick UC over Bellarmine by 15pts. Straight out the gate. Remember this will not be UC first game it will be there second (Bahamas) and they have grown more together. Go Bearcats!

 

[JasonS]

Both teams have 8 men that are 6'5 or better. and UC has 5 men that are 6'1 ranging to 6'4 which Bellarmine has 9 men ranging from 5'8 to 6'2 so the Height is there on both teams. UC is Defiantly the more talented team and physical. I Pick UC over Bellarmine by 15pts. Straight out the gate. Remember this will not be UC first game it will be there second (Bahamas) and they have grown more together. Go Bearcats!

There is a big difference between 6'5" and 6'8". You can pick any number to make it look close but I think UC has 6 or 7 players 6'7" or taller. I'll look up the numbers. I expect UC to have a big size advantage.

 

[Knightmoves]

The size disparity between UC and Bellarmine (and I haven't even looked at their roster but I can already tell you there is a major size discrepancy) will be the biggest difference on the court.

You may want to look at the roster. Bellarmine's front line is taller than UC's likely starting lineup. Not sure who will be starting for Bellarmine, but the front line will likely be 6'6", 6'9", 6'10" (with a 6'5" 2 guard), and a 6'10' reserve. I might add that the 6'9" and 6'10" players can shoot the three and put the ball on the floor. UC is probably stronger on the front line so keeping UC off the boards will be a struggle for Bellarmine.

When I say Bellarmine is more skilled, I mean they shoot and pass better than UC. Of course, its not a horse game and skill only takes you so far.

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

This UC team also has more talent than that PukeU team. Regardless, UC will not lose to Bellarmine. The disparity in athletic talent will be too much for them to keep up with.

Your judge of talent is very questionable.

 

[Basketball.com]

JasonS, I agree with you in such a case. Bellermine has one men 6'9 Freshman and two 6'10 Jr. UC one 6'10 Freshman and one 6'10 Jr. one 6'8 freshman and 6'9 jr. We will be okay.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

No way Bellarmine can hang for a 40 minute game. We are too deep.

 

[anbuc88]

You may want to look at the roster. Bellarmine's front line is taller than UC's likely starting lineup. Not sure who will be starting for Bellarmine, but the front line will likely be 6'6", 6'9", 6'10" (with a 6'5" 2 guard), and a 6'10' reserve. I might add that the 6'9" and 6'10" players can shoot the three and put the ball on the floor. UC is probably stronger on the front line so keeping UC off the boards will be a struggle for Bellarmine.

When I say Bellarmine is more skilled, I mean they shoot and pass better than UC. Of course, its not a horse game and skill only takes you so far.

If Bellarmine's big men were so skilled, they would not be playing at Bellarmine. Skilled big men are at a premium, and they would have offers at many Division 1 schools. Please don't come on here and act like Bellarmine is some sort of juggernaut. Unless D2 schools start fall practice earlier than D1 schools, they will also be trying to work out some kinks. There is a reason why a D2 school beating a D1 school makes headlines, even if it is in preseason. It's beacuse the talent disparity is so great that these are rarities. BTW, Mick lets the preseason opponent know at times what the Bearcats will be doing, so as to make the game a worthwhile experience for his players. He wouldn't have to if the game was likely to be competitive.

 

[UCalum08]

If Bellarmine's big men were so skilled, they would not be playing at Bellarmine. Skilled big men are at a premium, and they would have offers at many Division 1 schools. Please don't come on here and act like Bellarmine is some sort of juggernaut. Unless D2 schools start fall practice earlier than D1 schools, they will also be trying to work out some kinks. There is a reason why a D2 school beating a D1 school makes headlines, even if it is in preseason. It's beacuse the talent disparity is so great that these are rarities. BTW, Mick lets the preseason opponent know at times what the Bearcats will be doing, so as to make the game a worthwhile experience for his players. He wouldn't have to if the game was likely to be competitive.

Thank you. You said it perfect. Also, Mick is going to work on specific things during this scrimmage. He does not care about the score. Not to mention UC players probably just did an intense workout and their arms and legs feel like bags of sand.

It sounds like this Bellarmine fan just wants to try and justify anything and everything to make his ego feel better. Moving on

 

[Knightmoves]

If Bellarmine's big men were so skilled, they would not be playing at Bellarmine. Skilled big men are at a premium, and they would have offers at many Division 1 schools. Please don't come on here and act like Bellarmine is some sort of juggernaut. Unless D2 schools start fall practice earlier than D1 schools, they will also be trying to work out some kinks. There is a reason why a D2 school beating a D1 school makes headlines, even if it is in preseason. It's beacuse the talent disparity is so great that these are rarities. BTW, Mick lets the preseason opponent know at times what the Bearcats will be doing, so as to make the game a worthwhile experience for his players. He wouldn't have to if the game was likely to be competitive.

Trying to figure out where I said Bellarmine was a juggernaut. My general point is that the game will be close and if UC is not prepared to play hard, they will lose. I do agree that Bellarmine will be looking to work out some kinks, which lowers the chances they will play well.

There are multiple reasons that players good enough to play D1 are playing D2. First, players improve when they get to college. George Suggs for Bellarmine is an example. I find it hard to believe that there are not a whole lot of D1 teams that would not like to have a 6'10" player who is an excellent 3 point shooter, passer and shot blocker. He would not be a star in D1 because of his lack of strength, but could help many teams. BTW Suggs had 15 points, 5 blocks and 5 assists last year against UC. Second, some guys get overlooked. Josh Derksen, who is 6'9" is from Australia. You will not believe me, but he will be as talented an offensive player as there will be on the floor in the game. Apparently he was simply overlooked by U.S. D1 schools. Finally, some D2 players started out in D1 and for a variety of reasons, not necessarily related to their ability, end up in D2. Yasin Kolo is an example. He is 6'10" and 250 lbs. He has some talent, but admittedly the jury is still out on how effective he will be.

Thanks for putting up with me, thought you might enjoy a different perspective

 

[Ryno99]

Great to get a different perspective, thanks for the input!

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

VCU was picked to win the Atlantic 10 at media day today, the A-10 had 6 bids last year...I think they'll be a fringe top 25 team. Good series.

 

[bearcat jeff]

Thanks Knightmoves. I appreciate you being on here. Great input and some good points.

B_NTS I agree with you; very good series. UC plays some good teams OOC this season. Firefly they grand

 

[bearcat jeff]

Thanks Knightmoves. I appreciate you being on here. Great input and some good points.

B_NTS I agree with you; very good series. UC plays some good teams OOC this season. Hopefully they grab some wins in those games and offset a weak bottom half of the league.

 

[JumpinJack5]

I honestly don't care about the Bellarmine game. It doesn't count, so Mick will likely be rotating players like a hockey coach so that guys gain experience. Bellarmine will probably play their starters most of the time and give UC everything they have. It should be a good test for both teams, and the outcome doesn't really matter. I think UC will win by 10-15, but anything can happen with so many new faces. I am more curious to see how this team will look come late January/early February, I want to see lots of progress.