Stony Brook

[L-T]

Stony Brook is no pushover. 5 and 2 record with respectable losses at Georgia by 10 and at Hofstra by 1. They also have a victory over Western Kentucky.

Caupain needs to step his play up. He's only had 3 assists in the last 3 games and 6 turnovers. He's only shot 26% from the field and 30% from three in that stretch. His defense hasn't been very good either. That's unacceptable from your point guard.

Shaq needs to find himself. An experienced Junior cannot perform like he has been performing. We needed him to step up this season and he hasn't. That is really hurting this team.

I hope Morman continues to shine and earns more playing time. I think the type of skills he has are a lot of what this team is lacking. He's athletic and he can create. He's also making free throws. He's shown the ability to penetrate and draw contact, and then convert free throws. And, he makes our defense much better as well.

 

[BearcatSpaniard513]

Stony Brook is no pushover. 5 and 2 record with respectable losses at Georgia by 10 and at Hofstra by 1. They also have a victory over Western Kentucky.

Caupain needs to step his play up. He's only had 3 assists in the last 3 games and 6 turnovers. He's only shot 26% from the field and 30% from three in that stretch. His defense hasn't been very good either. That's unacceptable from your point guard.

Shaq needs to find himself. An experienced Junior cannot perform like he has been performing. We needed him to step up this season and he hasn't. That is really hurting this team.

I hope Morman continues to shine and earns more playing time. I think the type of skills he has are a lot of what this team is lacking. He's athletic and he can create. He's also making free throws. He's shown the ability to penetrate and draw contact, and then convert free throws. And, he makes our defense much better as well.

Damn those are some rough numbers for Caupain. He definitely needs to improve on that assist/turnover ratio. I bet this won't happen, but Mick needs to ride the hot player and start Morman at the 2 Tuesday. If he's in the starting 5 he will come in with even more confidence and hopefully keep it going

 

[L-T]

Damn those are some rough numbers for Caupain. He definitely needs to improve on that assist/turnover ratio. I bet this won't happen, but Mick needs to ride the hot player and start Morman at the 2 Tuesday. If he's in the starting 5 he will come in with even more confidence and hopefully keep it going

I don't know about starting him at the 2, but definitely at the 3 spot.

 

[Mcginnjw]

I don't know about starting him at the 2, but definitely at the 3 spot.

We really need Guyn back. Having Guyn will cut down on Caupain and Cobb's minutes at PG. We need those guys to have fresh legs to improve their shooting percentages.

 

[BearcatSpaniard513]

We still don't know anything about Strickland? I'm guessing it's just an attitude thing over playing time. Does anybody have any inside info on the situation?

 

[bearcat jeff]

Is like to see the perimeter starters be Caupain, Johnson and Mormon for this game. Either way Mormon has earned minutes in my opinion. He plays unafraid and I think that's infectious. To many players are playing timid.

 

[L-T]

Is like to see the perimeter starters be Caupain, Johnson and Mormon for this game. Either way Mormon has earned minutes in my opinion. He plays unafraid and I think that's infectious. To many players are playing timid.

At least he always seems to be thinking about doing something different than just passing around the perimeter. His creativity at times produces some ugly mistakes, but I think he is producing more good outcomes than bad, plus his defense is hard-nosed and tough. He's a win-win in my opinion.

 

[TheShoeFits]

Is like to see the perimeter starters be Caupain, Johnson and Mormon for this game. Either way Mormon has earned minutes in my opinion. He plays unafraid and I think that's infectious. To many players are playing timid.

I completely agree. After the Ole Miss game I checked the box score and the very first thing I looked for was minutes played between Morman and Shaq.


Morman's Line: 17 MIN 11 Pts 2 Reb 2 Ast FGM-A 1-7 FTM-A 9-10

Shaq's Line: 18 MIN 4 Pts 4 Reb 0 Ast FGM-A 2-7 FTM-A 0-0

What stood out to me was the 10 free throw attempts by Morman. This tells me he is getting the ball and being aggressive and driving to the rim and drawing fouls.

I'd like to see Morman start the game and receive around 20 minutes of playing time and Shaq around 15 minutes.

Shaq's problem all seems to be mental. Maybe bringing him off the bench and easing him into the game is better suited to his personality and wouldnt make him feel as much pressure.

 

[Robert]

I completely agree. After the Ole Miss game I checked the box score and the very first thing I looked for was minutes played between Morman and Shaq.


Morman's Line: 17 MIN 11 Pts 2 Reb 2 Ast FGM-A 1-7 FTM-A 9-10

Shaq's Line: 18 MIN 4 Pts 4 Reb 0 Ast FGM-A 2-7 FTM-A 0-0

What stood out to me was the 10 free throw attempts by Morman. This tells me he is getting the ball and being aggressive and driving to the rim and drawing fouls.

I'd like to see Morman start the game and receive around 20 minutes of playing time and Shaq around 15 minutes.

Shaq's problem all seems to be mental. Maybe bringing him off the bench and easing him into the game is better suited to his personality and wouldnt make him feel as much pressure.

I would be fine with starting Morman over Shaq. Sanders is already solid in his role and doesn't help us anymore as a starter IMO. Looking ahead, I really hope Evans comes in next year and claims the job and is a stud from the jump, but I hate to put too many expectations on a freshman.

 

[L-T]

I would be fine with starting Morman over Shaq. Sanders is already solid in his role and doesn't help us anymore as a starter IMO. Looking ahead, I really hope Evans comes in next year and claims the job and is a stud from the jump, but I hate to put too many expectations on a freshman.

As the speed and athleticism of opposing teams increases (once we're done with the patsies), Sander's effectiveness goes way down. He's an off the bench role player that can maybe hit a few threes when we need it....nothing more. His experience is woth something and he provides some value because of that, but he's too slow to help us in many ways other than what he does.....hitting some threes off the bench and hopefully making solid decisions with the ball..

 

[Mcginnjw]

I would be fine with starting Morman over Shaq. Sanders is already solid in his role and doesn't help us anymore as a starter IMO. Looking ahead, I really hope Evans comes in next year and claims the job and is a stud from the jump, but I hate to put too many expectations on a freshman.

http://scouthoops.scout.com/story/1486071-jacob-evans-evaluation?s=75

Here is an article evaluating Evans. Looks like a nice signing by Cronin. The evaluator does state not to expect to much at first...haha. Interesting part is the that he isn't super athletic and more of a technical scorer. If true, he will definitely take time to develop into an impact player. However, this will be another player Cronin is signing for their offensive abilities over athletic abilities.

 

[L-T]

http://scouthoops.scout.com/story/1486071-jacob-evans-evaluation?s=75

Here is an article evaluating Evans. Looks like a nice signing by Cronin. The evaluator does state not to expect to much at first...haha. Interesting part is the that he isn't super athletic and more of a technical scorer. If true, he will definitely take time to develop into an impact player. However, this will be another player Cronin is signing for their offensive abilities over athletic abilities.

So, you've acknowledged that it will take time to develop Evans. How much time will it take if you're practicing defense 3 hours a day? Is this why it's taking 3-4 years to see his players finally become a decent offensive player? They seemed to become polished much quicker on the defensive end. Wonder why that is?

 

[jacobkdoyle]

So, you've acknowledged that it will take time to develop Evans. How much time will it take if you're practicing defense 3 hours a day? Is this why it's taking 3-4 years to see his players finally become a decent offensive player? They seemed to become polished much quicker on the defensive end. Wonder why that is?

You know who our coach is, so what's the point of saying stuff like this unless you want him out? Bc he isn't going to change who he is as a coach and you know it.

 

[L-T]

You know who our coach is, so what's the point of saying stuff like this unless you want him out? Bc he isn't going to change who he is as a coach and you know it.

No, that's not my point. Others have talked about a big upgrade in recruiting. I agree. The recruites generally seem a little better, but they're still not real highly rated, so if Mick uses the same approach and focuses on defense all the time, we still may not see an immediate impact on the team. I know you all believe I want him gone, but I'd much rather see him change his approach to focus more on the offense and we can become better balanced. I know he'll always get hard work out of everyone, and he'll always teach defense with the best. Why not upgrade the one thing that's holding us back? If he's too stuborn to admit there's an issue, then maybe he should be gone. If he would just come out and admit he needs to do better with the offense, we'd at least have some assurance that he's working on it. Instead, we get this cavalier attitude when he's asked about it where he dismisses any mention of the topic of offense...and goes right back to talking about the defense being the problem.

 

[Mcginnjw]

So, you've acknowledged that it will take time to develop Evans. How much time will it take if you're practicing defense 3 hours a day? Is this why it's taking 3-4 years to see his players finally become a decent offensive player? They seemed to become polished much quicker on the defensive end. Wonder why that is?

I hope you realize I am not coach Cronin....relax a little bit. Basketball is a game played by college kids.

 

[bearcat jeff]

No, that's not my point. Others have talked about a big upgrade in recruiting. I agree. The recruites generally seem a little better, but they're still not real highly rated, so if Mick uses the same approach and focuses on defense all the time, we still may not see an immediate impact on the team. I know you all believe I want him gone, but I'd much rather see him change his approach to focus more on the offense and we can become better balanced. I know he'll always get hard work out of everyone, and he'll always teach defense with the best. Why not upgrade the one thing that's holding us back? If he's too stuborn to admit there's an issue, then maybe he should be gone. If he would just come out and admit he needs to do better with the offense, we'd at least have some assurance that he's working on it. Instead, we get this cavalier attitude when he's asked about it where he dismisses any mention of the topic of offense...and goes right back to talking about the defense being the problem.

L-T at some point if you are unhappy with the direction under this coach that's one thing, but Mick Cronin isn't going anywhere. He does things right and he wins. I notice when he wins it doesn't seem you post as frequently and certainly not as vehemently. It's very clear whatever site I've seen you post on that you aren't a Mick Cronin fan. That's ok, I know you're a program fan.

I like you am a long time Bearcat fan. I remember the 70's, the Yates years, and the resurgence of the program in the 90's. Sat in the seats since 1973. This is where you cross the line to me and exhibit where you're coming from, "If he's too stuborn to admit there's an issue, then maybe he should be gone. If he would just come out and admit he needs to do better with the offense, we'd at least have some assurance that he's working on it." I've seen many of these statements from you, in various forms, in different places, sometimes cloaked in light compliments.

When I wanted Tony Yates gone I said I wanted him gone. After Bob Huggins DUI I said I wanted him gone. After Mick Cronin's 4th year, I said I wanted him gone but have since changed my mind. Let's just be honest. You think UC would be better off without Mick Cronin here. That's ok but please just say that.

 

[Patrick Bateman]

So, you've acknowledged that it will take time to develop Evans. How much time will it take if you're practicing defense 3 hours a day? Is this why it's taking 3-4 years to see his players finally become a decent offensive player? They seemed to become polished much quicker on the defensive end. Wonder why that is?

How long has it taken top ten recruit Alex Poythress to develop, he only averaged 5 pts the past 2 years. Perry Ellis a top 25 player only averaged 5 pts his freshman year. Cauley Stein has yet to average in double figures and he was a top 40 recruit.

Aside from the top 10 recruits, the other 99% usually take 2-4 years to develop

 

[L-T]

No, that's not my point. Others have talked about a big upgrade in recruiting. I agree. The recruites generally seem a little better, but they're still not real highly rated, so if Mick uses the same approach and focuses on defense all the time, we still may not see an immediate impact on the team. I know you all believe I want him gone, but I'd much rather see him change his approach to focus more on the offense and we can become better balanced. I know he'll always get hard work out of everyone, and he'll always teach defense with the best. Why not upgrade the one thing that's holding us back? If he's too stuborn to admit there's an issue, then maybe he should be gone. If he would just come out and admit he needs to do better with the offense, we'd at least have some assurance that he's working on it. Instead, we get this cavalier attitude when he's asked about it where he dismisses any mention of the topic of offense...and goes right back to talking about the defense being the problem.

L-T at some point if you are unhappy with the direction under this coach that's one thing, but Mick Cronin isn't going anywhere. He does things right and he wins. I notice when he wins it doesn't seem you post as frequently and certainly not as vehemently. It's very clear whatever site I've seen you post on that you aren't a Mick Cronin fan. That's ok, I know you're a program fan.

I like you am a long time Bearcat fan. I remember the 70's, the Yates years, and the resurgence of the program in the 90's. Sat in the seats since 1973. This is where you cross the line to me and exhibit where you're coming from, "If he's too stuborn to admit there's an issue, then maybe he should be gone. If he would just come out and admit he needs to do better with the offense, we'd at least have some assurance that he's working on it." I've seen many of these statements from you, in various forms, in different places, sometimes cloaked in light compliments.

When I wanted Tony Yates gone I said I wanted him gone. After Bob Huggins DUI I said I wanted him gone. After Mick Cronin's 4th year, I said I wanted him gone but have since changed my mind. Let's just be honest. You think UC would be better off without Mick Cronin here. That's ok but please just say that.

Jeff, I'd love to oblige your request, but I just can't at this point. He's made the tournament 4 years in a row, so he's met my minimum requirements. What I will say is that I can't stand his defense-only approach. Sorry. It's boring and won't get us to the next level. Now, if he fails to meet that minimum requirement of making the dance, especially following 2 straight first round flame-outs, I'll be happy to make the proclamation you want to hear from me at that time.

For the record, there's only been one Bearcat coach I've wanted replaced. It was Ed Badger. Great coach, but couldn't recruit.....although when he was fired, he supposedly had Danny Manning and Ohio State great Dennis Hopson locked up to come here. I guess I was one of the few who liked Tony Yates.....or at least wanted to see how he would do with the new arena.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Defens wins Championships. Every coach in America knows this.

As for attendance being tied to his style that is laughable. Fact is attendance for college basketball is down as a whole.

I enjoy the Team. Cronin will Coach here as long as he wants. Making the Dance this year or not will not impact that. He is that good of a Coach and will only get better.

 

[UCalum08]

To get back to the game tonight I will predict a win but it will be close throughout.

UC-63
Stony-57