The Bearcat Factory is back

[Btown Bearcat]

In my opinion this is the year. We are finally back our team has gotten better every year every single year. People need quit raggin on cronin and realize what he is doing is amazing. When he got here he had to fill his squad wit division 2 and 3 players. Our program was done we had nothing we lost our last bit of a program when Devin Downey decided to leave. He has won more games every single year. His recruiting gets better and better every year. This senior class is the last of the mediocre recruiting classes. I just feel this is the year we make it back to the dance. He turned a program in ruins back to a legit program and were on the verge of being a dominant program once again. Will all you fans finally quit crying about hugs and zimpher and come join the fun this will be a special year i can see it now 23 being a march madness side story. Somethin along lines of having wait year behind a ''superstar'' and ending up to be better. Not so much of a wish anymore it could be reality

 

[Thegreatone]

Very optimistic view. I do believe people who constantly rip Mick don't truely have an appreciation for how bad our situation was. We were gutted and now we are respectable. It is amazing to think after 2 or 3 years people were expecting to be in the NCAA tournament. That would have been far far exceeding reasonable expectations. We are in our 5th year and now I believe NCAA tournament is a fair expectation.

 

[psax889906]

I'm with you on the main point Btown and that is this:

Everyone get on board, give this team a chance and SUPPORT them throughout this year. We need the momentum to pick up on the court AND in the stands for this program to get back.

 

[MDW79]

Amazing? Really? I could see how someone could say he's done a decent job, or it COULD be an amazing job when it's all said and done. But thus far, it's amazing? I guess the NIT in year 4 is amazing then.

Fwiw, we never had division 2 or 3 caliber players on out team, unless you're counting walk-ons or Barwin and Allen.

Not trying to be a jerk, can someone please tell me how we're on the verge of being "dominant"? Maybe we define dominiant differently. I'd say, a top 10 team, or a dynasty, a run of conference titles, etc. Others may define dominant as getting anywhere from a 4-10 seed in the dance. (ie There are anywhere from 17-40 dominant programs, after the top 16. The top 16 are super dominant????)

Sorry, some of the more optimistic folks are becoming just as delusional as the pessimistic folks, who never gave the guy a chance from day 1.

Just call it like I see 'em. There has been nothing amazing done thus far, and there is not a single indication that we are on the verge of dominance.

 

[psax889906]

Amazing? Really? I could see how someone could say he's done a decent job, or it COULD be an amazing job when it's all said and done. But thus far, it's amazing? I guess the NIT in year 4 is amazing then.

Fwiw, we never had division 2 or 3 caliber players on out team, unless you're counting walk-ons or Barwin and Allen.

Not trying to be a jerk, can someone please tell me how we're on the verge of being "dominant"? Maybe we define domniant differently. I'd say, a top 10 team, a dynasty. Others may define dominant in getting a 10-4 seed in the dance. (it there are anywhere from 16-40 dominant programs)

Sorry, some of the more optimistic folks are becoming just as delusional as the pessimistic folks, who never gave the guy a chance from day 1.

Just call it like I see 'em. There has been nothing amazing done thus far, and there is not a single indication that we are on the verge of dominance.

Is his thread a little over the top? Certainly.

HOWEVER, I believe in self fulfilling prophecies and will ALWAYS maintain, regardless the situation that positive thinking is more beneficial than negative. Now, does that mean one can't be critical? No. Can they accept criticism? Yes.

Now this whole song and dance is nothing new, though. As much as we've discussed the dismissal of Huggins- and the hiring of Cronin- we've discussed the increasingly bi-partisan crowd that UC fans have become. On one side of the aisle you have the glass half full, aka the Cronin apologists, the dreamers and the fools... on the other the glass half empty, aka the Huggins humpers, the realists and the truth sayers.

I used to stand staunchly on the former side and refused to concede anything to the latter, but as time has gone on I've realized the two really aren't all that different and both bring to the debate solid, intelligent points of view.

Ultimately it comes down to results. This is a critical season for Mick. Pressure is clamping down on him from both sides of the aisle and everyone realizes the rebuilding is/should be over. This is his team and his program now and he must be made accountable for the results and product put on the court from here on out.

 

[MDW79]

Is his thread a little over the top? Certainly.

HOWEVER, I believe in self fulfilling prophecies and will ALWAYS maintain, regardless the situation that positive thinking is more beneficial than negative. Now, does that mean one can't be critical? No. Can they accept criticism? Yes.

Now this whole song and dance is nothing new, though. As much as we've discussed the dismissal of Huggins- and the hiring of Cronin- we've discussed the increasingly bi-partisan crowd that UC fans have become. On one side of the aisle you have the glass half full, aka the Cronin apologists, the dreamers and the fools... on the other the glass half empty, aka the Huggins humpers, the realists and the truth sayers.

I used to stand staunchly on the former side and refused to concede anything to the latter, but as time has gone on I've realized the two really aren't all that different and both bring to the debate solid, intelligent points of view.

Ultimately it comes down to results. This is a critical season for Mick. Pressure is clamping down on him from both sides of the aisle and everyone realizes the rebuilding is/should be over. This is his team and his program now and he must be made accountable for the results and product put on the court from here on out.

I agree. I would just think as time goes on we would have more fans meeting in the middle, so to say. It seems as if the sides are both equally drifting further and further from the reality of situation. Although, I will say that some of the anti-Mick crowd was never in reality.

The fact is, we don't know exactly what we have, or what he's accomplished yet. I think this year will give us enough of answer to gauge how this program will be going forward.

It's true that Mick inherited a terrible situation and that it takes time. It's also true that's he's on the hotseat, and he's got a lot of work to do to win back some of the fans.

I think there's a middle ground to just about everything involving this program, from Mick, to the team, to the recruits to everything. It just seems more and more people are drifting into Lala land.

 

[JasonS]

Is his thread a little over the top? Certainly.

HOWEVER, I believe in self fulfilling prophecies and will ALWAYS maintain, regardless the situation that positive thinking is more beneficial than negative. Now, does that mean one can't be critical? No. Can they accept criticism? Yes.

Now this whole song and dance is nothing new, though. As much as we've discussed the dismissal of Huggins- and the hiring of Cronin- we've discussed the increasingly bi-partisan crowd that UC fans have become. On one side of the aisle you have the glass half full, aka the Cronin apologists, the dreamers and the fools... on the other the glass half empty, aka the Huggins humpers, the realists and the truth sayers.

I used to stand staunchly on the former side and refused to concede anything to the latter, but as time has gone on I've realized the two really aren't all that different and both bring to the debate solid, intelligent points of view.

Ultimately it comes down to results. This is a critical season for Mick. Pressure is clamping down on him from both sides of the aisle and everyone realizes the rebuilding is/should be over. This is his team and his program now and he must be made accountable for the results and product put on the court from here on out.

I agree for the most part. I don't think a lot of people realize that what Mick walked into was not a 2 year job. Or a 4 year job. Or even a 5 year job. There is a reason Mick was given a 6 year contract from the start. In year 5 you are finally seeing a competitive team, with some depth and most are players that fit Mick's style of play. You are seeing what Mick can do in recruiting when he is able to get in on the ground floor with recruits. He has put together a top 20 class with several players who will be able to contribute immediately. The talent is being upgraded substatially. I will be disappointed if this team does not make the NCAA Tourney but you can't lose sight of the bigger picture.

 

[psax889906]

Agreed on all accounts MDW. We just proved there's a middle ground. Bravo us!

I think most everyone will agree this year is critical. There is a very small minority that either think it's already a complete lost cause and Mick should be fired or that Mick has done an excellent job rebuilding and deserves at least one more year after this one regardless of outcome.

But to my original point in this thread- I truly feel we need to get behind this team this season. A rocking 'Shoe would do nothing but help fuel this team... can you imagine what a sold out 'Shoe would do to a guy like Justin Jackson?... I'd be terrified to see actually...

 

[BearcatAlum1]

We'll accomplish many goals if we get solid PG play.

Cash needs to play within himself. Make the easy pass. Distribute to the open man. Force the ball to Gates in the post and go from there.

 

[JasonS]

Agreed on all accounts MDW. We just proved there's a middle ground. Bravo us!

I think most everyone will agree this year is critical. There is a very small minority that either think it's already a complete lost cause and Mick should be fired or that Mick has done an excellent job rebuilding and deserves at least one more year after this one regardless of outcome.

But to my original point in this thread- I truly feel we need to get behind this team this season. A rocking 'Shoe would do nothing but help fuel this team... can you imagine what a sold out 'Shoe would do to a guy like Justin Jackson?... I'd be terrified to see actually...

I have not seen a Bearcat play with as much intensity as JJ since Eric Hicks. Remember how intimidating it was for teams to come into the Shoe with the loud crowds and then getting destroyed down low by Hicks? I think those days could be around the corner with JJ and the talent on this team plus what is coming in next year. I wish I lived in town. I would have season tickets to the basketball games too. Come on fans, get to the Shoe and get it rocking!!!

 

[psax889906]

We'll accomplish many goals if we get solid PG play.

Cash needs to play within himself. Make the easy pass. Distribute to the open man. Force the ball to Gates in the post and go from there.

The thing that struck me, watching the DePaul game highlight from 2000 was exactly this. It came down to crunch time and they ran the offense through Kenyon every time down the floor. NOW, granted Gates is nowhere near where Kenyon was his senior year. But the idea is the same. Run the offense through your talented (hopefully All-Big East) big man and good things will happen.

And I agree completely about Cash... he needs to learn when to push it and when to slow down. I was hoping to see more of an improvement in his control and finishing this year than I have thus far.

 

[psax889906]

I have not seen a Bearcat play with as much intensity as JJ since Eric Hicks. Remember how intimidating it was for teams to come into the Shoe with the loud crowds and then getting destroyed down low by Hicks? I think those days could be around the corner with JJ and the talent on this team plus what is coming in next year. I wish I lived in town. I would have season tickets to the basketball games too. Come on fans, get to the Shoe and get it rocking!!!

It's been sorely missed. I'm very excited about the future with JJ leading this team.

 

[JasonS]

The thing that struck me, watching the DePaul game highlight from 2000 was exactly this. It came down to crunch time and they ran the offense through Kenyon every time down the floor. NOW, granted Gates is nowhere near where Kenyon was his senior year. But the idea is the same. Run the offense through your talented (hopefully All-Big East) big man and good things will happen.

And I agree completely about Cash... he needs to learn when to push it and when to slow down. I was hoping to see more of an improvement in his control and finishing this year than I have thus far.

I agree about Cash. I think a lot of us (myself included) forget that this is only his second year on the court as a red shirt sophomore. I think he will make the most improvement this year as the season goes along.

 

[BearcatAlum1]

But the idea is the same. Run the offense through your talented (hopefully All-Big East) big man and good things will happen.

We actually ran many sets to isolate Yancy in the post.

In particular, one very nice set in the first half that had Dixon set a screen on the near block and Yancy rubbed off the screen and caught the ball in very good position. Yancy then turned baseline into a double team (because Dixon didn't clear the space) and shot a fadeaway.

The execution to get the ball in Yancy's hand on the block was very nice. His shot was terrible.

Also, I was glad to see Yancy make a gorgeous "up and under" in the second half for a finger roll.

 

[bearcat jeff]

My biggest two concerns coming out of Monday was the inability to keep people out of the lane and pg play.

Cash has to stop forcing things and the perimeter guys have to do better defensively stopping drives. It puts too much pressure on a thin front line when guards get in the lane so easily.

 

[bearcat jeff]

My biggest two concerns coming out of Monday was the inability to keep people out of the lane and pg play.

Cash has to stop forcing things and the perimeter guys have to do better defensively stopping drives. It puts too much pressure on a thin front line when guards get in the lane so easily.

 

[psax889906]

My biggest two concerns coming out of Monday was the inability to keep people out of the lane and pg play.

I'm not worried about the defensive play... Cronin's teams have played defense and rebounded for the majority of his tenure here... the PG play is more of a long term concern for me.

 

[psax889906]

Year G FG-A Pct. FT-FTA Pct. Reb Avg Ast Avg Blk Pts Avg
1996-97 22 26-40 .650 10-32 .313 74 3.4 10 0.5 24 62 2.8

Look at Kenyon's stats from his freshmen year... I'm in no way comparing Justin Jackson to Kenyon, but the point is Justin can provide just as much if not more offensively than Kenyon did his freshmen year and continue to play tough defense and rebound. He can contribute substantially to success.

 

[Btown Bearcat]

Now dont get me wrong when i say the factory is back I just mean we should and probably will make the tournament. Its turning back into a place recruits want to be why not exactly sure but if hes bringing these kids without making tourny imagine his recruits after say an elite 8 run. I try to stay optimistic. I mean why not this is the Cincinnati Bearcats were talkin about. I mean this senior class is really the last sub pair class, there getting traded up next year for one best recruiting classes in country which will make us better once again. Cronin is doing it the right way like him or not.

 

[cincinnati insanity]

It takes a cluster of things to make the tournament, so lets break it down piece by piece.

1- Defense- UC has some very good defense, unless the ball is in transition. As long as they learn transition defense, they have a very good defensive squad.

2-leadership- If Gates has shown anything at all besides potential it is leadership. SK has the leadership type mentallity also. Add in JJ with his play and enthusiasm. Cincy has leadership for once.

3-Pg play- This is obvious area of concern, i have said all along that Cash is not a PG. He has to let his game come to him. Jaquon Parker, gives a strong physical guard who does not make spectacular plays , but does not screw up alot either.

4-Post play- The team showed that they were willing to go down low to Yancey and that blew my mind. It seems in the past they would just jack 3 after 3. Ibrahima is playing well and Yancey has always had Big east player written all over him. JJ rounds out the bigs with an awesome old time Uc flare to his game..

5-Go to scorer- Cincy has had a go to scorer in the last couple years, but i think SK will surpass what LS did and will be more valuable to the squad than DV. With 25 seconds on the clock they let Dixon take the last shot. Give the ball to SK and let him shoot. Sk has to be our primary backcourt player. Him and Gates along with Ibrahima have to score points.

6-Hunger- I could go on all day with what it takes to be a special team, but the Hunger a team has can make it all better. Uc has proven that they want bigger and better things. Alot of this years wins will have to do with Hunger, how bad they want in the tournament and how bad they want to be a respected ball team. They look hungry to me!!!

Uc will have every oppurtunity to make the tournament this year and put UC back on the map for good. As for the Cronin haters i believe he has done a good job. If he gets let go then you better find a stud coach to come in here for pennies of the dollar. Lose Cronin , lose next years recruits. I am becoming impatient with the development of the players, but take a look at the players, besides Gates ,SK and Cash who was our blue chip recruits, You have to thinks some teams have a starting five of blue chip recruits. UC will be fine i promise, shorten the roatation and start getting the ball to the scorers on the team.