The Freshman

[Thegreatone]

How would we grade the freshman so far:

Davis - Most productive freshman. Can hit a set shot and will only get better. I really like Jerry. I don't think he will be a superstar but I think he could become a really solid starter in the Big East.

B

Gynn - Love his physical nature. He is a strong and athletic guy but he has a good touch. I think he has a little more upside than Jerry at this point IMO.

C+

Ellis - Long and really athletic. He looked good early in the year but that was verse poor competition. I think he could be a good role player in a year or two. Glad he is redshirting so he can pack on weight.

C-

Sanders - Seems like the game is going too fast for him at times. When he gets comfortable I think he will be really good. He has a smooth shot. I think he has the best stroke of all the freshman. I love lefties.

D+

Gaines - You can see the potential in him. But as a wise man once told me, "having potential means you're not any good right now". Very true. I dont think he will ever be a real scorer in the next for years but he could be an all world shot blocker. Many freshman bigs have trouble not fouling so I am not too upset with that.

D

Overall grade is C+

I really like this class though because they all will be able to play a role the remainder of this year and next. One of these guys will break out and be a big timer. WHat do you guys think?

 

[TheLivingLegend]

I'll assume you were heavily intoxicated for this post

 

[BearcatAlum1]

When I was in 6th grade, a varsity bball coach told me:

Coach: You know, you really have potential.

Me: Non-responsive and pleased (albeit, smiling because I made an impression on the varsity coach)

Coach: Don't look too pleased with yourself. Potential only means you "ain't done sHit yet."

Me: Not smiling.

 

[ralph1950]

A wise old coach by the name of Al Macquire said "the best thing about freshman is that they become sophomores".

 

[david aka the TYZ]

How would we grade the freshman so far:

Davis - Most productive freshman. Can hit a set shot and will only get better. I really like Jerry. I don't think he will be a superstar but I think he could become a really solid starter in the Big East.

B

Gynn - Love his physical nature. He is a strong and athletic guy but he has a good touch. I think he has a little more upside than Jerry at this point IMO.

C+

Ellis - Long and really athletic. He looked good early in the year but that was verse poor competition. I think he could be a good role player in a year or two. Glad he is redshirting so he can pack on weight.

C-

Sanders - Seems like the game is going too fast for him at times. When he gets comfortable I think he will be really good. He has a smooth shot. I think he has the best stroke of all the freshman. I love lefties.

D+

Gaines - You can see the potential in him. But as a wise man once told me, "having potential means you're not any good right now". Very true. I dont think he will ever be a real scorer in the next for years but he could be an all world shot blocker. Many freshman bigs have trouble not fouling so I am not too upset with that.

D

Overall grade is C+

I really like this class though because they all will be able to play a role the remainder of this year and next. One of these guys will break out and be a big timer. WHat do you guys think?

I agree that Davis has looked the best so far and also that Guyn seems to have the most upside. I think Guyn's injury slowed down his progress because before that (I think it was the Pitt game or Gtown game) he seemed a little more productive, at least it seemed he was getting more minutes, than Davis. Gaines is what we expected -- very raw. I'd like to see him get more minutes when possible, I like his toughness. I don't know if he can develop into anything offensively or not, but I'd be surprised if he didn't turn into a solid defender and shot-blocker in the coming years. Sanders has been a disappointment based on the hype that he could step in and contribute right away, but I personally never expect a freshman to come in and contribute. He does show that he has a knowledge for the game (which lord knows we need). He seems to be in the right place a lot of times for rebounds, which usually isn't a accident. I was impressed with Ellis what we saw of him early. He's another player that seems to understand the game. He obviously doesn't have the body he needs to play in the Big East, but he does seem to have the instincts he needs. Overall what I like about these guys is that they seem smarter and tougher than past recruiting classes. Hopefully that turns to good things when they become upper classmen.

 

[UCalum08]

The freshman are going to be freshman especially with the limited playing time. Davis has been good, I like that he can drive to the hoop and create! I think we will find out more next year.

 

[bearcat jeff]

Sanders has been a disappointment to me. I like a lot of people thought he was the most likely to contribute right away with Thomas having the highest ceiling. I wish he could see more time on the floor because I love his basketball iq. He'll still be a good player for UC.

Davis has improved more from the first exhibition game to now than any Bearcat. His court demeanor is much better and he is playing with confidence.

Guyn is going to have a very nice career as a Bearcat. Love his passion and effort on defense. The future looks nice with GG and JD in the backcourt for the next 3 years.

Ellis is going to be a match up problem for teams if he can gain strength and size. He has good ball skills for a man his size and a nice touch. I also like the fact he has a little bit of an attitude.

You know I may be in the minority but I think Gaines is going to be a good player by his senior year. I think he'll find his niche.

 

[UCalum08]

If Biggie could learn how to play efficiently by his senior years we should all be optimistic for Gaines. Gaines should start to come around by his junior year.

 

[ucswais]

I'm very happy with the class in general. I would agree that Sanders is the only dissapointment to this point. Several of these guys need development, but show big time potential. Thats OK for our team as currently constructed. We will need them more in a year or two than we need them today.

 

[JasonS]

I'm very happy with the class in general. I would agree that Sanders is the only dissapointment to this point. Several of these guys need development, but show big time potential. Thats OK for our team as currently constructed. We will need them more in a year or two than we need them today.

I don't think Sanders will be a disappointment in the long run. He will be fine.

 

[TheLivingLegend]

Sanders has the best basketball knowledge and IQ on the team as a freshman. He understands the game and will be just fine. Hes a freshman.

 

[JasonS]

By the way, Dan Hoard observed practice today (or was it yesterday?) and he said that Octavious Ellis is going to be REALLY good in a few years. Not sure exactly what he saw to base that on but as a Bearcats fan, it has to make you excited for the future. He should get a medical redshirt this year and have 4 years left. The future is bright for this program as is the present. I think this team is going to make a run starting tomorrow against Marquette.

 

[Bearcat04]

By the way, Dan Hoard observed practice today (or was it yesterday?) and he said that Octavious Ellis is going to be REALLY good in a few years. Not sure exactly what he saw to base that on but as a Bearcats fan, it has to make you excited for the future. He should get a medical redshirt this year and have 4 years left. The future is bright for this program as is the present. I think this team is going to make a run starting tomorrow against Marquette.

You could see flashes of it in the early games that he played. At one point on defense he was at the top of the zone and the guard with the ball had a hard enough time just seeing around him, nevertheless getting a pass by his wingspan. I was also pleasantly surprised how fluid he looked starting the break and he made a number of good passes early in the season. At nearly 7 feet tall with the skills to play inside/outside I think he could become a match up nightmare like Earl Clark was.

 

[TheLivingLegend]

It will be veyr interesting to see what ellis does over the years... Earlier this year he asked a coach 'what is a pivot foot".... All the athletic ability, now its time to learn the game.

With that being said their is no way Ellis is better than Sanders this year. Not a chance.

 

[mplebanon]

A wise old coach by the name of Al Macquire said "the best thing about freshman is that they become sophomores".

.....and then juniors and then seniors, of which you have Dion Dixon who still plays like a sophomore. Wright still plays like a freshman. Our guards suck.