This Year Compared to the Past Few Years

[GarradJ21]

I have been thinking a lot on how this season has been going so far and how it compares to the past few seasons. It’s not so much of analytical approach but more of a greneral feel. People that look up stats and Kenpom numbers feel free to add some commentary on where we stand this year compared to the past few years. I know the numbers have been mentioned in other threads.

2013-2014: Starting with the end of the SK era. I enjoyed SK of course I mean who didn’t but after we lost to Harvard I was looking forward to seeing us move on. SK was surrounded with some decent players but it seemed like we were having some serious talent come in. We relied too much on SK, rightfully so, but it was time to get a better team feel. Caupain looked promising, we had Gary Clark and Quadri Moore committed, a new tall agressive center in Ellis, a pure shooter in Cobb, and the feeling that this was going to be Shaq Thomas’ team.

2014-2015: A tough year overall, a lot of new pieces. It felt good that we only had one senior in Jermain Sanders so we knew the upcoming 2015-2016 season could be a special season (it’s always “next year” in Cincinnati lol). We lose Cronin due to a very serious health issue, we lose to Xavier at home, but still won enough to get into the big dance. I think our signature win was home against San Diego State if I’m not mistaken. We make it to the tournament and win probably the most exciting first round game all of us could imagine. We knew we basically had no chance against UK the following round but it just felt good to win a tournament game, and again we knew the following year looked promising. Good bye Jermaine Sanders.

2015-2016: Overall Maybe the most heartbreaking and unlluckiest year ever. We lose so many games by 1 or 2 points we lost pretty much every big road game, except a key win at UCONN. We lose a heatbreaker in the conference tournamentand NCAA tournament. We dealt with A lot of injuries. I think Cobb was going through some things, Gary rolled his ankle in the shoot around before the conference tournament UCONN game, and Shaq Thomas was pretty much done for the year. It was a shame for Shaq he wasn’t absolutely killing it but was playing his best basketball. We really could have used him especially defensively against Hamilton in the conference tourney and Bremby or what ever during the St Joes game. The year ended and again, I think we were all are ok knowing it was going to be Caupain’s senior year, Jacob had natural talent, Gary was one more year in, a top 60 recruit in Cumberland coming and a natural scoring center coming to take over in Washington.

2016-2017: Last year was probably our best Regular season in the Cronin era. We start out by losing to R.I. which sucked, but then we win at ISU which was amazing, lost to Butler which was ok, Beat SMU and Xavier, lose at SMU and at UCF, I think overall still we all were pleased with that regular season. 27-4. We lose to SMU in the tournament which again I don’t think any of us cared too much. We get shipped out west and lose to a top 5 team in the tournament when we were probably a top 15 team. Overall, a really good regular season, but again lacking a tournament run. Next year (this year) extremely high hopes. We lose a 3 year starting PG but we are going to replace him with a speed and a natural scorer. It was time for the Caupain era to end and get the up and down going.

2017-2018: Here we are. I don’t need to explain what this year has been like since we are all living it. I think if we had to say this year hasn’t been all that amazing. It’s been good and there’s still some hope but it def isn’t going how we all wanted it to go. A tournament run can solve that

My reason for writing this is because every year we have been looking forward to the following year and here we are. I don’t think any of us could say we are looking forward to next year over this year. We really need a tournament run. We will win these next 3 games by 20+ each game, big deal. We need a nice signature win at WSU. We need to make it to the championship of the AAC I hope to win it but won’t be too down if we don’t, but we absolutely need a tournament run.

What do you guys all think? I think overall last year so far was more successful than this year but we still have some huge unknowns as of now.

 

[UC86]

2017-2018: Here we are. I don’t need to explain what this year has been like since we are all living it. I think if we had to say this year hasn’t been all that amazing. It’s been good and there’s still some hope but it def isn’t going how we all wanted it to go. A tournament run can solve that

My reason for writing this is because every year we have been looking forward to the following year and here we are. I don’t think any of us could say we are looking forward to next year over this year. We really need a tournament run. We will win these next 3 games by 20+ each game, big deal. We need a nice signature win at WSU. We need to make it to the championship of the AAC I hope to win it but won’t be too down if we don’t, but we absolutely need a tournament run.

What do you guys all think? I think overall last year so far was more successful than this year but we still have some huge unknowns as of now.

I would agree. I think this is Mick’s best team ever, and, as fans, we’ve finally reached the point where we can’t say next year we will be a better team. I believe this is Mick’s peak, he’ll never get one and done players, and now he finally has a team of veterans that’s capable of making a deep run in the tournament. And that’s not a slight at Mick, it’s just reality. He recruits 3-4 star recruits that are 3-4 year players. The stars have aligned and now it’s up to mick and the players to make a run. If Mick can’t get this team to make a run, then you really have to question when will he ever.

I would say it’s a bit premature to say last year was more successful than this year. Obviously, that could change with a win @ Wichita, conference tourney, and NCAA tourney run. But I would agree that so far, last year was the better year. We’ve obviously struggled in our toughest games this year, but what teams haven’t struggled this year. In the end, this team has plenty of talent to do the 3 things I listed above, just a matter of if they can get things clicking before it’s too late.

 

[GarradJ21]

I would agree. I think this is Mick’s best team ever, and, as fans, we’ve finally reached the point where we can’t say next year we will be a better team. I believe this is Mick’s peak, he’ll never get one and done players, and now he finally has a team of veterans that’s capable of making a deep run in the tournament. And that’s not a slight at Mick, it’s just reality. He recruits 3-4 star recruits that are 3-4 year players. The stars have aligned and now it’s up to mick and the players to make a run. If Mick can’t get this team to make a run, then you really have to question when will he ever.

I would say it’s a bit premature to say last year was more successful than this year. Obviously, that could change with a win @ Wichita, conference tourney, and NCAA tourney run. But I would agree that so far, last year was the better year. We’ve obviously struggled in our toughest games this year, but what teams haven’t struggled this year. In the end, this team has plenty of talent to do the 3 things I listed above, just a matter of if they can get things clicking before it’s too late.

I agree, too soon to say last year was the better year but regular season wise so far it has been But it will be interesting to see how we feel if we can win that game on March 4th

 

[sedziobs]

It brings up an interesting philosophical question of what do we want as sports fans? Most of my most vivid Bearcats memories are not tournament related. Melvin Levett vs Duke, Kenyon vs DePaul, Donald Little vs Marquette. Even some losses provided special memories, like Eric Hicks' missed three vs Villanova. Lots of exciting moments from tournaments where we didn't make a run too, like Bobbitt vs East Tennessee St, Caupain vs UConn. I think my college basketball fandom is due to the unpredictability of the sport, combined with getting to experience the full journey of individual players and squads. Although I'm always rooting for tournament success, I don't need it. In a single elimination format, having a superior team and a good game plan is no guarantee. I embrace the randomness. It's exciting.

In sports, it's always on to next year whether you win or not. Last year's final four teams are just as hungry for success as anyone else. I think the will to win is much more important than winning itself. A deep tournament run would be amazing, and would give us so many more great memories. But, personally, I don't need one to enjoy all the time I put into following the Cats.

 

[GarradJ21]

It brings up an interesting philosophical question of what do we want as sports fans? Most of my most vivid Bearcats memories are not tournament related. Melvin Levett vs Duke, Kenyon vs DePaul, Donald Little vs Marquette. Even some losses provided special memories, like Eric Hicks' missed three vs Villanova. Lots of exciting moments from tournaments where we didn't make a run too, like Bobbitt vs East Tennessee St, Caupain vs UConn. I think my college basketball fandom is due to the unpredictability of the sport, combined with getting to experience the full journey of individual players and squads. Although I'm always rooting for tournament success, I don't need it. In a single elimination format, having a superior team and a good game plan is no guarantee. I embrace the randomness. It's exciting.

In sports, it's always on to next year whether you win or not. Last year's final four teams are just as hungry for success as anyone else. I think the will to win is much more important than winning itself. A deep tournament run would be amazing, and would give us so many more great memories. But, personally, I don't need one to enjoy all the time I put into following the Cats.

That’s a good way to look at it. II can agree that just because some games don’t go our way and there’s been lack of post season success that doesn’t mean the ride hasn’t been enjoyable but I truly do want a tournament run. I will say though, next year I can’t say I expect us to be better than this year which I haven’t said that in the past 5 years. But yes, if we get knocked out again early and the season comes to an end, after a few months of summer I’ll be anxious and excited for Bearcats basketball to start again.

 

[sedziobs]

next year I can’t say I expect us to be better than this year which I haven’t said that in the past 5 years.

I agree. Our generally consistent upward trajectory is probably coming to an end. Although, we all thought the same thing after the 99-00 season. Kenyon failed to advance past the second round in his 4 years and we expected a big drop off with DerMarr and Mickeal leaving too. But then we went to the sweet sixteen for the first time in 5 years in 2001.

 

[Cin City]

Here is a hot take. 6 predictions for the remainder of the season...just for fun, please do not get overly worked up over this. It's really meaningless.

3 Negatives

1. We do not win the regular season confernece championship outright
2. Gary Clark does not win Conference POY
3. We get a 5 seed in NCAA Tourney and face everyone's trendy upset pick East Tennessee State


3 Positives

1. We win the conference Tourney...beating both Houston and WSU
2. Evans and Clark make First team AAC, with KW on 2nd
3. We advance to the Elite 8 after manhandling ETSU, beat #4 seed Ohio State, and #1 seed Kansas

Just having some fun here.

 

[juckerrules]

I'd say it's a toss-up so far. The competition is better this year - big plus for last year was beating X

 

[juckerrules]

i thought we'd be so much better this year because of Broome. Either he hasn't adjusted to the game at this level as well as I thought or the coach is stubborn and won't play his best players the most.

Maybe it's just that Caupain/Jenifer and KJ/Cumberland were better than Jenifer/Broome and Cumberland backed up by ???

 

[Queens_NYC]

This is our best chance to win an outright AAC regular season and tournament title since we've been in the league and I stick with that statement regardless of how the season plays out.

 

[cincycpaw]

My opinion was Cronin and the program should be judged by last year and this year. Last year was a terrific season and a loss to a good UCLA team in the 2nd round. Ultimately it wasn't what I wanted and hoped for better, but it was a solid year.

This season has been mostly good. It was a great year up to losing to WSU at home. It's not that that 1 loss is the difference between a good year and a bad year, but it highlighted the other losses we've had against good competition. That WSU put this season on notice. Lose at WSU, lose in the conference tourny and lose in 1st weekend of the tournament and this season is a failure. I think for this season to be considered a success the Cats must:

1) Advance to the sweet 16 or:
2) Win out (beating WSU on the road and winning the conference title and tournament)

Anything less than that is a failure. I have hope for this but it's pretty slim now. I'm concerned by Cronin's substitutions and not keeping Washington on the floor for a scoring punch. I'm concerned about the misuse of Broome this season. Cronin will need to change in order for this season to be a success.

As for next year...less optimism. But if Jacob stays, Cumberland improves, Broome gets to play his game and the bigs improve a little....could have a solid season. SHould be enough for the NCAA tournament but I wouldn't bet on a sweet 16 at this point. Have to see.

 

[justinhub2003]

i thought we'd be so much better this year because of Broome. Either he hasn't adjusted to the game at this level as well as I thought or the coach is stubborn and won't play his best players the most.

Maybe it's just that Caupain/Jenifer and KJ/Cumberland were better than Jenifer/Broome and Cumberland backed up by ???

I think one thing is for certain.

This team misses the leadership and winning ways of Troy caupain.

 

[Cin City]

I think one thing is for certain.

This team misses the leadership and winning ways of Troy caupain.

I have harped on this since day 1. The leadership he provided, whether you liked him or not, was outstanding. I always loved TC.

 

[waterhead]

I think so far the season is similar to last year. There is still a good chance it can be better. Cronin is on record that we are going to have to score points in March...and that defense can only take you so far. You have to get buckets.

It's time to make that switch after watching the last two games. We need to make the switch and get comfortable with it now for the next three games so we have a chance @ WSU and in the tourneys.

Free up Kyle and Cane to play. Take them out if they make a couple of dumb mistakes but then coach them up and put them back in. We can't be sitting them for 10 minutes at a time. We need these guys offensive games to be sharp heading into the stretch run. We can't be subbing all the time...it just breaks up the flow and doesn't allow for players to get comfortable.

If Cronin doesn't do this...and all that talk about scoring in March was just coach speak...I think he will have officially hit his peak as a coach.

 

[GarradJ21]

I think so far the season is similar to last year. There is still a good chance it can be better. Cronin is on record that we are going to have to score points in March...and that defense can only take you so far. You have to get buckets.

It's time to make that switch after watching the last two games. We need to make the switch and get comfortable with it now for the next three games so we have a chance @ WSU and in the tourneys.

Free up Kyle and Cane to play. Take them out if they make a couple of dumb mistakes but then coach them up and put them back in. We can't be sitting them for 10 minutes at a time. We need these guys offensive games to be sharp heading into the stretch run. We can't be subbing all the time...it just breaks up the flow and doesn't allow for players to get comfortable.

If Cronin doesn't do this...and all that talk about scoring in March was just coach speak...I think he will have officially hit his peak as a coach.

I look at projected seed and teams we would play in the second round and we really should be fine. I just want all our confidence to be on an all time high going into the tourney by beating WSU twice.

 

[GarradJ21]

I have yet to feel that regular season big win though this year. Last year beating ISU and ending their streak and beating Xavier at home will make that regular season hard to beat.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

My opinion was Cronin and the program should be judged by last year and this year. Last year was a terrific season and a loss to a good UCLA team in the 2nd round. Ultimately it wasn't what I wanted and hoped for better, but it was a solid year.

This season has been mostly good. It was a great year up to losing to WSU at home. It's not that that 1 loss is the difference between a good year and a bad year, but it highlighted the other losses we've had against good competition. That WSU put this season on notice. Lose at WSU, lose in the conference tourny and lose in 1st weekend of the tournament and this season is a failure. I think for this season to be considered a success the Cats must:

1) Advance to the sweet 16 or:
2) Win out (beating WSU on the road and winning the conference title and tournament)

Anything less than that is a failure. I have hope for this but it's pretty slim now. I'm concerned by Cronin's substitutions and not keeping Washington on the floor for a scoring punch. I'm concerned about the misuse of Broome this season. Cronin will need to change in order for this season to be a success.

As for next year...less optimism. But if Jacob stays, Cumberland improves, Broome gets to play his game and the bigs improve a little....could have a solid season. SHould be enough for the NCAA tournament but I wouldn't bet on a sweet 16 at this point. Have to see.

Yep...I'm with you. And to add to it, I just want our players to win something in their 4 years here. Clark has no AAC Title, no AAC Tournament Title, No Sweet 16 (and beyond), and a losing record overall in the postseason. That needs to change for him this year. At least some of it. We had a 3 game lead with 6 to go in the AAC, and now it's looking like we may have to share the title with 2 other teams. That's disappointing no matter how you slice it. So we need to win this thing outright, win the conference tourney, or make it to the second weekend. After all, we were picked to win the league and we were Top 15 to start the year. It shouldn't be too much to ask for our guys to walk away with something in their time here.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

I look at projected seed and teams we would play in the second round and we really should be fine. I just want all our confidence to be on an all time high going into the tourney by beating WSU twice.

We will go 0-3 against Wichita if we try to do what we did on Sunday.

 

[Alum2013]

My opinion was Cronin and the program should be judged by last year and this year. Last year was a terrific season and a loss to a good UCLA team in the 2nd round. Ultimately it wasn't what I wanted and hoped for better, but it was a solid year.

This season has been mostly good. It was a great year up to losing to WSU at home. It's not that that 1 loss is the difference between a good year and a bad year, but it highlighted the other losses we've had against good competition. That WSU put this season on notice. Lose at WSU, lose in the conference tourny and lose in 1st weekend of the tournament and this season is a failure. I think for this season to be considered a success the Cats must:

1) Advance to the sweet 16 or:
2) Win out (beating WSU on the road and winning the conference title and tournament)

Anything less than that is a failure. I have hope for this but it's pretty slim now. I'm concerned by Cronin's substitutions and not keeping Washington on the floor for a scoring punch. I'm concerned about the misuse of Broome this season. Cronin will need to change in order for this season to be a success.

As for next year...less optimism. But if Jacob stays, Cumberland improves, Broome gets to play his game and the bigs improve a little....could have a solid season. SHould be enough for the NCAA tournament but I wouldn't bet on a sweet 16 at this point. Have to see.

I'm with you and agree with everything except point 2 you provided. If we win out and win the conference tourney but then done make it past the first weekend this season is a disappointment to me. Any team that's ranked in the top 15-10 most of the season that doesn't make it to the sweet 16 should be disappointed. Making the tourney or winning your first game is no longer impressive.

 

[ME80]

Okay I have had a few days now to "cool down" so its time to respond. Obviously this week the forum has turned very negative to the season, the future and the coach. Some of it is warranted some is not.

First of all on the negative:

I absolutely hate when coach gives his "statistics". On the show the other night he talked about what they have done in their wins and what they didn't do in their losses. I believe this is apples and oranges. The stats he uses for the wins are definitely better because they are against lesser competition. Better teams will find a way to score no matter how good your defense is. There will be games that we just need to be able outscore the better teams. With this said UC did shoot 48.1% for WSU game, had a better FT percentage, outrebounded them, had less turnovers, and only was outscored by 2 in the paint. Granted these stats were all very close. The killer in my opinion was that two of arguably best scorers were carelessly aggressive, committing 7 turnovers on some questionable drives, many of which should have been passed back out.

Cane Broom definitely needs to see more time. Jennifer turns the ball over less but he has lost the ability to stress the defense of better teams. Holding the ball, being too cautious and not getting some penetration causes what should be called a "team turnover", getting too late into the clock and being forced into a bad shot.

With the negative out of the way I believe that Cronin still gets an unfair shake around here. I know I will be the target here but the arm chair quarterbacks definitely come out after losses. I break down the 4 losses this way.
X: Coach definitely needs to come up with a different way to prepare his players for that game emotionally. X always comes out on an emotional high
Florida: 21 turnovers, some literally unforced, gave that game away
Houston: Outrebounded and out muscled along with a lousy shooting night, probably played his starters way too many minutes
Wichita State: Stats very even, my thoughts on why they lost are above

Ended up arguing with other fans around me at the game Sunday. Before the game everyone is bitching that Cronin didn't give his starters enough rest the other day against Houston, then proceeded to bitch every time a starter was taken out. If I remember it correctly coach went back to the starting 5 at one point in the first half and subsequently had three bonehead plays in a row from Evans, Cumberland and Washington. I think if this team is asked to play this intense defense they definitely need to use the bench. I truly believe that when they play too many minutes it affects their shooting at the end of the game. If the feeling is going forward that you cannot depend on the bench they will need to resort to more zone to give a periodic break.

This season is not over as many believe.