Time For Mike Thomas To Think Bigger

[JasonS]

You are trying to put words into my mouth. I never crucified Cronin for anything. I know the situation he inherited full and well. But from a donors perspective, he just finished his first good season and all of a sudden MT should be raking in the donations? It just doesn't work like that.

And you are 100% wrong about coaches raising money. Coaches around America do have to raise money for their program. Just about every coach in America has golf outings, dinners with donors, and other various activities that are put on in order to raise money for the team. It's also done to get face time with the high rollers. The closer the coach is to the donors, the better. The donors care about the coach, not the AD. You don't think Calipari goes around schmoozing with the UK boosters? You think he does that just for the hell of it.

Thomas inherited the same situation Cronin did. Thomas started right after the fiasco with Huggins happened. Talk about being put into a horrible situation. On top of that he took over a football program that had only experienced mild success and was not getting good fan support. In his time he made the best football hire in the history of UC football and the program rose to heights never before seen. He hired the basketball coach that was able to rebuild the program and showed the patience that few AD's would show.

Who puts those together? I promise you it is not the coach. The coach just shows up.

We can agree to disagree on this. Until I see something moving the needle forward from Thomas, I will continue to be critical of his performance. I hope he proves me wrong. I don't see it.

 

[TheLongHaul]

Who puts those together? I promise you it is not the coach. The coach just shows up.

We can agree to disagree on this. Until I see something moving the needle forward from Thomas, I will continue to be critical of his performance. I hope he proves me wrong. I don't see it.

What does it matter who puts it together. The fact is that it's the coaches job to perform those events and raise the money. You don't think the coach is interested in raising that money for the program?

What is your benchmark for the needle moving forward? The football program being the best ever under his watch? The basketball program being much better than it was when he arrived?

Be critical all you like, I'm not saying he has been the best AD ever, but it's just funny that all of a sudden he is a crappy AD when in prior years no one had an issue with him. And everyone puts 100% of the blame on him and none of it on Cronin.

 

[bearcat jeff]

Cronin has to do his part to sell the program. OK, I get that and agree with it. I also think Mick could do worlds better in that area and should. That does not change what Mike Thomas needs to do.

It was asked if MT should go to donors after one good season and ask for money. The answer is a resounding YES!!! When else would you do it?! Business investment is built on trends. This program has trended upward since Mick Cronin has arrived. Those closely associated with the program know far better than the average fan what Mick Cronin has fought thru to get to this point. They now have solid evidence that their investment would be a good one.

It is also MT's, and others, job to seek out corporate sponsors and donors. Private donations aren't the only way to raise money for projects. Corporate sponsorship is the way to go and you may get an arena renovated and renamed, or a new one built with a new name.

Now is the the time to strike. I find it laughable to suggest it isn't time to seek sponsorship and investment opportunity from all sources within your grasp to reach out to.

 

[TheLongHaul]

Cronin has to do his part to sell the program. OK, I get that and agree with it. I also think Mick could do worlds better in that area and should. That does not change what Mike Thomas needs to do.

It was asked if MT should go to donors after one good season and ask for money. The answer is a resounding YES!!! When else would you do it?! Business investment is built on trends. This program has trended upward since Mick Cronin has arrived. Those closely associated with the program know far better than the average fan what Mick Cronin has fought thru to get to this point. They now have solid evidence that their investment would be a good one.

It is also MT's, and others, job to seek out corporate sponsors and donors. Private donations aren't the only way to raise money for projects. Corporate sponsorship is the way to go and you may get an arena renovated and renamed, or a new one built with a new name.

Now is the the time to strike. I find it laughable to suggest it isn't time to seek sponsorship and investment opportunity from all sources within your grasp to reach out to.

Not sure who you are replying to. I'd assume me but I know I didn't say MT shouldn't seek donations now. Of course he should. Maybe someone else said that or maybe you didn't read it correctly. The point is that he can (and will) seek out donations but expecting huge donors to step up and give their money is asking a lot after only one year of success. There will still be lots of big donors on the fence to whether UC, and more specifically, Mick, can sustain the success. But of course MT should be trying to do everything in his power to get the boosters to hand over their money.

 

[ralph1950]

Butler, VCU, and George Mason get to Final 4's without first rate facilities.

 

[JasonS]

Butler, VCU, and George Mason get to Final 4's without first rate facilities.

Ralph, if you are ok with getting to 1 or 2 final fours in a life time, fine. I'm not. I would like to at least feel like we have a shot at a Final Four most years. That's not going to happen if UC doesn't step up the support of the program.

 

[bearcat jeff]

Butler, VCU, and George Mason get to Final 4's without first rate facilities.

As usual Ralph you miss or overlook the point here. Do you want to be a program like these that strikes lightening every so many years? Butler's last two seasons have been awesome, but they will go the way of Gonzaga. They had 3 incredible "bounces" go their way to make it to the final 4 this season. VCU has shot nearly 10% higher than their season average in their run. They've caught fire at the right time and are making like 45%-46% of the 3's since the NCAA began. Again, completely out of character. Butler, GM, and VCU do not compete in the Big East. You can't spend what you don't have, but you have to maximize what you do spend to be competitive with the schools in your league. In this case that means upgrading practice and game facilities.

 

[GoCatsGo]

It's been all of three to four weeks since we realized we had a successful season on our hands. Thirty days. Thomas has most likely been working on a ton of other issues, including Mick's contract extension. And how do you know he (or Andy Hurley or his staff) AREN'T out striking while the iron is hot? Why are you so immediately negative and assuming nothing's happening? That's just weird, seriously. I cannot understand making up a wild conclusion with no basis in fact at all, other than reading someone else's crazy assertion on another board and taking it as fact (which would indicate an even bigger problem in your critical thinking, but I digress).

Seriously, Thomas has vastly improved every single area we need him to. You admit he's excellent at hiring coaches. Well it all starts there, because if your teams aren't winning, nobody wants to donate anything. That's why UL and OSU keep raking in the dough. Somewhere along the line a long time ago they started winning, and people started coming to games and buying in, and then donating, which led to hiring better coaches and having better facilities, which led to MORE WINNING. It didn't happen overnight, it was a process. That's how it works. Cart, meet horse.

I can't figure out if you're frustrating me because you assume nothing is being done when it very well may be or that you are like an impetuous child who wants it NOW Wow. Give the guy a chance before you jump all over him. Four weeks. That's all it's been. People wanted Mick's head on a platter seven weeks ago. At that point Thomas might have been thinking he was maybe going to be replacing a coach.

And you could take Mick's total time in the community over the last five years and it wouldn't equal one year of BK or CBJ's. Not even close. But we keep playing the blame game at Cincinnati.

 

[bearcat jeff]

There is no blame game. As I've said Mick Cronin needs to vastly improve his public relations. However, BK did not inherit what Mick did. Mick had to put his time in other areas or there wouldn't be a cart or a horse. BK came into a stocked shelf and maximized what was left for him. Mark D. put the players in place that BK rode all the way to Notre Dame. None of that removes the onus from the Athletic Department stepping up.

 

[GoCatsGo]

There is no blame game.

I disagree. I really, really disagree.

Huggs recruited thugs. Huggs rarely could get us past the first round. Huggs kids didn't graduate. Nancy was an idiot who just didn't like Huggs. Nancy botched the firing. Nancy didn't support athletics. Mick Cronin is a traitor for leaving to Louisville. Mick isn't out in the community raising money (admittedly, mine). Mick is terrible at public relations and the media. Mike Thomas has no vision. Mike is only good at hiring coaches. Mike should have had Mick's contract done three weeks ago. Brian Kelly left the cupboard bare. Brian Kelly didn't care about anyone but himself. Butch looks like an idiot when he chest bumps his players. Butch looks like a lost puppy out there. Butch can't coach.

And my personal favorite: Who was in charge of the Cpaw on the bubble, because it looks terrible. Are you kidding me? We complain and blame about the signage on the new bubble that's up four months?

Folks, we have a problem. As a fan base, we really don't get it. I'm surprised we get any good coaches or administrators in here. We need to appreciate the good people we have working for us, seriously, and stop the nagging over every little thing that isn't done the exact minute we think the thought in our pretty little heads (Or read from someplace else. Negativism is catchy).

 

[Amberlycolonel]

I disagree. I really, really disagree.

Huggs recruited thugs. Huggs rarely could get us past the first round. Huggs kids didn't graduate. Nancy was an idiot who just didn't like Huggs. Nancy botched the firing. Nancy didn't support athletics. Mick Cronin is a traitor for leaving to Louisville. Mick isn't out in the community raising money (admittedly, mine). Mick is terrible at public relations and the media. Mike Thomas has no vision. Mike is only good at hiring coaches. Mike should have had Mick's contract done three weeks ago. Brian Kelly left the cupboard bare. Brian Kelly didn't care about anyone but himself. Butch looks like an idiot when he chest bumps his players. Butch looks like a lost puppy out there. Butch can't coach.

And my personal favorite: Who was in charge of the Cpaw on the bubble, because it looks terrible. Are you kidding me? We complain and blame about the signage on the new bubble that's up four months?

Folks, we have a problem. As a fan base, we really don't get it. I'm surprised we get any good coaches or administrators in here. We need to appreciate the good people we have working for us, seriously, and stop the nagging over every little thing that isn't done the exact minute we think the thought in our pretty little heads (Or read from someplace else. Negativism is catchy).

Wake up call. This is a forum where people can come to vent, express free speech, "pump up" their heroes, and say whatever comes to mind. From my short time on this site, nearly all of the post are completely positive and supportive of anything to do with the red and black. I, for one, am a harsh critic of certain aspects of the program, but am, at the end of the day, a generous booster. And some of those complaints you listened as "nit picks" are justified concerns and should be brought out into the open. If you are looking for a 100% propaganda machine, I suggest you visit elsewhere. I am certain Ralph knows of some places.

 

[bearcat jeff]

Wake up call. This is a forum where people can come to vent, express free speech, "pump up" their heroes, and say whatever comes to mind. From my short time on this site, nearly all of the post are completely positive and supportive of anything to do with the red and black. I, for one, am a harsh critic of certain aspects of the program, but am, at the end of the day, a generous booster. And some of those complaints you listened as "nit picks" are justified concerns and should be brought out into the open. If you are looking for a 100% propaganda machine, I suggest you visit elsewhere. I am certain Ralph knows of some places.

Nice post. Gonna rep it.

 

[bearcat jeff]

I disagree. I really, really disagree.

Huggs recruited thugs. Huggs rarely could get us past the first round. Huggs kids didn't graduate. Nancy was an idiot who just didn't like Huggs. Nancy botched the firing. Nancy didn't support athletics. Mick Cronin is a traitor for leaving to Louisville. Mick isn't out in the community raising money (admittedly, mine). Mick is terrible at public relations and the media. Mike Thomas has no vision. Mike is only good at hiring coaches. Mike should have had Mick's contract done three weeks ago. Brian Kelly left the cupboard bare. Brian Kelly didn't care about anyone but himself. Butch looks like an idiot when he chest bumps his players. Butch looks like a lost puppy out there. Butch can't coach.

And my personal favorite: Who was in charge of the Cpaw on the bubble, because it looks terrible. Are you kidding me? We complain and blame about the signage on the new bubble that's up four months?

Folks, we have a problem. As a fan base, we really don't get it. I'm surprised we get any good coaches or administrators in here. We need to appreciate the good people we have working for us, seriously, and stop the nagging over every little thing that isn't done the exact minute we think the thought in our pretty little heads (Or read from someplace else. Negativism is catchy).

First of all let's stop the "read someplace else" agenda stuff. This board is full of informed people. If you have an agenda you won't be long on this board.

Secondly, this is a legit conversation. Whether it's Mick for underselling and not being as involved in public relations as he should be or MT and the administration not putting enough money into the program, it's a problem. As a fan base we have the right to question the direction of things because we are invested financially and emotionally in it. Debate or opinion for that matter, is far different from blame.

Most everybody I've seen on this board gives MT credit for the good he's done. That doesn't mean he does all things well. The same can be said of Mick Cronin. These boards are a place we as fans can come together and express our opinions on these and other matters. Your included as long as you don't cross the boundaries and make things personal.

 

[adrock]

It's been all of three to four weeks since we realized we had a successful season on our hands. Thirty days. Thomas has most likely been working on a ton of other issues, including Mick's contract extension. And how do you know he (or Andy Hurley or his staff) AREN'T out striking while the iron is hot? Why are you so immediately negative and assuming nothing's happening? That's just weird, seriously. I cannot understand making up a wild conclusion with no basis in fact at all, other than reading someone else's crazy assertion on another board and taking it as fact (which would indicate an even bigger problem in your critical thinking, but I digress).

Seriously, Thomas has vastly improved every single area we need him to. You admit he's excellent at hiring coaches. Well it all starts there, because if your teams aren't winning, nobody wants to donate anything. That's why UL and OSU keep raking in the dough. Somewhere along the line a long time ago they started winning, and people started coming to games and buying in, and then donating, which led to hiring better coaches and having better facilities, which led to MORE WINNING. It didn't happen overnight, it was a process. That's how it works. Cart, meet horse.

I can't figure out if you're frustrating me because you assume nothing is being done when it very well may be or that you are like an impetuous child who wants it NOW Wow. Give the guy a chance before you jump all over him. Four weeks. That's all it's been. People wanted Mick's head on a platter seven weeks ago. At that point Thomas might have been thinking he was maybe going to be replacing a coach.

And you could take Mick's total time in the community over the last five years and it wouldn't equal one year of BK or CBJ's. Not even close. But we keep playing the blame game at Cincinnati.

Straight up repped. Rack him.

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

I may be wrong in saying this...but for being a homegrown, Cincinnati guy, Mick doesn't seem to be a fixture in the community like he could be. That is another element that really helps the AD...when the coaches themselves are marketable. I'd say Butch Jones has done a much better job of this in his 1+ year.

 

[GoCatsGo]

First of all let's stop the "read someplace else" agenda stuff. This board is full of informed people. If you have an agenda you won't be long on this board.

Secondly, this is a legit conversation. Whether it's Mick for underselling and not being as involved in public relations as he should be or MT and the administration not putting enough money into the program, it's a problem. As a fan base we have the right to question the direction of things because we are invested financially and emotionally in it. Debate or opinion for that matter, is far different from blame.

Most everybody I've seen on this board gives MT credit for the good he's done. That doesn't mean he does all things well. The same can be said of Mick Cronin. These boards are a place we as fans can come together and express our opinions on these and other matters. Your included as long as you don't cross the boundaries and make things personal.

I have no other agenda than anyone else espousing a completely opposite view. I just fall off the fence the other way and will happily say why. And honestly, after five years, I'm just sick of all the negativity, even though I was (obviously) kind of part of it. I mean, six weeks ago everyone wanted Mick's head on a platter. Now he can do no wrong and it's on the AD. Tomorrow it'll be Butch. It's just how I'm feeling right now, and I'm just venting, too.

And I completely agree MT has room for improvement, but I don't want to lose an AD who seems to have a knack for hiring coaches who can win, graduate, kids generally aren't in trouble or if they are they suffer consequences, etc. Sometimes I think we should be very careful what we wish for.

 

[bearcat jeff]

I may be wrong in saying this...but for being a homegrown, Cincinnati guy, Mick doesn't seem to be a fixture in the community like he could be. That is another element that really helps the AD...when the coaches themselves are marketable. I'd say Butch Jones has done a much better job of this in his 1+ year.

Agreed

 

[JasonS]

I may be wrong in saying this...but for being a homegrown, Cincinnati guy, Mick doesn't seem to be a fixture in the community like he could be. That is another element that really helps the AD...when the coaches themselves are marketable. I'd say Butch Jones has done a much better job of this in his 1+ year.

I would agree with this. I think Mick should be doing more in the community. If this is not his personality, the risk is that it could come off as being fake. That would be equally as bad. I don't know Mick personally but he seems like he would be fine with the fans/donors at events. Maybe Mick was too focused on putting a winning product on the floor? That is not an excuse but possibly an explanation. If this is the case, he needs to balance a little better.

I don't care how UC gets from point A to point B but they need to figure out a way to raise more money. Period.

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

I would agree with this. I think Mick should be doing more in the community. If this is not his personality, the risk is that it could come off as being fake. That would be equally as bad. I don't know Mick personally but he seems like he would be fine with the fans/donors at events. Maybe Mick was too focused on putting a winning product on the floor? That is not an excuse but possibly an explanation. If this is the case, he needs to balance a little better.

I don't care how UC gets from point A to point B but they need to figure out a way to raise more money. Period.

I remember going to Huggin's Radio shows back in the day. He and Chuck would stay for hours afterwards, smoke a couple of cigars and discuss everything from liquors to basketball. This was the way that he connected to people. He was that simple, blue collar type of guy that people could relate too. For that reason he was really loved.

Mick has been here for 5 years and I don't feel I really know the type of person he is. It is tough for donors, fans and alums to really feel invested in the program if they don't know the type of guy he is. Maybe he has stayed out of the public because the whole Huggs dilemma was a very polarizing issue, or maybe because he was so busy rebuilding the program. Now that for the most part people are back on the wagon...this would be great opportunity to market this team and himself in the public.

 

[TheLongHaul]

I may be wrong in saying this...but for being a homegrown, Cincinnati guy, Mick doesn't seem to be a fixture in the community like he could be. That is another element that really helps the AD...when the coaches themselves are marketable. I'd say Butch Jones has done a much better job of this in his 1+ year.

Just as raising money for a losing program can be extremely tough, so can being a public figure for a losing program. The average fan doesn't understand the situation or the difficulties in rebuilding a program from scratch. They see that they only one a handful of games therefore think Cronin is a lousy coach. It's tough to be a public figure when so many people either think you are a lousy coach or are on the fence about you. Once you start winning and you gain fan support and respect, it becomes much easier. If Cronin starts winning more consistently I guarantee you will see much more of Cronin in the public eye. You could even tell how much more relaxed he was this year compared to years past.