UC at Memphis

[JumpinJack5]

The second prediction is my official prediction after I had time to sit down and think about it.

What is yours? I guarantee mine is more accurate

I guarantee I can come up with better names for the new conference members. Loserville, isn't that the same name you used last year? We lost to them last year, that's bad karma!

 

[Bearcat22]

I guarantee I can come up with better names for the new conference members. Loserville, isn't that the same name you used last year? We lost to them last year, that's bad karma!

I thought this win was a good billboard for the program. Intense game that could get recruits excited and as the CBS article (referenced in another thread) helps build a national identity. Games like these could help the on the fence fanbase get re-energized.

 

[TheLongHaul]

Just getting around to posting my thoughts, but:

Overall, a fantastic game by the Bearcats and a huge win.

JJ has me eating crow - he was once again a beast. He just looks so much better and he is now actually using his athleticism. His timing on rebounds and blocks is 100x better than last season. I still don't want him doing turn around jumpers, or any jumpers for that matter, but if he sticks to the low block for his points, and he has lately, he'll be getting between 10-15 a night and I'm happy with that. Defensively he totally threw Memphis off to the point where they couldn't shoot without having him in their heads.

Caupain - another great game. He is heads and shoulders above Guyn. Finally someone that knows how to run the break. It's trendy to say that it doesn't matter who starts but I completely disagree with this thought. The first 5 minutes of games can be very important and Guyn just isn't good enough to earn this many minutes or a spot in the starting lineup. His defense is overrated and he provides nothing on offense. His assist stats are embarrassing for a PG.

ST/Sanders - I'm still high on ST and he provides offense when it's an up and down game. I still don't think Sanders provides much at all. In fact he went up for a layup and was so scared to get blocked he barely hit the rim.

SK - eventually will find his shot and when he does this team will be clicking.

Hats off to Mick, he had the game plan right and the team ready to play.

 

[UCBearcats]

Great win for the Cats on Saturday. I continue to be amazed by the play of Troy Caupain and KJ. I really feel like these two are going to be such a dynamic combo going forward. If Mick could just recruit a couple of bigs who could make an immediate impact in the next 2 years he might actually have something here.

Troy is smarter than anyone I've seen come thru this program in a while. The kid just gets it and understands how to play basketball. The passes he makes are phenomenal for someone of his experience level. A lot of times you see a very talented freshman who still needs to learn how to play basketball. In this case you have a kid who's already playing basketball better than anyone on this team. He might have a lower ceiling than some of the ultra athletic guys you see ranked higher but give me a kid like Caupain any day of the week and I'll win a lot of games.

Next up is KJ, he's every bit as smart as Troy and moves without the basketball better than anyone I've seen under Mick's tenure. He's got tremendous upside and if he can develop a great jump shot he's going to be a special player. Again, lower ceiling than the ultra athletes but the perfect kind of kid in terms of being a great 4 year college basketball player.

JJ is night and day, he's playing great and becoming a leader. I'm really happy to see how well he and Troy play off one another. They play a great 2 man game with Troy passing JJ into open space and JJ knowing when to kick the ball back out to Troy.

Killa is obviously our best scorer but he doesn't seem to grasp the idea of team basketball very well. Once he gets past this slump our team will even better. I don't think Killa should ever be allowed to run the point though. His dribbling skills, passing and decision making are all very poor for someone of his experience level. Run SK off screens, get him open and let him shoot, this team plays much better in the half court when the ball is in Caupain's hands. I'm very glad SK is on our team but I'm also glad he's a senior. I've seen enough of the low basketball IQ and poor fundamental type player over the last 8 seasons. Having guys like Troy and KJ to set the tone going forward will be great for this team.

Then there's Jermaine Lawrence. I'm not really sure what to expect from him. Is he a post player or a wing guy??? Hopefully he adds some weight and develops some post moves. He can learn a lot right now just by watching the way JJ is playing.

Hopefully we'll see Troy crack the starting lineup going forward or at least play the majority of the minutes like he has been. I'd start Troy and make KJ my first guy off the bench. I'd also reduce Shaq Thomas' minutes and give JL a little more PT.

PS - How nice is it to have 2 freshmen who can make FT's??? This team's FT shooting as of late has been much better.

 

[Jarad_Hunter]

Just getting around to posting my thoughts, but:

Overall, a fantastic game by the Bearcats and a huge win.

JJ has me eating crow - he was once again a beast. He just looks so much better and he is now actually using his athleticism. His timing on rebounds and blocks is 100x better than last season. I still don't want him doing turn around jumpers, or any jumpers for that matter, but if he sticks to the low block for his points, and he has lately, he'll be getting between 10-15 a night and I'm happy with that. Defensively he totally threw Memphis off to the point where they couldn't shoot without having him in their heads.

Caupain - another great game. He is heads and shoulders above Guyn. Finally someone that knows how to run the break. It's trendy to say that it doesn't matter who starts but I completely disagree with this thought. The first 5 minutes of games can be very important and Guyn just isn't good enough to earn this many minutes or a spot in the starting lineup. His defense is overrated and he provides nothing on offense. His assist stats are embarrassing for a PG.

ST/Sanders - I'm still high on ST and he provides offense when it's an up and down game. I still don't think Sanders provides much at all. In fact he went up for a layup and was so scared to get blocked he barely hit the rim.

SK - eventually will find his shot and when he does this team will be clicking.

Hats off to Mick, he had the game plan right and the team ready to play.

I agree with this particular team, building an early lead (or staying very close) is vital. Half-court defense is our greatest asset. Transition offense is improving but not a strength. Frankly, our offense is not built to score in bunches. For these reasons, I think we are particularly vulnerable if we get behind and are forced to hasten the tempo.

 

[david aka the TYZ]

Great win for the Cats on Saturday. I continue to be amazed by the play of Troy Caupain and KJ. I really feel like these two are going to be such a dynamic combo going forward. If Mick could just recruit a couple of bigs who could make an immediate impact in the next 2 years he might actually have something here.

Troy is smarter than anyone I've seen come thru this program in a while. The kid just gets it and understands how to play basketball. The passes he makes are phenomenal for someone of his experience level. A lot of times you see a very talented freshman who still needs to learn how to play basketball. In this case you have a kid who's already playing basketball better than anyone on this team. He might have a lower ceiling than some of the ultra athletic guys you see ranked higher but give me a kid like Caupain any day of the week and I'll win a lot of games.

Next up is KJ, he's every bit as smart as Troy and moves without the basketball better than anyone I've seen under Mick's tenure. He's got tremendous upside and if he can develop a great jump shot he's going to be a special player. Again, lower ceiling than the ultra athletes but the perfect kind of kid in terms of being a great 4 year college basketball player.

JJ is night and day, he's playing great and becoming a leader. I'm really happy to see how well he and Troy play off one another. They play a great 2 man game with Troy passing JJ into open space and JJ knowing when to kick the ball back out to Troy.

Killa is obviously our best scorer but he doesn't seem to grasp the idea of team basketball very well. Once he gets past this slump our team will even better. I don't think Killa should ever be allowed to run the point though. His dribbling skills, passing and decision making are all very poor for someone of his experience level. Run SK off screens, get him open and let him shoot, this team plays much better in the half court when the ball is in Caupain's hands. I'm very glad SK is on our team but I'm also glad he's a senior. I've seen enough of the low basketball IQ and poor fundamental type player over the last 8 seasons. Having guys like Troy and KJ to set the tone going forward will be great for this team.

Then there's Jermaine Lawrence. I'm not really sure what to expect from him. Is he a post player or a wing guy??? Hopefully he adds some weight and develops some post moves. He can learn a lot right now just by watching the way JJ is playing.

Hopefully we'll see Troy crack the starting lineup going forward or at least play the majority of the minutes like he has been. I'd start Troy and make KJ my first guy off the bench. I'd also reduce Shaq Thomas' minutes and give JL a little more PT.

PS - How nice is it to have 2 freshmen who can make FT's??? This team's FT shooting as of late has been much better.

Completely agree. I've thought the same thing about SK as well. He's done a good job scoring and I really like how he's learned to get fouled, but he still makes too many mistakes and has suspect handles for someone that gets as much hype as he does. He will go down as a great Bearcat, but I think his overall production can be replaced if and when one of the younger guys steps up.

 

[JasonS]

Completely agree. I've thought the same thing about SK as well. He's done a good job scoring and I really like how he's learned to get fouled, but he still makes too many mistakes and has suspect handles for someone that gets as much hype as he does. He will go down as a great Bearcat, but I think his overall production can be replaced if and when one of the younger guys steps up.

You realize you are talking about possibly the second all-time leading scorer in this program's history, right? To say his production will be easily replaced is a bit presumptuous, no?

 

[L-T]

You realize you are talking about possibly the second all-time leading scorer in this program's history, right? To say his production will be easily replaced is a bit presumptuous, no?

Just to play devil's advocate, we'll also be replacing his suspect defense, his poor handles, his turnovers, his sometimes selfishness in not making the pass, and his continually shooting even when he is having an off night. It's not like everything that is getting replaced is unreplaceable. He's been the best offensive player we have, but if the rest of the team was not offensively challenged, he may not stand out so much.

That being said, I've already posted earlier that I would support him getting a banner on the wall, if for nothing else,the way he conducts himself on and off the basketball court. He just plays basketball. Blue collar work ethic. Never showboats. Never trys to embarrass the opposing team., No taunting. No in-your-facing. No finger pointing. Just total class. That, and the fact that he will be second all-time in scoring and will be the first player to lead the program out of the abyss and achieve 4 straight NCAA appearances. There's a lot more to like about him, in spite of some of his warts.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Just to play devil's advocate, we'll also be replacing his suspect defense, his poor handles, his turnovers, his sometimes selfishness in not making the pass, and his continually shooting even when he is having an off night. It's not like everything that is getting replaced is unreplaceable. He's been the best offensive player we have, but if the rest of the team was not offensively challenged, he may not stand out so much.

That being said, I've already posted earlier that I would support him getting a banner on the wall, if for nothing else,the way he conducts himself on and off the basketball court. He just plays basketball. Blue collar work ethic. Never showboats. Never trys to embarrass the opposing team., No taunting. No in-your-facing. No finger pointing. Just total class. That, and the fact that he will be second all-time in scoring and will be the first player to lead the program out of the abyss and achieve 4 straight NCAA appearances. There's a lot more to like about him, in spite of some of his warts.

Your absolutely right he is a great kid. He has helped get the program back on track. Some of your observations may be a bit off. Suspect D??? His handles do need work. His poor handles leads to unforced errors at times.Selfishness??? He missed one guy on a open fast break and I would give him the benefit of the doubt that he didn't see him.Probably trying to control his dribble.A Coach will also tell you that the only way to get out of a slump is to shoot. SK is our best offensive player. He should be taking the most shots. If he is thinking I ain't making shots tonight so I'll pass them up. We have a problem.

 

[L-T]

Your absolutely right he is a great kid. He has helped get the program back on track. Some of your observations may be a bit off. Suspect D??? His handles do need work. His poor handles leads to unforced errors at times.Selfishness??? He missed one guy on a open fast break and I would give him the benefit of the doubt that he didn't see him.Probably trying to control his dribble.A Coach will also tell you that the only way to get out of a slump is to shoot. SK is our best offensive player. He should be taking the most shots. If he is thinking I ain't making shots tonight so I'll pass them up. We have a problem.

The suspect D is more of a career observation. He is much better at the end of his career simply because he is a little quicker. There was a time when he wasn't nearly as good. It's not like he is a great shooter that occasionally goes into slumps. Last season was his worst shooting year of his career. He shot 39.8% from the field and 30.8% from 3 pt. I wouldn't even call that average....and he had help around him with Cash and Parker. Yes, great shooters should keep on shooting. He is far from a great shooter and at times he continues to shoot as if he is and he shoots us out of games.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

The suspect D is more of a career observation. He is much better at the end of his career simply because he is a little quicker. There was a time when he wasn't nearly as good. It's not like he is a great shooter that occasionally goes into slumps. Last season was his worst shooting year of his career. He shot 39.8% from the field and 30.8% from 3 pt. I wouldn't even call that average....and he had help around him with Cash and Parker. Yes, great shooters should keep on shooting. He is far from a great shooter and at times he continues to shoot as if he is and he shoots us out of games.

Last years numbers may be a bit distorted based on the fact we had no inside game. This led to Parker,Cash and Sk having to heave up shots with the shot clock running down. Especially when you are not a running team but a half court offensive team that uses all the shot clock. I'm not saying he didn't take some bad shots just that some may have been the result of having to shoot. I think your career observation may be a bit off. He has never been a bad defensive player. He may not have been the best but he is far from suspect. We are 13-2. what games has he shot us out of? If he isn't making his shots he gets to the FT line and makes them. On this team if the game is on the line I want the ball in his hands. He can knock down the 3 or get to the line. Again he is the best palyer on this team and draws the most heat defensively. I'll live with the occasoinal forced shot as all offensive players do and a unforced TO if it means getting 18 a game from him. 18 that this team offensively desperately needs I might add. As the other players get better they will get more shots. I remember reading a article that said MC had to force some of the youngsters to shoot. That seems to be paying off and I look for our reliance on SK's output to diminish.

 

[UCBearcats]

You realize you are talking about possibly the second all-time leading scorer in this program's history, right? To say his production will be easily replaced is a bit presumptuous, no?

I want to be clear in saying that I think SK is a great player. We're lucky to have him right now and we have been lucky to have him his entire career.

The issue with SK is that he doesn't make the players around him better. His fundamentals and bball IQ are lacking and that sometimes hurts the team. Obviously not having SK would hurt the team a lot more.

I'm just saying that I'm excited to have a group of guards going forward who really seem to understand how to play the game correctly. They're the kind of guys who will make the players around them better and set the tone on offense to get the players moving in the half court.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

I want to be clear in saying that I think SK is a great player. We're lucky to have him right now and we have been lucky to have him his entire career.

The issue with SK is that he doesn't make the players around him better. His fundamentals and bball IQ are lacking and that sometimes hurts the team. Obviously not having SK would hurt the team a lot more.

I'm just saying that I'm excited to have a group of guards going forward who really seem to understand how to play the game correctly. They're the kind of guys who will make the players around them better and set the tone on offense to get the players moving in the half court.

no problem with your comment. Most players have holes in there game. Don't think the BB IQ comment is correct but his handles are bad and that sometimes hurts the team. What I want the yongsters to do is put the time in the GYM that SK does to get better.

 

[Bearcat04]

The issue with SK is that he doesn't make the players around him better

He leads the team in assists.

 

[L-T]

He leads the team in assists.

He shares the point guard role and rarely comes out. The other two point guards split their time about evenly and play 12-14 minutes less per game. He should lead the team. The point is, maybe his assist total should be closer to 4 or 5 instead of 2.6.

Anyway, we all agree he is a wonderful player. My biggest issue with him is his excessive 3-pt. shooting when he is not making shots. At least this year he is driving and drawing fouls. As to Waite's question, he definitely shot us out of the New Mexico game....27.8% from the field (5-18) and 14.3% from three (1-7) and only had 2 assists in 36 minutes. In the X game, he didn't shoot good, but got to the line a lot and scored 17 pts. , but again only had 2 assists and also 4 turnovers.

 

[BDcats]

I am actually laughing at these negative SK posts. He does a great job on D. Yes his handle is suspect. Is mature, leads by example, and always handles he work in a classy fashion. I just don't get it. Yes he does not shot as high a percentage as I would like(I would prefer 100%) but seriously get a grip. With friends like you who needs enemies

 

[Ryno99]

I am actually laughing at these negative SK posts. He does a great job on D. Yes his handle is suspect. Is mature, leads by example, and always handles he work in a classy fashion. I just don't get it. Yes he does not shot as high a percentage as I would like(I would prefer 100%) but seriously get a grip. With friends like you who needs enemies

The way I look at it is this, if this is what people want to complain about it means the team is doing a pretty darn good job right now. If this is the worst thing people can find to nit pick then I'm thinking we are in good shape.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

He shares the point guard role and rarely comes out. The other two point guards split their time about evenly and play 12-14 minutes less per game. He should lead the team. The point is, maybe his assist total should be closer to 4 or 5 instead of 2.6.

Anyway, we all agree he is a wonderful player. My biggest issue with him is his excessive 3-pt. shooting when he is not making shots. At least this year he is driving and drawing fouls. As to Waite's question, he definitely shot us out of the New Mexico game....27.8% from the field (5-18) and 14.3% from three (1-7) and only had 2 assists in 36 minutes. In the X game, he didn't shoot good, but got to the line a lot and scored 17 pts. , but again only had 2 assists and also 4 turnovers.

If you think we lost to X and New Mexico because SK shot us out of the games you mistaken. Against NM we were terrible as a team and couldn't defend there inside game. Him having a off night shooting didn't help but he didn't shoot us out of the game. Against X we didn't defend and they hit everything they threw up.

 

[BDcats]

I blame SK shooting for this cold weather too!

 

[Bearcat Rob]

These negative sk posts need to stop. The whole offense runs through him, he's being face guarded double teamed and yet he's still the vocal point of the offense, he plays good defense, an absolutely everyone benefits from him being on the court, he creates a lot for him and everyone else. He's a great player and on a nightly basis is the best player on the court. Him and jj are turning into a dynamic duo. He'll find his shot just wait, but when it matters most I want him with the ball and him taking the shot over almost anyone else in the country