UC vs Nebraska

[CaptDale]

I'll be honest when that play was unfolding I thought he was going to turn the ball over. He didn't have the pass to the other guy running the break with him and I thought he would force a bad shot up or get stripped or fouled. He turned his back to the defender to avoid the strip (and also acting as a screen) and found Sanders trailing the play. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that he knew Sanders was back there, but either way it was a great play.

Simply good basketball IQ. And, it was more of a no-look pass.
Go Cats!

 

[waterhead]

I will go on record as saying I think this class and next years will take UC to at least an elite 8 by Caupains senior year. I think it will be the foundation of a special team.

I am totally with you here for lots of reasons which I won't mention right now so certain people don't think I am high on the coolaid

 

[waterhead]

JJ has developed quite the arsenal. He has such good catching hands and a nice finger roll. He's got a quick as lightning spin move. Even his running jump hooks are never too far off the mark and they are soft landing. He's getting much better at back to the basket post moves...but he also has the face to the basket moves. His turn around and face up short bank shots are always pretty close to going in.

He will never be short on effort. He loves to play D and block shots. He's got great emotion and encourages his teammates. He can rebound. He's a great passer for a big man. He starts the fast break well. He gets the crowd fired up. He's got a great ability to get his hands on entry passes to big men. He's not too bad at putting a knee, shoulder, or elbow into bigs. He's quick to help on D. Has great timing for blocks. His confidence is growing. He's asserting himself. He has the look of business on the court but also likes to have fun.

Definitely one of the top two players we need to be on the court and play well for us to succeed.

 

[Basketball.com]

This seems to be a popular starting lineup selection but I gotta tell you I would like to see more KJ. If I had to insert him in this lineup it would be for JS. For now I am cool with Sanders in there but KJ is a more dynamic player. He moves so well with and without the ball...and is lightning quick. Plays some lock down D. He's a good crisp passer. Doesn't turn it over a lot. He can rebound well for a guard. His shot is coming around. He's smart. What's not to like? Inexperience and FG%. Both of those are getting better and better.

At this point I would prefer him getting 10 minutes behind TC, about 5 behind SK, and maybe a few more behind JS and ST to see what can happen with a 3 guard lineup (with SK and TC).

I AGREE, CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE EXPLAINE ME THE PHILOSOPHY

 

[Basketball.com]

I am totally with you here for lots of reasons which I won't mention right now so certain people don't think I am high on the coolaid

CAUPAIN, & JOHNSON GOT MY VOTE.

 

[Bcatfollower]

I loved how every time Nebraska made a little a run and got close we responded. Def showed some mental toughness....

 

[Robert]

All the frosh will have ups and downs. Let's give the young man his minute in the sun. He earned it today.

I like KJ a LOT... just referring to the fact that there are a couple of newer board members who really like to tout him. KJ had a great game and earned every minute he was on the floor... I think he could have played even more, honestly.

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

I have no issue with Sanders over Thomas. We are in agreement there. I just think Lawrence should get more of Rubles' minutes if he continues to be a liability on offense. He's played soft since the New Mexico game, while Lawrence is getting more comfortable by the game. Hell, I think you could argue that Lawrence has the most pure looking jumper on the entire team. It's nice having someone on the floor with a mid-range game.

Rubles is too valuable on defense to be replaced by Lawrence for long stretches. Seriously, if the kid had ANY semblance of a jump shot he might be in the NBA now. UC has gone stretches this year with Rubles and Lawrence together, which kind of scares me because neither really can guard an opposing 5 man...but I think we will see less of that combination in conference play.

There was a stretch at the start of the second half where Jackson looked like Eric Hicks. If Mick can get that type of production from him, I am okay with the offensive liabilities of Rubles.

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

JJ has developed quite the arsenal. He has such good catching hands and a nice finger roll. He's got a quick as lightning spin move. Even his running jump hooks are never too far off the mark and they are soft landing. He's getting much better at back to the basket post moves...but he also has the face to the basket moves. His turn around and face up short bank shots are always pretty close to going in.

He will never be short on effort. He loves to play D and block shots. He's got great emotion and encourages his teammates. He can rebound. He's a great passer for a big man. He starts the fast break well. He gets the crowd fired up. He's got a great ability to get his hands on entry passes to big men. He's not too bad at putting a knee, shoulder, or elbow into bigs. He's quick to help on D. Has great timing for blocks. His confidence is growing. He's asserting himself. He has the look of business on the court but also likes to have fun.

Definitely one of the top two players we need to be on the court and play well for us to succeed.

It is kind of bitter sweet, because I started saying after the Sweet 16 game that Mick needs to get Jackson into an undersized 5 man. I was hoping to see this type of improvement last year...but hey...better late then never.

 

[Robert]

Rubles is too valuable on defense to be replaced by Lawrence for long stretches. Seriously, if the kid had ANY semblance of a jump shot he might be in the NBA now. UC has gone stretches this year with Rubles and Lawrence together, which kind of scares me because neither really can guard an opposing 5 man...but I think we will see less of that combination in conference play.

There was a stretch at the start of the second half where Jackson looked like Eric Hicks. If Mick can get that type of production from him, I am okay with the offensive liabilities of Rubles.

I can't wait to see Lawrence next season after he has put on some muscle. He looks close to 6'10" to me, and I have seen him listed at that height in some places. He needs to get up to about 230. Even if he plays the 3 in the NBA, that extra muscle will be necessary to guard the elite small forwards. I think he has a better future in the NBA as a stretch 4 than a 3 though.

 

[JumpinJack5]

What? I am not down on Shaq at all. However since the Xavier loss, Sanders has played much better than him. Therefore I was saying the best line up looks like Caupain, Kilpatrick, Sanders, Rubles, and Jackson.

He is averaging 8 points, 6 rebounds and is 7/14 on three's since the X game. Give him credit.

He has definitely picked up his game, you are right, but we must try to balance grooming Shaq and utilizing a good role player in Sanders. Shaq averaged 3 ppg last year, so he has shown some progress, I just hope he continues to add weight and work on adding even just a little more arc to his jumper. I'm not giving up on him yet, he is too talented to do that. I am intrigued by possibly giving Lawrence a few minutes at the 3 with Rubles + Jackson at the 4 and 5, could really help get the press going with all of those long arms.

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

He has definitely picked up his game, you are right, but we must try to balance grooming Shaq and utilizing a good role player in Sanders. Shaq averaged 3 ppg last year, so he has shown some progress, I just hope he continues to add weight and work on adding even just a little more arc to his jumper. I'm not giving up on him yet, he is too talented to do that. I am intrigued by possibly giving Lawrence a few minutes at the 3 with Rubles + Jackson at the 4 and 5, could really help get the press going with all of those long arms.

Probably can't do that this year because of the lack of depth at the 4/5. You need to platoon those three for the two spots. Next year with Lawrence, Clark, Moore, DeBerry, Strickland and potentially another big, maybe UC can do that...

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Probably can't do that this year because of the lack of depth at the 4/5. You need to platoon those three for the two spots. Next year with Lawrence, Clark, Moore, DeBerry, Strickland and potentially another big, maybe UC can do that...

absolutely right Bearcat-NTS

 

[JumpinJack5]

Probably can't do that this year because of the lack of depth at the 4/5. You need to platoon those three for the two spots. Next year with Lawrence, Clark, Moore, DeBerry, Strickland and potentially another big, maybe UC can do that...

Yeah, good point. If only big Dave was slightly more functional, then you could probably do it for a few minutes every game.

 

[bearcat jeff]

You already have 4/5 of your line up for next season in Caupain, Johnson, Sanders/Thomas and Lawrence. Caupain, KJ and Lawrence all with a year of extensive expeience and added maturity and strength.

UC will be one of the more versatile teams in college basketball next season. DeShaun Mormon is going to be an impact player from day 1 on defense if not on offense (though I believe he will be a scorer at some point). He has the skills to play or guard the 1, 2, and 3.

Clark will be ready to play right away I believe. I'm extremely excited about what the combination of him and Lawrence mean for the Bearcats with their ability to mismatch the 4 and hit mid range shots.

The only question is at the 5. I'd feel much better if Strickland could at least practice but it's not likely. DeBerry will essentially be the only 5 with college experience and that at the juco level. Moore probably has the most tools and can be a 4/5 and also create mismatches but he needs to learn to use his strength and athleticism inside more. Strickland is kind of an unknown but I heard Mick believes he can be a very good low post scorer.

If 2 of these guys can step up and rebound, defend and give you some sort of consistent offense UC will be very very good. Even if Graham does sign (though I'd love a shooter). Last years team and even looking at Louisville this year shows you the need for low post scoring to keep a defense honest.

 

[JumpinJack5]

You already have 4/5 of your line up for next season in Caupain, Johnson, Sanders/Thomas and Lawrence. Caupain, KJ and Lawrence all with a year of extensive expeience and added maturity and strength.

UC will be one of the more versatile teams in college basketball next season. DeShaun Mormon is going to be an impact player from day 1 on defense if not on offense (though I believe he will be a scorer at some point). He has the skills to play or guard the 1, 2, and 3.

Clark will be ready to play right away I believe. I'm extremely excited about what the combination of him and Lawrence mean for the Bearcats with their ability to mismatch the 4 and hit mid range shots.

The only question is at the 5. I'd feel much better if Strickland could at least practice but it's not likely. DeBerry will essentially be the only 5 with college experience and that at the juco level. Moore probably has the most tools and can be a 4/5 and also create mismatches but he needs to learn to use his strength and athleticism inside more. Strickland is kind of an unknown but I heard Mick believes he can be a very good low post scorer.

If 2 of these guys can step up and rebound, defend and give you some sort of consistent offense UC will be very very good. Even if Graham does sign (though I'd love a shooter). Last years team and even looking at Louisville this year shows you the need for low post scoring to keep a defense honest.

Quadri's inside game has improved dramatically from some of the earlier highlights that I've seen to the more recent highlights. I think that he could help us keep defenses on their toes because he can also step out and hit a 3, which not many bigs can do.

Strickland isn't very athletic, but he is still trying to lose weight from his multiple knee injuries and he is known to be a good low post scorer. As Mick said in an interview earlier this year, he is coming here to score.

DeBerry sounds inconsistent, as I have read that he sometimes disappears in games. He is a physical freak, he isn't afraid to post and re-post, and he looks really athletic, I think he could be a nice player for us.

You've got to think that at least one of those guys will be serviceable for us next year, and while I'm sure they will have their bad moments, I think it will be a massive upgrade over the current situation. Even though JJ and Rubles are nice players, we have no depth, and I think that with Lawrence, Clark, Strickland, Moore, and DeBerry, we will at least have options next year.

 

[JumpinJack5]

One thing I noticed yesterday:Nebraska was 9-20 from deep. We must get better at closing out on shooters and helping without over-helping. The defense is very good beyond that, but it is something that could really hurt us if we face a great shooting team. Xavier got pretty lucky, but we had similar problems against them. Offense is, of course, a much bigger issue, but just thought I'd mention our one big defensive issue.

 

[david aka the TYZ]

Did anyone else at the game noticed how quiet it was all game? No students and no band at the game. The ticket office did a good job of running a ticket special to fill up the student section with fans with $7 tickets, but they should have instructed them to make some noise. I have just come to terms that Cincinnati fans are only at games to sit and watch and don't really like to try to be a sixth man by making noise. We will boo any call against us, even the blatantly obvious, but that's all the noise we'll make.

 

[Scheids21]

Did anyone else at the game noticed how quiet it was all game? No students and no band at the game. The ticket office did a good job of running a ticket special to fill up the student section with fans with $7 tickets, but they should have instructed them to make some noise. I have just come to terms that Cincinnati fans are only at games to sit and watch and don't really liktry to becaus a sixth man by making noise. We will boo any call against us, even the blatantly obvious, but that's all the noise we'll make.

I'll give the students a pass due to Christmas break. As for the fans, as I've said before, the majority of fans don't think its a big game unless there's a little number next to the name unfortunately.

 

[Bcatfollower]

I'll give the students a pass due to Christmas break. As for the fans, as I've said before, the majority of fans don't think its a big game unless there's a little number next to the name unfortunately.

Still had 8500 with no students. SMU lower sections are all but sold out....people who have bought those tix just aren't going...