What Are Your Thoughts Five Games In?

[bearcat jeff]

I wanted to get a feel for how everybody was feeling now as opposed to the start of the season about this team. Is it better or worse? About where you thought?

For me it is about where I thought. I believed this team would be better than most imagined. The one pleasant surprise has been how well they have played defense. Thought they would struggle a bit in that area initially.

The leadership has been there from the upperclassmen. This is an ingredient that has been missing since Jamaal Warren was here, and it is making a huge difference. For the first time Mick has 4 year players teaching and holding others accountable for their play.

Dixon has improved and is confident and comfortable. Gates conditioning is as advertised. Kilpatrick looks to be the real deal. So far so good.

 

[anbuc88]

I also thought that they would be better this year than last. I think they are ahead of where I thought they would be, but it is still very early in the season. Looking at the schedule, I thought that the UD game was a key, and a victory would be a big confidence boost, while a loss would hurt their collective psyche. The manner of victory though was one I would never have imagined. This win, and how thoroughly dominant it was, will reinforce how well they can do when they play as a unit. I also don't see anyone on the team who has a 'me' attitude, as winning seems to be what matters the most. All of this points to an exciting winter in Bearcat land.

 

[BearcatAlum1]

The thrashing of UD impressed, especially because UD fans outnumbered us Bearcat fans.

I'm pleased, but will feel much more confident after the game tonight, assuming we win.

 

[ucswais]

I wanted to get a feel for how everybody was feeling now as opposed to the start of the season about this team. Is it better or worse? About where you thought?

For me it is about where I thought. I believed this team would be better than most imagined. The one pleasant surprise has been how well they have played defense. Thought they would struggle a bit in that area initially.

The leadership has been there from the upperclassmen. This is an ingredient that has been missing since Jamaal Warren was here, and it is making a huge difference. For the first time Mick has 4 year players teaching and holding others accountable for their play.

Dixon has improved and is confident and comfortable. Gates conditioning is as advertised. Kilpatrick looks to be the real deal. So far so good.

I completely agree with what you're saying except I can't really say its what I thought.

Improved defense and leadership weren't at all givens in my opinion. Adding those two major upgrades has to be worth a few wins improvement over my initial prediction.

Before I was thinking something like 19-12, 8-10 in league. Now I'm thinking more like 22-9, 10-8 in league and dancing.

 

[Not Guilty]

Before the season began I was cautiously optimistic. I would say I am still there, but more confident than I was at that point.

I am concerned about the offense. Overall the output hasn't been impressive. But there have been some impressive stretches. 40 points in the first half against Mt. St. Mary's, 45 points in the first half against IPFW, and 59 points in the first 28 minutes against Dayton was especially strong. But we have to become more consistent. I have to say that I have been really been impressed with our passing so far this year, especially against Dayton.

 

[david aka the TYZ]

I would say the season is going about how I expected. Gates has been the surprise for me. He is playing with effort and purpose and I was always a won't believe it till I see it with him. My only disappointments have been how much time Davis and Wilks are still getting. Was hoping Kilpatrick would be more consistent from the start, but part of his problem could be when he gets put in games he usually is on the floor with the "B" team and not the starters. I definately am happy with the overall performance of this team and happy I've been able to attend two of the games thus far.

 

[waterhead]

I honestly had no idea what to expect after losing Lance and Vaughn...but I am very happy with the results so far. I thought all the "team play" and "chemistry" talk was just a bunch of lip service...turns out it looks like I was wrong.

 

[bearcat jeff]

I think this team has a shot at winning 10 conference games. Especially if they can eliminate the scoring droughts. My one concern is they seem to give up too many offensive rebounds in stretches. That'll kill them in league play. I'm also glad they'll play at Oklahoma prior to league play. Not a total snake pit, but a Big 12 team, across the country, with what will be a decent crowd.

 

[cincinnati insanity]

Uc has done a terrific job this year and i think will only get better as they get more time together and the offensive leaders are discovered.. There defense reminds me of some of the huggins era teams.. The offense does not look pretty, but when Cronin starts to shorten the bench and starts having the go to guys(SK and GATES) emerge they will score a little easier.. As for chemistry and enthusiasm im really excited to watch this team play, they have so much character on this team that you can finally tell that they care if they win or not.. I remember a couple Huggins teams that were not supposed to succeed and did in a mazing fashion and i think this years squad will make some definate noise. I think they go unbeaten into the Big East and have a top 25 ranking before there name.. I also think that they win there first 2 big east games.. This years squad might have lost there two top scorers, but they have gained expirience and chemistry making them all pieces to a potentially nice puzzle.. GO UC!!!!!

 

[Kingsley Court]

I was shocked at how bad UC beat dayton, other then that I haven't been shocked. I think everyone expected all the other games to be wins. I am excited because it appears like we have been playing better overall, but I'm not about to get too over joyed until we start doing what we did against Dayton against other good competition. Too many times I've seen good starts from teams playing "meh" competition and then not make the tournament. I'm not just talking about UC there, teams like Clemson come to mind with that statement.

 

[nparker1]

I was shocked at how bad UC beat dayton, other then that I haven't been shocked. I think everyone expected all the other games to be wins. I am excited because it appears like we have been playing better overall, but I'm not about to get too over joyed until we start doing what we did against Dayton against other good competition. Too many times I've seen good starts from teams playing "meh" competition and then not make the tournament. I'm not just talking about UC there, teams like Clemson come to mind with that statement.

I understand where you are coming from, but I cannot help it. I am so excited about this team and their performance. Not just the wins, but the style of play, and their attitudes. This year's team, so far, has shown tenacity and guts, and remind me of the good old days of UC basketball. So maybe I am drunk on the kool-aid, but I am over-joyed with this team.