Cheikh Mbodji (6'9" PF Grayson County CC) Juco commit [Archive]

bearcats5

04-06-2011, 09:06 PM

Really haven't heard anything about him before, but apparently he's visiting this weekend according to Koch.

From Koch:

"Cheikh Mbodji, a 6-9 power forward from Grayson County (Tex.) Community College is also visiting this weekend. Mbodji is from Dakar, Senegal, the home of UC’s Ibrahima Thomas."

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/uc/2011/04/06/big-recruiting-weekend-for-uc/

Rivals Profile: http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-Cheikh-Mbodji-115676

Anybody know anything about him? I'm guessing he's one of our secondary options if God's Gift goes elsewhere?

GoBearcats31

04-07-2011, 12:05 AM

15.4 points, 7.6 rebs, 2.1 blks, 70.2 FT%
http://www.dakstats.com/WebSync/Pages/Team/IndividualStats.aspx?association=14&sg=MBB&sea=JUCMBB_2010&team=15322&plr=73698

KY Bearcat

04-08-2011, 12:16 PM

So we have two power forwards visiting at the same time to fill one spot for next season?

coach

04-08-2011, 12:26 PM

they have no assurances on either one. However, there may be red shirt or some guys make have trouble quailifying.

levydl

04-08-2011, 12:48 PM

they have no assurances on either one. However, there may be red shirt or some guys make have trouble quailifying.

A redshirt still uses up a scholarship.

loshow22

04-08-2011, 02:24 PM

Are any of our guys in trouble to not qualify? Anyone hearing anything...remember I won't hold it as truth, just asking what is being heard.

PakMan

04-08-2011, 02:39 PM

So we have two power forwards visiting at the same time to fill one spot for next season?

Cheikh was first I think, with GG to follow. I know for sure I saw him out with Coaches Cronin, Davis, and Savino, and Ibrahima Thomas.

I bet Cheikh ends up coming here...no insight, just my gut feeling.

Cincycat06

04-08-2011, 10:06 PM

Octavius Ellis may go to prep school

milfordcats

04-09-2011, 01:11 AM

Octavius Ellis may go to prep school

Random

Link?

GoBearcats31

04-14-2011, 12:41 PM

Adam Zagoria: CHEIKH MBODJ, a 6-10 big man from Grayson County JC, has verbally committed to Cincinnati, a source told SNY.tv.

GoBearcats31

04-14-2011, 12:59 PM

http://www.zagsblog.com/2011/04/14/cincinnati-lands-6-9-juco-forward/

Cheikh Mbodji, a 6-foot-9, 253-pound power forward from Dakar, Senegal by way of Denison (Texas) Grayson County College, has signed with Cincinnati and will have two years of eligibility remaining in the Big East.

Grayson coach Pat Rafferty, a former Louisville assistant under Denny Crum, said they playfully refer to him as “Shaq.”

The Co-Conference Player of the Year, he averaged 16 points and eight rebounds per game. Mbodji also considered San Diego State, but chose Cincinnati in part because of the efforts of Bearcats head coach Mick Cronin and assistant Darren Savino.

“He’s kind of a hybrid four,” Rafferty said by phone. “He’s become really solid and versatile. He’s got a nice skill-set. There are some things that he can do with his back to the basket. He’s really good in space. He has good skills, is a good passer. He’s just solid. He’s a nice fit for the guys that they’ve got coming back in temrs of his ability to pass and defend and effect the game with his length.”

Unlike many African players, his offensive game is not raw and Rafferty said “he’s got some qualities about him you might expect from a European-type player.”

“He’s got upside to him,” the coach added. “He can contribute. He’s a nice piece that will complement what they have.”

BearcatRob33

04-14-2011, 01:28 PM

Oldtimer_UC_fan

04-14-2011, 02:09 PM

whoa...apparently he has signed.

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/uc/2011/04/14/uc-signs-junior-college-power-forward/

I guess there goes GG...although it does mention Cronin could move someone to make room for him.

I think our chances were not good for GG. I would have hated to hold open the spot and lose out on both. Besides, this guy sounds pretty decent, too.

Oldtimer_UC_fan

04-14-2011, 02:10 PM

Cheikh was first I think, with GG to follow. I know for sure I saw him out with Coaches Cronin, Davis, and Savino, and Ibrahima Thomas.

I bet Cheikh ends up coming here...no insight, just my gut feeling.

Your gut was apparently correct.

juckerrules

04-14-2011, 02:20 PM

http://bit.ly/fZ0PHw

Looks like no God's Gift, but maybe this guy will do

Antonio

04-14-2011, 02:37 PM

Maybe 16 and 8 at D1 Juco beats God's Gift's stats at D2 Juco

psax889906

04-14-2011, 02:40 PM

Maybe GG is still a possibility. We'll find out in a week or two.

GoBearcats31

04-14-2011, 02:43 PM

There is already a thread for our newest Bearcat...

Antonio

04-14-2011, 02:43 PM

Maybe GG is still a possibility. We'll find out in a week or two.

Yeah especially in case one of the fresh 5 doesn't qualify.

BearcatRob33

04-14-2011, 03:48 PM

I think our chances were not good for GG. I would have hated to hold open the spot and lose out on both. Besides, this guy sounds pretty decent, too.

Yep, agreed...although hearing he likes to play on the high post makes me a little concerned. I hope he's aggressive down low, too.

KY Bearcat

04-14-2011, 04:06 PM

Yep, agreed...although hearing he likes to play on the high post makes me a little concerned. I hope he's aggressive down low, too.

Exactly what I'm concerned with...I have complete respect for Ibrahima, but I would be thoroughly disappointed if Mbodji has the same game...

subflea

04-14-2011, 04:36 PM

Exactly what I'm concerned with...I have complete respect for Ibrahima, but I would be thoroughly disappointed if Mbodji has the same game...

They have a very similar game.

Oldtimer_UC_fan

04-14-2011, 04:38 PM

I like the 70% from the line. That will be a welcome change.

jadam222

04-14-2011, 04:40 PM

I think our chances were not good for GG. I would have hated to hold open the spot and lose out on both. Besides, this guy sounds pretty decent, too.

And the winner is Oldtimer! Yes, you get it. Once GG did not sign, it could go either way. Usually, it works where the last school gets him. I think he made a mistake as this team will be very good next year. Mick has decided not to roll the dice and take the young man that wants to be here. If you need\want a big man right now the pickings are getting slim.

swilsonsp4

04-14-2011, 04:42 PM

You can't always tell about a player's potential based on JUCO stats, but here are a few numbers worth considering for Mbodji:

FG: 152 for 299 (50.8%)
3-Pt: 10 for 31 (32.3%) ... like Ibrahima, one launch per game
FT: 140 for 204 (68.6%) ... fairly average

Mbodji had 72 turnovers in 31 games (2.3/game)

Oldtimer_UC_fan

04-14-2011, 06:05 PM

And the winner is Oldtimer! Yes, you get it. Once GG did not sign, it could go either way. Usually, it works where the last school gets him. I think he made a mistake as this team will be very good next year. Mick has decided not to roll the dice and take the young man that wants to be here. If you need\want a big man right now the pickings are getting slim.

I get lucky every now and then.

juckerrules

04-14-2011, 06:05 PM

Pronunciation - shek moodge
Please note spelling on last name: Cheikh Mbodj has clarified that his last name has been spelled incorrectly on the NJCAA and Grayson web site.

Not Guilty

04-14-2011, 06:34 PM

Exactly what I'm concerned with...I have complete respect for Ibrahima, but I would be thoroughly disappointed if Mbodji has the same game...

I would be thrilled if he was as good as thomas. Thomas was underrated by most uc fans. He wasn't a world beater but he was a good rebounder and could play a role on offense.

shaunsimpson

04-14-2011, 06:41 PM

I would love for him to be as good as Thomas. We are talking about a guy who would be starting as a JC transfer this year? That works for me.

BearcatBorn

04-14-2011, 07:35 PM

dp3113

04-14-2011, 08:16 PM

I would love for him to be as good as Thomas. We are talking about a guy who would be starting as a JC transfer this year? That works for me.

i think jackson will be starting over him don't you? the guy was an honorable mention juco all american....juco is terrible these days. doesnt seem like the type of guy who just comes in and supplants jackson.

dp3113

04-14-2011, 08:16 PM

he was mentioned in the enquirer last week as visiting at the same time god's gift was.

red_n_black_attack

04-14-2011, 08:44 PM

I have heard nothing about this kid until he committed today. Anyone know anything about him? All the information I have seen was regarding God's Gift, does it seem as though Mbodj is a better alternative? I do like the 7' 4" wingspan though, great to have length down low, but comments I read about him having a European big man's game and his lack of physical size (235, "hope to put 10 more pounds on him") do worry me a bit in the BEast.

He was a dark horse until recently. Mick makes connections and keeps it close to the vest. This is my opinion only:Mick really cares about relationships he builds with all recruits and doesn't leak the info or allow it to be leaked. It helps that other schools don't get to follow his talent evals and steal a recruit, but I don't think that is Mick's style.REPEAT - that was only my opinion.

Regarding Cheikh Mbodji, I say welcome. 10 lbs is not much to worry about if you are talking bulking up for the BEast. If that is all he is shy, he is ahead of 90% of the young bigs.A 7'4" wing span will be nice for full-court press!

The thing I don't get is God's Gift Achuwe. I have a feeling he still chooses to be a Bearcat...there are many possibilities on how that can shake out, so let's not speculate. Remember - these kids are giving their all for the university we love.

bobestes

04-14-2011, 09:07 PM

My impression was that Cheikh is the fallback on Gods Gift.

dp3113

04-14-2011, 09:17 PM

He was a dark horse until recently. Mick makes connections and keeps it close to the vest. This is my opinion only:Mick really cares about relationships he builds with all recruits and doesn't leak the info or allow it to be leaked. It helps that other schools don't get to follow his talent evals and steal a recruit, but I don't think that is Mick's style.REPEAT - that was only my opinion.

Regarding Cheikh Mbodji, I say welcome. 10 lbs is not much to worry about if you are talking bulking up for the BEast. If that is all he is shy, he is ahead of 90% of the young bigs.A 7'4" wing span will be nice for full-court press!

The thing I don't get is God's Gift Achuwe. I have a feeling he still chooses to be a Bearcat...there are many possibilities on how that can shake out, so let's not speculate. Remember - these kids are giving their all for the university we love.

you must be worried about people treating this as gospel with all that bolding.

if we get GG, i think its a pretty educated guess to say that one of our signed recruits will go to prep school.

blackattack

04-14-2011, 09:29 PM

you must be worried about people treating this as gospel with all that bolding.

if we get GG, i think its a pretty educated guess to say that one of our signed recruits will go to prep school.

I think it's a pretty educated guess that GG ends up at St. Johns. Hope I'm wrong. A front line with Yancy and GG would strike fear in opponents.

Who Dey Time

04-14-2011, 10:02 PM

Cheikh appears to be in the mold of Ibrahima Thomas. Tall, slender build who needs to get a bit stronger. Appears as if he is a bit better shooter than Thomas but not sure how much of a low post game he has.

Would still love to get GG in here but, from what I can tell, Cheikh shouldn't give us anything less than what Thomas provided.

Josh Rexhausen

04-14-2011, 10:33 PM

My impression was that Cheikh is the fallback on Gods Gift.

I think with the press we've seen that would be understandable. But like red_n_black_attack said,
"Mick really cares about relationships he builds with all recruits and doesn't leak the info or allow it to be leaked."

Many have this same opinion. Remember, Kemba was Calhoon's fallback.

thebearcat

04-14-2011, 11:06 PM

Guys were out of scholarships.

Mick must have felt he could not get God's Gift or GG told him UC was out. So Mick got Mbodj. Or Mick just decided that Mbodj was the better option to begin with.

Either way were done for 2011. We have 5 freshmen coming in, plus Mbodj, plus Gaines is redshirt freshmen. But we used our 6 scholarships now.

Antonio

04-14-2011, 11:41 PM

People are raving about GG and everyone was salivating over his numbers and quotes from his own coach, but he played D2 Juco, whereas "Shaq" (two Shaqs next year apparently) played D1. Since all we really can go on objectively is numbers, let's keep in mind GG's may not have been good against better JUCO competition.

I don't like the euro style big man assessment either, especially since it was meant to be a compliment, but if he at least gives them what Thomas did we'll be no worse, and with JJ and Gaines, maybe better.

ZCat

04-15-2011, 12:10 AM

What other offers did he have? That is an indication of how good he is.

subflea

04-15-2011, 02:31 AM

psax889906

04-15-2011, 02:40 AM

What other offers did he have? That is an indication of how good he is.

The only thing I know for sure is that Steve Fisher and SDSU wanted him.

JDBEARCAT

04-15-2011, 06:18 AM

I like the addition. Addition of another big man will help & hopefully he is a shot blocker.
Can't wait till next season starts.

cmm27

04-15-2011, 06:48 AM

He would have taken both, and still will of GG wants to come here.

If that is the case, who is the odd man out?

shaunsimpson

04-15-2011, 07:25 AM

i think jackson will be starting over him don't you? the guy was an honorable mention juco all american....juco is terrible these days. doesnt seem like the type of guy who just comes in and supplants jackson.

I agree and that is why I would be happy to get a player as good as Thomas out of him. God's Gift may be one of the few JUCO impact guys out there, but to me this is a depth move. We need more big men who can play. Yes we would like a dominant one, but that is tough to do.

subflea

04-15-2011, 08:23 AM

If that is the case, who is the odd man out?

I am not sure, but those things have a way of working out.

jplog

04-15-2011, 08:59 AM

Don't like settling for the second choice. This guy's got Biggie McClain written all over him.

BearcatAlum1

04-15-2011, 09:01 AM

Don't like settling for the second choice. This guy's got Biggie McClain written all over him.

No.

Not to mention, some wish Biggie had one more year in the program...

Corporateballa

04-15-2011, 09:24 AM

WOW! Mick has his guys on a very short leash. I played golf with George Jackson yeaterday, and he didn't say "JACK"! I asked him about GG, and his answer was 'I've never seen him play'...Will you guys get a juco big man? 'I sure hope so'. HE talked a lot about Yancy. He said Yancy was a GREAT kid and was working his butt off right now...Something interesting - He said that Yancy was better than EVERY BIG in the final-4. I'd have to agree with him.

Oldtimer_UC_fan

04-15-2011, 10:34 AM

Don't like settling for the second choice. This guy's got Biggie McClain written all over him.

That isn't fair, considering you know NOTHING about him other than his JUCO stats. Have you seen him play? Let's just trust Mick on this one.

MDW79

04-15-2011, 11:08 AM

Cheikh shouldn't give us anything less than what Thomas provided.

I think that is more than wishful thinking. Thomas not only had almost three years in our system, but 4 years at the major level. And he was bigger, and he was higher rated. (Not it that matters at this point, but I believe he was a 4 star coming out of HS) I'm not sure why we would assume, already, won't give anything less.

I, of course, hope this kid turns out to be good, but I think it may naive to say he'll offer at least what Thomas did, because he has a similar body type. The reality is this kid averaged 15 and 7 at the Juco level, and we really don't know what he'll provide yet. I know one thing, Thomas started most of the time. Does this kid? I doubt it. I think Justin Jackson gets the nod with Gates.

At least we got someone to give some minutes. As long as this kid is capable of giving a solid 15 minutes, and rebound anywhere close to what Thomas did, then I'll be happy.

MDW79

04-15-2011, 11:14 AM

May belong in another thread, but am I the only one a tad concerned with our ability to sign big men? Yancy was a huge signing, but everything pointed to him staying home, so I'm sure if that is a big of a coup or not. Regardless, outside of him it seems we really are struggling to sign the prototypical BE post players.

Justin Jackson is great, but I consider him to be a little small, or I think of him as a different type of player than what I'm alluding to. (Back to the basket, 250+) Gaines is undersized, and from what I've heard years away. (Everyone's heard it, I don't care what they say about his "Elbows" in practice and people being scared of him. Terry Nelson has said numerous times the kid has a ways to go) Ellis weighs like a 185 and will probably redshirt. And now this kid, he's a "European style" player that will probably give spot minutes.

I know this late that the class was weak for big guys, but it just seems that we are striking out on getting quality post players. Maybe it's Mick's system, I know we need some athletic bigs, but I'm concerned with our frontline when Yancy leaves. Who's your 5? Do you play Jackson and Mboji, Jackson and Gaines, Jackson and Ellis? Are those formidable enough for our league?

I really hope we can land Hammons.

Not Guilty

04-15-2011, 11:17 AM

Since when did Gaines become undersized?

MDW79

04-15-2011, 11:24 AM

Since when did Gaines become undersized?

Maybe I'm wrong, but doesn't the kid weigh like 220 on a 6'10 frame. I meant undersized as far as weight. That's pretty lean to me. From ESPN:

Gaines is the picture of upside. He has a great basketball body. Gaines is a combination of length and pretty good strength. He also runs the floor like a deer when motivated. Gaines productivity at this stage of his game is from his ability to rebound on both ends and block shots in and out of his area. He is athletic and does a good job of playing with his hands up on defense although he is too upright and gets out of position at times because he gambles for steals which leads to foul trouble. He scores in transition and from drop off passes created by guard penetration and offensive rebound put backs. He is very raw offensively and is easily pushed out of deep post position because he does not have a wide base. He can finish above the rim and his low post scoring will improve rapidly once he receives regular individual workouts in a college setting.

Maybe I just used a poor choice of words. It is my understanding that the kid needs to get stronger and more polished, but his height is not an issue. I have also heard not to expect much from him offensively for a couple of years.

bearcatbbllfn

04-15-2011, 11:54 AM

Maybe I'm wrong, but doesn't the kid weigh like 220 on a 6'10 frame. I meant undersized as far as weight. That's pretty lean to me.

He is currently listed at 235. Thats up 10 lbs from when inked. Has a mature look about him too. He doesnt have that baby face. The red shirt year should go along ways towards his understanding of the offense. He is definetly explosive off his feet. Situation looks favorable. Im not predicting anything but my gut says he will be a decent player and see his share of minutes.

You gotta love the wingspan of Cheikh. Players with large wingspans tend to very good. A very good addition IMO. We are set up nicely going into next year.

Not Guilty

04-15-2011, 12:16 PM

I don't think Gaines is Yancy big, but I've never been under the impression that he is undersized. The comment you bolded speaks more to his skill level than anything in my opinion. Even Yancy for most of his career has had issues getting pushed off the block, and he definitely doesn't have any size issues.

DBSUC1982

04-15-2011, 12:59 PM

I love that Cheikh averaged almost 7 FTA's/game. Sounds like he takes it to the rack. In comparison Gates led UC this year with 3.9 FTA's/game.

bearcated

04-15-2011, 01:00 PM

May belong in another thread, but am I the only one a tad concerned with our ability to sign big men? .I know what you are saying, but how many college programs have dominant bigs anymore? Any big man with game is in the pros. I think you can win without a dominant big, you just need some guys who can bang, box out, and play D.

Who Dey Time

04-15-2011, 02:02 PM

I think that is more than wishful thinking. Thomas not only had almost three years in our system, but 4 years at the major level. And he was bigger, and he was higher rated. (Not it that matters at this point, but I believe he was a 4 star coming out of HS) I'm not sure why we would assume, already, won't give anything less.

I, of course, hope this kid turns out to be good, but I think it may naive to say he'll offer at least what Thomas did, because he has a similar body type. The reality is this kid averaged 15 and 7 at the Juco level, and we really don't know what he'll provide yet. I know one thing, Thomas started most of the time. Does this kid? I doubt it. I think Justin Jackson gets the nod with Gates.

At least we got someone to give some minutes. As long as this kid is capable of giving a solid 15 minutes, and rebound anywhere close to what Thomas did, then I'll be happy.

First, Mbodji is bigger if we believe the press release on his signing....Thomas was listed at 6'10 and 235. Mbodji is listed at 6'9 and 245. Mbodji is also thought of as having a nice touch within 15 feet. I don't think we could say the same about Thomas.

I agree that the starting 4 spot is Jackson's provided he get a bit stronger. If Mbodji can give us a quality backup at that spot and maybe spell Yancy here and there I think we will all be satisfied with the result.

ZachAttack

04-15-2011, 03:00 PM

Pronunciation - shek moodge

This guy will give announcers even more fits than Adam Hrycaniuk

waterhead

04-15-2011, 03:06 PM

I don't see Gaines or Mooge as being undersized at all. Weight can be added but height cannot. No big deal. As for Thomas I believe he was thought of as having a nice touch coming in so I wouldn't put too much stock in that "asset" of Shek Mooge. File it under nice to know.

We now have two big bodies to back up Gates and Jackson. All we need is D, rebounding, and put backs out of them. Hoopefully one of them is good enough to provide 10-15 minutes or a combo of 15 from both of them. I still hope we get one more big like GG or Jurik but I doubt we will.

All in all we got our big man...and the bonus is he is Juco so we can even out our recruiting classes a bit in a couple years. If we redshirt a player or one of them goes to prep school we can even them out even more. It would be nice to get to a point where we have 3-4 players per recruiting year.

BearcatAlum1

04-15-2011, 03:17 PM

Gaines is not undersized.

He came into the program with a nice, physical foundation and broad shoulders. His forearms became noticeably bigger throughout the year.

Gaines may lack a few things throughout this career, but "size" is not one of them.

jplog

04-15-2011, 04:01 PM

That isn't fair, considering you know NOTHING about him other than his JUCO stats. Have you seen him play? Let's just trust Mick on this one.

I hope he works out well but he was an honorable mention at the JUCO level. How does that translate to the Big East, not well I think. Plus, we only signed him after what may have been an unencouraging trip from God's Gift. Seems like were settling. If you can't get the JUCO stud it's usually a far drop off to the next level.

Oldtimer_UC_fan

04-15-2011, 04:14 PM

I hope he works out well but he was an honorable mention at the JUCO level. How does that translate to the Big East, not well I think. Plus, we only signed him after what may have been an unencouraging trip from God's Gift. Seems like were settling. If you can't get the JUCO stud it's usually a far drop off to the next level.

I'm not saying you're wrong, but, let's wait and see. I hope we end up with both of them.

Ran513

04-15-2011, 07:24 PM

I hope he works out well but he was an honorable mention at the JUCO level. How does that translate to the Big East, not well I think. Plus, we only signed him after what may have been an unencouraging trip from God's Gift. Seems like were settling. If you can't get the JUCO stud it's usually a far drop off to the next level.

The stud played at a lower division of juco, so how does he translate?

jplog

04-15-2011, 11:51 PM

I'd think not very well, but I've been wrong more than once.

'nati streets

04-16-2011, 01:39 AM

I'd think not very well, but I've been wrong more than once.

Ran513's comment was about GG as the "stud" at a lower level... if I'm not mistaken.

I look forward to watching Mdodji... afterall the comment was not that he is a european style player but that "he’s got some qualities about him you might expect from a European-type player." And this was in reference to his polish as an offensive player which you have to admit europeans have a nice shooting touch.

Ran513

04-16-2011, 08:16 AM

Ran513's comment was about GG as the "stud" at a lower level... if I'm not mistaken.

I look forward to watching Mdodji... afterall the comment was not that he is a european style player but that "he’s got some qualities about him you might expect from a European-type player." And this was in reference to his polish as an offensive player which you have to admit europeans have a nice shooting touch.
You sir are correct, I just don't see how you can have reservations about one and not the other, using that particular measuring stick

PakMan

04-16-2011, 11:45 AM

Thomas was a 3 trapped in a 5's body, while Cheikh is more of a true big man 4/5 with skills. Growing up he was overweight and slow, which is why he developed good passing and shooting skills. As he's thinned out and gotten taller, he's gotten more athletic and obviously is very long. He and Thomas are two different players. Cheikh needs to improve his overall strength and as a result, rebounding. It may take him half the year to adjust, but he should provide 6-8 pts and 5-6 rebounds a game.

Kelvin Gaines is an animal. He's got the fast movement/explosiveness and wrecklessness we've always wanted to see from Yancy, but lacks offensive skill. The ESPN write up said he "doesn't have a wide base." That says nothing about his size, only speaks to his tendency to play straight instead of getting low.

With these 2, Jackson's increased playing time, and Yancy's improved intensity, we'll be a much better shot blocking team than last year but may struggle guarding athletic wings.

Bearcat Cafe

04-16-2011, 02:16 PM

Maybe I'm wrong, but doesn't the kid weigh like 220 on a 6'10 frame. I meant undersized as far as weight. That's pretty lean to me. From ESPN:

Gaines is the picture of upside. He has a great basketball body. Gaines is a combination of length and pretty good strength. He also runs the floor like a deer when motivated. Gaines productivity at this stage of his game is from his ability to rebound on both ends and block shots in and out of his area. He is athletic and does a good job of playing with his hands up on defense although he is too upright and gets out of position at times because he gambles for steals which leads to foul trouble. He scores in transition and from drop off passes created by guard penetration and offensive rebound put backs. He is very raw offensively and is easily pushed out of deep post position because he does not have a wide base. He can finish above the rim and his low post scoring will improve rapidly once he receives regular individual workouts in a college setting.

Maybe I just used a poor choice of words. It is my understanding that the kid needs to get stronger and more polished, but his height is not an issue. I have also heard not to expect much from him offensively for a couple of years.

Yeppers. Undersized is way off the mark. The guy is big and is seriously cut.

Raw offensively, sure. But he is a physical freak of nature.

Kindog202

04-16-2011, 03:28 PM

Gaines has to be ready to contibute some offensively in 2 years after Gates leaves. We will have plenty of offense next year. Gaines just needs to play defense, rebound, block shots and run the floor next year.

GoBearcats31

04-29-2011, 05:53 PM

Cheikh Mbodj!!!!

Nothing else - just tired of all the God's Gift talk. It's over people.

Go Cats!

GoBearcats31

05-02-2011, 04:05 PM

juckerrules

05-03-2011, 10:38 AM

Any chance Cheikh will be nicknamed Shrek? :-)

red_n_black_attack

05-03-2011, 12:54 PM

http://www.jucorecruiting.com/?page_id=434

Cheikh Mbodj is the #8 JuCo player according to this site (or 9th - click and you will know what I mean).

Other notables:
#2 Nurideen Lindsey (St. John's)
#6 Philip Jurick
#9 Stan Simpson
#18 Robert Goff (decommited from Oklahoma, from Indy)
#24 God's Gift
#34 Andre Jackson (USF)
#41 Blake Nash (USF)
#54 Lonnie Hayes (Fairleigh Dickinson - from Cincinnati)

He may be 8th rated overall, but 2nd highest PF, and third highest big man. With Jurick being a jerk-off, I'll take Cheikh and the extra 20 pounds over Kevin Dewitt, having missed out on Simpson (which is a toss up between him and Cheikh).

I am really liking this recruiting class to fill a need (Cheikh), back-up point (Guyn), an expanded role for Kilpatrick and JJ, to go along with Cash and Gates. Add in Davis, Ellis, and Sanders to learn as they go especially on defense and this team could be greater than the sum of their parts.

Kudos to Mick and the coaching staff!