Yancy Gates decision...

[GoBearcats31]

"Five-star 2008 prospect Yancy Gates will announce a college destination tomorrow according to the Cleveland Basketball Club."

http://cincinnati.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?sid=&script=/content.asp&cid=663933&fid=&tid=&mid=

[BigCatFan20]

Well lets hope he has the Bearcats on the top of that list right now. He would be huge for us

[ralph1950]

Not that I have any money, but if I did I would bet it on it being West Virginia.

[bcatwilly]

Not that I have any money, but if I did I would bet it on it being West Virginia.

LOL, are you serious :confused:

[GoBearcats31]

Not sure when the update was, but Rivals has Gates HIGH on Cincinnati, MEDIUM on Georgetown and Indiana and thats all

[Kindog202]

I had heard from a very good source a few weeks back that Gates had told Mick he was coming to Cincy and that it should be public within the next couple of weeks. Up until this point, I had heard he was still coming although recently I had heard that Indiana had really turned up the heat on him. Let's hope he holds true...

[Thegreatone]

WOW, this is really good information. Thanks for the information. Lets hope it is good news. I am really excited on this kid, he is physically awesome and intimidating. Attitude can be adjusted, having broad shoulders can not. He may not be the best basketball player in the class but I believe he has enough skill and I would like to see the better athlete. He is a finisher, i love that. Again, I am holding my breath I am nervous that Huggins is going to have made a run, I am probably paranoid.

[UCnut]

Hopefully he stays true to his hometown and stays in Cincinnati.

[columbus_bearcat]

Scout is reporting that Gates is coming to UC per Tony Dees. Not premium info.

[Thegreatone]

Yeah. The Bearcatnews mainpage is reporting that he has given Mick his verbel commitment!

[CroninCrazy]

From Scout/Bearcat Insider:


"Mick Cronin sent a major message today as Bearcat Insider received word from Tony Dees, the stepfather of Yancy Gates, that his very talented son will be attending the University of Cincinnati to play basketball.

Amid rumors for the last few weeks that Yancy Gates, maybe the most talented big man to play in Cincinnati since LaSalle Thompson, was close to making his college decision, Bearcat Insider received confirmation today that Yancy will play his college basketball at UC and for Mick Cronin and his staff. Tony Dees had this to say about the decision that will be officially released tomorrow. “Coach Cronin and Stubblefield were a big part of his coming. I’ve gotten to know them and trust them during the recruiting process. Also getting a chance to play in the Big East conference was part of it , and UC has a good tradition. That’s basically it.”
Yancy chose the Bearcats over Georgetown, Indiana and Florida. "

[GoBearcats31]

This is great news! I know nothings official til he signs somethin but if all goes as planned this is just huge. Yancy will really boost an already up-and-coming program (wow upandcoming, that just sounds weird) and that should impact future recruits.

[MicksTheGuy]

Cincinnati, Georgetown or Indiana?

If I had to bet, I'd bet on Cincinnati as to which school Yancy Gates will commit to on Monday when -- as Rivals.com is reporting -- he's expected to announce his decision.

We've been hearing Cincinnati for some time, so it'd be fairly surprising if it's not the Bearcats. If the UC speculation holds, Gates will be the headliner of an '08 class that Mick Cronin is pointing to behind the scenes as his first big-splash recruiting class at UC.

posted by Dustin Dow at 8:43 PM 0 comments links to this post

[columbus_bearcat]

Not that I have any money, but if I did I would bet it on it being West Virginia.

Good thing you don't have any money, you'd have lost it.

[bearcatn8]

If true, this would be a fantastic get and a great sign that Mick will be able to bring the 'Cats back to the top 25. Many of us have said that the 2008 class is the first one by which he can truly be judged, and signing Gates would be outstanding.

[MicksTheGuy]

Just got off the phone with Tony Dees, Gates' guardian and coach.
"He wants to stay home and play for Coach Cronin," Dees said. "He likes the tradition and history of UC, and he wants to play in the Big East."

posted by Dustin Dow at 9:11 PM 0 comments links to this post

[MicksTheGuy]

Please go to Dustin's blog to get his site the hits it would have gotten had I not posted the words. I was just very excited to get the good news out. Now if we can just close the door on McClain.

http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/ncaa/

[Thegreatone]

I think this decision to commit early might be an effort to convince people like Anthony McClain to commit as well. I believe this will help the recruitment of McClain, another stuf big man to keep people off his back.

[CincySuperFan]

That's great that we have a commitment, but I saw Gates play a couple of times this year and was not impressed. He has natural ability, but he was slow to run the floor and lazy. I even saw him get kicked out of a game for losing his cool. I think he's a project and wouldn't expect a lot out of him right away.

[GoBearcats31]

I have only seen Deonta and Branden Miller play and I know this is a loooong time from now and lots of good/bad things can happen but our potential 2008 team has me nearly drooling:

PG Deonta Vaughn, Jr.
SG Jason Henry/Alvin Mitchell So.
SF Mike Williams, Sr.
PF Yancy Gates, Fr.
C Anthony McClain, So. (HOPEFULLY)

1. Henry/Mitchell G/F (So.)
2. Darnell Wilks PF (Fr.)
3. Rashad Bishop G/F (So.)
4. Kenny Belton PF (So.)
5. Larry Davis SG (So.)
6, 7, 8: Prob 3 and/or 4 star Freshmen
WO Branden Miller G (Sr.)

[Thegreatone]

Cincysuperfan: I respect your opinion on gates and dont disagree totally, but the problems you are saying are lack of motivation. Talent wise he is unbelievable. Not to mention I am sure you never took your eyes off him and were looking to praise/criticize him for anything. Talent, athleticism and strength he is unmatched. Motivation he needs but hopefully Mick can adress that, plus the fact he wants to be paid to play. I saw him play against my team (moeller, state champs) I saw some holes in attitude. I would rather have a physical specimen that needs a kick in the rear every once in awhile then somebody that gives you all the effort but just cant physically do it. PLUS he has those big shoulders and man can he finish near the hoop! He will be an immediate impact! He will give us 2 or 3 solid years before leaving to make money in the Association, that good.

[BigCatFan20]

I have only seen Deonta and Branden Miller play and I know this is a loooong time from now and lots of good/bad things can happen but our potential 2008 team has me nearly drooling:

PG Deonta Vaughn, Jr.
SG Jason Henry/Alvin Mitchell So.
SF Mike Williams, Sr.
PF Yancy Gates, Jr.
C Anthony McClain, So. (HOPEFULLY)

1. Henry/Mitchell G/F (So.)
2. Darnell Wilks PF (Fr.)
3. Rashad Bishop G/F (So.)
4. Kenny Belton PF (So.)
5. Larry Davis SG (So.)
6, 7, 8: Prob 3 and/or 4 star Freshmen
WO Branden Miller G (Sr.)

I could not agree more but hopefully we lock up a solid point guard here sometime soon to back Vaughn. But I love what I looking at, just hoping Henry is eligible and McClain commits soon

[cincyjmax54]

I dont know why anyone would be drooling right now... All of these recruits are expected to be great with lots of upside. Gates is so raw its pathetic. He didnt see much competition this year and looked horrible at times when he did (i.e. moeller). How many of these guys are actual basketball players and understand the game is my question. All anyone looks at is stats and height nowadays. Cincinnati was the most fun to watch and at its best when it had role players like Ryan Flethcher, Pete Mikael, Danny McElroy. I'l get excited when I start seeing results. Everything is fine and dandy on paper but none of it relates to the game of basketball.

[CroninCrazy]

Gates would be a FROSH.

[cincyjmax54]

haha danny mcelroy Ive been listening to you guys talk propaganda too much I meant Emmanuel McElroy...but perhaps the best thing about Gates is that he is a 6'8 body that we havent had in a long time. That is why I'm excited about McClain. UC hasnt had a big man in so long we have forgotten what they provide. It will allow for guys like John Williamson to play his real position of 3 instead of 4. However until we get a true point guard to run the show we will struggle for years to come.

[ThreeRiversKing]

I dont know why anyone would be drooling right now... All of these recruits are expected to be great with lots of upside. Gates is so raw its pathetic. He didnt see much competition this year and looked horrible at times when he did (i.e. moeller). How many of these guys are actual basketball players and understand the game is my question. All anyone looks at is stats and height nowadays. Cincinnati was the most fun to watch and at its best when it had role players like Ryan Flethcher, Pete Mikael, Danny McElroy. I'l get excited when I start seeing results. Everything is fine and dandy on paper but none of it relates to the game of basketball.
The GCL makes a living on shutting down one dimensional star studded teams.
St X shut down OSU's 7 foot Mr. Ohio Kofos(sp?). The GCL is un-rivaled in playing defense. I would take Gates in a heartbeat. You can't teach height and size. This is the kind of guy we need to go to war in the Big East.

[cincyjmax54]

We should pay our best player Conner Barwin to come back! Thats serious Mike not sarcasm dont kick me off

[Kindog202]

I saw Gates play in the tournament against LaSalle this year and I came away with a different point of view than others. I saw someone who was incredibly gifted who understood that for his team to have a chance in that game, he needed to be on the floor the entire game. LaSalle was running fresh bodies at him the entire game and they run as a team, I felt like he was going in spurts so as not to wear down completely by the end of the game. He has an incredible array of post and spin moves and shoots well from 15' feet in. (He even hit one 3 in the game and didn't look bad in the shootaround, although that is not his game). He has an NBA body already and did look to pass when doubled and tripled. The dunk he had in overtime was pretty amazing as he took Ben Martin and 2 other LaSalle kids up with him and threw it down. Areas of concern are his foul shooting - reminds me of Shaq or Ben Wallace - and his ballhandling. However, tremendous pickup, would compare him to a taller Danny Fortson.

[Thegreatone]

KingDog I think your assesment is the best I have read. I agree on all your views. He never leaves the game, ever! He can not go 100% all the time without any rest. I saw him verse Moeller and the rest of the GCL South and those teams dominate 1 player teams like Delvon Roe, Kusto Koufas, etc.and he still could not be stopped. He plays every single minute so if he doesnt have the quickest feet all the time I understand that. I was very impressed with his footwork and ability to finish is AMAZING! Just a beast. He has a soft touch for being so big and built. He can hit a 15 foot jumper. He will give you 30 minutes of quality hard working basketball, if he gets to sit every once in a while he will hustle more. He will be a NBA talent.

[GoBearcats31]

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070415/SPT0101/304150025

[Corporateballa]

I don't know this can be anything but great news. This guy is a top-20 recruit and will be a McDonald's All-American. Mick will build on this. We've got the right coach without the baggage.

[GoBearcats31]

"Yancy likes the incoming prospects like Anthony McClain and the chance they have of landing him," said Dees. "That gives Yancy the chance to play his true position which is power forward." -Tony Dees

-Jerry Meyer article on Rivals

[Thegreatone]

This just seems to be getting better and better!

[kstatefan]

Congrats on Gates bearcat fans!

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Gates is a lifelong UC fan. Really glad to see him as a Bearcat!

[shaunsimpson]

THIS IS GREAT NEWS. Even if you don't think he is as good as he is hyped up to be he is still good enough to play in the Big East. Gates has shown great skills and he may be a test at times, but I can't wait for him to get to Clifton.

Also, don't underestimate the impact of having the local kid commit. Gates will bring more people to the games and has shown that Mick can keep local talent at home.

[cpawfan]

Finally, a real Big East PF recruit.

His Freshman year, he should learn a lot going against Mike Williams in practice.

[cspeed]

Gates at power forward and , hopefully, McClain at center ......Put with Williams,Mitchell, Bishop,Henry and Vaughn future is looking BRIGHT !!! The best thing about this is that the talent level is greater than what we've had in 8 years. Having 13 'Basketball Players' is going to be the best thing about having Mick Cronin... I was so tired of having 7 players, 3 walk-ons and 2 footballers .....

[shaunsimpson]

I wish we could find the email archives for all who said that Mick wouldn't get a top 100 player. Henry and Wilks fit that bill, but Gates is top 30 at the worst.

[Thegreatone]

Could this announcement come at a better time? I would be happy with just getting Gates but if he knows McClain that could be even better! I know it is far, FAR fetched but maybe he could convice his AAU teammate BJ Mullens to change his mind and head to UC instead of OSU. I can hope right? Nevertheless I believe this will do wonders for us in the recruitment of Anthony McClain, this could be the final thing that would send him to Cincinnati. This would give us the size and strength to compete with anyone in the country not only the BE. Lets not forget we have Mike Williams and John Williamson, we are, dare i say DEEP. If McClain commits we will be in good position to compete in the national spotlight again! Big sign with great timing!

[james jr]

Yancey Gates is a great recruiting coup but I sincerely believe it is only the beginning of a "great" class for 2008. guys like Tony Woods, Paul Williams, Chris Singleton and "Dee" Bost are going to be impressed with the calibre of talent and the recruiting "reputation" of Mick the Quick! GO CATS!

[jplog]

Anyone know when and if the press conference will take place?

[Josh Rexhausen]

4:30 it said in the paper.
http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070416/SPT0201/704160341/1035/SPT

[Catmandu]

From Scout/Bearcat Insider:


"Mick Cronin sent a major message today as Bearcat Insider received word from Tony Dees, the stepfather of Yancy Gates, that his very talented son will be attending the University of Cincinnati to play basketball.

Amid rumors for the last few weeks that Yancy Gates, maybe the most talented big man to play in Cincinnati since LaSalle Thompson, was close to making his college decision, Bearcat Insider received confirmation today that Yancy will play his college basketball at UC and for Mick Cronin and his staff. Tony Dees had this to say about the decision that will be officially released tomorrow. “Coach Cronin and Stubblefield were a big part of his coming. I’ve gotten to know them and trust them during the recruiting process. Also getting a chance to play in the Big East conference was part of it , and UC has a good tradition. That’s basically it.”
Yancy chose the Bearcats over Georgetown, Indiana and Florida. "


Wow... better than Kenyon? Or are they not considering Kenyon a true Big man?

Great get by Mick!

[jeffto]

I think they meant the best since LaSalle to play high school ball in Cincy.

[Catmandu]

I don't know this can be anything but great news. This guy is a top-20 recruit and will be a McDonald's All-American. Mick will build on this. We've got the right coach without the baggage.

Really?
I didn't realize he was top 20?

He probably won't be a McAA.... (particularly now that he's going to UC they always snub our recruits:( )

[shaunsimpson]

He is 17 with Rivals and 28 with Scout. He was a top 10 player ealier in the year, but a sporadic AAU career and what was called indiferent HS play has hurt him.

In high school he needed to stay on the court and not pick up too many fouls. This led to play that was cautious.

We will see him next year to see if he is McD AA, but due to the strong PF class I don't see it.

[Kindog202]

Who cares about whether or not he is a MCDAA? Everyone knows that he is an elite talent when he puts forth the effort and is a physically dominant presence on the court. We know what we are getting and don't need some game to prove it.

[BigCatFan20]

Here is an article from his press conference.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070416/SPT0101/304160066/1064

[bcatwilly]

Yes Yancy cited the Big East and playing close to home as factors, but I was glad to hear what he and his Dad had to say about how Mick handled his recruitment. This seems to be an indication of the relationship building that Mick has been praised for and hopefully is the reason that McClain commits soon too.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070416/SPT0101/304160066/1064


"Gates’ father did his best to shield Yancy from the nagging by coaches. He refused to give out his son’s cell phone number because he didn’t want coaches text messaging Gates or calling him at all hours.

Dees said he was impressed by the way Cronin respected their wishes.

“He let us know from day one that he was interested,” Dees said. “He showed up but he didn’t hound you and call at all times of the day and night. I let him know that Yancy’s cell phone number was not available and he respected that where other guys would try to get it other ways.”

[Thegreatone]

It is good to hear that Mick can read people and understand what is the best way to recruit. I am excited to go to more Withrow games and watch with interest knowing we are watching a future player. Not that it is relevent but I can not see anybody beating Withrow next year. I am a Moeller graduate and a GCL fan, but Yancy is physically too big and athletic

[ralph1950]

Lonnie Wheeler hints in his article in today's Post that the verbal by Gates will lead to the signing of McClain as early as tomorrow. Oh what a great day to be a Bearcat Fan!

[Thegreatone]

I just read Wheelers article and it seems to be very good news. He seems to think something big could happen soon regarding McClain. I said 5 days ago that I heard it was a done deal, I got a little flack for my choice of words. I am still fairly new to the board so I don't want to lose my credibility, having said that I am confident in my source that he is coming to UC. I am excited about the news but I believe he is a project offensively, he only started playing basketball a few years ago. This is his 5th year of high school as well, the 5th year was due to tranferring not grades from what I understand. He has made strides recently and could be awesome, he can run the court very well for a big guy. I believe that Gates is the reason McClain will commit, other players are the best recruiting tool for players. If McClain sees that he will have Mike Williams and Yancy Gates to assure he will not be double teamed and he will be able to get serious minutes. Can't wait until we get an official yes or no and to see who is all eligable and if everyone is who how mick will handle it, you know he has a plan.

[ralph1950]

Sounds like another Corrie Blount, he did not turn out too bad.

<This is his 5th year of high school as well, the 5th year was due to tranferring not grades from what I understand. He has made strides recently and could be awesome, he can run the court very well for a big guy. >

[Thegreatone]

WOW, I said I hoped that Yancy might influence B.J. Mullens to decommit and look at UC, because they play AAU together. Walt McBride said he heard the same thing on the Lance McCalister show today. I dont buy this for a second, but I guess the conversation might make buckeye fan sweat a little bit and I might enjoy that.