Juco Big Man

[Bearcat Jeff]

In spite of what has been said on these boards, Mick is recruiting a JUCO big man. He is quoted in the Enquirer this morning as saying so. It looks like the one open scholarship will go to Hopson or this big man. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

[Kindog202]

Yeah, I had read that too. I would not mind a juco big man, just not another Adam H. please.

[Bearcat Jeff]

I saw where we are interested in Keith Brumbaugh, who is 6'10" but listed as a small forward and Laron Dendy also a small forward. Dendy I believe originally signed with S. Carolina.

[BDIAS]

If I had to guess I would say Cronin will take both players if they want to commit to UC. The only question is will Aldridge leave UC if he doesnt get a scholly?

[SLMadiCat]

I think Dendy was a Clemson commit, similar to Cash.

[Bearcat Jeff]

I think Dendy was a Clemson commit, similar to Cash.
I believe you are correct.

[Thegreatone]

If I had to guess I would say Cronin will take both players if they want to commit to UC. The only question is will Aldridge leave UC if he doesnt get a scholly?

ALDRIDGE HAS A SCHOLORSHIP! The question would be Alvin Mitchell IMO.

[bearcated]

ALDRIDGE HAS A SCHOLORSHIP! The question would be Alvin Mitchell IMO.

Aldridge is paying his own way right now. That was in the paper. That being said I think it's safe to assume that there is some understanding that he would get a scholarship next year.

Either way, someone is going to get thrown under the bus here, especially if Hopson comes to UC. If Hopson comes then they are one scholarship short, which I guess means bye bye to Aldridge, bye bye to Mitchell, or no JUCO big man. Unless Aldridge agrees to play as a walk-on?

[bearcated]

Based on how this is playing out, it looks like Wright will be the only true PG next year. That raises another amusing question. Assuming Wright isn't ready, gets injured, tired, whatever, who plays the point?

[MDW79]

It certainly wouldn't be ideal but I think Vaughn would move to point and Davis would play SG, unless Dixon can play some point to spell Cash.

[MikeInClifton]

It certainly wouldn't be ideal but I think Vaughn would move to point and Davis would play SG, unless Dixon can play some point to spell Cash.

Actually, I think that would be ideal! I would love to find a strong, true SG appear and then have Cash and 'Ta able to run point or use them as double PG's. It is obvious that Deonta has a ability to penetrate the lane, though he doesnt dish off much once he does. Ability to drive the lane is one thing a good PG has to do.

If Larry Davis (or D Dixon) steps up to become a true SG, that would give Mick more options in the backcourt. But LD's three point shooting is going to have to be higher than 29% next year for that to happen.

[FleXcursion]

Aldridge is being placed onto scholarship beginning summer quarter. If for any reason he is taken off, he's gone. It's as simple as that.

[BasketBySteveLogan]

Deonta doesnt dish off when he drives cuz he hasnt had anyone to dish off to!

[MDW79]

Mike, that's a good point. I'm just worried if Vaughn moves to point it'll make it more difficult for him to get open looks, although it's not like he didnt have to work hard for them this year. I would love see Cash be able to be create off the dribble, penetrate, and kick it out to Vaughn for some open looks. Either way I think we should be fine with the guards. I do want to see a lot more ball movement next year though, b/c the dump down to Williamson or DV rolling off screen after screen needs to change.

[cincycat30]

I have talked to Dion. He said UC wants him to play the 2 guard spot and the point. So it looks like maybe Cronin is counting Cash, Dion, and maybe Vaughn splitting time at point

[bearcated]

Actually, I think that would be ideal! I would love to find a strong, true SG appear and then have Cash and 'Ta able to run point or use them as double PG's. It is obvious that Deonta has a ability to penetrate the lane, though he doesnt dish off much once he does. Ability to drive the lane is one thing a good PG has to do.

Mike. I agree he could do it. My concern is you are asking a lot of him to handle the point and handle the bulk of the scoring.

[JasonS]

Mike. I agree he could do it. My concern is you are asking a lot of him to handle the point and handle the bulk of the scoring.

Logan did it.

[kiddings]

Logan did it.
One thing any long time UC fan should know is that a team should always have two true point guards. How many seasons past did UC under perform due to point guard issues? I know it cost us in the tournament more years that not. It only takes one injury/suspension to lose your #1. Logan was capable on the point, but he played it out of necessity (I believe his SO and SR years, because Satterfield would have been there is JR year). I'd put Vaughn in the same category - he can do it, but he's not a natural.

[bubbachunk]

Dixon will play some point along with Larry Davis I have to believe because we have more then enough guards/wing players.

[Pie Hole]

Anyone notice how Mick used the term "scoring the ball" in the article this morning?

[Irishbearcat]

Any way we could give Aldridge an academic schollie?

[columbus_bearcat]

Aldridge is being placed onto scholarship beginning summer quarter. If for any reason he is taken off, he's gone. It's as simple as that.


Where did you hear this? Mick made it pretty clear on one of his shows that if he can find two more players that are Big East material, Aldridge would walk-on again next season. Mick also stated that this was discussed with NA and he agreed to do it. If Nick A. is having second thoughts about that, I think just let him go if we can get Hopson & Brumbaugh. But if Mick promised to give him a scholly in summer quarter then that's what has to happen, JMO.

[Lowkey]

would you leave a school with a full ride to go to another school but have to pay out your *** just to play?>.....that answer my friends would be NO...

Aldridge will get a scholarship.....i think if Hopson says he will come here then no big man and no point....but with McClain, Yancy, Belton, and Williams up front, Cashmere at point with Dixon or Davis Backing him up....i mean they know how to dribble, probably back up point by committee, with Vaughn helping out.....
**** providence had their point in their Power forward and he played better point than warren at times.....

either way, Hopson is the key....whatever he decides to do is what dictates the Direction mick goes.....

but the notion that aldridge would just play as a walk on and pay his way is Stupid....

[anbuc88]

It also doesn't make sense to have him practice with the team, be included in conversations about next year, and not be given a scholarship. Mick may not have been fully convinced initially that he was Big east material, but after practicing with the team, he thinks he will be an intergral part of their success next year. As previously stated, the real question is if Alvin Mitchell will be back. If Hopson commits, there answer is likely no.

[Irishbearcat]

I've got a feeling Mick would rather get another big guy than have Mitchell back. Just a feelin now.

[Lowkey]

I've got a feeling Mick would rather get another big guy than have Mitchell back. Just a feelin now.

especially if we get Hopson....with Him, Bishop, Aldridge and Wilks basically wanting the same SF spot......Add Mitchell Back to That and its crowded at that position....

dont get me wrong....i want Mitchell Back, he can play at Big East level no doubt.....interesting to see what happens.

[FleXcursion]

Where did you hear this? Mick made it pretty clear on one of his shows that if he can find two more players that are Big East material, Aldridge would walk-on again next season. Mick also stated that this was discussed with NA and he agreed to do it. If Nick A. is having second thoughts about that, I think just let him go if we can get Hopson & Brumbaugh. But if Mick promised to give him a scholly in summer quarter then that's what has to happen, JMO.

I spoke with Aldridge last week and asked him.

[mboston67]

would you leave a school with a full ride to go to another school but have to pay out your *** just to play?>.....that answer my friends would be NO...

Aldridge will get a scholarship.....i think if Hopson says he will come here then no big man and no point....but with McClain, Yancy, Belton, and Williams up front, Cashmere at point with Dixon or Davis Backing him up....i mean they know how to dribble, probably back up point by committee, with Vaughn helping out.....
**** providence had their point in their Power forward and he played better point than warren at times.....

either way, Hopson is the key....whatever he decides to do is what dictates the Direction mick goes.....

but the notion that aldridge would just play as a walk on and pay his way is Stupid....


I understand your point about not leaving a school just to pay your own way. And I've read this statement before. But its not all that uncommon. A lot of guys turn down full rides to a mid major or a low major with the chance to walk on at a big time school. Jordans son did it this year off the top of my head. If I'm not mistaken some of our former walk ons have. He wasn't happy where he was. He wanted out. We'll give him a chance to earn it. But I don't think its a lock for it to be givin to him. IMO.

[bubbachunk]

I understand your point about not leaving a school just to pay your own way. And I've read this statement before. But its not all that uncommon. A lot of guys turn down full rides to a mid major or a low major with the chance to walk on at a big time school. Jordans son did it this year off the top of my head. If I'm not mistaken some of our former walk ons have. He wasn't happy where he was. He wanted out. We'll give him a chance to earn it. But I don't think its a lock for it to be givin to him. IMO.

I am pretty sure he was recruited by uc coming out of highschool and not to walk on.

[mboston67]

He was. But not by this coach.

[Scheids21]

Im not sure if this has been answered but Mick has stated that Dixon can definitely play the point if the situation calls for it.

[Carl]

Any way we could give Aldridge an academic schollie?

I think so. After Sikes made the Dean's list, there was some talk about an academic scholarship, but the consensus was that he would still count against the 13 athletic scholarships. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Mike Williams still counted in the 13 this year, so no way could we give Aldridge an athletic schloraship this winter and spring. Technically, he could still get an academic scholarship and not count because he has not been on atheltic scholarhship...yet. However, Mick has to honor what he told Nick. I assume Nick will be on scholarship because Koch said Nick would probably be on scholarship in fall 2008 when he transferred.

The late signing period is April 16 to May 21 according Wikipedia, by then Scotty Hopson and Alvin will have made their decisions. Mick will have a recruit waiting in the wings. And next year somebody will be waiting in the wings, because we won't know for sure about William's sixth year until the NCAA tournament ends in 2009. I don't think we can afford to save open scholarships for 2009. That's my take.

[Jose_Jalapeno_on_a_Stick]

Actually, I think that would be ideal! I would love to find a strong, true SG appear and then have Cash and 'Ta able to run point or use them as double PG's. It is obvious that Deonta has a ability to penetrate the lane, though he doesnt dish off much once he does. Ability to drive the lane is one thing a good PG has to do.

If Larry Davis (or D Dixon) steps up to become a true SG, that would give Mick more options in the backcourt. But LD's three point shooting is going to have to be higher than 29% next year for that to happen.

Excellent point Mike! I've been coming around to that thinking recently, as well. Basically, IMO, you cannot have enough players capable of ballhandling, and the more Vaughn is trained in this area, the better for the team.

[CroninCrazy]

I am pretty sure he was recruited by uc coming out of highschool and not to walk on.

He was Hugg's last recruit.

[jlr1523]

I check these forums every damn day just to see if there are any updates on Scotty Hopson. I want Mick to get him. I know it would be good to land another big man but at this point, getting Hopson into a bearcat uniform is all i care about.

[james jr]

Mike. I agree he could do it. My concern is you are asking a lot of him to handle the point and handle the bulk of the scoring.

Hopefully we'll have more "scorers" next year. I look for improvement from both Davis and Bishop and IF we get Scotty Hopson that will take some of the scoring pressure off Deonta. A true shooting guard in the 6-3 to 6-5 range would greatly enhance our perimeter defense also!

[Bearcat Jeff]

If Vaughn is to play point for any length of time he has to improve his ball handling and decision making. He gets tripped up or looses the ball fairly often in traffic and makes very lazy passes. Overall, his long term concentration needs to improve. He looses focus at times and disappears. Dion Dixon will be the back up point at this time. Unless Cash can't play right away and then it will be Vaughn backed by Cash early. Once Cash gets a handle on the offense/defense that will change. Mr. Wright will be given every opportunity to start from day one. If Vaughn starts at pg then LD will start at the shooting guard spot followed by Dixon. People forget that LD was playing his first ball following a major knee injury this past season. He is going to get much better and I think he will grow another inch or two based on his dad's height. I think Mick's wish list will look like this PG) Wright/Dixon/Vaughn SG) Vaughn/Davis/Dixon with Vaughn playing around 25 minutes a game SF) Bishop/Wilks/Mitchell PF) Williams/Gates/Belton C) McClain/Belton/Gates. of course all of this could change with an impact recrit or two but that's how I see it shaking out based on what we know. This staff is very high on Wilks potential and by seasons end it will be tough to keep Gates out of the line up.

[Lowkey]

I understand your point about not leaving a school just to pay your own way. And I've read this statement before. But its not all that uncommon. A lot of guys turn down full rides to a mid major or a low major with the chance to walk on at a big time school. Jordans son did it this year off the top of my head. If I'm not mistaken some of our former walk ons have. He wasn't happy where he was. He wanted out. We'll give him a chance to earn it. But I don't think its a lock for it to be givin to him. IMO.

well i can understand jordans son doing it......jordan is a damn near a billionaire....money isnt an issue.....i dont know aldridge, unless his family has money, i dont see it happening.

[Lowkey]

I think Mick's wish list will look like this PG) Wright/Dixon/Vaughn SG) Vaughn/Davis/Dixon with Vaughn playing around 25 minutes a game SF) Bishop/Wilks/Mitchell PF) Williams/Gates/Belton C) McClain/Belton/Gates.

you forgot aldridge at SF......UC is STACKED at SF especially if mick adds another 6-6 recruit we all want.

[Bearcat Jeff]

you forgot aldridge at SF......UC is STACKED at SF especially if mick adds another 6-6 recruit we all want.
Yes, I did forget Aldridge. He will get significant minutes at both forward spots. Contrary to what some may think I believe that Aldridge will be a big plus to this team. He will be the player that bangs and plays hard constantly that U.C. needs.

[DBSUC1982]

Excellent point Mike! I've been coming around to that thinking recently, as well. Basically, IMO, you cannot have enough players capable of ballhandling, and the more Vaughn is trained in this area, the better for the team.

Remember Vaughn shot 29% from 3-pt. last year (39 % this year), so Davis will likely improve on his 29% 3FG% with admittedly less freshman year playing time than Vaughn.

[bubbachunk]

You guys have to remember McCelroy is still committed for next year and if we fill all our schollys up this year and Mike gets another year we only have 1 player for our recruiting class (Danny) for next year.

[Lowkey]

You guys have to remember McCelroy is still committed for next year and if we fill all our schollys up this year and Mike gets another year we only have 1 player for our recruiting class (Danny) for next year.

so we have 2 to give this year?,,,,,,,,

[Carl]

so we have 2 to give this year?,,,,,,,,

Yeah, 2, but the 11 currently includes Mitchell and doesn't include Aldridge. The number could change to 1 or 3.

[jeffto]

Yeah, 2, but the 11 currently includes Mitchell and doesn't include Aldridge. The number could change to 1 or 3.If the right player wants to come, the number of available scholarships is never an issue. Take that factor out of your equations.