what are the chances Mike Williams gets another year?

[NorrisHopper30]

I've made this prediction with a lot of my friends in real life..that UC will make a deep run in the NCAA tournament in '09-'10, but I never really thought about it.

Which brings me to my point, what are the chances Mike Williams gets another year? Can you imagine how good this team could be in '09? Vaughn will be a senior along with Williams if he is here. Again, a lot of it depends on people getting closer to their potential, guys like Wilks, Wright, Gates and Mitchell have to step up and develop.

What do you guys think, am I dreaming?

[bubbachunk]

Nope I think the hopeful speculation is not out of the realm of possibility and could happen but many ifs have to come true.

[Matt1982]

It'll only be great if Williams can be effective after missing so much time, you have to figure he's going to be rusty after sitting out 2 full years. Otherwise, if he comes in and plays to his potential, then gets awarded the extra year, that would definitely be killer.

[Irishbearcat]

The summer league should help alot, getting him back into the basketball mentality.

[Scheids21]

How deep are you talking here? I can see Sweet 16 IMO. But again, a lot ifs...

[red_n_black_attack]

How deep are you talking here? I can see Sweet 16 IMO. But again, a lot ifs...

Guard play is important in NCAA tourney. Cash, Vaughn, Williams, McClain, Gates, etc...

I can see at least Elite Eight being definition of a "deep" run. I'd be content with Sweet Sixteen, and always rooting for a National Championship!

[nachoman91]

I will be VERY surprised if Williams gets a 6th year. I'd be willing to take bets that this won't happen. Precedent has been set and one of Williams years out was not because of injury so I just don't see him getting that extra year.

[Bearcat_DF]

I can see at least Elite Eight being definition of a "deep" run. I'd be content with Sweet Sixteen, and always rooting for a National Championship!


I agree - I think the elite eight or better is a deep run.

The sweet sixteen is just getting out of the first weekend and it seems to me that on this board that is the expectation of a top 25 team - nothing really special about it.

By this definition - Huggins only had 3 deep runs in the tournament and they all occured in his first 7 seasons. He had not made a deep run since 96-97 and had only met expectations (sweet sixteen) 1 time in the 9 seasons since then.

It seems that is was this combination of early success of making deep runs and his inablity from that point to even meet expectations that led to so much frustration with UC fans.

Having just watched the final four - it is pretty amazing the type of talent that is required to make a deep run. At this point, it is hard to gauge how our talent will develop.

We can look at the last UC sweet sixteen team (00-01) and try to compare how they would match up.

Guards - Logan and Satterfield - two NBA calliber guards
Front line of Little, Grove, Davis - two 6'10 players and a great role player
wing - Stokes and McElroy - two very good role players - McElroy was a shut down defender
Other reservers - Antwan Jones, Field Williams

This team had a good balance between inside-out play, it had a little bit of experience but not a whole lot, the strength was its guard play and its size.

The 09-10 team has the potential of having good guard play, I think they will be a little small on the front line. their wing play could be stronger than the 01 team.

Go Cats!
df

[ralph1950]

I've made this prediction with a lot of my friends in real life..that UC will make a deep run in the NCAA tournament in '09-'10, but I never really thought about it.

Which brings me to my point, what are the chances Mike Williams gets another year? Can you imagine how good this team could be in '09? Vaughn will be a senior along with Williams if he is here. Again, a lot of it depends on people getting closer to their potential, guys like Wilks, Wright, Gates and Mitchell have to step up and develop.

What do you guys think, am I dreaming?


Right now it is about a 9 out of 10 that Mike will get the extra year. As far as anyone knows Mike will be the first player to graduate from UC, in June, before playing his first game.

[SLMadiCat]

Right now it is about a 9 out of 10 that Mike will get the extra year.

Where do you get this information from? There has never been any indication that Mike will get a 6th year.

[qsilvr2531]

I'd be very surprised if Williams got a 6th year.

[MikeInClifton]

Where do you get this information from? There has never been any indication that Mike will get a 6th year.

Its a message board.

I'm the opposite. I dont think Williams will get an extra year.

[SLMadiCat]

Its a message board.

I'm the opposite. I dont think Williams will get an extra year.

not sure what you mean. Was that his opinion, or did he talk to someone, or hear Mick on a radio show saying how he believes Mike has a good chance of getting it? I didn't mean to sound harsh with my question, just wondering where he based the 9 out of 10 on.

[GoCats1994]

I cannot imagine him getting the extra year. If the NCAA is consistent - they would almost have to deny his request. Based on what we learned about Mauk's case...the fact that Williams CHOOSE TO sit out a year with the transfer, he will not be viewed with a lot of sympathy.

[Carl]

Williams chances for a sixth year are about the same as Mauk's....maybe be slightly better. If he lost a year to injury and played two years before he transferred, wouldn't you expect him to have two seasons left?

We have plenty of time to speculate back and forth because Mauk couldn't apply until after his fifth year, which means Williams won't apply until next spring.

[Jose_Jalapeno_on_a_Stick]

In this world, there are three certainties: Death, taxes, and UC student-athletes getting jobbed on eligibility rulings.

[SLMadiCat]

In this world, there are three certainties: Death, taxes, and UC student-athletes getting jobbed on eligibility rulings.

That's a good one.

Although, in all fairness, I have to say that by transferring Mike took the chance, along with every other player that transfers, of getting injured. The players should know the rules before they transfer. Hopefully the NCAA sees that he has already graduated, had his house destroyed, and see what a good person he is and decides to bend the rules. I don't see that happening though.

[London 'Cat]

I think it's a near certainty that he will get the sixth year. But for the injury, Williams would have completed his four years of eligibility in five years, and graduated on time as well. In addition, due to Williams' transfer, he had absolutely no chance of playing in his third year; this is the NCAA's rule and is outside the discretion and control of Williams, Texas, UC or anyone not employed by the NCAA. In Mauk's case, he had two redshirt years and the NCAA ruled that the first redshirt year was within the discretion and control of Mauk and/or Wake Forest. This was the key factor in denying Mauk's application. Since Williams had only one redshirt year, which was not voluntary but medically necessary, his case is totally distinct from Mauk's. Unfortunately, my opinion or that of anyone else on this message board has absolutely no weight in the NCAA's decision.

[SLMadiCat]

Williams chose to transfer knowing he would have to sit out, I would think that was his discretion. That's my understanding of the rule, at least.

[qsilvr2531]

I think it's a near certainty that he will get the sixth year. But for the injury, Williams would have completed his four years of eligibility in five years, and graduated on time as well. In addition, due to Williams' transfer, he had absolutely no chance of playing in his third year; this is the NCAA's rule and is outside the discretion and control of Williams, Texas, UC or anyone not employed by the NCAA. In Mauk's case, he had two redshirt years and the NCAA ruled that the first redshirt year was within the discretion and control of Mauk and/or Wake Forest. This was the key factor in denying Mauk's application. Since Williams had only one redshirt year, which was not voluntary but medically necessary, his case is totally distinct from Mauk's. Unfortunately, my opinion or that of anyone else on this message board has absolutely no weight in the NCAA's decision.

Williams wasn't forced to transfer, so his sitting out the year wasn't exactly outside of his control. The transfer year counts as a redshirt year for Williams. His case is exactly the same as Mauk's except Mauk also got to transfer without sitting out a year, which did not appear to have any influence on the result of his appeal.

Typically, you need to be injured for the majority of two seasons to be granted a 6th year and Williams has only been injured for one.

[JerseySean]

Williams chose to transfer knowing he would have to sit out, I would think that was his discretion. That's my understanding of the rule, at least.

He also chose to sit out with the understanding that he would have two years of eligibility at UC. The injury was not a "red shirt", per se. He had no control over that, like they claimed Mr. Mauk did. I certainly wouldn't try to get inside the head of the NCAA ruling committee, but I do think that Mr. Williams has a strong case. Now, go pray...

[Billy Don]

I agree - I think the elite eight or better is a deep run.

The sweet sixteen is just getting out of the first weekend and it seems to me that on this board that is the expectation of a top 25 team - nothing really special about it.

By this definition - Huggins only had 3 deep runs in the tournament and they all occured in his first 7 seasons. He had not made a deep run since 96-97 and had only met expectations (sweet sixteen) 1 time in the 9 seasons since then.


Go Cats!
df

Well if you have to make the elite 8 for a deep run that doesn't leave a lot to work with. One of 8 teams to be exact. You figure in the NC, UCLA, Kansas, Duke and other teams like that that fill in most of those spots every year an elite 8 spot is hard to come by. An NC fan whose school gets the top recruits every year should expect elite 8. A UC fan whose school gets second and third tier recruits should be happy with making the NCAA tournament and any win there after. To make the final four you almost have to have a McDonalds All American and some pro type players. Plural. UC is so far removed from that right now the goal should be just to make the NCAA tournament. Hope is alright but you can't bet any money on hope. A guy like me will take your money.

[Matt1982]

Ya I would have to say there is a better chance of **** freezing over before we see a UC athlete get the right end of a deal, but then again stranger things have happened...

[Billy Don]

Ya I would have to say there is a better chance of **** freezing over before we see a UC athlete get the right end of a deal, but then again stranger things have happened...

You have to wonder what Williams will think after this year. Since he will already be a grad would he want to spend another year in college? Unless he thinks another year of college ball might help him make the pro's he might want to go and get a job and make some money. He wouldn't be the first player to pass up a last year of eligiblity.

[qsilvr2531]

He also chose to sit out with the understanding that he would have two years of eligibility at UC. The injury was not a "red shirt", per se. He had no control over that, like they claimed Mr. Mauk did. I certainly wouldn't try to get inside the head of the NCAA ruling committee, but I do think that Mr. Williams has a strong case. Now, go pray...

He did have two years of eligibility at UC, he just got injured during one of those years.

There also isn't really any such thing as an official "red shirt" designation in college sports, that's just what it is called when an athlete doesn't participate in competition while still participating in practice. That includes the year a player must sit out after transfering.

[Lobot]

Williams wasn't forced to transfer, so his sitting out the year wasn't exactly outside of his control. The transfer year counts as a redshirt year for Williams. His case is exactly the same as Mauk's except Mauk also got to transfer without sitting out a year, which did not appear to have any influence on the result of his appeal.

Typically, you need to be injured for the majority of two seasons to be granted a 6th year and Williams has only been injured for one.

I think you hit it on the head. Virtually all the 6th year of eligibility cases I have seen are due to injury. There was a football player at Southern Miss that we played against that fell into that category a few years back (Nix?) I Think Oklahoma's QB, Jason White, fell into that category as well. He blew up a knee one season and the other knee the next season. He ended up with 6 years and a Heisman.

[qsilvr2531]

I think I recall a couple cases where someone missed one full year and parts of a couple other seasons and got a 6th year of eligibility, but I can't remember anyone getting a 6th year after only one year due to injury.

Maybe the fact that the NCAA held up Williams' eligibility his freshman year at Texas will help us though. If UC can argue that he effectively lost a year because he wasn't able to compete that first year (due to the eligibility issues) they might be able to get the 6th year. That's about the only thing I can think of that would be in our favor.

[bearcated]

The NCAA always bends over backward for UC. So what's to worry?

Ooops! That was a typo, I meant to type the NCAA always bends over backwards for UK (or really just about anybody but UC).

[SLMadiCat]

You have to wonder what Williams will think after this year. Since he will already be a grad would he want to spend another year in college? Unless he thinks another year of college ball might help him make the pro's he might want to go and get a job and make some money. He wouldn't be the first player to pass up a last year of eligiblity.

Let me get this straight: Mike has to sit out a year b/c he transferred yet still practice, then sits out another year b/c he was injured and has to go through grueling rehab and you think he might decide to quit after all that? Not only that, but he can graduate and play college basketball (which he has been wanting to but unable the past two years) for free while only having to take the minimum coursework to remain eligible? Yea...I could see him leaving (where is the icon for the slapping the ground so hard in laughter?).

[MDW79]

What basketaball player wants to end their career earlier to go get a job when playing another year could only benefit them? Plus he obviously loves the game or wouldn't be rehabbing so hard. Whether it be an oppurtunity for the NBA, NBL, Europe, ect. that player is going to stay b/c he loves the game. The 09-10 team will have the best chance of some serious success. tThe idea of him passing up on an extra year, if available, seems totally ridiculous. Look at Ben Mauk, he's not to going to the NFL this year or even he gets another but he's trying everything to get his extra year.

[JasonS]

Its my understanding that since this year will be Mike's 5th year to complete 4 seasons of play, he is guaranteed nothing by the NCAA. I also believe that the NCAA decided not to give Ben Mauk the additional year because he "chose" to red shirt while at Wake Forest. Mike's best chance is going to be if the NCAA looks at it like this. He didn't choose to sit out his transfer year, he had to by the rules laid out by the NCAA. He also didn't choose to sit out this year but had to due to injury. Therefore he has only completed 2 years in 4 based on factors out of his control. If the NCAA looks at it this way, they may be willing to grant him the 6th year. Based on our track record with the NCAA, I am not holding my breath though.

[ME80]

The NCAA always bends over backward for UC. So what's to worry?

Ooops! That was a typo, I meant to type the NCAA always bends over backwards for UK (or really just about anybody but UC).

My next statement is 100% complete opinion. There is a chance that the NCAA has often ruled against UC based on reputation, so possibly in the future they may be more lenient based on our recent academic improvements.

[ralph1950]

Where do you get this information from? There has never been any indication that Mike will get a 6th year.

I got the information from Mike Williams when I talked to him at the basketball banquet. The nice thing about this years basketball banquet was the crowd was so small you could walk around and talk to all of the players.

[Billy Don]

Isn't Williams scholarship the one McElroy is gettin out of the 09 class?

[ralph1950]

Isn't Williams scholarship the one McElroy is gettin out of the 09 class?


No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

[SLMadiCat]

I got the information from Mike Williams when I talked to him at the basketball banquet. The nice thing about this years basketball banquet was the crowd was so small you could walk around and talk to all of the players.

Thanks for the info. It's good to see that Williams has high hopes of getting another year.

[MDW79]

If he gets another year that would be HUGE. I hope he does. I'm thinking the 09-10 season will restore Bearcat basketball back to it's rightful state. That team will be loaded.

[Bearcat_DF]

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

Ralph - you are right, as Mike continues to point out - scholarships are only for one year and need to be renewed.

Still, Don is correct in observing that if Williams gets an additional year, McElroy will make 14 scholarship players.

So Mick will get a choice - he could let McElroy go or send one of the other 13 players packing.

One weakness we will have for a while is a small front line: Biggie, Gates, Belton, and Williams/McElroy. Only one true center and four big men total. An injury to any one of them will really deplete us up front.

Go Cats!
df

[NorrisHopper30]

Forward Mike Williams, who missed all of last season after rupturing his Achilles tendon during the pre-season, participated in open gym Saturday and reported no problems. It was the first time Williams was cleared to play full-court.

-From Koch's blog. Good news.

[Joe_Pong]

I see his team maybe, MAYBE just sneaking into the tournament in about two years if everything goes just right (even that is a longshot inmy opinion though). They are a long way away from even that...much less a deep tournament run.

[Joe_Pong]

If he gets another year that would be HUGE. I hope he does. I'm thinking the 09-10 season will restore Bearcat basketball back to it's rightful state. That team will be loaded.


Loaded? Wow. This is a classic example of rally overestimating your own players. The talent level will be pretty medicore across the board, with a couple of above average starters per Big East standards. I think .500 in the conference would be a good goal. But definitley not "loaded." Loaded would be McDonald All-Americans and multiple top 50 recruits. Right now we ae still at the stage of celebrating top 100 recruits.

[Kindog202]

Loaded? Wow. This is a classic example of rally overestimating your own players. The talent level will be pretty medicore across the board, with a couple of above average starters per Big East standards. I think .500 in the conference would be a good goal. But definitley not "loaded." Loaded would be McDonald All-Americans and multiple top 50 recruits. Right now we ae still at the stage of celebrating top 100 recruits.

You underestimate the value of experience and chemistry. By the '09-'10 team, a large majority of the players will have 2-3 years experience plus you add what Gates and Wright should bring in their second year and this team shapes up to be a well-rounded, deep team capable of making a run in the NCAA's. This year's team finished just below .500 in the conference w/a bunch of inexperience, I think they will do better than .500 in the conference in 2 years.

[MDW79]

Loaded? Wow. This is a classic example of rally overestimating your own players. The talent level will be pretty medicore across the board, with a couple of above average starters per Big East standards. I think .500 in the conference would be a good goal. But definitley not "loaded." Loaded would be McDonald All-Americans and multiple top 50 recruits. Right now we ae still at the stage of celebrating top 100 recruits.

Kingdog nailed it as far as I'm concerned. It seems kind of funny to say having multiple top 50 recruits means being loaded but that we're celebrating top 100 recruits means being mediocre. Everyone knows recruiting rankings amount to little, especially when referencing top 50 to top 100. Yancy is top 25 by the way but if he was still outside the top 50 it doesn't matter. Mick Cronin, Bob Huggins, Andy K, and any other major coach knows way more than a Jerry Meyer, Dave Telep, etc. If they knew so much they would do more then evaluate 15-18 yr kids and run a website. It's about experience and chemistry and that team, IMHO, will be loaded if he returns or not. Feel free to debate my comment, or say "told you so", in 09-10 when I think we WILL be back in the NCAA tourney, with a team poised some damage b/c of experience and battle tested BE play. Also, our class last year was top 20, this year will be close. We want a MCDAA? Well there's Mike Williams, the topic of this thread. If there's debate b/c of his results at Texas then it shows just b/c a recruiting service rates a player so high it doesn't always translate to superstardom at the college level. We need some top 50 players? Yancy= top 25, Biggie=top 50, Henry= top 50...there you have it. It really doesnt matter where they're ranked. What does is the coaching staff and the player(s) development. It's the sum of all of the parts, not a single Scotty Hopson signing per say. The 09-10 team is shaping up to look very solid to me. I think M Williams could add a lot to that.

[Bearcat_DF]

Kingdog and MDW,

Can I get you to go on the record? "Make a run" and "do some damage" are a little vague - do they merely mean getting out of the first weekend - a sweet sixteen appearance - or does deep mean elite eight, final four?

What does doing damage mean? Knocking off a higher seeded team? So if we are a 4 seed and make the sweet sixteen, we haven't done damage, but if we are an 8 seed and make the sweet sixteen, we have?

Do you mind giving me a little clarification of your expectations?

Go Cats!

df

[MDW79]

I'm not trying to be vague but I'm not really trying to guarantee a final four or elite 8...it's just my opinion that if things fall together and our current players develop, and stay in tact, that team will actually have some real talent and experience, which we haven't had in a while. You can get on me record saying that I think that is the year that UC basketball will get back over the hump and be a legit NCAA tourney team. There's a lot that can happen in two years but it's shaping to look like a year that Bearcats fans can really look forward to.

[Bearcats_Rule]

I also think that the 09-10 season will be very successful with or without Mike getting his extra year. If we look at what we will have as far as experience, talent, and depth then things look bright. If Cashmere can run the point well and be a Downey type player then we will be looking good. That is what a team needs to do well in the tournament. Experience, talent, depth, and good point guard play. If Gates and Biggie do not leave early then how can a fan not be optimistic of this team in 09-10? I would say top 4 Big East and a 4-5 seed in tourney with a sweet sixteen berth... If that happens then I think we can look forward to many more NCAA berths in years to come... If this does not happen and we are still about a .500 team then I would think we will remain that way no matter who we get as recruits... I think it would be then time to look or point fingers at the coaching staff as far as being able to develop players.

[Bearcat_DF]

I also think that the 09-10 season will be very successful with or without Mike getting his extra year. If we look at what we will have as far as experience, talent, and depth then things look bright. If Cashmere can run the point well and be a Downey type player then we will be looking good. That is what a team needs to do well in the tournament. Experience, talent, depth, and good point guard play. If Gates and Biggie do not leave early then how can a fan not be optimistic of this team in 09-10? I would say top 4 Big East and a 4-5 seed in tourney with a sweet sixteen berth... If that happens then I think we can look forward to many more NCAA berths in years to come... If this does not happen and we are still about a .500 team then I would think we will remain that way no matter who we get as recruits... I think it would be then time to look or point fingers at the coaching staff as far as being able to develop players.

I'm excited about the 09-10 year because we will have some veteran players again. In 2006, I identified some indicators for Cronin so that I would have a sense of when to point fingers. I think to start making those judgments after year 4 is too soon. Here were/are my indicators:

Regular Season Indicator 1 - top 12 of the BE by year 3
(this indicator was based on making the BE tourney which has now become moot given the change in effect next year.)

Regular Season Indicator 2 - top 8 of the BE by year 4 / every year
Regular Season Indicator 3 - BE championship by year 10
Post Season Indicator 1 - back in the NCAA tourney by year 5
Post Season Indicator 2 - in the NCAA 4 out of every 5 years
Post Season Indicator 3 - out of the first weekend of NCAA 2x/10 years


Go Cats!
df

[Billy Don]

I'm excited about the 09-10 year because we will have some veteran players again. In 2006, I identified some indicators for Cronin so that I would have a sense of when to point fingers. I think to start making those judgments after year 4 is too soon. Here were/are my indicators:

Regular Season Indicator 1 - top 12 of the BE by year 3
(this indicator was based on making the BE tourney which has now become moot given the change in effect next year.)

Regular Season Indicator 2 - top 8 of the BE by year 4 / every year
Regular Season Indicator 3 - BE championship by year 10
Post Season Indicator 1 - back in the NCAA tourney by year 5
Post Season Indicator 2 - in the NCAA 4 out of every 5 years
Post Season Indicator 3 - out of the first weekend of NCAA 2x/10 years


Go Cats!
df

That's probably some fair goals.But when you have a little age on you and it's 5 years NCAA, 10 years conference champs etc. it doesn't excite one very much. All it does is remind one we already had that and more a few short years ago.

[SLMadiCat]

That's probably some fair goals.But when you have a little age on you and it's 5 years NCAA, 10 years conference champs etc. it doesn't excite one very much. All it does is remind one we already had that and more a few short years ago.

No chance the players Huggins was recruiting at the end would make the NCAA in the BEast. Go ahead now and make your excuses that he had his hands tied and all the other b.s.

[MDW79]

That's pretty hard to say. How long before his departure was he recruiting kids when were already BE bound? I think if he was after kids for a few years, with his rollover contract in tact and especially already being in the conference he would have done fine. I'm not saying better or worse than MC but the guy would have had us in the tourney at some point, if not almost every year. Let's see how he recruits at WVU. Had he never left I think would have been much easier to get a kid to UC than WVU b/c of location and program prestige.

[Billy Don]

No chance the players Huggins was recruiting at the end would make the NCAA in the BEast. Go ahead now and make your excuses that he had his hands tied and all the other b.s.

In a few months at WV Huggins had already signed 3 top 100 players per scout. Kevin Jones is rated right there with Gates. Being one of the top 5 current coachs with the most wins in D1 college ball means you always get the job done. Huggins just had a 5 star visit in Ebanks. No one ever had to make excuses for Huggins when it came to winning ballgames. He's a proven winner. Did I mention top 5 of current coachs in the whole country in wins? He's almost automatic NCAA no matter who his players are. I'm not saying I like him as a coach but___

[Cats4Ever]

No chance the players Huggins was recruiting at the end would make the NCAA in the BEast. Go ahead now and make your excuses that he had his hands tied and all the other b.s.

If I recall right the non-rollover was causng issues in recruiting, which makes sense.

The Big East reputation certainly helps get a high caliber player - that alone really helps.

I believe the affiliation with the BE has been exceptional.

[Bearcat Cafe]

In a few months at WV Huggins had already signed 3 top 100 players per scout. Kevin Jones is rated right there with Gates. Being one of the top 5 current coachs with the most wins in D1 college ball means you always get the job done. Huggins just had a 5 star visit in Ebanks. No one ever had to make excuses for Huggins when it came to winning ballgames. He's a proven winner. Did I mention top 5 of current coachs in the whole country in wins? He's almost automatic NCAA no matter who his players are. I'm not saying I like him as a coach but___


This board needs an ignore function.:rolleyes:

[Bearcat_DF]

No chance the players Huggins was recruiting at the end would make the NCAA in the BEast. Go ahead now and make your excuses that he had his hands tied and all the other b.s.

Michael Beasley and Bill Walker would never gotten UC to the NCAA.

Go Cats!
df

[anbuc88]

In a few months at WV Huggins had already signed 3 top 100 players per scout. Kevin Jones is rated right there with Gates. Being one of the top 5 current coachs with the most wins in D1 college ball means you always get the job done. Huggins just had a 5 star visit in Ebanks. No one ever had to make excuses for Huggins when it came to winning ballgames. He's a proven winner. Did I mention top 5 of current coachs in the whole country in wins? He's almost automatic NCAA no matter who his players are. I'm not saying I like him as a coach but___

Wow, another thread that has degenereted to rehashing the past due to the ramblings of Hill Billy Don. When you go to bed, does your pillow have BH's picture on it?

[SLMadiCat]

In a few months at WV Huggins had already signed 3 top 100 players per scout. Kevin Jones is rated right there with Gates. Being one of the top 5 current coachs with the most wins in D1 college ball means you always get the job done. Huggins just had a 5 star visit in Ebanks. No one ever had to make excuses for Huggins when it came to winning ballgames. He's a proven winner. Did I mention top 5 of current coachs in the whole country in wins? He's almost automatic NCAA no matter who his players are. I'm not saying I like him as a coach but___

People did make excuses when he always lost early in the NCAA's. CUSA was a cake walk.

Michael Beasley and Bill Walker would never gotten UC to the NCAA.

Go Cats!
df


Really? Beasley? Do you need to know why he had no chance of coming to UC?

[SLMadiCat]

In a few months at WV Huggins had already signed 3 top 100 players per scout. Kevin Jones is rated right there with Gates.

WVU only has one top 100 player signed for 2008 according to Rivals. That is Kevin Jones at #73. UC has two top 100 players including top 25 player Yancy Gates. Cash is ranked right there with Kevin Jones. Everyone knows Rivals is more accurate for basketball than scout.

Big East team rankings per Rivals (Early signing period):

1. Georgetown (3)
2. Louisville (4)
3. Syracuse (28)
4. UConn
5. Cincinnati
6. Marquette
7. Rutgers
8. Pittsburgh
9. DePaul
10. Seton Hall
11. West Virginia
12. Providence
13. South Florida
14t. Villanova
14t. Notre Dame
14t. St. John's

[bearcatmark]

People did make excuses when he always lost early in the NCAA's. CUSA was a cake walk.




Really? Beasley? Do you need to know why he had no chance of coming to UC?



Ok seriously anyone who thinks CUSA was a cake walk has absolutely no clue when it comes to college basketball. That is a ridiculous statement. It did not have the depth...there were certainly some weak teams at the bottom... but it had final 4 marquette, final four Louisville (both consistently very good teams)... it had Memphis teams that were loaded with talent. Years where Depaul had a ton of talent... There was very good competition in the league. There were many years where UC finished with top 15 schedules because they also would play strong teams out of conference. Give me a break.

The Big East is a great conference. One I am thrilled to be a part of and I thank the efforts of Bob Huggins and Bob Goin to get us that opportunity. Heck I thank the efforts of Rick Minter who brought some stability to what was one of the toughest jobs in the country. To belittle the cats accomplishments in CUSA is insane. There were multiple UC teams that would have competed for Big East championships... and most would have probably made the NCAA's in the Big East as well (3 or 4 might have been exceptions)... But even with those teams we did not have the ability to recruit and use the Big East as our recruiting tool. It's sad that so many people feel the need to belittle our past to justify our future.

We have a long way to go to get back... Lets celebrate what we once had and strive to bring greater successes to this university.

[Jose_Jalapeno_on_a_Stick]

nmnmnmnmnmnmnmnmnmnmnmnmnmnmnmnmnmnm

[jeffto]

That's probably some fair goals.But when you have a little age on you and it's 5 years NCAA, 10 years conference champs etc. it doesn't excite one very much. All it does is remind one we already had that and more a few short years ago.Why not really live in the past and lament that just a few short decades ago we were winning the championship!

Unless one has a time machine and can go back and take away the car keys, one better stay in the present. I for one think it's pretty exciting watching this phoenix rise again. Early round departures from the tourney and the "baggage" were getting rather boring. Go Mick!!!

[slimm]

This board needs an ignore function.:rolleyes:

It does. Click on the members name, then add them to your ignore list. It works great! Some people are just not worth the time or space.

[jkwuc89]

This thread is now way off topic and has been closed.