Recruiting

[Bearcat_DF]

I am excited about UC's recruiting for 2 primary reasons.

1) I think the McClain signing and the Gates verbal have re-established the program as a serious competitor for recruits. I am sure that Miller, Matta, Calhoun, Pitino, and other BE coaches have taken notice.

2) We are in the best recruiting position we have been in since we were chasing DerMarr Johnson to join us. The reason I make this judgment is that Mick already has 2 verbals for 2008. He can focus his energy on the other 3 scholarships. I hope he nails them down in the fall, though he could afford to hold on 1/2 for a JC player/s in the spring. Theoretically, he will not have a scholarship in 2009 and can focus all of his energy on the 1 scholarship for 2010 and the 6 scholarships in 2011.

Given what Cronin has demonstrated so far, hard work and the ability to build relationships - the 2011 class could be a very good class.

Go Cats!
DF

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

I am excited about UC's recruiting for 2 primary reasons.

1) I think the McClain signing and the Gates verbal have re-established the program as a serious competitor for recruits. I am sure that Miller, Matta, Calhoun, Pitino, and other BE coaches have taken notice.

2) We are in the best recruiting position we have been in since we were chasing DerMarr Johnson to join us. The reason I make this judgment is that Mick already has 2 verbals for 2008. He can focus his energy on the other 3 scholarships. I hope he nails them down in the fall, though he could afford to hold on 1/2 for a JC player/s in the spring. Theoretically, he will not have a scholarship in 2009 and can focus all of his energy on the 1 scholarship for 2010 and the 6 scholarships in 2011.

Given what Cronin has demonstrated so far, hard work and the ability to build relationships - the 2011 class could be a very good class.

Go Cats!
DF

Anybody who wants to be a Bearcat in 2008 better decide this summer.

[bearcatn8]

I am excited about UC's recruiting for 2 primary reasons.

2) We are in the best recruiting position we have been in since we were chasing DerMarr Johnson to join us. The reason I make this judgment is that Mick already has 2 verbals for 2008. He can focus his energy on the other 3 scholarships. I hope he nails them down in the fall, though he could afford to hold on 1/2 for a JC player/s in the spring. Theoretically, he will not have a scholarship in 2009 and can focus all of his energy on the 1 scholarship for 2010 and the 6 scholarships in 2011.

DF

I have always wondered in situations like this how much attention a coach pays to a guy that he already has received a verbal from. With Gates, for example, does Cronin spend a considerable amount of time "checking in" with him to make sure that no one else slips in under the radar? I know that Gates is likely to honor his committment given that he's a local kid, but when it comes to non-locals, I imagine it's another story.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

[QUOTE=bearcatn8;1579]With Gates, for example, does Cronin spend a considerable amount of time "checking in" with him to make sure that no one else slips in under the radar?][\QUOTE]

yes.

[CincySuperFan]

Cronin will stay on top of Gates. I know someone who made a verbal to play D-1 ball a few years ago and everytime a rumor came out that he was considering a visit somewhere, a coach fromhis verbal school showed up on his doorstep to spend the day with him. Mick will talk to Gates a lot.

[Kindog202]

Mike, what's up? Not updating the recruiting page to "Welcome" Biggie and Alvin Mitchell. Not starting a file on Dee Bost, when it seems like Mick is on him pretty good (Rivals article today stated Mick was watching his game in Pittsburgh). Just kidding Mike, felt like giving you a hard time...you really do an excellent job with the website. Keep up the good work. Thanks again.

[MikeInClifton]

Mike, what's up? Not updating the recruiting page to "Welcome" Biggie and Alvin Mitchell. Not starting a file on Dee Bost, when it seems like Mick is on him pretty good (Rivals article today stated Mick was watching his game in Pittsburgh). Just kidding Mike, felt like giving you a hard time...you really do an excellent job with the website. Keep up the good work. Thanks again.

Whoops, forgot. Fixed.

There were a lot of coaches watching Bost, not just Cronin. But I will get a file together.

[Kindog202]

Thanks for the update Mike. Who do you feel fits better in Mick's system and who do you think Mick would choose if he had to choose one of these PG's? - Fortson, Bost, Theodore or Walker. I'm asking you since you've seen them play but if anyone else has an opinion, fire away. Maybe list them from most likely to succeed to least likely to succeed. From what I've heard and read about each, I would list them as Bost - Fortson - Theodore - Walker, although, I have to admit, I haven't heard too much recently about Theodore and Walker. I list Bost ahead of Fortson, only because of his crazy athleticism and because he seems to be a little bigger than Courtney. I guess you can throw Wyse onto this list, but I've kind of cooled on him. Here's to hoping Mick lands either Bost or Fortson.

Also, do you guys think we will see anymore verbals from the '08 class announced before the late sigining period? the end of the summer? It sounds like we are pretty close on a few guys. Thanks.

[MikeInClifton]

Who do you feel fits better in Mick's system and who do you think Mick would choose if he had to choose one of these PG's? - Fortson, Bost, Theodore or Walker.

I'd be able to better answer that question if I could have seen them play three games each instead of one game each.

All four are similar players with slight advantages over the other in different parts of their games. But their overall talent is so strong that Mick would likely take the first one that shows an interest in Cin. I would be happy with any of the four as all four would fit into a Cronin system.

When you are dealing with players at this level - especially at PG - you take the best you can get. Competition is fierce.

Walker and Theodore (NY Gauchos) will be in Akron this weekend so I will possibly see them again. I believe the others are going to a Nashville tourney.

If you force me to pick one, I'd pick Fortson for now. Hopefully I will see them all again this summer though.

[IKnowMoreThanYou]

Theodore and Walker, playing for the same AAU team are strikingly similar players, both standing around 6-0 (maybe) and tough NJ/NYC point guards who can really drive to the hoop and defend. A decent comparison would be Louisville PG Edgar Sosa, without the explosive offensive potential he showed late in the year. They need to work on their outside shot quite a bit. Bost is the biggest of the 4 and he isn't even that big, perhaps 6-1, but is the best shooter of the 4 and would commit on the spot if UC offered him for 2008.

[waterhead]

Theodore and Walker, playing for the same AAU team are strikingly similar players, both standing around 6-0 (maybe) and tough NJ/NYC point guards who can really drive to the hoop and defend. A decent comparison would be Louisville PG Edgar Sosa, without the explosive offensive potential he showed late in the year. They need to work on their outside shot quite a bit. Bost is the biggest of the 4 and he isn't even that big, perhaps 6-1, but is the best shooter of the 4 and would commit on the spot if UC offered him for 2008.

According to Mike we should grab him if he's ready to committ to become a Bearcat. "Competition is fierce". If there is not much difference between these guards except for that Bost is the biggest, the best shooter and is the most physically gifted what are we waiting for?

[MikeInClifton]

According to Mike we should grab him if he's ready to committ to become a Bearcat. "Competition is fierce". If there is not much difference between these guards except for that Bost is the biggest, the best shooter and is the most physically gifted what are we waiting for?

There are two parties in this transaction. The player and the program.
if the program wanted the player, they express that. But its up to the player to say 'yes'.

Its quite probable that Cronin has offered all four.

The players at this level have 30+ schools in their ear. They get to pick the prettiest girl - I mean, program.

All Mick (or any coach) can do is offer a scholly, answer their phone when the player calls and keep up the sweet talk.

[MikeInClifton]

Theodore and Walker, playing for the same AAU team are strikingly similar players, both standing around 6-0 (maybe) and tough NJ/NYC point guards who can really drive to the hoop and defend. A decent comparison would be Louisville PG Edgar Sosa, without the explosive offensive potential he showed late in the year. They need to work on their outside shot quite a bit. Bost is the biggest of the 4 and he isn't even that big, perhaps 6-1, but is the best shooter of the 4 and would commit on the spot if UC offered him for 2008.

Fortson is actually the biggest of the four.
Bost is the tallest, but thin and wiry.

[IKnowMoreThanYou]

My bad, should have put tallest, not biggest. Everything I've seen on Bost and Fortson indicate that they have high interest in UC but haven't gotten an offer just yet. I believe Theodore and Walker do have offers but how high the staff is on them is uncertain.

[waterhead]

There are two parties in this transaction. The player and the program.
if the program wanted the player, they express that. But its up to the player to say 'yes'.

Its quite probable that Cronin has offered all four.

The players at this level have 30+ schools in their ear. They get to pick the prettiest girl - I mean, program.

All Mick (or any coach) can do is offer a scholly, answer their phone when the player calls and keep up the sweet talk.

Thanks for filling me in Mike. My comment was kind of directed at IKnow who had said Bost would commit tomorrow if we offered. Unless Mick had a better option that he was sure about he would make the offer and Bost would commit (based on IKnow's comment). I just hope Mick gets the guy he really wants.

[Bearcat_DF]

Mike,

How much might Vaughn's presence hurt in our ability to get a top pg in the 2008 class. It seems a top recruit would be looking for playing time and it is likely Vaughn will be pretty firmly positioned at the pg and he will only be a junior.

Seems like it may be smart to get a solid PG and start recruiting the best pg in the 2010 class. That pg could come in and start as a freshman with a strong supporting class - (throwing some red meat) - Mitchell, McClain, Henry, Bishop, Belton, and Davis will all be seniors; Yates and Wilkes will be juniors, and McElroy will be a sophomore.

Can we schedule OSU for 2010 today!

Go Cats!
DF

[waterhead]

Mike,

How much might Vaughn's presence hurt in our ability to get a top pg in the 2008 class. It seems a top recruit would be looking for playing time and it is likely Vaughn will be pretty firmly positioned at the pg and he will only be a junior.

Seems like it may be smart to get a solid PG and start recruiting the best pg in the 2010 class. That pg could come in and start as a freshman with a strong supporting class - (throwing some red meat) - Mitchell, McClain, Henry, Bishop, Belton, and Davis will all be seniors; Yates and Wilkes will be juniors, and McElroy will be a sophomore.

Can we schedule OSU for 2010 today!

Go Cats!
DF

First of all I don't think there is a 5 star PG left in 08' let alone one that has interest in UC. Second of all I agree with your point anyway that 09' or 10' might be a good place to look for a 5 star guy. I say pick up a 4 star guy this year to play behind Vauhn and learn the ropes. If he turns out to be awesome Vaughn can move to the #2. I have said this before in regards to Jamison Morgan. He need not be concerned that Gates and McClain have signed. If he is good enough to start Mick will get him in the lineup somehow even if they have to start two centers or two PF's.

Mick is undoubtedly selling it to the players that way. He is saying don't worry about who we have on our team...you are good enough to play for us and I will see that you get in the lineup as long as you work hard. If you look at the programs recruiting 5 star guys year in and year out they don't seem to have a problem closing the deal even with 5 star guys already on the team.

[jeffto]

No one has made the observation that the word JUCO is gone from the discussion. That hasn't happened at UC for a long time. That's progress!

[cpawfan]

No one has made the observation that the word JUCO is gone from the discussion. That hasn't happened at UC for a long time. That's progress!

Who needs Juco when you have Harmony Prep

[Bearcat_DF]

No one has made the observation that the word JUCO is gone from the discussion. That hasn't happened at UC for a long time. That's progress!

Jeffto,

That was my point in the original post - Cronin has us in a great position - he is only recruiting 3 for 2008 and then one in 2010! I can still see a scenario where we recruit a JUCO pg or c for 2008. Hopefully we'll get JMison Morgan, Will Brown, and Dee Bost or a similar group to round out the 2008 class.

Still, given all of that youth, it might be smart to get a lunch pail JUCO player to add some maturity to the team chemistry.

Go Cats!
DF

[waterhead]

Jeffto,

Hopefully we'll get JMison Morgan, Will Brown, and Dee Bost or a similar group to round out the 2008 class.
DF

I like the sound of Morgan and Bost or Morgan and Fortson. After that we could stop worrying about center and guard for a couple years. Power forward would be wrapped up. Swing man or shooting guard would be about the only thing left and I hope we took care of that this year with Henry, Mitchell, Bishop and/or Davis. If we can get Morgan plus Bost or Fortson we may just want to hold on to that last scholarship to get an idea of where we need the most help. Then we could use it in the late signing period of 08', in 09' or even in juco next year.

I know that's wishful thinking and putting the cart before the horse but that's my wish list for right now. I reserve the right to change my mind.