Slats wins Deveroes League Championship

[MikeInClifton]

As posted on the other thread, Slats won the title game 101-93, but I thought the game deserved its own thread since Slats had yet to win the DSL championship.

Mike Williams had an amazing game with 24 pts and 18 rebounds (if my memory serves) and with Deonta going 0-7 from deep, each of those rebounds were needed.

Dion Dixon had more high rise dunks and good effort. And Cashmere led the team and showed his hops and overall ability. Stats for Slats will be here (http://www.greatercincinnatisportsworld.com/Deveroes-Results__08.html) soon. Dixon got a nice round of applause after one good stretch, but Williams received two strong rounds of applause after some excellent effort.

The big confrontation was Yancy Gates vs new XU big man Kenny Frease. The effectively broke even in their first 3-4 face-off's although fouls played a big part. YG did have some blocks. The energy from the crowd that arose upon this possible matchup for the whole game was dissipated when Frease was substituted for liberally and YG was in and out late in some offense/defense substituting by Coach D'Juan Baker.

The game was close throughout and had a one point differential at the half. At one point in the second half, Slats pushed out to an 11 point lead, only to have Flessa go on a 6-0 run. It was a three point difference with 3 mins left, so it went down to the wire.

Late in the second half, Alvin Mitchell was fouled on a trey attempt seemingly giving Flessa an easy chance at three points, but Mitchell missed all three shots. Then BJ Raymond snuck in for the rebound to get back two of the missed points.

The crowd included former Bearcats George Wilson, Damon Flint and new Cincinnati State coaches Andre Tate and Corie Blount. I also saw Herb Jones chatting with XU great Byron Larkin as well.

Current and recent Bearcats like Alvin Mitchell (playing for the opponents, Flessa) Jamual Warren, Nick Aldridge and Rashad Bishop also attended.

Kudo's to BJ Raymond who poured in 38 pts in a losing effort.

[Corporateballa]

I think the score was something like 99-93? Any UC fan who was there can't help but be excited about the future of our program! I'd like to offer one man's observations:

Deonta Vaughn - Didn't score like he can, and had an off night from three...but looks super explosive. This guy looks more and more like a pro. Is showing a cross-over move that I didn't see last year. Is blowing by guys and getting to the rim at will and finishing consistently. Very active on defense...this guy is poised for a HUGE year.

Mike Williams - The first time that I ever saw him play hard. BEASTLY! He might have had double digit offensive rebounds. Best hands in the program since Danny Fortson...he squeezes EVERYTHING!!! Unguardable turn-a-round J with a high release point. Now I can see what Mick is talking about.

Dion Dixon - I'm ready to make a couple of declarations about this kid. He is the best player in this recruiting class. He is distinctively better than Alvin Mitchell. He will start at some point this year. You could argue that he was the most impressive/complete basketball player on the floor. I was most impressed by his defense. He was the only player that effectively guarded BJ Raymond (BJ - might have had 40). This kids has the rare combination of elite athleticism, and advanced basketball skillz. His shooting stroke is pure/lights out! Cat quick - he was blowing by defenders at will and finishing strong...he had as many dunks (four) as threes. He is an excellent rebounder. Extremely quick off the ground. Flat out more athletic than last years recruits.

Cashmere Wright - He's going to be a great point guard. Has all of the tangibles - speed, can shoot it, elite athleticism, can finish at the rim...will he be good enough this year to start and lead from day one???? That remains to be seen.

Yancy Gates - He is a pro. He had like 6 or 7 dunks. Rebounded really well. His offensive post game is really raw. He is very skilled, so I have no doubt that he will develop his post options. He struggled some to score against Kenny Freese. No signs of the "laziness" label.

Alvin Mitchell - Looks to be in great shape. Very strong physically, but limited athletically. He can score in bunches, and worked very hard on D, but had no answer for Dixon. At one stretch in the second half, Dion was alternately blowing by him and crossing him over and then draining threes and shaking his head at Alvin as to say "you can't guard me".

Kenny Freese - Very skilled, very big. Didn't play nearly enough. He really bothered Yancy at times. Light years ahead of McClain right now.

BJ Raymond - this guy will be one of the best shooters in the nation. Very tough match-up. Too big for guards, and a tough match-up for bigs on the perimeter.

Very entertaining contest. These guys competed very hard. The intensity level was sky high.
__________________
Balla 4-real, you can call me Mello...see me on the wood at the finals like HELLO!!! :-

[shaunsimpson]

If Dixon's Summer league translates well to the more structured college game then he will be one of the crowd favorites. Didn't see him play, but everything I hear about him is exciting, plays hard and fun to watch.

[ralph1950]

Being a kill joy, winning the summer league plus a dollar will get you a soft drink at McDonald's. It will not win you a single Big East game during the season. It means nothing.

[SLMadiCat]

Could you please find the quote saying that winning the summer league means you will win the Big East? I don't think anyone said that.

[CroninCrazy]

Being a kill joy, winning the summer league plus a dollar will get you a soft drink at McDonald's. It will not win you a single Big East game during the season. It means nothing.

It's sad, but Ralph = Debbie Downer.

[BasketBySteveLogan]

Obviously, the summer league has mixed meanings. But we CAN take away some positives:

1) At least Deonta got a chance to play with basically his starting line-up in a decently competitive atmosphere for 8 or 9 games. Regardless of the level of competition, that can only help to start building chemistry and awareness as to what the other guys tendencies/strengths/weaknesses are.

2) Mike Williams seems to be legitimately healthy (knock on wood hugely...). He will be very very important to UC's success this season, so the fact that he was able to play, while winning MVP honors to ice the cake, is big.

3) Confidence. It's HUGE. As much as people can say that the summer league results don't matter, and it's a guards league, and nobody plays D, and bla bla bla... the fact is, the UC team WON. Confidence can drastically improve anyone's situation.

4) Cashmere and Dion Dixon. These two guys sound like they are about 500% more athletic and well, a ton better, than the guards in last season's class. And yeah I know, I know.. "it's just the summer league," yeah yeah yeah I know this. But nobody was saying ANYTHING to the tune that these guys are being described about Larry Davis, Alvin Mitchell, Wilks, Rashad.. even Deonta at the time.

5) A trimmer, more cut, quicker Deonta. He didn't drive the ball a whole lot last season, which makes sense since he had zero shooting help, thus teams could clog the lane... but it sounds like he is much faster with the ball now. I always said he should find a way to get to the foul line 8-10 times/game on average, and it sounds as if he knows that now.

So, while guys like Ralph will write off this whole summer league experience to the old, tired "it's just the summer league, it doesnt win you any Big East games" verbage, I think it's obvious there are plenty of positives to take away from this summer session. And I, for one, am very very very excited about watching THIS team.

Just think about this: Last season's team had, what, ONE guy who ever dunked (Williamson)? Well look at this roster. Now that Deonta is dunking, the ENTIRE roster can dunk. If that doesn't excite you than you need to get your &%*&s checked.

[Corporateballa]

...Can see that these recruits significantly upgrade the talent in the program. Last year we have a 6'4" PF, a 6'10" C that couldn't make a lay-up, and a PG who was slow and couldn't shoot. If those three guys had any eligibility left, they would get off the bench this year. And we haven't even seen Toyloy play (he is supposed to be an athletic offensive rebounding machine).

Dixon reminds my of a young Randy Foye (Villinova), with a little D-Wade. This program has NEVER has a PG as athletic as Wright nor a BIG as BIG and athletic as Gates...and I'm talking about ever in the history of the program!!! Couldn't say that about any of last year's recruits. Throw in Mike Williams and I think there is no way this team is not in the top-8 of the BE.

On a separate note, I heard from the most reliable source possible today that the Chane Behannon recruitment is a done deal (he has committed to Mick). It's going to get tougher and tougher on the negative posters. Weigh in now while there is still time to be really pessimistic!

Obviously, the summer league has mixed meanings. But we CAN take away some positives:

1) At least Deonta got a chance to play with basically his starting line-up in a decently competitive atmosphere for 8 or 9 games. Regardless of the level of competition, that can only help to start building chemistry and awareness as to what the other guys tendencies/strengths/weaknesses are.

2) Mike Williams seems to be legitimately healthy (knock on wood hugely...). He will be very very important to UC's success this season, so the fact that he was able to play, while winning MVP honors to ice the cake, is big.

3) Confidence. It's HUGE. As much as people can say that the summer league results don't matter, and it's a guards league, and nobody plays D, and bla bla bla... the fact is, the UC team WON. Confidence can drastically improve anyone's situation.

4) Cashmere and Dion Dixon. These two guys sound like they are about 500% more athletic and well, a ton better, than the guards in last season's class. And yeah I know, I know.. "it's just the summer league," yeah yeah yeah I know this. But nobody was saying ANYTHING to the tune that these guys are being described about Larry Davis, Alvin Mitchell, Wilks, Rashad.. even Deonta at the time.

5) A trimmer, more cut, quicker Deonta. He didn't drive the ball a whole lot last season, which makes sense since he had zero shooting help, thus teams could clog the lane... but it sounds like he is much faster with the ball now. I always said he should find a way to get to the foul line 8-10 times/game on average, and it sounds as if he knows that now.

So, while guys like Ralph will write off this whole summer league experience to the old, tired "it's just the summer league, it doesnt win you any Big East games" verbage, I think it's obvious there are plenty of positives to take away from this summer session. And I, for one, am very very very excited about watching THIS team.

Just think about this: Last season's team had, what, ONE guy who ever dunked (Williamson)? Well look at this roster. Now that Deonta is dunking, the ENTIRE roster can dunk. If that doesn't excite you than you need to get your &%*&s checked.

[Corporateballa]

After Cashmere de-committed from Clemson, he made official visits to Pitt, and Tennessee - and had numerous other offers. This kid is a big time talent.

[NorrisHopper30]

...Can see that these recruits significantly upgrade the talent in the program. Last year we have a 6'4" PF, a 6'10" C that couldn't make a lay-up, and a PG who was slow and couldn't shoot. If those three guys had any eligibility left, they would get off the bench this year. And we haven't even seen Toyloy play (he is supposed to be an athletic offensive rebounding machine).

Dixon reminds my of a young Randy Foye (Villinova), with a little D-Wade. This program has NEVER has a PG as athletic as Wright nor a BIG as BIG and athletic as Gates...and I'm talking about ever in the history of the program!!! Couldn't say that about any of last year's recruits. Throw in Mike Williams and I think there is no way this team is not in the top-8 of the BE.

On a separate note, I heard from the most reliable source possible today that the Chane Behannon recruitment is a done deal (he has committed to Mick). It's going to get tougher and tougher on the negative posters. Weigh in now while there is still time to be really pessimistic!
Well, where did you hear this about Chane?

[Bcatfan08]

Being a kill joy, winning the summer league plus a dollar will get you a soft drink at McDonald's. It will not win you a single Big East game during the season. It means nothing.

What does this have to do with anything? This is a basketball board and its the summer. What else do you expect people to talk about on here? I really think you fail to understand the concept of this forum. This isn't just to talk about games. Its to talk about anything to do with UC basketball and believe it or not these summer basketball games have a bit to do with our basketball team. If you only want to talk about the games then leave and come back in November. Some UC fans like to hear how our players perform in summer games as a preparation for the season. Its no different than reading articles on how our football team performed in spring practices or in the spring game. We all know they have no bearing on the season, but as fans, we like updates to see how our new players perform against some real competition.

[Billy Don]

...Can see that these recruits significantly upgrade the talent in the program. Last year we have a 6'4" PF, a 6'10" C that couldn't make a lay-up, and a PG who was slow and couldn't shoot. If those three guys had any eligibility left, they would get off the bench this year. And we haven't even seen Toyloy play (he is supposed to be an athletic offensive rebounding machine).

Dixon reminds my of a young Randy Foye (Villinova), with a little D-Wade. This program has NEVER has a PG as athletic as Wright nor a BIG as BIG and athletic as Gates...and I'm talking about ever in the history of the program!!! Couldn't say that about any of last year's recruits. Throw in Mike Williams and I think there is no way this team is not in the top-8 of the BE.

On a separate note, I heard from the most reliable source possible today that the Chane Behannon recruitment is a done deal (he has committed to Mick). It's going to get tougher and tougher on the negative posters. Weigh in now while there is still time to be really pessimistic!

Previous I though it was agreed UC would finish 9th in the Big East this coming season. After several good reports from the summer league 8th place in the conference is being mentioned. Mid pack in the conference doesn't do much to get me excited. I'm still programed to winning the conference or at least top 2. Nothing wrong with fans getting exicited about a mid pack finish I guess. Even after 3 years I still have memories of winning the conference, top 25 team, NCAA every year, etc. If I could lower my standards for UC basketball maybe I could get excited about a mid pack finish. It looks like that's what it's going to take since being top 4 or better in the conference is a long way's off. I don't think I can pull the trigger though since I've always been a winner. Midpack sounds like a loser to me.

[Kindog202]

Previous I though it was agreed UC would finish 9th in the Big East this coming season. After several good reports from the summer league 8th place in the conference is being mentioned. Mid pack in the conference doesn't do much to get me excited. I'm still programed to winning the conference or at least top 2. Nothing wrong with fans getting exicited about a mid pack finish I guess. Even after 3 years I still have memories of winning the conference, top 25 team, NCAA every year, etc. If I could lower my standards for UC basketball maybe I could get excited about a mid pack finish. It looks like that's what it's going to take since being top 4 or better in the conference is a long way's off. I don't think I can pull the trigger though since I've always been a winner. Midpack sounds like a loser to me.

Had UC been in the Big East during those years, they would not be winning the conference championship every year. This program is starting to get it's feet back under it. The future looks very good at this point.

[Major ----de Coverley]

Some posters who are part of the glass half empty crowd (for Billy D the glass is bone dry ) I wish they would hold the quality of their posts to the same standard they hold UC basketball. A quality post might include a new thought or angle that has yet to appear, or an embellishment to an existing entry that adds value. Taunting in a negative fashion over and over for attention not only lacks quality but is also rather sad.
I have high hopes for this year and believe that no matter what level of success that is achieved there will finally be the talent to have exciting and entertaining basketball again.

[bubbachunk]

Some posters who are part of the glass half empty crowd (for Billy D the glass is bone dry ) I wish they would hold the quality of their posts to the same standard they hold UC basketball. A quality post might include a new thought or angle that has yet to appear, or an embellishment to an existing entry that adds value. Taunting in a negative fashion over and over for attention not only lacks quality but is also rather sad.
I have high hopes for this year and believe that no matter what level of success that is achieved there will finally be the talent to have exciting and entertaining basketball again.

haha wow that could not have been more perfectly said!

[SLMadiCat]

Well, where did you hear this about Chane?

You would think the most reliable source possible is Chane himself. Even from the horses mouth can sometimes be unreliable. Let's hope it's true.

[Eastside_J]

You would think the most reliable source possible is Chane himself. Even from the horses mouth can sometimes be unreliable. Let's hope it's true.

Yes, Chane would be a monster here. Lets hope this does happen. I think it will.

[CincyBearcat95]

Agreed, well said Major ----de Coverley. I think Ralph and Billy Boy are both retired and really have nothing else to do but stir the pot. Being realistic about the incredibly improved competition of the Big East over CUSA is not settling. Being realistic about a program that was decimated and is working its way back is not settling. Being a fan, short for fanatic, is about believing in your team even when your not the league champion or in the top 25!

[Mick's Da Man]

Previous I though it was agreed UC would finish 9th in the Big East this coming season. After several good reports from the summer league 8th place in the conference is being mentioned. Mid pack in the conference doesn't do much to get me excited. I'm still programed to winning the conference or at least top 2. Nothing wrong with fans getting exicited about a mid pack finish I guess. Even after 3 years I still have memories of winning the conference, top 25 team, NCAA every year, etc. If I could lower my standards for UC basketball maybe I could get excited about a mid pack finish. It looks like that's what it's going to take since being top 4 or better in the conference is a long way's off. I don't think I can pull the trigger though since I've always been a winner. Midpack sounds like a loser to me.

It's always been the '09-'10 season that UC will be in the top 4 of the Big East.........WRITE IT DOWN. I've never heard anyone predict any sooner.

Now, if things go UC's way and with a little luck, they could surprise this year. But the Big East is going to be the best conference in the country this year, bar none. So 6 sophomores and 4 freshmen (Dixon, Cashmere, Toyloy, and Gates....actually Toyloy is a JUCO, sorry), and then a PF who hasn't played in 2 seasons (Mike Williams), and then 1 experienced player - Deonta Vaughn, and technically no seniors unless Mike doesn't get an additional year.........lead this team to be seriously inexperienced. Face it, Warren saw all the minutes at PG last year........Williamson saw all the minutes at PF..........Adam saw all the minutes at Center. Our entire low post is new and we will be playing a frosh PG. Really only Bishop and Vaughn return with significant playing experience. Mike Williams gets a pass since he hasn't played a real college game since his days at Texas. The sophomores didn't play much last year.

Having said all this, the talent level is seriously improved. Compare:

C - Adam or McClain/Gates? No contest in terms of talent. I just couldn't see McClain or Gates missing that many bunnies, and certainly they would grab more rebounds.
PF - Williamson or Mike Williams? After watching Mike Williams quick low post moves, quick positioning for rebounds and extreme hustle in the Deveroes championship game, I am convinced he is an upgrade over a decent John Williamson.
SF - Bishop or Bishop/Mitchell? Mitchell's performance this Summer and rumors of a better attitude make me think this position will be upgraded just by having 2 talented guys man it.
SG - No question Vaughn is even better, even quicker, even smarter. He wasn't first team All-Big East for nothing.
PG - Warren or Wright? Wright struggled from the perimeter in the championship game, but has a reputation of being deadly from the outside. His athleticism far exceeds Warren's. His handle far exceeds Warren's. No more will defenses be backing off our PG because he is no threat to score.

Improved low post. Improved perimeter shooting. Only thing lacking is experience.

[swilsonsp4]

Previous I though it was agreed UC would finish 9th in the Big East this coming season. After several good reports from the summer league 8th place in the conference is being mentioned. Mid pack in the conference doesn't do much to get me excited. I'm still programed to winning the conference or at least top 2. Nothing wrong with fans getting exicited about a mid pack finish I guess. Even after 3 years I still have memories of winning the conference, top 25 team, NCAA every year, etc. If I could lower my standards for UC basketball maybe I could get excited about a mid pack finish. It looks like that's what it's going to take since being top 4 or better in the conference is a long way's off. I don't think I can pull the trigger though since I've always been a winner. Midpack sounds like a loser to me.

My goodness. This program was dead in the water. We don't need to rehash the sordid details that led to it, but what kinds of expectations are these after only three seasons of a self-inflicted de facto death penalty?

I've always been a winner myself, and I dare say most posters at this forum are also. Mid-pack in the Beast is a miraculous comeback. No program in the country that had fallen so far, so quickly could walk into that depth of power and dominate it.

The current recruits, along with Mike Williams, are the real deal. Dion Dixon is a steal. Cashmere Wright is Kenny Satterfield-quick with a deadly outside shot. Yancy Gates doesn't miss bunnies. Yancy Gates doesn't even take bunnies. He's big, agile and strong. He's going to get stronger.

Are the Bearcats going to win the BE regular season? I don't see anything like that happening this year. Will they make it to the NCAA tourney? Quite likely. They're young, and that will cause some hiccups, but they're also very talented.

This isn't Cedric McGowan and a bunch of walk-ons. The Cats are back.

[BigDaddyCornHusker]

This isn't Cedric McGowan and a bunch of walk-ons. The Cats are back.

Great line.

The Cats have come a long way.

[jeffto]

Having said all this, the talent level is seriously improved. Compare:

C - Adam or McClain/Gates? No contest in terms of talent. I just couldn't see McClain or Gates missing that many bunnies, and certainly they would grab more rebounds.
PF - Williamson or Mike Williams? After watching Mike Williams quick low post moves, quick positioning for rebounds and extreme hustle in the Deveroes championship game, I am convinced he is an upgrade over a decent John Williamson.
SF - Bishop or Bishop/Mitchell? Mitchell's performance this Summer and rumors of a better attitude make me think this position will be upgraded just by having 2 talented guys man it.
SG - No question Vaughn is even better, even quicker, even smarter. He wasn't first team All-Big East for nothing.
PG - Warren or Wright? Wright struggled from the perimeter in the championship game, but has a reputation of being deadly from the outside. His athleticism far exceeds Warren's. His handle far exceeds Warren's. No more will defenses be backing off our PG because he is no threat to score.

Improved low post. Improved perimeter shooting. Only thing lacking is experience. I agree with your post, but I think it's premature to predict starters. I believe Vaughn is the only sure thing. The incoming freshman seem to be more athletic than last year's, but last year's players have more experience. There will be battles for every position except SG and I think Deonta will not have to play 40 mins every night. We will have someone who can come in and spell him w/o shutting down our offense.

The good thing is the battle for playing time will elevate everyone's performance.

Also, please don't lump Ralph in with Billy D. Ralph was trying to remind everyone that summer league success does not automatically project to Div. I success and that's a fact - not his opinion. Billy D is just a Debbie Downer who tries to foist off his opinions as fact. But I still love ALL the posts on here!

[CincyBearcat95]

I agree with your post, but I think it's premature to predict starters. I believe Vaughn is the only sure thing. The incoming freshman seem to be more athletic than last year's, but last year's players have more experience. There will be battles for every position except SG and I think Deonta will not have to play 40 mins every night. We will have someone who can come in and spell him w/o shutting down our offense.

The good thing is the battle for playing time will elevate everyone's performance.

Also, please don't lump Ralph in with Billy D. Ralph was trying to remind everyone that summer league success does not automatically project to Div. I success and that's a fact - not his opinion. Billy D is just a Debbie Downer who tries to foist off his opinions as fact. But I still love ALL the posts on here!

Just curious, why do you think Mike Williams is not a given for starter?

[MikeInClifton]

Just curious, why do you think Mike Williams is not a given for starter?

Agree. I think DV and MW are definite starters.

[Kindog202]

Didn't want to start a new thread... Is Toyloy in town yet? If not, any reason to be concerned that he may not make it?

[jeffto]

Agree. I think DV and MW are definite starters.More than likely he'll start, but I don't know that it's a sure thing. 1. Discount (not ignore) his Slats performance-it's summer league, blah, blah, blah. 2. He hasn't played Div. I ball in how many years? 3. How much has the injury slowed him down?

For emotional reasons I hope he starts, but we'll see what Mick does if another option helps the team win.

[Mick's Da Man]

More than likely he'll start, but I don't know that it's a sure thing. 1. Discount (not ignore) his Slats performance-it's summer league, blah, blah, blah. 2. He hasn't played Div. I ball in how many years? 3. How much has the injury slowed him down?

For emotional reasons I hope he starts, but we'll see what Mick does if another option helps the team win.

Barring injury or being suspended/kicked off the team........if Mike Williams is healthy enough to play and eligible to play, I will bet you 1 meal-yun dollars that he starts. :D

[Kindog202]

I agree, I think Vaughn and Williams have their starting spots locked up. Wright's development and Mick's comfort level with him will determine if Vaughn is the "1" or the "2". Williams is a lock as the "4". I also think Bishop is a pretty good bet at the "3" but not as solid a lock as Vaughn or Williams. The other 2 positions at this point are up for grabs.

[lt7784]

More than likely he'll start, but I don't know that it's a sure thing. 1. Discount (not ignore) his Slats performance-it's summer league, blah, blah, blah. 2. He hasn't played Div. I ball in how many years? 3. How much has the injury slowed him down?

For emotional reasons I hope he starts, but we'll see what Mick does if another option helps the team win.

There really aren't any other options. Mike Williams is a smart veteran player and a former McD's AA. Who else could challenge him? McClain, Belton, Gates, or Toyloy? I haven't seen Toyloy play, but MW would definitely start over the other three, and Toyloy, too, from what I've heard.

[thekid226]

i dont see why the bearcats just cant put Vaughn at the point and put Mitchell at the 2 cuz he's the shooter and go with Bishop, Biggie, and MW as the forwards...to me this lineup looks good i dont know why he cant have Bishop and Mitchell on the floor at the same time...and have u seen Bishop body he is definately been hittin the weights and Mitchell is there with him

[Scheids21]

i dont see why the bearcats just cant put Vaughn at the point and put Mitchell at the 2 cuz he's the shooter and go with Bishop, Biggie, and MW as the forwards...to me this lineup looks good i dont know why he cant have Bishop and Mitchell on the floor at the same time...and have u seen Bishop body he is definately been hittin the weights and Mitchell is there with him

We can have Bishop and Mitchell on the floor at the same time, when were giving Vaughn a breather. IMHO the offense just does not run well when Vaughn is at point. He is a 2 guard all the way and by far our best. We now have enough weapons to hold the fort so that Vaughn doesn't have to play 40 every single night.

[CincyBearcat95]

From everything I've heard, sounds like Wright is showing that he has the talent as a Freshman to run point. Would rather see Vaughn concentrate on scoring than distributing the ball.

[SLMadiCat]

To start the season, IMO:
Wright
Vaughn
Bishop
Williams
Toyloy

Wright definitely has the skills, so unless it takes him a while to learn the offense (and defense), I think he'll start from day 1. Yancy may be the most talented player on the court, but as a Freshman it will take him some time. I could see him starting mid-way through. Never seen Toyloy but generally JUCO's are quicker to adapt. Someone may overtake Bishop mid way through but I see him starting early on b/c of experience and he is an intelligent player.

[shaunsimpson]

I would love to see Yancy be the first man off the bench. He can play as many minutes as it takes, but keep him on the bench to explain the defense to me. My fear is that he will get excited and be out of posiiton and be in foul trouble.

I am hoping that McClain has evolved enough to start, but if not then Toyloy may be a good choice to get some minutes at the start.

[Kindog202]

Agreed, I think Yancy will be the first big off the bench. It wouldn't surprise me to see Gates start next to Williams if Toyloy or McClain aren't ready. Hard to comment on the Center position not knowing if (1) Toyloy will be OK (no one has confirmed he is here yet) and (2) what Toyloy gives vs what McClain gives at the position.

[jeffto]

There really aren't any other options. Mike Williams is a smart veteran player and a former McD's AA. Who else could challenge him? McClain, Belton, Gates, or Toyloy? I haven't seen Toyloy play, but MW would definitely start over the other three, and Toyloy, too, from what I've heard.Age does not make you a veteran player. He played 13 mins a game for Texas 3 years ago; hasn't played a division I game since then and has blown an Achilles. He is smart and is a McD AA (not former - I think you keep the title forever) so let's hope he can deliver. I just don't see a lock as a starter. I place him 85% sure thing, not 100%.

[Kindog202]

Mike still is the most experienced post player on the roster. I think Mick likes his leadership and at least starting out the year, I think he is a lock to start.

[Eastside_J]

Age does not make you a veteran player. He played 13 mins a game for Texas 3 years ago; hasn't played a division I game since then and has blown an Achilles. He is smart and is a McD AA (not former - I think you keep the title forever) so let's hope he can deliver. I just don't see a lock as a starter. I place him 85% sure thing, not 100%.

As long as Mike Williams is healthy he is in the starting lineup. You can cash that check at any bank in America, payable in Gold, Silver or the precious metal of your choice.

[milfordcats]

As long as Mike Williams is healthy he is in the starting lineup. You can cash that check at any bank in America, payable in Gold, Silver or the precious metal of your choice.

Instead of metal can I get that cashed in oil?

[Mick's Da Man]

Age does not make you a veteran player. He played 13 mins a game for Texas 3 years ago; hasn't played a division I game since then and has blown an Achilles. He is smart and is a McD AA (not former - I think you keep the title forever) so let's hope he can deliver. I just don't see a lock as a starter. I place him 85% sure thing, not 100%.

You obviously didn't watch Mike in the summer league. In comparison to other UC big men, Mike was miles ahead.