Great Article on Riek and Gates

[Cpaw]

This give another insight as to the next 2 years (let's hope) with Gates and Riek.

Cpaw

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/briefingroom?&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncb %2frecruiting%2fbriefingroom

[Scheids21]

Good article. I didnt expect them to say most of his points would come in transition. I like the thought of Gates and "the human eraser" cleaning out the inside for us.

[ralph1950]

Looks like NCAA Champions to me!

[Scheids21]

Looks like NCAA Champions to me!

I know you claim you're serious but I really don't believe it

[red_n_black_attack]

I know you claim you're serious but I really don't believe it

The first step to becoming you are a winner, is to believe that you are a winner. I have a reason to believe this team will be competitive in EVERY game with a chance to win them all. That said, I don't expect that to happen, though with Reik, this is a 23-25 win NCAA team with a 4-6 seed. That is something I'll take at this stage of "rebuilding".

[MDW79]

I definitely think we have a chance of being very good this year and hopefully will be dancing again. The only reason I think 23-25 wins is going to be a stretch is simply b/c of the BE schedule. We'd have win at least 12 games in conference, with an near perfect OOC to accomplish that. I agree though, to be a winner you must think like one and I'm sure this guys are going into this year with nothing short of high expectations.

[Scheids21]

I know I know and trust me I'm all for optimism guys. But I'm also for being realistic. I think if everything went right for this team then I could believe maybe Sweet 16, possibly Elite 8 with luck; but NCAA Champions is just ridiculous with our inexperience. Riek doesnt make us a National Championship team no matter what anyone says. The team just isnt at that point yet. Be optimistic, but also realistic...

[CatsClaw]

I know I know and trust me I'm all for optimism guys. But I'm also for being realistic. I think if everything went right for this team then I could believe maybe Sweet 16, possibly Elite 8 with luck; but NCAA Champions is just ridiculous with our inexperience. Riek doesnt make us a National Championship team no matter what anyone says. The team just isnt at that point yet. Be optimistic, but also realistic...

Just as realistic as Syracuse and Arizona. How can you say you're being "realistic" when YOU don't even know how good the team is? How many times have we seen a team come out of nowhere and end up being a good team? There's every chance that this team will be battled tested and ready to roll come NCAA Tournament time. Heck, Arizona was a freshman team mostly and Syracuse was lead by freshmen. The 1992 Cincinnati team came out of nowhere to go to the Final Four. You never know. And you don't know, no matter what you say, YOU DON'T KNOW.

[CatsClaw]

I know I know and trust me I'm all for optimism guys. But I'm also for being realistic. I think if everything went right for this team then I could believe maybe Sweet 16, possibly Elite 8 with luck; but NCAA Champions is just ridiculous with our inexperience. Riek doesnt make us a National Championship team no matter what anyone says. The team just isnt at that point yet. Be optimistic, but also realistic...

If this team gets to the Sweet 16 or Elite Eight how can you say they can't win the championship because of inexperience? If you get that far you must be experienced. If Cincinnati wins 20+ games against that OOC schedule and the Big East schedule, and manage to get to the Sweet 16 or Elite Eight how in the world can you say that they are to inexperienced to win the national title!?

[Scheids21]

If this team gets to the Sweet 16 or Elite Eight how can you say they can't win the championship because of inexperience? If you get that far you must be experienced. If Cincinnati wins 20+ games against that OOC schedule and the Big East schedule, and manage to get to the Sweet 16 or Elite Eight how in the world can you say that they are to inexperienced to win the national title!?

Woahhh take a breath and relax for a second...I didn't mean to come across like I KNOW what will happen because I DONT KNOW. No one KNOWS. It is my opinion, (although I DO NOT KNOW for certain), that this team is not ready to make a title run. Ok? Now maybe they will and I am wrong but that is my opinion. To be honest, I DONT KNOW.

[Mick's Da Man]

I'd tamper my enthusiasm and maybe get excited for the '09-'10 season and not the upcoming season. More than likely Riek isn't finished rehabbing his ACL injury until January or February. And then you have to consider that he hasn't played a lick of college ball yet.

[Scheids21]

I'd tamper my enthusiasm and maybe get excited for the '09-'10 season and not the upcoming season. More than likely Riek isn't finished rehabbing his ACL injury until January or February. And then you have to consider that he hasn't played a lick of college ball yet.

Thank you...I getting hassled for not thinking this team can win a National Championship.

[YouGuessedItFrankStallone]

I'd tamper my enthusiasm and maybe get excited for the '09-'10 season and not the upcoming season. More than likely Riek isn't finished rehabbing his ACL injury until January or February. And then you have to consider that he hasn't played a lick of college ball yet.

Yeah Mike Williams is the only loss after this season. If Riek is 100% it should more than make up for his loss. Vaughn will be a senior (remember what Logan became his senior year.) Gates, Dixon, Cash will be seasoned veterans. Bishop will have found his niche as a defensive stopper. National title hopes in 09-10 are not all that unrealistic if all the chips fall into place.

[Cleveland_Bearcat]

I love Ralph. When that kid grows up I hope he makes his way onto UC's campus. He'll may make a great student someday. Leave the kid alone.

[CatFan/1947]

hey, has the referee thrown the ball up yet? sounds great, but we're a little premature.

[Scheids21]

I love Ralph. When that kid grows up I hope he makes his way onto UC's campus. He'll may make a great student someday. Leave the kid alone.

Wonder what the 1950 stands for...

[Billy Don]

I know I know and trust me I'm all for optimism guys. But I'm also for being realistic. I think if everything went right for this team then I could believe maybe Sweet 16, possibly Elite 8 with luck; but NCAA Champions is just ridiculous with our inexperience. Riek doesnt make us a National Championship team no matter what anyone says. The team just isnt at that point yet. Be optimistic, but also realistic...

Being realistic you think sweet 16, elite 8 in the NIT. Now that would be nice and more like it. Just making the NCAA would be over kill for next year. Remember we are only in year 3 of a 10 year rebuilding program.

[Thegreatone]

Yeah Mike Williams is the only loss after this season. If Riek is 100% it should more than make up for his loss. Vaughn will be a senior (remember what Logan became his senior year.) Gates, Dixon, Cash will be seasoned veterans. Bishop will have found his niche as a defensive stopper. National title hopes in 09-10 are not all that unrealistic if all the chips fall into place.

Do you know something that we dont? Why wont Mike Williams be back because all I have heard is that he will be back and we are expecting him to be back with us.

[Nerf]

Do you know something that we dont? Why wont Mike Williams be back because all I have heard is that he will be back and we are expecting him to be back with us.

Mike's 5-year window ends after this season. He needs to apply for a 6th year AFTER the season. The likelihood of him getting that 6th year is not great.

[ralph1950]

I know you claim you're serious but I really don't believe it


If Reik gets to play there is no reason why the Bearcats are not NCAA Champion material. Reik, Williams, Gates, Vaughn, and Company, who can stop them? Loaded team. Reik is Oden going to Ohio State or Melo going to Syracuse.

[ralph1950]

Being realistic you think sweet 16, elite 8 in the NIT. Now that would be nice and more like it. Just making the NCAA would be over kill for next year. Remember we are only in year 3 of a 10 year rebuilding program.


Billy Don, we are discussing UC not WVU.

[ralph1950]

Do you know something that we dont? Why wont Mike Williams be back because all I have heard is that he will be back and we are expecting him to be back with us.


I talked to Mike Williams at the Basketball Banquet, he told me everything with the NCAA was okay and he would get the 6th year.

[Eastside_J]

Mike's 5-year window ends after this season. He needs to apply for a 6th year AFTER the season. The likelihood of him getting that 6th year is not great.


Yes he does need to apply after the season IF he chooses to return. But that "if" is probably the biggest question since he is actually very likely to get the 6th year.

Mike will graduate this year. He could stay for a year of grad school. Which isn't out of the question considering what a high quality student he is, but I have to think that he will consider other options. Hopefully one of them will be the NBA.

He is the kind of guy that you want on the team forever. Maybe Mick can even court him to come back and become a coach when his career is over. He definitely has the intellect, focus and patience for it.

I hope he has a fantastic season and decides to stay for another year, but I don't see the latter as a given.

[YouGuessedItFrankStallone]

Yes he does need to apply after the season IF he chooses to return. But that "if" is probably the biggest question since he is actually very likely to get the 6th year.

Mike will graduate this year. He could stay for a year of grad school. Which isn't out of the question considering what a high quality student he is, but I have to think that he will consider other options. Hopefully one of them will be the NBA.

He is the kind of guy that you want on the team forever. Maybe Mick can even court him to come back and become a coach when his career is over. He definitely has the intellect, focus and patience for it.

I hope he has a fantastic season and decides to stay for another year, but I don't see the latter as a given.

Not doubting you, but can you cite any precedent where an athlete who transferred and missed a single season with injury was granted a 6th year?

[levydl]

Not doubting you, but can you cite any precedent where an athlete who transferred and missed a single season with injury was granted a 6th year?

Actually, I've seen several cases posted. One I recall is Adam Boone, who transferred from UNC to Minnesota.

[bearcatbret]

Reik still does not have official transcripts from Sudan. The NCAA Clearinghouse still needs to review his records. That being said, he may be able to play in 2011.

[Mick's Da Man]

Being realistic you think sweet 16, elite 8 in the NIT. Now that would be nice and more like it. Just making the NCAA would be over kill for next year. Remember we are only in year 3 of a 10 year rebuilding program.

I'm so glad everyone ignores your attempts to flame.

What a joke. The NIT? Get real. :rolleyes:

[Billy Don]

I'm so glad everyone ignores your attempts to flame.

What a joke. The NIT? Get real. :rolleyes:

Being realistic, UC is a lot closer to being an NIT team right now than they are NCAA champs. I don't see how anyone could have a problem thinking that way. J. Bilas of ESPN(whose opinion I value just slightly less than my own) has UC picked 12th in the Big East conference which I think is a little low. I guess thinking UC could be NCAA champs next year is alright as long as going to the bathroom without help isn't a problem.

[milfordcats]

I dont think anyone here (aside from ralph and his desire to stir up commotion) truly thinks that UC is going to win the NCAA championship next year. However, with Riek in the fold (if eligible) and the recruits coming in there is much to be excited about with this team. Dancing is very much a possibility.

[Inchickinkick]

lets just say this guys here for the long haul, How many years will this guy have too play? Is he a incoming freshman?

[gocats45]

lets just say this guys here for the long haul, How many years will this guy have too play? Is he a incoming freshman?Yeah. And with him so raw, it's likely he'll be here atleast 2-3 years. That is assuming he gets in.

[mike pinzki]

Being realistic you think sweet 16, elite 8 in the NIT. Now that would be nice and more like it. Just making the NCAA would be over kill for next year. Remember we are only in year 3 of a 10 year rebuilding program.

Year 3 of 10??? You should know more than anyone, no sarcasm on the internet.

[dp3113]

i don't get the he will be here 2-3 years comment. do you have inside info on this? for all we know, he could rehab here all year, not play in any games, and then still declare. almost all 18-19 year old centers who declare for the draft are raw. he already tried to go once, who's to say he won't go right away after his freshman year, regardless of how much he plays?

[mike pinzki]

IMO, Riek does little to affect this year's team. I would love to be wrong. That said, PG play will dominate this year's team. If we have decent PG play we will be good, better than most think. If not, who knows? UC has been decent in the past w/o PG play.

A good deal of the 1990s and early 2000s UC teams could have done just fine in this conference. The current roster has more talent than the UC team that lost to Gonzaga in the 2002-03 season.

[Mick's Da Man]

Being realistic, UC is a lot closer to being an NIT team right now than they are NCAA champs. I don't see how anyone could have a problem thinking that way. J. Bilas of ESPN(whose opinion I value just slightly less than my own) has UC picked 12th in the Big East conference which I think is a little low. I guess thinking UC could be NCAA champs next year is alright as long as going to the bathroom without help isn't a problem.


WHO (in the you know what) THINKS UC IS GOING TO WIN A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP NEXT SEASON???????

One person? Not me. Not the other 99% of the posters on this board and other boards.

You misconstrue everything. When talking of success, most are talking about making the Big Dance. UC's weak team last year went 8-10 in a very good Big East. On paper, they are better this year, but so is the Big East.......so 8-10 is probably in the mix again........although with some good fortune and quick learning by the newcomers, they might surprise. I think this year's team is better positioned than any Mick team so far to surprise based on improved talent alone.

Nobody on this board should be expecting anything fomr Riek this upcoming season.

In a nutshell, UC has a chance to make the NCAA Tournament this season. They will definitely make it in '09-'10 as they will definitely be a top 6 team in the Big East. Write it down.

As for not making the NCAA Tournament and ripping on Mick, as you do so often. I would rather be in the Big East and not making the tournament than being in CUSA, making the tournament and losing in the first round like we so often did. This crap about making the tournament every year when you don't have a chance of winning it in the first place, is just that.......crap. You seem to think that UC's history of making the Big Dance was some great accomplishment, when it truth, 95% of the time, they fielded a team that had no chance of winning it anyway.

A top 6 team in the Big East will go to the Big Dance every year and will definitely have a chance of winning the whole thing. That is the difference.

I'd rather compete in the Big East and be one of the top 6 teams than be the dominant team in CUSA or the A-10. Not to mention the season is much more enjoyable watching NBA-caliber college teams come into Cincy versus Southern Miss or Tulane. What a joke.

P.S. - UC's talent alone this upcoming season is already better than every team under Huggs except for maybe the Final Four/Elite Teams of the early 90's and K-Mart's team. But it's a huge difference playing in the Big East than in CUSA.

[Billy Don]

WHO (in the you know what) THINKS UC IS GOING TO WIN A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP NEXT SEASON???????

One person? Not me. Not the other 99% of the posters on this board and other boards.

You misconstrue everything. When talking of success, most are talking about making the Big Dance. UC's weak team last year went 8-10 in a very good Big East. On paper, they are better this year, but so is the Big East.......so 8-10 is probably in the mix again........although with some good fortune and quick learning by the newcomers, they might surprise. I think this year's team is better positioned than any Mick team so far to surprise based on improved talent alone.

Nobody on this board should be expecting anything fomr Riek this upcoming season.

In a nutshell, UC has a chance to make the NCAA Tournament this season. They will definitely make it in '09-'10 as they will definitely be a top 6 team in the Big East. Write it down.

As for not making the NCAA Tournament and ripping on Mick, as you do so often. I would rather be in the Big East and not making the tournament than being in CUSA, making the tournament and losing in the first round like we so often did. This crap about making the tournament every year when you don't have a chance of winning it in the first place, is just that.......crap. You seem to think that UC's history of making the Big Dance was some great accomplishment, when it truth, 95% of the time, they fielded a team that had no chance of winning it anyway.

A top 6 team in the Big East will go to the Big Dance every year and will definitely have a chance of winning the whole thing. That is the difference.

I'd rather compete in the Big East and be one of the top 6 teams than be the dominant team in CUSA or the A-10. Not to mention the season is much more enjoyable watching NBA-caliber college teams come into Cincy versus Southern Miss or Tulane. What a joke.

P.S. - UC's talent alone this upcoming season is already better than every team under Huggs except for maybe the Final Four/Elite Teams of the early 90's and K-Mart's team. But it's a huge difference playing in the Big East than in CUSA.

Nice post and you make some good points but you also make some I disagree with. UC will be a success if they make the NCAA this year. When they made the NCAA in the past they weren't. Cain't have it both ways. Every team that make's the NCAA tournament has a chance to win it all. Wide range of what that chance is. For example Memphis coming out of CUSA had a better chance of winning it all, than any team the Big East sent to the tournament last year. Conference doesn' have a thing to do with it. It's how good of a team you have. In time fans will find out just getting to the tournament is an acomplishment, if you advance deep into the tournament or not. Most fans don't appreciate this, but just the tournament money alone can pay the coach's salary in a lot of case's. The school like's this of course. I can't understand why anyone could think not getting into the tournament is better than getting there and not advancing very far. Those same people are even now hoping UC can just get there. Doesn't make a lot of sense does it.

[bearcat65]

Nice post and you make some good points but you also make some I disagree with. UC will be a success if they make the NCAA this year. When they made the NCAA in the past they weren't. Cain't have it both ways. Every team that make's the NCAA tournament has a chance to win it all. Wide range of what that chance is. For example Memphis coming out of CUSA had a better chance of winning it all, than any team the Big East sent to the tournament last year. Conference doesn' have a thing to do with it. It's how good of a team you have. In time fans will find out just getting to the tournament is an acomplishment, if you advance deep into the tournament or not. Most fans don't appreciate this, but just the tournament money alone can pay the coach's salary in a lot of case's. The school like's this of course. I can't understand why anyone could think not getting into the tournament is better than getting there and not advancing very far. Those same people are even now hoping UC can just get there. Doesn't make a lot of sense does it.

Look at tournament results in the last 20 years or so and tell us conference doesn't have anything to do with it. Calipari and Memphis do very well recruiting and have been successful but they are in the minority when it comes to non BCS conferences. UC may not have played in the NCAA in the last 3 years but don't you think the overall revenue has risen since they got in the Big East?

[Bearcat Jeff]

Nice post and you make some good points but you also make some I disagree with. UC will be a success if they make the NCAA this year. When they made the NCAA in the past they weren't. Cain't have it both ways. Every team that make's the NCAA tournament has a chance to win it all. Wide range of what that chance is. For example Memphis coming out of CUSA had a better chance of winning it all, than any team the Big East sent to the tournament last year. Conference doesn' have a thing to do with it. It's how good of a team you have. In time fans will find out just getting to the tournament is an acomplishment, if you advance deep into the tournament or not. Most fans don't appreciate this, but just the tournament money alone can pay the coach's salary in a lot of case's. The school like's this of course. I can't understand why anyone could think not getting into the tournament is better than getting there and not advancing very far. Those same people are even now hoping UC can just get there. Doesn't make a lot of sense does it. I for one don't believe for an instant that this basketball team will win a national title this season. I do believe they have enough talent in place, that with a season of experience, next season could be very interesting. This season will be very intersting. You have the core group coming back and most agree that the most improvement a player gains is between his frosh and soph seasons. Players wil be playing this season and not thinking. However, we have two very big question marks...pg and center. If we get adequate play from these spots this team can make the NCAA tournament. Mick has done an outstanding job of rebuilding this program. From just putting a team on the floor his first season to the influx of talent now. A good season this year will help take recruiting to a whole new level and signal the program is back. Let's be honest. They play in the deepest league in history. We may never see a perrenial league championship again. That does not mean this program cannot, or will not, make the NCAA every season. I for one think we have the right pieces in place to begin that journey. To me this is where the rubber meets the road and my expectations for Mick and the program have always targeted this season as a measuring stick.

[ralph1950]

IMO, Riek does little to affect this year's team. I would love to be wrong. That said, PG play will dominate this year's team. If we have decent PG play we will be good, better than most think. If not, who knows? UC has been decent in the past w/o PG play.

A good deal of the 1990s and early 2000s UC teams could have done just fine in this conference. The current roster has more talent than the UC team that lost to Gonzaga in the 2002-03 season.

I think you will be loving being wrong. Reik would have been a first round pick in this years NBA draft had he not been injured. He is a superstar and if able to play will do for UC what Oden did for OSU and Melo did for Syracuse, the team is loaded with talent to surround him with, Gates, Williams, Vaughn, do you think any team is going to be able to double team Vaughn with Reik, Williams, and Gates in there with him? This team now has NCAA Champion material, quit burying your head in the sand like an ostrich and smell the roses that Mick Cronin has just presented you with.

[Cats4Ever]

Any way you slice it, Gates is the real deal, Vaughn is a proven commodity, Williams was selected as a McD AA, Cas is well regarded.

This team has more talent than the prior 3 years, and one has to be excited yet cautious on the upcoming season.

Talent has improved - so should our wins and league standing. Let it unfold and be what it will be.

No better time to be a Cat-backer than now in both football and basketball.

[Bearcat Cafe]

After only returning Cedric, Ron and Brandon Miller, after not recruiting for a year plus, and then after having to initially stock up on JUCO left overs, this was a 4 year rebuild when they hired Mick. Since March of 2006, I've had my eye on 09'-10' as the season UC comes back stronger and more talented than ever. I'm amazed at what this coaching staff has done to make that happen. The pieces are in place. This year is gravy. Talent is there now, just not enough experience. Both will be there next season.

[Irishbearcat]

We are 2-3 years away from even talking about a NC, unless our recruiting takes a step up. I see us slowly building talent and depth, but even that isn't enough. UC needs multiple difference makers, and I just don't see this out what's available currently.
Might we have some? Sure, but that's a big maybe. Let's be patient, and see how things develop THIS year.

[DMoney_70]

How do any of you know how far away this team is? Could you at least start these comments with, "In my opinion"? We're all anxious but we're just going to have to wait and see what happens. In my opinion, this team will be more than competitive and that's a huge jump from the past few years.

[BasketBySteveLogan]

I'm excited that Mick was able to ink Riek, but his injury and rawness means he won't have any impact on this season's team....

That said, before this signing, I already believed this season's team will be a force - it just depends on them "knowing how to win" as far as predicting the result. Obviously this team can make it to the NCAA Tourney, but it's hard to predict anything in the Big East.

Last season UC won 8 games in the Big East- if they can improve to 10, and have a pretty solid non-conf performance, that is a solid resume.

Either way, one thing is for sure. From last season to this season, in terms of excitement and athleticism and depth and size and shooting, this is the biggest increase in overall excitement/talent/potential in any one year span since before Huggins came in.

So let's just be excited that we don't have to deal with Adam H and Jamual and all those guys, and we get to watch Yancy and Cashmere and Dion......

[Cats4Ever]

I'm excited that Mick was able to ink Riek, but his injury and rawness means he won't have any impact on this season's team....

That said, before this signing, I already believed this season's team will be a force - it just depends on them "knowing how to win" as far as predicting the result. Obviously this team can make it to the NCAA Tourney, but it's hard to predict anything in the Big East.

Last season UC won 8 games in the Big East- if they can improve to 10, and have a pretty solid non-conf performance, that is a solid resume.

Either way, one thing is for sure. From last season to this season, in terms of excitement and athleticism and depth and size and shooting, this is the biggest increase in overall excitement/talent/potential in any one year span since before Huggins came in.

So let's just be excited that we don't have to deal with Adam H and Jamual and all those guys, and we get to watch Yancy and Cashmere and Dion......

Agreed - and having Mick and his staff go through the league now he is better prepared for the next season. All positives.

[Mick's Da Man]

Nice post and you make some good points but you also make some I disagree with. UC will be a success if they make the NCAA this year. When they made the NCAA in the past they weren't. Cain't have it both ways. Every team that make's the NCAA tournament has a chance to win it all. Wide range of what that chance is. For example Memphis coming out of CUSA had a better chance of winning it all, than any team the Big East sent to the tournament last year. Conference doesn' have a thing to do with it. It's how good of a team you have. In time fans will find out just getting to the tournament is an acomplishment, if you advance deep into the tournament or not. Most fans don't appreciate this, but just the tournament money alone can pay the coach's salary in a lot of case's. The school like's this of course. I can't understand why anyone could think not getting into the tournament is better than getting there and not advancing very far. Those same people are even now hoping UC can just get there. Doesn't make a lot of sense does it.

I don't want it both ways. Many teams make the tourney each year that when filling out your bracket you scratch your head and write them off almost immediately. I would put past UC teams in that category except for the '91-'93 teams, the '96 team (Fortson, Long, Burton, etc.) and K-Mart's team before he got injured. All other UC teams I knew had no chance winning the national championship. If you thought they had a chance.....I question your basketball knowledge. (holding back laughter)

Memphis is the rare exception of a good team in a terrible conference that has the ability to recruit the top players in the country. Memphis is a Big East caliber team taking the easy route in a joke of a conference. Enough said.

Conference does have alot to do with it, and Memphis is THE ONE EXCEPTION TO THAT RULE.

Just getting to the tournament is not an accomplishment for me. I will allow that some fans would rather count how many times their team has made the tournament, rather than how many times their team has gone to the Elite Eight, Final Four or championship game. I would rather not make the tournament if I feel we are just making the cut, because then I know we don't stand a chance of going far. In other words, I want this team to either be hot or cold, not warm in the middle. Either make it big or don't make it at all.

The reason UC hasn't "gotten there" (in your words), is because their program was decimated by their school president and the off court behavior of their former head coach.

But the talent level is far superior than ever before and we are in a far better conference, which will bring in more revenue than ever before, better prepare us for the Big Dance, and help us recruit better and better.

Seems you are one of the few that doesn't realize how much better this conference situation is. You are a voice crying in the dark and nobody is listening and nobody wants to listen. :D

[Irishbearcat]

How do any of you know how far away this team is? Could you at least start these comments with, "In my opinion"? We're all anxious but we're just going to have to wait and see what happens. In my opinion, this team will be more than competitive and that's a huge jump from the past few years.

Our comments are ALL opinion, especially when discussing how well (or not) we expect to be in the future. Based on how we played last year, I'm not willing to suggest, or believe, that we're gonna be world-beaters until that is proven on the court. Until then, I'm going to be content with the FACT that our team seems to be heading in the right direction.
How bout them apples?

[MDW79]

Our comments are ALL opinion, especially when discussing how well (or not) we expect to be in the future. Based on how we played last year, I'm not willing to suggest, or believe, that we're gonna be world-beaters until that is proven on the court. Until then, I'm going to be content with the FACT that our team seems to be heading in the right direction.
How bout them apples?

I agree...although since you capatalized fact, you need to change "seems to be heading" to "is heading." Not trying to bust your balls, just saying if it's a fact then there is no seems to be about it. :D

[MikeInClifton]

How do any of you know how far away this team is? Could you at least start these comments with, "In my opinion"?

Its a message board.
"In my opinion" is assumed.

[Mick's Da Man]

I agree...although since you capatalized fact, you need to change "seems to be heading" to "is heading." Not trying to bust your balls, just saying if it's a fact then there is no seems to be about it. :D

You need a comma after "although". You also need to add the word "but" in front of "just saying". :D

[bearcatbret]

I believe that by making the dance, your players get some experience that will help them in future years. They get the attitude that they belong there. Yes, I would like to advance to the sweet 16 or further but playing does help the student-athletes mature. It may even be better to get to the final game of the NIT just to get a few extra games in. Many times, the winner of the NIT goes deep in the NCAA.

Just please do not go to the ABC-123 Tourney.

[CincyBearcat95]

I believe that by making the dance, your players get some experience that will help them in future years. They get the attitude that they belong there. Yes, I would like to advance to the sweet 16 or further but playing does help the student-athletes mature. It may even be better to get to the final game of the NIT just to get a few extra games in. Many times, the winner of the NIT goes deep in the NCAA.

Just please do not go to the ABC-123 Tourney.

Good point. Going to the tourney not only gives you more games, but gives you more practice - at least a month more if you go out in the first round. Also, you get money and more air time for kids to see the team which also help with recruiting. I am tired of being 1 and done and hearing that rip on us. However, I would always rather make the NCAA than not.

On the league conversation, you have to understand that league contributes greatly to how well a team does in March. You get better by playing higher caliber teams and talent. Memphis does not get better by playing Rice! That is why they usually have a tougher non conference schedule. They have to get experience with a few big time, games that are nationally televised and that are a battle to the end.

[Billy Don]

Last season UC won 8 games in the Big East- if they can improve to 10, and have a pretty solid non-conf performance, that is a solid resume.



So let's just be excited that we don't have to deal with Adam H and Jamual and all those guys, and we get to watch Yancy and Cashmere and Dion......

Last year UC won 8 games in the Big East with 5 seniors. You seen what help the freshmen gave.I can tell you right now winning 8 games in the Big East next year isn't automatic. I'm thinking it's possible you might miss those 5 seniors(includeing Adam H) at least in the early going next year. Will someone post where is Adam H when you need him?:confused::)

[Irishbearcat]

I agree...although since you capatalized fact, you need to change "seems to be heading" to "is heading." Not trying to bust your balls, just saying if it's a fact then there is no seems to be about it. :D

This was written with some tongue in cheek. Bustin some cahones was virtually invited. LOL

[ralph1950]

We are 2-3 years away from even talking about a NC, unless our recruiting takes a step up. I see us slowly building talent and depth, but even that isn't enough. UC needs multiple difference makers, and I just don't see this out what's available currently.
Might we have some? Sure, but that's a big maybe. Let's be patient, and see how things develop THIS year.

With the addition of Reik we are talking NC this season.

[bearcat65]

Last year UC won 8 games in the Big East with 5 seniors. You seen what help the freshmen gave.I can tell you right now winning 8 games in the Big East next year isn't automatic. I'm thinking it's possible you might miss those 5 seniors(includeing Adam H) at least in the early going next year. Will someone post where is Adam H when you need him?:confused::)

Those freshmen are now sophomores so we will see what improvements they make to their game. I appreciate what Adam H. did last year but he was essentially a first year player too. I won't miss the blown bunnies, moving screens, but I do think he gave effort.

[ralph1950]

Last year UC won 8 games in the Big East with 5 seniors. You seen what help the freshmen gave.I can tell you right now winning 8 games in the Big East next year isn't automatic. I'm thinking it's possible you might miss those 5 seniors(includeing Adam H) at least in the early going next year. Will someone post where is Adam H when you need him?:confused::)

You need a little basketball history lesson, how many PAC-10 games did UCLA win the year before Lew Alcindor played, how many Big 10 games did Ohio State win the year before Greg Oden, how many Big 10 games did Michigan win the year before the Fab 5? Last year means nothing when you have a 7-2 first round NBA pick in Reik, Cincy POY Yancy Gates, and a MCDonald's All-American Mike Willaims playing for the first time.

[anbuc88]

With the addition of Reik we are talking NC this season.

Yeah who cares what North Carolina has coming back and the quality of their recruits. Adding a guy who is coming off a ACL injury, who didn't impress scouts in his senior year and appears to be a project offensively should make UC the prohibitive favorites to win the NC. Why can't anyone but Ralph and I see this? Brilliant.

[Scheids21]

I really think we will win double digit games in the BEAST because thats when the team should be gelled (sp?) together. Im worried about OOC because of last years debacle

[cincycpaw]

With the addition of Reik we are talking NC this season.

I agree, even with Reik we're still talking NC (North Carolina) this season winning it all. ;)

BUt if you keep posting it over and over and over again, maybe it'll become true.

[MDW79]

Whatever happened with Tyreke Evans? :) Sorry I couldn't help it.

[ralph1950]

Whatever happened with Tyreke Evans? :) Sorry I couldn't help it.

He went to Memphis to play for a C-USA Championship.

[ralph1950]

I agree, even with Reik we're still talking NC (North Carolina) this season winning it all. ;)

BUt if you keep posting it over and over and over again, maybe it'll become true.

So sorry that you are such a pessimist who cannot see a great team placed right before his eyes. Reik, Yates, Williams, Vaughn, Wright, are National Championship material.

[Bartman]

Originally posted by ralph1950
So sorry that you are such a pessimist who cannot see a great team placed right before his eyes. Reik, Yates, Williams, Vaughn, Wright, are National Championship material.

So I guess if UC doesn't win the National Championship this year, it must be due to the coaching? :D

[Billy Don]

So I guess if UC doesn't win the National Championship this year, it must be due to the coaching? :D

I for one want to see Riek at least get into uniform, even if he can't play. Watching the huddle during a timeout should be interesting. If Riek would break wind the shortest guy in the huddle would get a full blast right in the face and probably pass out dead away on the court. Wouldn't that be something!:D

[Mick's Da Man]

Well, I figured you weren't going to a game until WVU came to town. ;)

[cincycpaw]

If Riek would break wind the shortest guy in the huddle would get a full blast right in the face and probably pass out dead away on the court. Wouldn't that be something!:D

Then Mick better watch out.

[cincycpaw]

So sorry that you are such a pessimist who cannot see a great team placed right before his eyes. Reik, Yates, Williams, Vaughn, Wright, are National Championship material.

Pessimist or Realist.

Some great young talent...no doubt, but NCAA Champs? I would love it if you were right and I was wrong!

[SLMadiCat]

Then Mick better watch out.

I'm sorry you had to answer that and couldn't figure out for yourself that Mick is who Don was referring to all along with that comment.

[Billy Don]

I'm sorry.

I agree but feel anyone can improve over time and have high hope.

[cincycpaw]

I'm sorry you had to answer that and couldn't figure out for yourself that Mick is who Don was referring to all along with that comment.

Haha...my bad, I'll do better next time.

I was reading too fast (skimming).