Cronin Says Frosh As Talented As Any In Nation - article

[GoBearcats31]

http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/goodmanonfox/2008/08/29/CRONIN_SAYS_FROSH_AS_TALENTED_AS_ANY_IN_NATION

[K-Mart123]

Gates is going to be a monster.

[Scheids21]

Big statement but I believe it and Cronin knows it. Sidenote: PG will be a "battle" between Cash and Dixon? I dont think so...

[UCbball21]

I agree, but the battle for the 6th man position will be heated. Both Alvin and Dion showed great promise during summer league, it will be interesting to see if their success translates. Then you have Larry Davis who is another good scorer whose defense is really coming along. Can't wait till November...and yes, Gates is going to be a monster.

[JasonS]

It's hard to take an article seriously when the guy continually gets Gates' name wrong, says McClain missed all of last year, and that Dixon and Cash are battling it out for the PG spot. I guess he could be right on the last one, but I find that hard to believe. I would think Cash would have the spot all but locked up if he is any bit ready for big time ball.

I like Cronin's quotes though. I love confident coaches.

[CatsClaw]

Mick finally has his guys so now he can talk big I love it!

[Bearcat Jeff]

It's hard to take an article seriously when the guy continually gets Gates' name wrong, says McClain missed all of last year, and that Dixon and Cash are battling it out for the PG spot. I guess he could be right on the last one, but I find that hard to believe. I would think Cash would have the spot all but locked up if he is any bit ready for big time ball.

I like Cronin's quotes though. I love confident coaches.The fact is that Dixon is a very polished young man with a good skill set. Cash is good and I believe he will end up starting, but Dixon will play.

[JasonS]

The fact is that Dixon is a very polished young man with a good skill set. Cash is good and I believe he will end up starting, but Dixon will play.

I am not doubting that he is polished but everything I have read has said that he is not a PG. I have read that he can play it if needed but that he is more of a 2 or even a small 3 if we wanted to go three guards. I guess no one really knows until they get out on the court but I definitely know that no one named Yates is playing on our team this year. I just wish these national guys would do a little more research or at least proof read what they write.

[Scheids21]

I am not doubting that he is polished but everything I have read has said that he is not a PG. I have read that he can play it if needed but that he is more of a 2 or even a small 3 if we wanted to go three guards. I guess no one really knows until they get out on the court but I definitely know that no one named Yates is playing on our team this year. I just wish these national guys would do a little more research or at least proof read what they write.

Its mistakes like that that make me think he just said, "Oh whats that guys name...Yates is it? Something like that. Man, I should really go look this up. Ah screw it, close enough..."

[Billy Don]

Its mistakes like that that make me think he just said, "Oh whats that guys name...Yates is it? Something like that. Man, I should really go look this up. Ah screw it, close enough..."

The headline itself is a little misleading. When I first read it I thought it was the whole class but it was just that Gates was as talented as anyone in the country which is easy for Mick to say as it's easy to see Gates has plenty of talent. Now if he can just put it all together he will make an impact. For us fans it will be better if he doesn't do it too quick, as it will just mean he will be gone all that much quicker. Saying you don't want a player to get too good sounds crazy, but if he come's up just a little short it means he will be around a while longer, which would be better for UC in the short run.

[SLMadiCat]

From what I've seen Dixon can play the point if needed but he is more of a two guard/slasher. Either way, he should be fun to watch.

These writers never do their homework. There is no Yates, Biggie didn't miss the season because of his foot and I'm sure there were other mistakes in there. The good thing is that most other basketball fans don't know that and it's good pub for UC.

[Josh Rexhausen]

Mabe Yancy Gates leagally changed his name to Yates. Has anyone checked on this?

[ralph1950]

With the addition of Reik, Mick has given UC fans a National Championship caliber team this season. I was happy to write the check for season tickets last week.

[Scheids21]

With the addition of Reik, Mick has given UC fans a National Championship caliber team this season. I was happy to write the check for season tickets last week.

Does that entertain you? honestly

[Major ----de Coverley]

Sounds as if "you know who" has become the "stepford" fan. Perhaps went a little too heavy on anti-depressants.

[bearcatbret]

Maybe Yancy is Tony Yate's boy.

[Corporateballa]

I said months ago that UC has never had an athlete like Yancy. This kid is a pro-fo-sho!!! Dixon is the 2nd best guard on the team. The problem is he plays the same position as Deonte. He is plays the same position as Vaughn. I could see a Villinova-esq 3-guard system. I think Dixon gives you more than Bishop.

[Bearcat Jeff]

I said months ago that UC has never had an athlete like Yancy. This kid is a pro-fo-sho!!! Dixon is the 2nd best guard on the team. The problem is he plays the same position as Deonte. He is plays the same position as Vaughn. I could see a Villinova-esq 3-guard system. I think Dixon gives you more than Bishop.I agree that Dixon will be one of the top guards on this team. I still believe Davis will be much improved as well.

[YouGuessedItFrankStallone]

The headline itself is a little misleading. When I first read it I thought it was the whole class but it was just that Gates was as talented as anyone in the country which is easy for Mick to say as it's easy to see Gates has plenty of talent. Now if he can just put it all together he will make an impact. For us fans it will be better if he doesn't do it too quick, as it will just mean he will be gone all that much quicker. Saying you don't want a player to get too good sounds crazy, but if he come's up just a little short it means he will be around a while longer, which would be better for UC in the short run.

I disagree. Yes, if Gates is the monster we know he can be, he'll be gone in 2 years. However, in the long run, recruits will see that Gates was able to quickly convert his potential into millions of dollars at UC under Cronin, and it will add tons of credibility to the program. Yes, it's not every year that you have a guy like that in your own backyard, and you want to get as many years out of him as you can when you do have one... but I think most on this board would like to see this program advance to the point where losing one player doesn't matter. Demonstrating to recruits that you can be an NBA factory will make it a whole lot easier to replace your losses going forward.

[Mick's Da Man]

I am not doubting that he is polished but everything I have read has said that he is not a PG. I have read that he can play it if needed but that he is more of a 2 or even a small 3 if we wanted to go three guards. I guess no one really knows until they get out on the court but I definitely know that no one named Yates is playing on our team this year. I just wish these national guys would do a little more research or at least proof read what they write.


Funny. Everything I have read, and I read alot, says Cashmere is a PG.

[Mick's Da Man]

Mabe Yancy Gates leagally changed his name to Yates. Has anyone checked on this?

Has he been hanging out with Ocho Stinko?

[Mick's Da Man]

Gates is going to be a monster.

Might be a good thing with Halloween on the horizon.

[JasonS]

Funny. Everything I have read, and I read alot, says Cashmere is a PG.

I was talking about Dixon

[Mick's Da Man]

I agree that Dixon will be one of the top guards on this team. I still believe Davis will be much improved as well.

This team will be very strong at guard and hopefully Mick will use that. I also think Mitchell will rotate with Bishop at SF. UC's PG, SG, and SF positions could very well be one of the best in the country this year.

If we knew what to expect from Reik (probably nothing because of rehabbing his injury) and McClain (big question mark).............that is probably the difference in this team. Mike Williams and Gates will be solid down low, but we will need an even bigger man from time to time.

I really hope Yancy works hard and plays hard for 40 minutes. I believe that could be the difference in the season.

[Mick's Da Man]

I was talking about Dixon


Okay. Sorry. ............(my message needs 25 characters)

[JasonS]

Okay. Sorry. ............(my message needs 25 characters)

No worries....I was earlier talking about my surprise that Dixon was "battling Cashmere Wright for time at PG..."

Seems to me like Cash is the man unless he falls on his face, which I don't expect.

[dp3113]

Where does Wilks fit in on this team? I would hate to lose him to transfer- but I figure out of him, Bishop, and Mitchell, we likely will not retain all 3 for four years. Does anyone know if there is talk of him redshirting?

[JasonS]

Where does Wilks fit in on this team? I would hate to lose him to transfer- but I figure out of him, Bishop, and Mitchell, we likely will not retain all 3 for four years. Does anyone know if there is talk of him redshirting?

Good question. I don't know where Wilks fits on this team and I haven't really ever seen him play so I am not going to pretend to know. I do have a question (and it may be a dumb one) about Wilks though. Would he be able to play PG? He would be a great Point-Forward if he has those skills and would be able to give Cash a rest when he needs it. I think we all want Vaughn to stay off the ball if possible. If Wilks could play some point, we would be able to go with a huge line-up. Wilks, Vaughn, Mitchell/Bishop, Yancy/Mike Williams, Riek/Biggie. Mick will have options to create match-up problems with this team. Even more so if Wilks can play some point. Those that have seen him play may laugh while reading this but I don't know. I have never seen him play other than about 30 seconds in a game last year. Any input is appreciated.

[Scheids21]

Good question. I don't know where Wilks fits on this team and I haven't really ever seen him play so I am not going to pretend to know. I do have a question (and it may be a dumb one) about Wilks though. Would he be able to play PG? He would be a great Point-Forward if he has those skills and would be able to give Cash a rest when he needs it. I think we all want Vaughn to stay off the ball if possible. If Wilks could play some point, we would be able to go with a huge line-up. Wilks, Vaughn, Mitchell/Bishop, Yancy/Mike Williams, Riek/Biggie. Mick will have options to create match-up problems with this team. Even more so if Wilks can play some point. Those that have seen him play may laugh while reading this but I don't know. I have never seen him play other than about 30 seconds in a game last year. Any input is appreciated.

6'7" is a HUGE point guard. It would be good for Wilks to go ISO against a small defender assuming he had the ability to do so and score. Honestly though, aside from that potential possibility, I really see no point in him running the point with Cash starting and Dixon giving him breathers at PG.

[JasonS]

6'7" is a HUGE point guard. It would be good for Wilks to go ISO against a small defender assuming he had the ability to do so and score. Honestly though, aside from that potential possibility, I really see no point in him running the point with Cash starting and Dixon giving him breathers at PG.

Didn't James White do it for a while? He was 6'7" and Armein Kirkland was 6'8" and I believe he might have played the point forward a bit too. I am not thinking long term. More, short breaks for Cash and possible mismatch opportunities. I guess I am more asking about his skill set and not whether Cronin would use him there. The question is more COULD Cronin use him there if he wanted? COULD Wilks handle it?

[bubbachunk]

Didn't James White do it for a while? He was 6'7" and Armein Kirkland was 6'8" and I believe he might have played the point forward a bit too. I am not thinking long term. More, short breaks for Cash and possible mismatch opportunities. I guess I am more asking about his skill set and not whether Cronin would use him there. The question is more COULD Cronin use him there if he wanted? COULD Wilks handle it?

They did and it was effective. I dont know if he has the handle for it either. would depend if he could bring the ball up with pressure

[JasonS]

They did and it was effective. I dont know if he has the handle for it either. would depend if he could bring the ball up with pressure

That's what I thought. Maybe Mike or someone who has watched Wilks play a bit knows a little more about his handles and if he could bring up the ball with pressure?

[rayscott425]

jalen rose was 6'8" or 6'9" as was magic johnson!!!!

[levydl]

White and Kirkland were forced into that duty and, while they did admirably, they were playing out of position and it was not the best situation. Wilks doesn't have close to the ball skills of even White and Kirkland. It's really a non-starter. Wilks is an exciting prospect, it will be interesting to see where he fits with this team.

I think Cashmere and Deonta will play almost all of the PG this year. I've only seen Dixon in the summer league (where he was outstanding), but I'd seriously doubt if he'll see much time at PG, at least this year. Maybe a few minutes. Larry Davis had trouble with the ball last year, so he'd have to have improved significantly this offseason to get any run there as well (plus I want him shooting). Between Davis, Dixon, and maybe someone like Bishop, I'd say they'll play a minute or two a game at PG, either when both Cash and Vaughn need a rest or when one or both are in foul trouble. That'd be my guess anyway.

[Eastside_J]

Funny. Everything I have read, and I read alot, says Cashmere is a PG.

Cashmere is a PG. He was referring to Dixon.

I think Dixon is a highly versatille player. He is a guy that might man the 1 occassionaly, but if you had to defing him I think it is safe to say he is not "a PG".

I think he could rotate to the SF spot on occassion also.

[UCBRCT05]

This team will be very strong at guard and hopefully Mick will use that. I also think Mitchell will rotate with Bishop at SF. UC's PG, SG, and SF positions could very well be one of the best in the country this year.

If we knew what to expect from Reik (probably nothing because of rehabbing his injury) and McClain (big question mark).............that is probably the difference in this team. Mike Williams and Gates will be solid down low, but we will need an even bigger man from time to time.

I really hope Yancy works hard and plays hard for 40 minutes. I believe that could be the difference in the season.

Cant forget Toyloy, if he can be about as good as Williamson that would be huge.

[GoCats1994]

Cant forget Toyloy, if he can be about as good as Williamson that would be huge.

Oh, please tell me he is better at making a lay up than Williamson.

[Scheids21]

Although Williamson was higher ranked than Toyloy is, I have a feeling that Steve will be a better player. Of course, having a supporting cast will help a bit...

[dp3113]

Our current crop of PF's can definitely step in and fill in as well if not better than Williamson.

However, I feel that you guys are undervaluing his contribution to the team. He is the only guy who took pressure off of Vaughn and kept the other team from double, if not triple teaming Deonta. Williamson was a playmaker and the only guy who boarded for us the last two years, and was a beast on the offensive glass. He might not have shot 75% from inside of 6 feet, however he was extremely valuable to us last year.

[Scheids21]

Our current crop of PF's can definitely step in and fill in as well if not better than Williamson.

However, I feel that you guys are undervaluing his contribution to the team. He is the only guy who took pressure off of Vaughn and kept the other team from double, if not triple teaming Deonta. Williamson was a playmaker and the only guy who boarded for us the last two years, and was a beast on the offensive glass. He might not have shot 75% from inside of 6 feet, however he was extremely valuable to us last year.

That was kinda what I meant with my last sentence. I was trying to get across that Williamson could do a lot of good work and look bad doing it just because of the teams talent.

[MikeInClifton]

That's what I thought. Maybe Mike or someone who has watched Wilks play a bit knows a little more about his handles and if he could bring up the ball with pressure?

I dont see Wilks as anything close to a PG. I also dont see him bringing the ball up under pressure.

[JasonS]

I dont see Wilks as anything close to a PG. I also dont see him bringing the ball up under pressure.


Thanks Mike. You certainly have seen him more than most if not all on this board. So it looks like we have a log jam at the 3. When's the last time we said that? It's nice to have some depth to worry about again.