Who will be the 1st Cronin NBA starter? Why?

[jeffto]

I think it will be Gates. He's already a beast.

[TheLivingLegend]

Potentially Reik. Yancy hopefully will be around for a few years

[Kindog202]

I agree and think Gates will be the first NBA starter. He is the prototypical power forward in the NBA right now.
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I think depending on how Williams year goes, he may be the first Bearcat drafted under MC. I also think Deonta will get drafted too (assuming his game continues to progress over these next 2 years).

[GoBearcats31]

Let's just get someone to the NBA again period (and not trail Xavier who will have Derrick Brown as a potential lottery pick plus maybe Jordan Crawford). I could care less if they start as long as we return to a time when we have 8 guys in "the league."

[Globe Trotting Cat Fan]

If we are looking purely at who will start, it is most likely going to be either Gates or Yancy. Here is my reasoning:

Williams will have to have a monster 1 or 2 years here to get drafted due to his size. While he obviously is skilled, at 6'7 and without the explosiveness of say a Jason Maxiell it will be hard for him to move into an NBA starting line up. He should make a good 6th man, but starter I am afraid not. Although, you bet yer life I hope I am wrong on that assessment! :-)

Deonta translates to the NBA as a 1, not a 2. If he can use this year to learn how to really play the point I can see him becoming a Chauncy Billups kind of NBA 1, but even if/when he gets drafted he would probably take a while to break into a starting line up.

Out of the rest of the team, there is plenty of NBA caliber talent, but no starters...YET!!! ;-)

That leaves Gates and Riek. They both have NBA ready size; Yancy has the strength and touch, Riek the defensive presence and tantalizing potential. They will both end up in the league (baring unforeseen problems or injury) and I would suggest each will be a starter SOMEWHERE by their third seasons respectively.

But, for now, it is so nice to know ALL these guys are suiting up in the red and black.

Go Cats!

[bearcatbret]

It will not be Riek. He has promised to stay at UC for a minimum of three years.

[BasketBySteveLogan]

Deonta will be similar to a guy like Jarrett Jack... good enough to start but it will depend on the team he plays for

Yancy.. wayyyy too early to tell about him

Mike Williams-- not athletic enough to play in the NBA at his height

[Matt1982]

I don't think anyone on this current roster is capable of being anything more than a backup on an NBA team right now, only time will tell if any of the youngsters can progress more than I would expect them to do.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Vaughn is a college player.

Gates has NBA talent and size.

[Lobot]

I'll vote for Gates, Riek and Mclain in that order. One year after the other.

[Lobot]

Vaughn is a college player.

Gates has NBA talent and size.

If Vaughn could truly play the point he'd be a decent bet. We get our chance to find out if he can do it with Cash down

[ralph1950]

I could care less as whoever he will be, he will not be a member of the UC basketball team at that time.

[bearcatfanCJ]

I could care less as whoever he will be, he will not be a member of the UC basketball team at that time.

If your goal was for everyone who reads these forums to recognize that it was you posting before they even looked at the name, you have succeeded. Please know that this is not a good thing, your posts are TERRIBLE! Read the thread and answer the question, simple as that.

On that note I believe that Yancy will be the first player drafted, as well as the first starter in the NBA from any of Mick's teams. I believe that Reik (sp?) also has that potential, but given that he is returning from injury I think he will be around a couple years at least. Could be interesting if Yancy and John enter the same draft. I feel like Deonta definitely has the talent to play at the next level, but may be victimized by his size. Still hard to believe that his bearcat career is only half over. If he can continue to improve at the pace that he has over the last two years he will get all-american consideration, and who knows from there.

Also want to add that a healthy Cash would be in this conversation. :(

[jlr1523]

Branden Miller .

[Thegreatone]

Adriene Payne... That is abslutely serious

[dp3113]

I think Payne is a longshot to go to UC.

[GoCats1994]

Van Exel, Fortson, & Martin were/are NBA starters. Have there been others from recent teams?

Dermarr, Maxiell, Blount...all back-up's.

Even if I am missing some, my point is that it's more difficult than not to produce an NBA starter.

Although from what we have seen so far, I would be in the camp that says there isn't an NBA starter on this roster.

[Doss]

Did not he have NBA interest?

LOL LOL

[Mick's Da Man]

If we are looking purely at who will start, it is most likely going to be either Gates or Yancy.



I think it will be either Deonta or Vaughn. Or maybe Mike or Williams. But John or Riek might have a chance too. But you never know about Chane or Behanon.

[Doss]

Twyman, Robertson were starters.

Wilson, Hogue, Thacker, Bonham, Ard, Batts, Dierking, Stevens, Wiesenhahn, Davis, Cummings, Wingfield also played.

[jeffto]

Van Exel, Fortson, & Martin were/are NBA starters. Have there been others from recent teams?

Dermarr, Maxiell, Blount...all back-up's.

Even if I am missing some, my point is that it's more difficult than not to produce an NBA starter.

Although from what we have seen so far, I would be in the camp that says there isn't an NBA starter on this roster.Maxiell is about to become a starter.

I believe Cummings and Dierking were starters.

[Billy Don]

At this point in time without having seen all of UC's players play the best question might be who could be a starter on the top teams in the Big East. Not many of UC's players would be a starter on even a top college team not alone an NBA team. Vaughn wouldn't even be considered the best point guard in just the Big East. Being first team all Big East would be the first step. Hopefully UC will have a couple do that in time.

[Cats4Ever]

Van Exel, Fortson, & Martin were/are NBA starters. Have there been others from recent teams?

Dermarr, Maxiell, Blount...all back-up's.

Even if I am missing some, my point is that it's more difficult than not to produce an NBA starter.

Although from what we have seen so far, I would be in the camp that says there isn't an NBA starter on this roster.

I think some guy named Oscar did OK in the NBA.

[red_n_black_attack]

At this point in time without having seen all of UC's players play the best question might be who could be a starter on the top teams in the Big East. Not many of UC's players would be a starter on even a top college team not alone an NBA team. Vaughn wouldn't even be considered the best point guard in just the Big East. Being first team all Big East would be the first step. Hopefully UC will have a couple do that in time.

I think Yancy is a starter on at least 8 teams in the Big East, Donta would be free to be a true #2 and start on 10-12 Big East Teams. Time will tell, but I think Reik would also be a starter on 12-4 Big East Teams, given that he is healthy. Needless to say, our entire starting five would displace the starting five at only a couple of Big East teams, like St Johns, Rutgers, and WVU...

[Nerf]

Maxiell is about to become a starter.

I believe Cummings and Dierking were starters.

I never really followed him much after the babysitter incident, but I thought that Patterson was a starter for a while as well.

[bearcatfanCJ]

I think it will be either Deonta or Vaughn. Or maybe Mike or Williams. But John or Riek might have a chance too. But you never know about Chane or Behanon.

LOL!!! That is awesome, HA HA!

[xlax1306]

Van Exel, Fortson, & Martin were/are NBA starters. Have there been others from recent teams?

Dermarr, Maxiell, Blount...all back-up's.

Even if I am missing some, my point is that it's more difficult than not to produce an NBA starter.

Although from what we have seen so far, I would be in the camp that says there isn't an NBA starter on this roster.

Maxiell will be starting this year as detroit has traded antonio mcdyes and chauncy billups to the nuggets for allen iverson. I don't know if the Pistons got any better, but they sure as **** just became a whole lot more fun to watch. With A.I.'s ability to push the ball i think J-Max will light up the highlight reel this year in transition.

[xlax1306]

I think Yancy is a starter on at least 8 teams in the Big East, Donta would be free to be a true #2 and start on 10-12 Big East Teams. Time will tell, but I think Reik would also be a starter on 12-4 Big East Teams, given that he is healthy. Needless to say, our entire starting five would displace the starting five at only a couple of Big East teams, like St Johns, Rutgers, and WVU...

I think Bishop would have a shot to start for WVU and U of L among other teams. Huggins and Pitino both value defense, intensity, hustle, and ball security...all things that Rashad has firmly etched into his calling card.

[dp3113]

You are crazy to think that Deonta does not start on every Big East team. Any team would find room for him in their starting lineup. He was a 1st team all big east performer with no supporting cast last year, and single handedly kept UC in games last year, and thus kept them relevant within the conference.

[wall]

I recall a previous coach who could take average recruits and in 4 years turn them into quality pro prospects....I think Cronin can do the same.

[UCbball21]

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Yancy Gates and most likely John Riek will be NBA starters. Deonta Vaughn and Mike Williams could get drafted but I don't think either will be a difference maker at the NBA level, granted Vaughn still has 2 full seasons to adopt the PG position and he is light years ahead of where Logan was at this stage in development. Cashmere Wright and Anthony McClain are two other players that have a chance, especially Cash. While we havn't seen him play yet, he has that elite speed, quickness, and athleticism to get him to the next level. Big longshots would be Darnell Wilks and Alvin Mitchell, both have the explosiveness, especially Wilks, but they havn't put their game together yet.

Vaughn would start on every team or be a 6th man a la Tony Bobbit which I consider a 6th starter.

[Mick's Da Man]

I recall a previous coach who could take average recruits and in 4 years turn them into quality pro prospects....I think Cronin can do the same.


Which "average" recruits are you talking about?

Fortson was a backup most of his career. So was Corie Blount. Van Exel was a starter. K-Mart is a starter. Maxiell is a backup. Logan got drafted but has never been on an NBA roster. Mickeal got drafted but never played for the NBA. Dermarr was mostly a backup. Satterfield couldn't stick. Neither could Dontonio. Flint? Burton? Levett? Brannen?

Who are you talking about? :confused:

[wall]

Who are you talking about?

All those you mentioned, I said he developed quality pro prospects, not starters. We would like to see the 6 to 8 NBA players from Cincy again, they don't have to be starters.

[jeffto]

Who are you talking about?

All those you mentioned, I said he developed quality pro prospects, not starters. We would like to see the 6 to 8 NBA players from Cincy again, they don't have to be starters.Well if that's your criteria, Mick's got a pro prospect already - Ron Allen.

[Billy Don]

I think Yancy is a starter on at least 8 teams in the Big East, Donta would be free to be a true #2 and start on 10-12 Big East Teams. Time will tell, but I think Reik would also be a starter on 12-4 Big East Teams, given that he is healthy. Needless to say, our entire starting five would displace the starting five at only a couple of Big East teams, like St Johns, Rutgers, and WVU...

I think as of right now DePaul, St Johns, Seaton Hall and South Florida would trade their starting lineup for UC's. Rutgers has a MC Donalds All American and a couple of other high rated recruits and their problem is they need more to go with them. It's iffy they would want to trade what they have because they have more good players on the way. Then you have a couple teams that would be a trade off. The main problem for UC right now is there is at least 6 teams whose talent level is heads above UC's and there is no way for UC with no scholarships to catch them. At least anytime soon. If everything goes well and all of UC's current players work out and stay, UC can top out in the 7 or 8 spot in the Big East. That would be good for an NCAA bid and Mick and most fans would be happy. So 7th or 8th place is the goal and if one of the top teams could have some big time trouble maybe pick up another spot. Being at the top of mid pack in the Big East is nothing to sneeze at. Means you still have at least a top 40 or maybe top 35 team. Forget about winning the Big East anytime soon. Just too many teams with top talent and top coach to climb over. I am a generous person and not going to charge for letting you know what's going to happen.

[anbuc88]

I think as of right now DePaul, St Johns, Seaton Hall and South Florida would trade their starting lineup for UC's. Rutgers has a MC Donalds All American and a couple of other high rated recruits and their problem is they need more to go with them. It's iffy they would want to trade what they have because they have more good players on the way. Then you have a couple teams that would be a trade off. The main problem for UC right now is there is at least 6 teams whose talent level is heads above UC's and there is no way for UC with no scholarships to catch them. At least anytime soon. If everything goes well and all of UC's current players work out and stay, UC can top out in the 7 or 8 spot in the Big East. That would be good for an NCAA bid and Mick and most fans would be happy. So 7th or 8th place is the goal and if one of the top teams could have some big time trouble maybe pick up another spot. Being at the top of mid pack in the Big East is nothing to sneeze at. Means you still have at least a top 40 or maybe top 35 team. Forget about winning the Big East anytime soon. Just too many teams with top talent and top coach to climb over. I am a generous person and not going to charge for letting you know what's going to happen.

You are wrong. This is a team sport, not an individual competition. That's why teams that have played together invariably do better in the regular season and the tournament than young teams. The fact that UC does not have any scholarships next year does not mean that they will not be significantly improved. A year of seasoning, playing together, and improving in the offseason will only make them better. Notre Dame had no scholarships this year and are a Top 10 team. Their initial recruits were not as highly ranked (overall) as UC's, but thay have played together and have kept the core intact. IF UC does the same, I would expect a similar ranking. That's common sense basketball education, something most fans understand. Do you?

[Major ----de Coverley]

Well said Anbuc88, Billy d's analysis of UC is as usual razor thin and factually deficient. I realize many of his weak points are merely to draw attention to himself so watching him being schooled does provide amusement.

[Billy Don]

You are wrong. This is a team sport, not an individual competition. That's why teams that have played together invariably do better in the regular season and the tournament than young teams. The fact that UC does not have any scholarships next year does not mean that they will not be significantly improved. A year of seasoning, playing together, and improving in the offseason will only make them better. Notre Dame had no scholarships this year and are a Top 10 team. Their initial recruits were not as highly ranked (overall) as UC's, but thay have played together and have kept the core intact. IF UC does the same, I would expect a similar ranking. That's common sense basketball education, something most fans understand. Do you?

I understand UC will be a better team next year due to experience. What I also understand is UC with few scholatships for 09 and 10 will pay the price 2 and 3 years from now. UC will only go as far the next two years as the current players can take them. Then it's not exactly start over again but 2011 has to be a huge year recruit wise just to maintain the position that has been reached. In the meanwhile the top Big East teams are getting top recruits out of the 09 and 10 class UC will have to deal with for the next 4 years. All I'm saying is moving ahead of the top teams recruit wise is a long process. When you are talking about what the future of a team will be like it is all opinion. Facts come after the future not before. I use experience and wisdom to form an opinion of the future not hope and fairy tales. Of course nothing wrong with hope and fairy tales. Something all young go through with until they become old and wise. Paying attention to the old and wise would speed up the process for the young if they would just do it. Saying I agree with you Billy Don would be a start in the right direction.

[jplog]

I'd settle for several NBA bench players.

[Cats4Ever]

Yancy has the best chance - but I remember Nick Van Exel was IMHO a better player than Blount, but Blount got selected before Nick.

[anbuc88]

I understand UC will be a better team next year due to experience. What I also understand is UC with few scholatships for 09 and 10 will pay the price 2 and 3 years from now. UC will only go as far the next two years as the current players can take them. Then it's not exactly start over again but 2011 has to be a huge year recruit wise just to maintain the position that has been reached. In the meanwhile the top Big East teams are getting top recruits out of the 09 and 10 class UC will have to deal with for the next 4 years. All I'm saying is moving ahead of the top teams recruit wise is a long process. When you are talking about what the future of a team will be like it is all opinion. Facts come after the future not before. I use experience and wisdom to form an opinion of the future not hope and fairy tales. Of course nothing wrong with hope and fairy tales. Something all young go through with until they become old and wise. Paying attention to the old and wise would speed up the process for the young if they would just do it. Saying I agree with you Billy Don would be a start in the right direction.

Please don't confuse being old with being wise. Top recruits won't be in college 2 years from now, they will be in the NBA. When UC starts winnning they will also be in the mix for these recruits. The climb to the top is not nearly as insurmountable as you make it out to be. Then again, it would be better for you if UC didn't make it back to prominence. You wouldn't have anything to complain about and your life would likely be empty.

[NICKtheQUICK]

:cool:maybe Yancy. I hope Deonta.

[ralph1950]

I understand UC will be a better team next year due to experience. What I also understand is UC with few scholatships for 09 and 10 will pay the price 2 and 3 years from now. UC will only go as far the next two years as the current players can take them. Then it's not exactly start over again but 2011 has to be a huge year recruit wise just to maintain the position that has been reached. In the meanwhile the top Big East teams are getting top recruits out of the 09 and 10 class UC will have to deal with for the next 4 years. All I'm saying is moving ahead of the top teams recruit wise is a long process. When you are talking about what the future of a team will be like it is all opinion. Facts come after the future not before. I use experience and wisdom to form an opinion of the future not hope and fairy tales. Of course nothing wrong with hope and fairy tales. Something all young go through with until they become old and wise. Paying attention to the old and wise would speed up the process for the young if they would just do it. Saying I agree with you Billy Don would be a start in the right direction.

Mick Cronin is one of the best recruiters and coaches in the USA. With Reik this team is a National Title contender this season. UC will continue to be tiltle contenders in the future. Mick will win multiple National Championships at UC. Your judgement about UC is totally blinded by your man love for Bob Huggins. The fact is UC replaced BH with a better coach, as a matter of fact a 23 point better coach.

[bearcatfanCJ]

Mick Cronin is one of the best recruiters and coaches in the USA. With Reik this team is a National Title contender this season. UC will continue to be tiltle contenders in the future. Mick will win multiple National Championships at UC. Your judgement about UC is totally blinded by your man love for Bob Huggins. The fact is UC replaced BH with a better coach, as a matter of fact a 23 point better coach.

And your judgement about UC is blinded by many things, mainly ignorance.

[Scheids21]

And your judgement about UC is blinded by many things, mainly ignorance.

Nah I doubt he's ignorant. He just gets his jollies by pissing off people on this board by repeating the same "title contender" garbage over and over.....and over and over again.

[NorrisHopper30]

And your judgement about UC is blinded by many things, mainly ignorance.

He thinks he is funny. 25characters