2007 Recruiting Class

[Corporateballa]

I think that we can all agree that last year's class had a disappointing freshman season. There were flashes, but no one had a significant impact. Early in their sophmore year, I can really see the potential of this class. To a man (with the exception of Rashad Bishop & Kenny Belton - INJ), each player is significantly improved. I'm going to offer my top-line thoughts on each player, and the former Bearcat they most remind me of:

Alvin Mitchell - The prize of last year's class, and we are starting to see why. In today's post game, Mick talked extensively about Alvin. Said that last year he showed the ability to dominate in practice, but that it never translated to games because of his bad attitude and inconsistant practice habits. Mick said that Alvin brings it everyday like a man possessed, and that's why he is playing so much better in games.

Alvin is going to be a Bearcat great. I predict that he will score > 1000 points in his career and be All BE no later than his senior year. Not the most athletic player for his size, but he can flat out score (got to the line six times today). Bearcat that he most reminds me of? Darnell Burton.

Anthony McClain - I'll give him the edge over Wilks as the most improved player on the team. I was a little worried after watching him in the pre-season, but he has looked incredible the last two games. He is a legit 7-footer with soft hands and solid rebounding and shot blocking instincts. I don't think he missed a shot today, and he had 4 very impressive blocked shots where he controled the ball and started the break. He's going to end up being better than Jason Gray (PITT). I look forward to watching this kid develop physically. The former Bearcat he most reminds me of?...Bob Miller

Larry Davis - showed flashes last year in spite of the fact that he was coming off of major reconstructive knee surgery. Has a knack to score. Showing ability as a perimeter shooter. Needs to mature physically and improve defensively, but is a BE talent. Bearcat he most reminds me of?...DeJaun Baker and Field Williams - I'd love to see him develop into a Lazelle Durden.

Darnell Wilks - His freshman year should have been his senior year in HS. I've been impressed with him since the first preseason game. He can shot the three, and attack the rim. By far the most athletic player on the team. He will be the starting 3 in this program the his junior and senior year (if not sooner). Bearcat he most reminds me of?...James White

Rashad Bishop - Was the best freshman last year almost by default. His game is really being hurt by Wright's injury, and the fact that he is being forced to handle the rock. He's not that athletic, but makes good decisions. Developed a rep last year as a defensive stopper, but has struggled this year defensively. He not rebounding or shooting well either. He has some scoring ability with an unorthodox, slashing, lefty style. Of all the 2nd year players, he has shown the least amount of improvement over last year, but it's a long season. Former Bearcat that he most reminds me of?...Damon Flint (both left handed SF forced to play the point) and Keith Gregor.

Kenny Belton - big strong body, limited athlete, zero basketball skillz...painful to watch this kid shoot free-throws (or any other shot for that matter). He gets over powered by bigger more athletic players. Former Bearcat he most reminds me of?...none really, but how about Kareem Johnson (I'm sorry Kareem).

[TheLivingLegend]

You clearly are delusional with some of your posts on this site. (Rashad) He has struggled this year defensively? What games have you watched, whose a better defender on the team. That statement is absurd. least amount of improvement, maybe because he was forced into playing a position completely foreign to him.

[Corporateballa]

You clearly are delusional with some of your posts on this site. (Rashad) He has struggled this year defensively? What games have you watched, whose a better defender on the team. That statement is absurd. least amount of improvement, maybe because he was forced into playing a position completely foreign to him.

I was sitting on the floor on Tuesday when a kid from Texas Southern who played at Owens Tech in Toledo last year scored 29 (most of them on your boy). I acknowledged that playing out of position has hurt his game.

Orange Bowl BABE!

BBA '88
MBA '92

[Joe_Pong]

Alvin is going to be a Bearcat great. I predict that he will score > 1000 points in his career and be All BE no later than his senior year. .

Huh???

I hope it's no later than his senior year...

[Corporateballa]

Huh???

I hope it's no later than his senior year...


Meaning his senior year at the latest, possibly sooner...what's wrong with people on this site? So much negitivity...are you people UC grads or just bitter yocals???

BBA '88
MBA '92

[bubbachunk]

Larry Davis can't shoot near as good as field and cant defend for a lick.

[Corporateballa]

Larry Davis can't shoot near as good as field and cant defend for a lick.


Ok - who does he most remind you of?

[Corporateballa]

Larry Davis can't shoot near as good as field and cant defend for a lick.

I didn't say that he could shoot as good as Field when Field was a senior...I said "reminds me of".

[TheLivingLegend]

Biggie a solid rebounder and shot blocker? questionable.. More like a terrible rebounder, and a shot blocker solely based on being in the way. Toyloy is a solid rebounder.

Rashad is the most trustable defensive player we have, like it or not.

[bubbachunk]

I didn't say that he could shoot as good as Field when Field was a senior...I said "reminds me of".

Well then that begs the question what reminds you of him? His erratic shooting? His constant turnovers? The inability to generally stay in front of his man?

I am not trying to attack you but nothing about Davis says Field Williams.

Ok - who does he most remind you of?

I was not trying to make comparisons. He is his own player and does not remind me of anyone of the top of my head from the past.

[CincyBearcat95]

Geez - if you look at these posts, it seems we have more old women than Bearcat fans. Corporateballa is putting out his opinion and you all attack him like he has blasphemed or something. Relax. This site needs to be more about bearcat basketball and football and less about the drama between the posters.

[SLMadiCat]

Geez - if you look at these posts, it seems we have more old women than Bearcat fans. Corporateballa is putting out his opinion and you all attack him like he has blasphemed or something. Relax. This site needs to be more about bearcat basketball and football and less about the drama between the posters.

I agree. I disagree with some stuff Balla said, but it was a good post nevertheless.

[CincyBearcat95]

I agree. I disagree with some stuff Balla said, but it was a good post nevertheless.

Rightly said. I don't think I agree with anyone on this site 100%, nor should anyone. That's part of the fun of being a fan and expressing opinions. But, to attack people for their opinion is not needed. You all (and I) are Bearcats and are better than that.

[bubbachunk]

Geez - if you look at these posts, it seems we have more old women than Bearcat fans. Corporateballa is putting out his opinion and you all attack him like he has blasphemed or something. Relax. This site needs to be more about bearcat basketball and football and less about the drama between the posters.

It is an opinion, we do not have to agree and pat him on the back just because he could make a post. The reason for a message board is for discussion and varying opinions.

[Corporateballa]

Biggie a solid rebounder and shot blocker? questionable.. More like a terrible rebounder, and a shot blocker solely based on being in the way. Toyloy is a solid rebounder.

Rashad is the most trustable defensive player we have, like it or not.

Did you see the game today??? I've seen all three games and both scrimages in person. I played D1 basketball and coached on the HS level (post you email and I'll send you some of my articles). Maybe you played at a higher level than me...maybe you played in the NBA, but I know something about basketball. Rashad bishop through three games:

78 mins. played, 6-19 from the field, 0-7 from three point range, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 6 TOs. I think that he is better than these numbers, but he was not played well yet. There is nothing about my assessment of him that is delusional...whether you like what I said or not.

Biggie McClain through three games:

30 total minutes played; 7-9 from the field; 7-10 from the line; 14 rebounds; 5 blocks; zero turn overs.

Stop the name calling and make your case!

[Corporateballa]

Geez - if you look at these posts, it seems we have more old women than Bearcat fans. Corporateballa is putting out his opinion and you all attack him like he has blasphemed or something. Relax. This site needs to be more about bearcat basketball and football and less about the drama between the posters.


The only reason the I even respond to the negative stuff is because I only need 237 more posts to become a Distinguished Member - yippee!

I'm also building my character and retraint by not retaliating with negativity when I'm attacked. Thanks for yur support!

[CincyBearcat95]

It is an opinion, we do not have to agree and pat him on the back just because he could make a post. The reason for a message board is for discussion and varying opinions.

Right, there's a big difference between disagreeing and insulting someone. Its funny because the people on this board act the same way as those on the ESPN boards. Only difference is we're all Bearcats. I'm not saying we all should hold hands. Its just that we can disagree and debate without calling names. ****, I love an argument as much as the next guy and I love to give **** to people, but its digressed on here to the point of a bunch of old ladies calling each other names. And no, I'm not going anywhere because its still the best place to get news on the Bearcats.

[bubbachunk]

Right, there's a big difference between disagreeing and insulting someone. Its funny because the people on this board act the same way as those on the ESPN boards. Only difference is we're all Bearcats. I'm not saying we all should hold hands. Its just that we can disagree and debate without calling names. ****, I love an argument as much as the next guy and I love to give **** to people, but its digressed on here to the point of a bunch of old ladies calling each other names. And no, I'm not going anywhere because its still the best place to get news on the Bearcats.

I think you are letting a few bad apples spoil the site for you and I think everyone knows who I am talking about without naming names.

[TmacGoCats]

Corporateballa, I think you had a good post, i appreciate the time you put in it as well. I tend to agree that Bishop has struggled defensively as well, other then the first game. Altogether i agree with you on Biggie as well. He seems a little awkward out there but he puts up good numbers for the amount of minutes he plays.

Mitchell was a stud in high school, but if i remember correctly his high school wasn't that good and he had to take a ton of shots. i think his work ethic over these next few years will turn him into a stud in the college game as well. Plus i saw good things out of him today compared to last year. He's taking much better shots and is attacking the rim more often as well.

[coach]

way to early to rate them. this is a subject for 4/09

[Mick's Da Man]

Alvin Mitchell - The prize of last year's class, and we are starting to see why. In today's post game, Mick talked extensively about Alvin. Said that last year he showed the ability to dominate in practice, but that it never translated to games because of his bad attitude and inconsistant practice habits. Mick said that Alvin brings it everyday like a man possessed, and that's why he is playing so much better in games.

I like Alvin and have given him props. But I need to see more than three point shooting from him. His defense still needs work and so does other part of his offensive game. He does not remind me of Darnell Burton.


Anthony McClain - I'll give him the edge over Wilks as the most improved player on the team. I was a little worried after watching him in the pre-season, but he has looked incredible the last two games. He is a legit 7-footer with soft hands and solid rebounding and shot blocking instincts. I don't think he missed a shot today, and he had 4 very impressive blocked shots where he controled the ball and started the break. He's going to end up being better than Jason Gray (PITT). I look forward to watching this kid develop physically. The former Bearcat he most reminds me of?...Bob Miller

Biggie is letting the game come to him. I am impressed with his rebound and blocked shot totals in limited time. I think he is improving, but not to top of the line Big East quality. I think he will improve by his junior and senior years, though. He is definitley better, but not starter potential.


Larry Davis - showed flashes last year in spite of the fact that he was coming off of major reconstructive knee surgery. Has a knack to score. Showing ability as a perimeter shooter. Needs to mature physically and improve defensively, but is a BE talent. Bearcat he most reminds me of?...DeJaun Baker and Field Williams - I'd love to see him develop into a Lazelle Durden.

Larry doesn't remind me of anyone. He is one of a kind. But I fully expect something to click in Larry his junior and senior years. I like his slashing ability and ability to score on the drive. I think he will continue to improve, although I think his defense is seriously suspect.


Darnell Wilks - His freshman year should have been his senior year in HS. I've been impressed with him since the first preseason game. He can shot the three, and attack the rim. By far the most athletic player on the team. He will be the starting 3 in this program the his junior and senior year (if not sooner). Bearcat he most reminds me of?...James White

Darnell will surprise in the right situations. I like his potential.

Rashad Bishop - Was the best freshman last year almost by default. His game is really being hurt by Wright's injury, and the fact that he is being forced to handle the rock. He's not that athletic, but makes good decisions. Developed a rep last year as a defensive stopper, but has struggled this year defensively. He not rebounding or shooting well either. He has some scoring ability with an unorthodox, slashing, lefty style. Of all the 2nd year players, he has shown the least amount of improvement over last year, but it's a long season. Former Bearcat that he most reminds me of?...Damon Flint (both left handed SF forced to play the point) and Keith Gregor.

I love his defense, but I loathe his offense. I keep wondering what a true SF would give us offensively.

Kenny Belton - big strong body, limited athlete, zero basketball skillz...painful to watch this kid shoot free-throws (or any other shot for that matter). He gets over powered by bigger more athletic players. Former Bearcat he most reminds me of?...none really, but how about Kareem Johnson (I'm sorry Kareem).

Belton does remind me of Kareem Johnson, with a knack for putbacks.

[BigDaddyCornHusker]

Great thread! This gives some good perspective on the team for an out of towner.

I'm rooting for Biggie to be the most improved. He reminds me of the big man here in Purdue-land. JuJuan Johnson is their 6'10" center who had a blah freshman season but is showing life as a soph and is coming into his game. Would love to see Biggie get more hype than JuJuan this year.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Easily a Top 15 class. Their first year at UC was disappointing (given their talent level) but the next 3 should prove these guys are very talented.

[Nator]

"I'm also building my character and retraint by not retaliating with negativity when I'm attacked. Thanks for yur support!" - C-Balla

Too funny....I think we all need to accept this character building challenge.

I enjoyed the post but don't see D. Burton in Alvin Mitchell. I may have a faded memory but I remember Burton being a one dimensional spot shooter. He was extremely good at it but wasn't he a one trick pony?

[Corporateballa]

"I'm also building my character and retraint by not retaliating with negativity when I'm attacked. Thanks for yur support!" - C-Balla

Too funny....I think we all need to accept this character building challenge.

I enjoyed the post but don't see D. Burton in Alvin Mitchell. I may have a faded memory but I remember Burton being a one dimensional spot shooter. He was extremely good at it but wasn't he a one trick pony?

Michael - D. Burton was a prolific 3-point shooter (prolly in the top-5 alltime in the school's history). He had a strong, muscular body (like Mitchell)...not extremely athletic, 6'3", but he developed into a very good defender. He is one of the all-time steals leaders in school history.

[jeffto]

Excellent posts Balla & DaMan - thoughtful and incisive. I said some months back that we should forget the freshmen and that the sophomores would carry the burden for this team. So far, so good.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Michael - D. Burton was a prolific 3-point shooter (prolly in the top-5 alltime in the school's history). He had a strong, muscular body (like Mitchell)...not extremely athletic, 6'3", but he developed into a very good defender. He is one of the all-time steals leaders in school history.

Burton was listed at 6-3 but he was more like 6-1 and a fraction.

One heckuva 3-point shooter. That 1993 recruiting class was rated #1 in the nation by some analysts, Top 5 by all of them.

UC had GREAT recruiting and coaching back then.

[Kindog202]

Burton was listed at 6-3 but he was more like 6-1 and a fraction.

One heckuva 3-point shooter. That 1993 recruiting class was rated #1 in the nation by some analysts, Top 5 by all of them.

UC had GREAT recruiting and coaching back then.

and UC has GREAT recruiting and coaching now.

[SLMadiCat]

Burton was listed at 6-3 but he was more like 6-1 and a fraction.

One heckuva 3-point shooter. That 1993 recruiting class was rated #1 in the nation by some analysts, Top 5 by all of them.

UC had GREAT recruiting and coaching back then.

Wow, you can't go one post without pointing out the coaching can you?

[dp3113]

Darnell Burton is not only top 5 three point shooter in UC history- he is the #1. I believe he hit over 300 in his career, which is well above Field and LaZelle who are #2 and #3.

[ZCat]

I agree. I disagree with some stuff Balla said, but it was a good post nevertheless.


He was just stating his opinion. He may see something others don't see re comparison with Fields (shot release, quick feet...). He may later turn out to be correct. It is his opinion, just like others whom disagree have their OPINIONS. I am glad he started the post, it was fun to read. If you diasgree, just say so and why.

[TheLivingLegend]

Did you see the game today??? I've seen all three games and both scrimages in person. I played D1 basketball and coached on the HS level (post you email and I'll send you some of my articles). Maybe you played at a higher level than me...maybe you played in the NBA, but I know something about basketball. Rashad bishop through three games:

78 mins. played, 6-19 from the field, 0-7 from three point range, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 6 TOs. I think that he is better than these numbers, but he was not played well yet. There is nothing about my assessment of him that is delusional...whether you like what I said or not.

Biggie McClain through three games:

30 total minutes played; 7-9 from the field; 7-10 from the line; 14 rebounds; 5 blocks; zero turn overs.

Stop the name calling and make your case!

Never said Rashad was a scorer, i said he was the best DEFENSIVE player on the team. hes going to have alot of turnovers right now, hes been playing point.

Biggie through 3 games has 30 minutes, that alone should say something to you. I agree he has solid numbers in the minutes that he has played. But lets be real here, he has yet to play anyone good, has yet to play anyone near his size. Ill be impressed with those numbers if he can continue that against quality teams, which has yet to be seen.

[SLMadiCat]

He was just stating his opinion. He may see something others don't see re comparison with Fields (shot release, quick feet...). He may later turn out to be correct. It is his opinion, just like others whom disagree have their OPINIONS. I am glad he started the post, it was fun to read. If you diasgree, just say so and why.

Excuse me? I said it was a good post. What is wrong with some people on this board?

[juckerrules]

Biggie a solid rebounder and shot blocker? questionable.. More like a terrible rebounder, and a shot blocker solely based on being in the way. Toyloy is a solid rebounder.

Rashad is the most trustable defensive player we have, like it or not.

He (Biggie) has more rebounds per minute played than any Bearcat on the team (including Toyloy) - if he's a terrible rebounder and everyone else is worse, we are in a world of hurt.

[BasketBySteveLogan]

Good effort on this post Corporateballa-- I like your positivity.

Not sure if I am quite ready to dub Alvin Mitchell a potential all-Big East performer, but I like his new attitude and effort. He has the ability, but we have still yet to see how he handles success. Can he still score 15-20 pts in a game if the opposing coach puts his best perimeter defender on him?

One thing is for sure though. This year's team, regardless of where it finishes at season's end, will be 800% more enjoyable to watch than last year's team.

Signed,
Darnell "Stick Figure Highlight Reel" Wilk(in)s

[Bp4thebest]

Huh???

I hope it's no later than his senior year...

haha this post cracked me up!

[Bp4thebest]

If I could compare Darnell to any basketball player in general it would be Posey, only skinnier! James is alot more tooled but that's about it.. If darnell could defend and dribble like white he be in the nba.. although white could shoot better. James white was an all around talent that should be in the nba for sure!

Larry Davis is like no bearcat from the past.

Rashad Bishop is here to be smart and solid, no greatness potential there!

Steve Toyloy is a huge addition this year!

Alvin is gonna make or break our tourney hopes!

How about mike being a lest talented max without the hard finishes cuz of his knee.. they have the same moves around the basket and are both monster rebounders!

Yancy Gates is a Danny Fortson like player with less aggression!

DV is more talented then Logan but not nearly as smart!

Biggie is gonna be key, his shot blocking ability is truely solid! He could have 8 blocks a game if he never sat, him off the bench for 9 min a game is gonna be huge.. when we get riek back it's gonna be tough to match whatever we bring at our opponents in the front court! If we don't turn the ball over we will beat great teams with Al and DV and our very good front court keeping us very balanced and extremely hard to defend!

Dion Dixon, I would classify him as a more talented Danny Mac with less speed on the defensive side! Especially with all those rebounds!

[Billy Don]

You clearly are delusional with some of your posts on this site. (Rashad) He has struggled this year defensively? What games have you watched, whose a better defender on the team. That statement is absurd. least amount of improvement, maybe because he was forced into playing a position completely foreign to him.

As a 3 star rated player Rashad did as much if not more than you could expect from a freshman. Some if not most 3 star rated players become role players on major teams. The problem as I see it is, some fans expect a lot more than what they are likely to get. Right now having Rashad help bring the ball up the floor isn't helping his game any. Learning something new takes away from what you already know. For now he has an excuse.

[TheLivingLegend]

He (Biggie) has more rebounds per minute played than any Bearcat on the team (including Toyloy) - if he's a terrible rebounder and everyone else is worse, we are in a world of hurt.

Ha ha ok? that means nothing to me. Hes a terrible rebounder and the big east will show that. Hes not TOUGH enough to play in the big east, Toyloy is.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

and UC has GREAT recruiting and coaching now.

Maybe, maybe not. UC doesn't have great RESULTS yet.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Wow, you can't go one post without pointing out the coaching can you?

The staff in the mid 1990's was second to none. FF in 1992, Elite 8 in 1993 and 1996.

[SLMadiCat]

The staff in the mid 1990's was second to none. FF in 1992, Elite 8 in 1993 and 1996.

Thanks for proving my point.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Thanks for proving my point.

No point to prove. It's a fact. The only better 5 years in UC history (than 1992 thru 1996) were 1959 thru 1963.

[jeffto]

Maybe, maybe not. UC doesn't have great RESULTS yet.We've had no better than "good" results since 1963. It's time for some "great" results. Mick can do it!!!

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

We've had no better than "good" results since 1963. It's time for some "great" results. Mick can do it!!!

I thought 1992 was great. And 1993, 1996, 2000, and 2002 pretty close to it.

Too bad you missed those years. Only thing close to 1963 since then (except PERHAPS 1966).

[SLMadiCat]

No point to prove. It's a fact. The only better 5 years in UC history (than 1992 thru 1996) were 1959 thru 1963.

The only fact is that your stats never have anything to do with the discussion at hand. It has been proven that you can't go one post without bringing up the previous coach.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

The only fact is that your stats never have anything to do with the discussion at hand. It has been proven that you can't go one post without bringing up the previous coach.

I think those TEAMS are worthy of mention. The coach alone does not W a single game. Those 5 years are the best Bearcat years of the past 45 years.

[MikeInClifton]

This thread gets back on track real quick, or it gets closed. If you two want to argue, use PM.

[Thegreatone]

I thought 1992 was great. And 1993, 1996, 2000, and 2002 pretty close to it.

Too bad you missed those years. Only thing close to 1963 since then (except PERHAPS 1966).

I may get this thread closed, but o well. I am not sure how great 2000 and 2002 can be since we didnt get by the first weekend.

Face it 58' Huggins crumbles when pressure is on. He dominate inferior talent. Unless it is a big game like X

[jeffto]

I thought 1992 was great. And 1993, 1996, 2000, and 2002 pretty close to it.

Too bad you missed those years. Only thing close to 1963 since then (except PERHAPS 1966).Calling those years "great" diminishes the meaning of the word. Those were good years. IMO, great years include a championship. Our great years are still ahead of us! Go Mick!!! Go Bearcats!!!!!

Mike, please close this thread now. Nothing additional need be added to my comments.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Calling those years "great" diminishes the meaning of the word. Those were good years. IMO, great years include a championship. Our great years are still ahead of us! Go Mick!!! Go Bearcats!!!!!

Mike, please close this thread now. Nothing additional need be added to my comments.

I thought UC was great in 1958, 59, 60, and 63. I guess not.

[jeffto]

I thought UC was great in 1958, 59, 60, and 63. I guess not.Now I've figured out why you love Huggins so much. You've got very low expectations.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Now I've figured out why you love Huggins so much. You've got very low expectations.

That is the dumbest comment I've ever read on Bearcat News, bar none.

[SLMadiCat]

Pot, meet kettle................