Academics update from Josh K.

[Bearcat98]

http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/cincybearcats/2007/06/had-little-sitdown.asp

Nothing earth-shattering, but does provide a little more clarity to the academics of the incoming guys.

[Kindog202]

http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/cincybearcats/2007/06/had-little-sitdown.asp

Nothing earth-shattering, but does provide a little more clarity to the academics of the incoming guys.

Any idea on who the "backup plan" is that Mick mentioned to Josh if Henry is not eligible?

[JR71]

I really don't expect to see Henry at UC next year. I can't think of any high school guys left that could replace his talent and make a big impact. The only name that comes to mind is Bost because it has been said he may qualify as a 2007 recruit.

[Bearcat98]

Any idea on who the "backup plan" is that Mick mentioned to Josh if Henry is not eligible?

My rumor mill has Bost still having a chance of becoming eilgible in 07' and possibly becoming the "07 back-up plan" rather than an 08 recruit. Take it for what's it's worth, but it is still possible. Outside of that, I don't know of anyone else that could come in and come anywhere close to replacing Henry's talent if he doesn't make it on campus.

[Kindog202]

Thanks, when I saw Mick's description of the backup, I immediately thought that it would be Bost based on what had been posted on this board before and that no one has mentioned anyone else at this point. If you think about it, Bost would be the logical choice, because you would figure that any '07 kid left right now is not good enough to play at the BE level and with how many kids out of the '08 class Mick is in with, he would pocket the scholly for '08 if it wasn't Bost as opposed to giving it to a kid that is not talented enough to play at the BE level.

[MicksTheGuy]

Do you think if it was Bost that it would matter if Henry was available or not. I think he would find a way to make room for Bost if it was indeed him. I think it has to be someone else. I would just hold the scholarship for Henry for 08. Could he play in 08 or would he have to go to Juco?

[Bearcat98]

Do you think if it was Bost that it would matter if Henry was available or not. I think he would find a way to make room for Bost if it was indeed him. I think it has to be someone else. I would just hold the scholarship for Henry for 08. Could he play in 08 or would he have to go to Juco?

According to Josh's blog, If Henry doesn't make the grades in 07', he won't be part of the program. That means Mick either uses the scholarship on a Big East caliber player on 07' (which there aren't many left) or pockets the scholarship to have 4 for 08'.

Henry either makes grades, doesn't make grades and heads to a Juco, or pulls the Vincent Banks and falls off the face of the basketball earth... It's now or or never in reguards to him at UC from what Josh wrote.

[waterhead]

According to Josh's blog, If Henry doesn't make the grades in 07', he won't be part of the program. That means Mick either uses the scholarship on a Big East caliber player on 07' (which there aren't many left) or pockets the scholarship to have 4 for 08'.


The article also says that Mick DOES have someone lined up for 07' (if Henry can't play) so there will be no roll over scholly to 08'. It doesn't really matter who it is...the choice has been made. Mick's not stupid...it will be someone he thinks can help the team whether he is highly rated or not.

I think the Bost camp is right on this one though unless Mick knows of a kid that the other coaches aren't aware of...a real late bloomer or something.

[Big B]

It could also be someone from JC. There probably a lot of them still available.

[waterhead]

It could also be someone from JC. There probably a lot of them still available.

Mick said in the article it is a high school kid

[Bearcat98]

Let me throw a theory out there for a basis of discussion. Since Bost is said to have UC at the top of his list and not seriously looking elsewhere, this forum has been debating the question as to why he hasn't committed yet, or why hasn't Mick accepted his verbal if Bost has wanted to give one?

Well, maybe Bost has silent verballed to Mick on the basis of the possibility of being an 07' guy if one of the incoming guys academics fall through (and assuming Bost has his academics in order by now). If the 07' thing does not work out, he'll head to Hargrave and reclassify as an 08 recruit as he had previously announced he would do prior to having his academics in order and then come to UC in 08'.

If you were Mick, and you have already accepted Bost's "silent verbal", you probably do not want to make the verbal public because you as a coach don't want to announce another 08' scholarship has been taken and possibly lose interest from an 08' guy at the guard spot (fill in a name here: Walker, Mitchell, paul williams, ect...) when there is still a chance that Bost can slide into the 07' class...

As the coach, you would want to keep all of those scholarships open and available to all the guys interested until the Henry academic issue with the 07' class works itself out in the next few months. The 08' guys can't sign until November anyway... Keep recruiting with open scholarships until you KNOW FOR SURE how many 08' scholarships you really have available. Keep as many 08' kids interested as you can for the time being.

Purely speculation for the sake of discussion on my part, but it makes for a good 07' "back up plan" with a high school kid.

Again, purely an educated theory on my part, No knowlege of any of this being true...

Thoughts?

[james jr]

Let me throw a theory out there for a basis of discussion. Since Bost is said to have UC at the top of his list and not seriously looking elsewhere, this forum has been debating the question as to why he hasn't committed yet, or why hasn't Mick accepted his verbal if Bost has wanted to give one?

Well, maybe Bost has silent verballed to Mick on the basis of the possibility of being an 07' guy if one of the incoming guys academics fall through (and assuming Bost has his academics in order by now). If the 07' thing does not work out, he'll head to Hargrave and reclassify as an 08 recruit as he had previously announced he would do prior to having his academics in order and then come to UC in 08'.

If you were Mick, and you have already accepted Bost's "silent verbal", you probably do not want to make the verbal public because you as a coach don't want to announce another 08' scholarship has been taken and possibly lose interest from an 08' guy at the guard spot (fill in a name here: Walker, Mitchell, paul williams, ect...) when there is still a chance that Bost can slide into the 07' class...

As the coach, you would want to keep all of those scholarships open and available to all the guys interested until the Henry academic issue with the 07' class works itself out in the next few months. The 08' guys can't sign until November anyway... Keep recruiting with open scholarships until you KNOW FOR SURE how many 08' scholarships you really have available. Keep as many 08' kids interested as you can for the time being.

Purely speculation for the sake of discussion on my part, but it makes for a good 07' "back up plan" with a high school kid.

Again, purely an educated theory on my part, No knowlege of any of this being true...

Thoughts?

Your "theory" makes perfect sense and seems to fit the tone of Mick's comments to Josh. We know of no other pending recruit who is considered a virtual lock to UC who has the potential for '07 eligibility. I am curious as well as to how this will affect the recruitment of Kemba Walker. The way his stock is rising on the national circuit I doubt if he would come here to compete with 2 other point guards (Vaughn, Bost). What ya think?

[CincyBearcat95]

I agree with the Bost camp. So what I haven't heard is what is the impact of losing Henry but getting Bost. Anyone care to pontificate on that point?

[Bearcat98]

I agree with the Bost camp. So what I haven't heard is what is the impact of losing Henry but getting Bost. Anyone care to pontificate on that point?

If Bost is actually the "back up plan" UC would lose a top 75 small forward and gain a top 100 PG. Different skill sets, but it wouldn't be a HUGE difference since we have depth at every posistion coming in IMHO. If the "back up plan" turns out to not be Bost, I would expect the impact to be pretty large.

[FleXcursion]

FWIW, I've been hearing for over a month now that Bost was UC's to lose....refer to my previous posts about him.

We shall see.

[Kindog202]

Someone over on Josh's blog is saying its not Bost but is a big time definite BE level talent who everyone will be happy with. Supposedly a 6'8 SF. Who could it be?

[waterhead]

Someone over on Josh's blog is saying its not Bost but is a big time definite BE level talent who everyone will be happy with. Supposedly a 6'8 SF. Who could it be?

That blogger was also saying this:

"Can't say, but don't doubt Mick on this one. Cutting the cord on Henry was the right call, he ended up being a major jackass. And the guy they will replace him with is someone they have known for quite awhile. x-mas in june for cronin with this addition."

This person seems to think the Henry deal is already over. I would think the "cord" is Henry's to cut not Mick's. Not sure I put much stock in what this blogger is saying.

[Bearcat98]

Someone over on Josh's blog is saying its not Bost but is a big time definite BE level talent who everyone will be happy with. Supposedly a 6'8 SF. Who could it be?

Your guess is as good as mine... but if there is a Big East caliber 6'8" SF sitting around out there with nowhere to call home, it would take me COMPLETELY by suprise...

[Oldtimer_UC_fan]

Your guess is as good as mine... but if there is a Big East caliber 6'8" SF sitting around out there with nowhere to call home, it would take me COMPLETELY by suprise...

Wouldn't he have had to sign a letter of intent? I suppose he can just enroll without one. Could it possibly be someone from overseas? Canada? Anywhere?

[Bearcat98]

Wouldn't he have had to sign a letter of intent? I suppose he can just enroll without one. Could it possibly be someone from overseas? Canada? Anywhere?

International makes the mose sense if it's not Bost. This is getting interesting, that's for sure...

[Oldtimer_UC_fan]

Maybe we'll get some big Russian/Yugo stud, one who can actually shoot free throws.

[waterhead]

This blogger talks like we already know the kid and he's 6'8 and a big time player. Mick says he is a high school kid whoever it is.

Who do we know that is in high school that's a 6'8 stud that hasn't signed for the 07' class? Nobody unless it would be a de-commit from another school???

[The real Bearcat Fan]

I do not have a clue who that player could be if Henry does not make it academically but I am sure who ever it is they will fit in perfectly with Mick's system. I just love all of the speculation. It sure makes the off season interesting.

[The real Bearcat Fan]

I do not have a clue who that player could be if Henry does not make it academically but I am sure who ever it is they will fit in perfectly with Mick's system. I just love all of the speculation. It sure makes the off season interesting.

[UCbball21]

This is just speculation but the 6'8 SF could be James Johnson, he is having trouble qualifying academically at Wake Forest so maybe this is the guy. I don't know how it would work and how he could qualify here but not at Wake but that would be a great pick-up. Just checked his profile on rivals and it says he's a verbal and hasnt signed his LOI...the more I think about it the more it starts to fit.

[Kindog202]

Let me preface this by saying I have no inside info, but Johnson would fit as UCbball mentioned, he was recruited by UC for sometime until he chose Wake. Supposedly a Top 50-75 recruit, right?, very athletic (is a fourth degree black belt or something like that) and Mick was on him hard. If it is Johnson, then yes, I believe it would be "xmas in June" for Mick and us.

[bcatwilly]

Let me preface this by saying I have no inside info, but Johnson would fit as UCbball mentioned, he was recruited by UC for sometime until he chose Wake. Supposedly a Top 50-75 recruit, right?, very athletic (is a fourth degree black belt or something like that) and Mick was on him hard. If it is Johnson, then yes, I believe it would be "xmas in June" for Mick and us.

Guys, the kid is still trying to get into Wake as of the very latest word. So that doesn't sound like much of a "backup plan", more like a hoping for plan.

[The real Bearcat Fan]

I would like add another name to the speculation of players who could replace Henry. One player is Kenyan Harmon who is 6-7/200. His home town is North Agusta South Carolina. He played last year at Laurinbug Institute a prep school. He originally committed to Charlotte. Favorites include Cincinnati, Georgia, Ole Miss, Clemson, Iowa State & Oklahoma State. My source is College Hoops Update. Kenyan Harmon is on a list of the top remaining uncommitted players.

[swilsonsp4]

The spring signing period has ended. No one can sign a LOI at this point. Any incoming player would just enroll in school.

Mike DeCoursey has even advocated that players not bother with the LOI. They'd still be inundated with recruiters, but it would keep their options open.

[KingOfTheCats]

One back-up has already been mentioned, but his grades aren't resolved either. The other, and most likely back-up, has not been mentioned on here yet. Unlike people who claim they know something but won't throw a bone out there, the second option plays HS ball in Michigan according to the rumor mill.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

The spring signing period has ended. No one can sign a LOI at this point. Any incoming player would just enroll in school.

Mike DeCoursey has even advocated that players not bother with the LOI. They'd still be inundated with recruiters, but it would keep their options open.

I rarely agree with MD but he's dead on - players shouldn't sign NLOI.

[UCbball21]

One back-up has already been mentioned, but his grades aren't resolved either. The other, and most likely back-up, has not been mentioned on here yet. Unlike people who claim they know something but won't throw a bone out there, the second option plays HS ball in Michigan according to the rumor mill.

Is this Michigan player a 6'8 SF like the guy over on Josh's blog said, because I can't find a legit Mich prospect that fits the bill...

[KingOfTheCats]

Is this Michigan player a 6'8 SF like the guy over on Josh's blog said, because I can't find a legit Mich prospect that fits the bill...

I haven't read the comments on Josh's blog but the player I've heard isn't 6'8"

[IKnowMoreThanYou]

I don't know who the mystery back up plan is yet but I can say for certain it is NOT James Johnson, Dee Bost or any of the other names mentioned in this thread about possible replacements. I will do some digging and see what I can come up with.

In other news, Kemba Walker indeed visited UC this past weekend and I hear he had a great time. Mick knows Kemba's high school coach very well. Kemba just visited UConn too and I think it will come down to those two schools but ultimately he will choose UC.

[CroninCrazy]

Kemba just visited UConn too and I think it will come down to those two schools but ultimately he will choose UC.

Good to hear!

[UCbball21]

I haven't read the comments on Josh's blog but the player I've heard isn't 6'8"

Then this is probably more wishful thinking but...wasn't Dar Tucker rumored to want to get out of his LOI awhile back...not sure how that story ended up but I assume he'll be at Depaul next season, other than him I'm stumped.:confused:

[JR71]

The last I heard Tucker was still heading to Depaul. I doubt it is anybody that has signed a LOI. Schools don't just let kids out unless there is a good reason. For this player to be a for sure backup plan ready to take a scholarship offer it has to be somebody that hasn't picked a school yet.

[waterhead]

Let's not forget the blogger on Josh's site could be a wacko. Can anyone else substantiate the rumor of the back up plan being 6'8" or so?

All we know for sure is that Mick has a backup plan that would include a high school kid stepping in the 07' class if Henry fails to qualify.

[Oldtimer_UC_fan]

Let's not forget the blogger on Josh's site could be a wacko. Can anyone else substantiate the rumor of the back up plan being 6'8" or so?

All we know for sure is that Mick has a backup plan that would include a high school kid stepping in the 07' class if Henry fails to qualify.

I, for one, am hoping Henry qualifies.

[Bearcat98]

I, for one, am hoping Henry qualifies.

I am as well... If the backup plan turns out to be none of the guys mentioned in this thread, I'm expecting a role player/practice player/glue guy at best that maybe develops into a good contributer in a couple of years. If this guy is really "under the radar" and still available after the spring signing period, it will take a few years to develop him.

[Eastside_J]

Wouldn't he have had to sign a letter of intent? I suppose he can just enroll without one. Could it possibly be someone from overseas? Canada? Anywhere?

No one needs to sign an NLI. They just need to get the green light from the NCAA Clearinghouse register with the school and file scholarship papers.

[Bearcat98]

One back-up has already been mentioned, but his grades aren't resolved either. The other, and most likely back-up, has not been mentioned on here yet. Unlike people who claim they know something but won't throw a bone out there, the second option plays HS ball in Michigan according to the rumor mill.

Do you think he'll be eligible to play D-1 next year or will his grades force him to end up at a Juco as widely reported? There's only 1 player left out of Michigan worth giving a scholarship to if Mick doesn't pocket the scholarship for 08' and that would make us heavy at shooting guard... 4 deep next year...

[KingOfTheCats]

Do you think he'll be eligible to play D-1 next year or will his grades force him to end up at a Juco as widely reported? There's only 1 player left out of Michigan worth giving a scholarship to if Mick doesn't pocket the scholarship for 08' and that would make us heavy at shooting guard... 4 deep next year...

The word is that he'll be eligible, but I guess nobody should hold their breath with any kid this age that has grade issues. He seems to be a popular name on the rumor mill if you will.

For the past year I've heard Henry isn't going to make it, I hope that ends up being wrong. If he doesn't I really hope Mick just pockets the scholarship until 08. Take a chance on another shaky recruit and I have a bad feeling Midnight Madness might bring bad news once again.

[Jtarchcincy]

The word is that he'll be eligible, but I guess nobody should hold their breath with any kid this age that has grade issues. He seems to be a popular name on the rumor mill if you will.

For the past year I've heard Henry isn't going to make it, I hope that ends up being wrong. If he doesn't I really hope Mick just pockets the scholarship until 08. Take a chance on another shaky recruit and I have a bad feeling Midnight Madness might bring bad news once again.

I completely agree. I'm all for pocketing the scholarship for 08 rather than taking a gamble on another player with sketchy academics.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Quincy Owens?

PF 6-8 215 Los Angeles, CA 7 West Academy

Cincinnati, Seton Hall, Nebraska, Tennessee, Purdue, Nevada

[MikeInClifton]

Quincy Owens?

PF 6-8 215 Los Angeles, CA 7 West Academy

Cincinnati, Seton Hall, Nebraska, Tennessee, Purdue, Nevada

I've seen Owens play and I dont think he is Big East material. Especially at 215 pounds. Owens is originally from Milwaukee and has bounced around to a few different schools.

[Jtarchcincy]

I've seen Owens play and I dont think he is Big East material. Especially at 215 pounds. Owens is originally from Milwaukee and has bounced around to a few different schools.

I just can't see anyone Mick brings in as a back-up option to Henry contributing a whole lot. The team will be 2-deep at every posistion next year even without Henry... Save the scholly for 08 or 09 and get a solid contributor.

Mike - Do you know of anyone out there Mick can bring in to replace Henry that is Big East material besides Bost or Johnson?