Marquette Game

[Globe Trotting Cat Fan]

I posted the suggestion on the "I Need To Vent" thread that we start looking ahead to Marquette, so, lets do just that shall we? :)

Marquette is more of a "small ball" team, with four double digit scorers on their roster all 6'6 or smaller.

They are averaging 81.5 ppg as a team, they shoot .462% from the field, .353% from deep and are making .714% from the line.

Now, ON PAPER, we have a decided strength advantage if we are able to get the ball down low fast and often to start the game. We are also out rebounding them 42.5 to 38.6, but their top individual rebounder (6'6 Lazar Hayward) is grabbing 9.5 a game to our top rebounder (Yancy) by 3 full boards a game.

So what do people think? What does UC have to do go in to Marquette and get a quality win against a team who's only losses were at a 12-1 Dayton squad and at 19th ranked Tennessee?

Oh, and one more thing...BEAT VIRGINIA TECH!!! :)

Go Cats!

[Mick's Da Man]

Until UC's players believe they belong in these big games and play with confidence, they will continue to lose games like these. They miss open shots in games against "name" opponents, but drill shots against the "lesser name" foes. It's not just the defense thrown at them, it's something else.......and I say it's confidence. They look like a different team...........the deer in headlights look.

There is always a turning point.........a defining moment.......when a young inexperienced team steps up and reaches their potential and shows what they possibly are capable of. This team has not done that yet.

On the flip side, while some think they got blown out by Xavier, they did hold X to 36% shooting...........same with Memphis, who they hung with for most of the game............and the recurring theme of poor shooting/poor offense bit them against FSU. If they get the offense churning with made open shots, reduced turnovers, and good passing..........this team will start winning those games because their defense has pretty much been consistently there all season.

As for Marquette, the bad news is McNeal, who has been a poor 3 point shooter for most of his career has really been deadly from long. Matthews and Hayward are playing well, and so is James. Plus, Marquette gets good dribble penetration, something UC fails to shut down. UC has a definite size advantage and should dominate the boards. But if UM is making shots, it won't matter.

Every game from here on out, I will be waiting for the young guys to quit wearing diapers and come out with intensity and confidence. Not sure when it will happen, but we usually know early on in the game.

[LongTimer]

Until UC's players believe they belong in these big games and play with confidence, they will continue to lose games like these. They miss open shots in games against "name" opponents, but drill shots against the "lesser name" foes. It's not just the defense thrown at them, it's something else.......and I say it's confidence. They look like a different team...........the deer in headlights look.

There is always a turning point.........a defining moment.......when a young inexperienced team steps up and reaches their potential and shows what they possibly are capable of. This team has not done that yet.

On the flip side, while some think they got blown out by Xavier, they did hold X to 36% shooting...........same with Memphis, who they hung with for most of the game............and the recurring theme of poor shooting/poor offense bit them against FSU. If they get the offense churning with made open shots, reduced turnovers, and good passing..........this team will start winning those games because their defense has pretty much been consistently there all season.

As for Marquette, the bad news is McNeal, who has been a poor 3 point shooter for most of his career has really been deadly from long. Matthews and Hayward are playing well, and so is James. Plus, Marquette gets good dribble penetration, something UC fails to shut down. UC has a definite size advantage and should dominate the boards. But if UM is making shots, it won't matter.

Every game from here on out, I will be waiting for the young guys to quit wearing diapers and come out with intensity and confidence. Not sure when it will happen, but we usually know early on in the game.

There is a defining moment when a Croninite (as '58 calls them), sees the light and comes back to reality. MDM, your posts are now much more rational and well thought out and a little more subdued (or did you stay up and party too long on New Years?). However, on one hand above, you talk about our good defense, then you say that we are unable to shut down dribble penetration. One thing I know is that Williams and Gates don't play much defense, so if we can't stop dribble penetration, and our help defenders inside aren't very good either, how can you say that our defense is consistently good. I know the percentages suggest that we are defending, but my eyes tell me something different. I just don't see any resemblance of this teams defensive capability to our defenses of the past.

I just want you to know that after all the problems you pointed out in your post, I hope you are not considering a name change to..."Mick Might Be Da Man". We need an adequate supply of Croninites to balance out this forum and make it interesting. So many Mick Haters surfaced after the Memphis game that I became a Croninite for a couple days because the Mick Haters started to bore me (can you imagine that?)

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

I think they will this time. It's a winnable game.

[Mick's Da Man]

There is a defining moment when a Croninite (as '58 calls them), sees the light and comes back to reality. MDM, your posts are now much more rational and well thought out and a little more subdued (or did you stay up and party too long on New Years?). However, on one hand above, you talk about our good defense, then you say that we are unable to shut down dribble penetration. One thing I know is that Williams and Gates don't play much defense, so if we can't stop dribble penetration, and our help defenders inside aren't very good either, how can you say that our defense is consistently good. I know the percentages suggest that we are defending, but my eyes tell me something different. I just don't see any resemblance of this teams defensive capability to our defenses of the past.

I just want you to know that after all the problems you pointed out in your post, I hope you are not considering a name change to..."Mick Might Be Da Man". We need an adequate supply of Croninites to balance out this forum and make it interesting. So many Mick Haters surfaced after the Memphis game that I became a Croninite for a couple days because the Mick Haters started to bore me (can you imagine that?)

I think too many people want Mick to be like that former coach. There is more way than one to skin a cat.

There are plenty examples of head coaches who do things all different kinds of ways that get it done.

I think Mick is being very patient with this group because of their youth and inexperience. And I think he realizes, like I do, that this team is not playing with confidence. I also think he, like many of us, is surprised at the lack of production from Mike Williams. I don't know what transpired to bring Mike here.......hopefully no playing time promises........but it will be interesting to see if Mike continues to lack production in the Big East, if Mick is willing to make a change.

What is strange to me is that the teams from the past two seasons struggled in OOC games against some easy opponents, posting some embarrassing losses.........and then competed in the Big East posting some very impressive wins. It was weird. Then you take this year's team and they beat everyone they should handily, unlike the last 2 seasons, but struggle in big games.

[Mick's Da Man]

UC doesn't play defense?

Against our 6 best opponents this year:

Opponent........W-L..........OppFG%......Opp3FG%
Florida State.........L...............38%.........33%
UNLV...................W..............38%......... 30%
UAB.....................W..............40%........ .24%
Xavier..................L...............36%....... ..37%
Miss St.................W.............45%..........22%
Memphis...............L...............37%......... .11%


Against the rest of the schedule - they consistently played defense:

Opponent........W-L..........OppFG%......Opp3FG%
Texas Southern........W.............38%...........0%
W. Illinois................W.............28%......... ..25%
Coastal Carolina........W............38%...........26%
Charleston Southern...W............34%..........25%
EKU.........................W.............44%..... ....48%
AR-PB......................W.............31%......... 38%


How did UC shoot in the games against the 6 best opponents?

Opponent........W-L..........UCFG%......UC3FG%
Florida State.........L...............33%.........16%
UNLV...................W..............38%......... 36%
UAB.....................W..............50%........ .35%
Xavier..................L...............36%....... ..33%
Miss St.................W.............45%..........44%
Memphis...............L...............26%......... .18%

How did UC take care of the ball and pass it against the 6 best opponents?

Opponent..........W-L.............UC-Assists..........UC-turnovers
Florida State............L...................8............ .........19
UNLV......................W..................13... .................12
UAB........................W..................14.. .................16
Xavier.....................L...................13. ..................18
Miss St....................W..................20....... ...........15
Memphis...................L...................5... .................20

[Billy Don]

When asked about Marquette and the upcoming Big East season Mick just got a big smile on his face. With good reason! When all you have to do to keep your Million dollar a year job is play .500 ball who wouldn't smile? Of course he hasn't coached .500 ball as yet so he has a little work to do. Putting 12 Arkansas Pine-Bluffs on the OOC schedule next year after getting rid of Memphis will get him close. Marquette! Not to worry. Win or lose Mick will be smiling all the way to the bank. Go Mick!

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

When asked about Marquette and the upcoming Big East season Mick just got a big smile on his face. With good reason! When all you have to do to keep your Million dollar a year job is play .500 ball who wouldn't smile? Of course he hasn't coached .500 ball as yet so he has a little work to do. Putting 12 Arkansas Pine-Bluffs on the OOC schedule next year after getting rid of Memphis will get him close. Marquette! Not to worry. Win or lose Mick will be smiling all the way to the bank. Go Mick!

UC has defeated Marquette in Milwaukee the last 2 tries up there. Y not 3?

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

I think too many people want Mick to be like that former coach. There is more way than one to skin a cat.

There are plenty examples of head coaches who do things all different kinds of ways that get it done.

I think Mick is being very patient with this group because of their youth and inexperience. And I think he realizes, like I do, that this team is not playing with confidence. I also think he, like many of us, is surprised at the lack of production from Mike Williams. I don't know what transpired to bring Mike here.......hopefully no playing time promises........but it will be interesting to see if Mike continues to lack production in the Big East, if Mick is willing to make a change.

What is strange to me is that the teams from the past two seasons struggled in OOC games against some easy opponents, posting some embarrassing losses.........and then competed in the Big East posting some very impressive wins. It was weird. Then you take this year's team and they beat everyone they should handily, unlike the last 2 seasons, but struggle in big games.

I'd like UC's record to be like that of several former coaches such as G Smith, E Jucker, T Baker, G Catlett, B Huggins, even A Kennedy (or a mix of those).

[Billy Don]

Well so much for a first year D1 coach having problems! Ole Buzz just beat Villanova so no easy pickings Sunday. We need to score 40 points in the paint Sunday! Even Biggie ought to get 8-10 points.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Well so much for a first year D1 coach having problems! Ole Buzz just beat Villanova so no easy pickings Sunday. We need to score 40 points in the paint Sunday! Even Biggie ought to get 8-10 points.

Marquette has 3 good, veteran G but UC will just have to stop them.

[CincyBearcat95]

UC doesn't play defense?

Against our 6 best opponents this year:

Opponent........W-L..........OppFG%......Opp3FG%
Florida State.........L...............38%.........33%
UNLV...................W..............38%......... 30%
UAB.....................W..............40%........ .24%
Xavier..................L...............36%....... ..37%
Miss St.................W.............45%..........22%
Memphis...............L...............37%......... .11%


Against the rest of the schedule - they consistently played defense:

Opponent........W-L..........OppFG%......Opp3FG%
Texas Southern........W.............38%...........0%
W. Illinois................W.............28%......... ..25%
Coastal Carolina........W............38%...........26%
Charleston Southern...W............34%..........25%
EKU.........................W.............44%..... ....48%
AR-PB......................W.............31%......... 38%


How did UC shoot in the games against the 6 best opponents?

Opponent........W-L..........UCFG%......UC3FG%
Florida State.........L...............33%.........16%
UNLV...................W..............38%......... 36%
UAB.....................W..............50%........ .35%
Xavier..................L...............36%....... ..33%
Miss St.................W.............45%..........44%
Memphis...............L...............26%......... .18%

How did UC take care of the ball and pass it against the 6 best opponents?

Opponent..........W-L.............UC-Assists..........UC-turnovers
Florida State............L...................8............ .........19
UNLV......................W..................13... .................12
UAB........................W..................14.. .................16
Xavier.....................L...................13. ..................18
Miss St....................W..................20....... ...........15
Memphis...................L...................5... .................20

I love that you take the time to pull the facts. You are Da Man Mick's Da Man! Seriously though, breath of fresh air.

[CincyBearcat95]

When asked about Marquette and the upcoming Big East season Mick just got a big smile on his face. With good reason! When all you have to do to keep your Million dollar a year job is play .500 ball who wouldn't smile? Of course he hasn't coached .500 ball as yet so he has a little work to do. Putting 12 Arkansas Pine-Bluffs on the OOC schedule next year after getting rid of Memphis will get him close. Marquette! Not to worry. Win or lose Mick will be smiling all the way to the bank. Go Mick!

Come on BD, you are better than this. Whether you like Mick or not, you know he's not at Cincy for the money or for the safety. He came into a hard situation, we all know that. This was just a cheap shot.

[Billy Don]

Come on BD, you are better than this. Whether you like Mick or not, you know he's not at Cincy for the money or for the safety. He came into a hard situation, we all know that. This was just a cheap shot.
Well I agree it was kind of a cheap shot but it's not far from the truth either. I think a million dollars is a lot better than the 200 thousand or whatever he was making at Murray State. You tell me any coach who was coaching in a very low major conference that wouldn't take a million dollar job in a major conference. 6 year contract for 6 million! Dream job I reckon. I don't blame Mick for taking the job who would. He couldn' turn down that lucky break if he had to play women. The truth is he probably had the worst resume of any coach who was ever hired at a major conference basketball team. Moving up to a mid major should have been his next move and proved hisself there before he ever got a chance at a major conference. Born in Cincinnati big deal! I know we are stuck with Mick for a couple more years at least and can only hope he can improve as he gets more experience but I've seen proven coach's turn a program around in 2 years and at most 3. I also know that what I think doesn't mean squat. Most days I just go with the flow but there is some days I just get so pissed you know what I mean. I am now going to take a deep breath and get ready to watch UC play Marquette. I hope they play a lot better than they did at Memphis.

[Mick's Da Man]

Well I agree it was kind of a cheap shot but it's not far from the truth either. I think a million dollars is a lot better than the 200 thousand or whatever he was making at Murray State. You tell me any coach who was coaching in a very low major conference that wouldn't take a million dollar job in a major conference. 6 year contract for 6 million! Dream job I reckon. I don't blame Mick for taking the job who would. He couldn' turn down that lucky break if he had to play women. The truth is he probably had the worst resume of any coach who was ever hired at a major conference basketball team. Moving up to a mid major should have been his next move and proved hisself there before he ever got a chance at a major conference. Born in Cincinnati big deal! I know we are stuck with Mick for a couple more years at least and can only hope he can improve as he gets more experience but I've seen proven coach's turn a program around in 2 years and at most 3. I also know that what I think doesn't mean squat. Most days I just go with the flow but there is some days I just get so pissed you know what I mean. I am now going to take a deep breath and get ready to watch UC play Marquette. I hope they play a lot better than they did at Memphis.

IMO, Mick was qualified. But MT didn't have many, if any, other choices either.

I guess BD didn't get that memo.

Mick has a passion for coaching. He's 37 years old. He had 3 years of head coaching experience before he took the job. He made the NCAA Tournament 2 of those 3 years. He is one of 5 head coaches in the history of the NCAA to win 28 games in his first year of being a head coach. He is now coaching in the toughest conference in America. He currently has 10 wins and 3 losses in his 3rd year of rebuilding.

What else do you want? A national championship.........something UC hasn't seen since the 60's? Alot of other UC coaches failed at that one too. :rolleyes:

[Mick's Da Man]

Well so much for a first year D1 coach having problems! Ole Buzz just beat Villanova so no easy pickings Sunday. We need to score 40 points in the paint Sunday! Even Biggie ought to get 8-10 points.

Hmmmm. And UNLV (who Mick beat) beat Louisville! Huge win for UC! UNLV also beat Arizona.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

IMO, Mick was qualified. But MT didn't have many, if any, other choices either.

I guess BD didn't get that memo.

Mick has a passion for coaching. He's 37 years old. He had 3 years of head coaching experience before he took the job. He made the NCAA Tournament 2 of those 3 years. He is one of 5 head coaches in the history of the NCAA to win 28 games in his first year of being a head coach. He is now coaching in the toughest conference in America. He currently has 10 wins and 3 losses in his 3rd year of rebuilding.

What else do you want? A national championship.........something UC hasn't seen since the 60's? Alot of other UC coaches failed at that one too. :rolleyes:

I want 20 W and NCAA bid. That's all for now.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Well I agree it was kind of a cheap shot but it's not far from the truth either. I think a million dollars is a lot better than the 200 thousand or whatever he was making at Murray State. You tell me any coach who was coaching in a very low major conference that wouldn't take a million dollar job in a major conference. 6 year contract for 6 million! Dream job I reckon. I don't blame Mick for taking the job who would. He couldn' turn down that lucky break if he had to play women. The truth is he probably had the worst resume of any coach who was ever hired at a major conference basketball team. Moving up to a mid major should have been his next move and proved hisself there before he ever got a chance at a major conference. Born in Cincinnati big deal! I know we are stuck with Mick for a couple more years at least and can only hope he can improve as he gets more experience but I've seen proven coach's turn a program around in 2 years and at most 3. I also know that what I think doesn't mean squat. Most days I just go with the flow but there is some days I just get so pissed you know what I mean. I am now going to take a deep breath and get ready to watch UC play Marquette. I hope they play a lot better than they did at Memphis.

Not even close to the worst. See Matt Doherty at UNC (for 1 example).

[anbuc88]

Well I agree it was kind of a cheap shot but it's not far from the truth either. I think a million dollars is a lot better than the 200 thousand or whatever he was making at Murray State. You tell me any coach who was coaching in a very low major conference that wouldn't take a million dollar job in a major conference. 6 year contract for 6 million! Dream job I reckon. I don't blame Mick for taking the job who would. He couldn' turn down that lucky break if he had to play women. The truth is he probably had the worst resume of any coach who was ever hired at a major conference basketball team. Moving up to a mid major should have been his next move and proved hisself there before he ever got a chance at a major conference. Born in Cincinnati big deal! I know we are stuck with Mick for a couple more years at least and can only hope he can improve as he gets more experience but I've seen proven coach's turn a program around in 2 years and at most 3. I also know that what I think doesn't mean squat. Most days I just go with the flow but there is some days I just get so pissed you know what I mean. I am now going to take a deep breath and get ready to watch UC play Marquette. I hope they play a lot better than they did at Memphis.

I hate to respond to idiotic posts or idiots, but BD's post and BD qualifies for both. Look up your hero Bob Huggins resume before he got the UC job and compare it to MC's. Which one was more impressive? I'm sorry the basketball program isn't where you would like it to be, or where you feel like you deserve it to be, especially since you have such a vested interest in the University. Finally, shut up already about how much money he makes. With as much money as you like to tell everyone you have, why would you care what anyone else makes?

[BearcatAlum1]

UC doesn't play defense?

Against our 6 best opponents this year:

Opponent........W-L..........OppFG%......Opp3FG%
Florida State.........L...............38%.........33%
UNLV...................W..............38%......... 30%
UAB.....................W..............40%........ .24%
Xavier..................L...............36%....... ..37%
Miss St.................W.............45%..........22%
Memphis...............L...............37%......... .11%


Against the rest of the schedule - they consistently played defense:

Opponent........W-L..........OppFG%......Opp3FG%
Texas Southern........W.............38%...........0%
W. Illinois................W.............28%......... ..25%
Coastal Carolina........W............38%...........26%
Charleston Southern...W............34%..........25%
EKU.........................W.............44%..... ....48%
AR-PB......................W.............31%......... 38%


How did UC shoot in the games against the 6 best opponents?

Opponent........W-L..........UCFG%......UC3FG%
Florida State.........L...............33%.........16%
UNLV...................W..............38%......... 36%
UAB.....................W..............50%........ .35%
Xavier..................L...............36%....... ..33%
Miss St.................W.............45%..........44%
Memphis...............L...............26%......... .18%

How did UC take care of the ball and pass it against the 6 best opponents?

Opponent..........W-L.............UC-Assists..........UC-turnovers
Florida State............L...................8............ .........19
UNLV......................W..................13... .................12
UAB........................W..................14.. .................16
Xavier.....................L...................13. ..................18
Miss St....................W..................20....... ...........15
Memphis...................L...................5... .................20

Once again, another solid fact filled post. After analyzing that data, it's apparent how UC wins/loses games. Hopefully we value the ball and make our shots against Marquette.

As most of you probably noticed, Marquette got a good home victory against Villanova yesterday, winning 79-72. I'd imagine the 'Cats will be a 13-15 point underdog.


Alum1

[Cats4Ever]

I was surprised Marquette beat Villanova yesterday - this would be a huge win for UC but now I'm concerned marquette is playing well when UC is shooting poorly.

Going to be a very interesting game - I really hope we go back to letting Vaughn taking more shots and carrying the team. He used to get hot in second halfs and pull UC into the game. Seems like he has regressed a little. Is UC trying too hard to go to Yancy, causing Vaughn to be less effective?

I look for Vaughn to step up this next game and get over 25 points. If he does, they have a very good shot at winning.

go Cats!

[BearcatAlum1]

Hmmmm. And UNLV (who Mick beat) beat Louisville! Huge win for UC! UNLV also beat Arizona.

Exactly. That UNLV win was a HUGE victory! Not to mention, it was at UNLV! Barring a complete collapse in conference, UNLV will certainly be dancing come March.


Alum1

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

I hate to respond to idiotic posts or idiots, but BD's post and BD qualifies for both. Look up your hero Bob Huggins resume before he got the UC job and compare it to MC's. Which one was more impressive? I'm sorry the basketball program isn't where you would like it to be, or where you feel like you deserve it to be, especially since you have such a vested interest in the University. Finally, shut up already about how much money he makes. With as much money as you like to tell everyone you have, why would you care what anyone else makes?

Actually several coaches had success at Murray St over the years. 0-2 in NCAA.

No one (before or since) ever had 20 W (plus) 4 straight years at Akron besides BH in mid 1980's. 0-1 in NCAA.

And BH had taken NAIA team to national championship game.

[BearcatAlum1]

Actually several coaches had success at Murray St over the years. 0-2 in NCAA.

No one (before or since) ever had 20 W (plus) 4 straight years at Akron besides BH in mid 1980's. 0-1 in NCAA.

And BH had taken NAIA team to national championship game.



This thread is about Marquette. I would like to keep it that way. For those of you who want to discuss Mick's hiring against the hiring of BH, start a new thread. Otherwise, try to offer some decent insight into the Bearcats game against Marquette, who is considered a legitimate final 4 contender.


Alum1

[BearcatAlum1]

I was surprised Marquette beat Villanova yesterday - this would be a huge win for UC but now I'm concerned marquette is playing well when UC is shooting poorly.

Going to be a very interesting game - I really hope we go back to letting Vaughn taking more shots and carrying the team. He used to get hot in second halfs and pull UC into the game. Seems like he has regressed a little. Is UC trying too hard to go to Yancy, causing Vaughn to be less effective?

I look for Vaughn to step up this next game and get over 25 points. If he does, they have a very good shot at winning.

go Cats!

The more I think about it, the more obvious it becomes. Vaughn wears down. For those of you who have played PG, you're well aware of the energy that is required to play the position correctly. If you've noticed, there are very few "high-scoring" PGs. There are many reasons to explain this statistic, but in Vaughn's case, it appears to be fatigue. He expels a great amount of energy having to break pressure, then get our team into its offense, then he is FORCED to create something when the shot clock is expiring. Later in the game, his legs are gone. As a result, his shot doesn't fall quite consistently. I am aware that he hasn't shot the ball that well early in the game, but I see fatigue as a huge problem. Vaughn regularly has the ball in his hands for 15-20 seconds each possession. That's not good, especially when you need to get open WITHOUT the ball. Let's have Bishop play point and "Magic Johnson" the ball up the court (i.e. just back your man down the entire length of the court).

Alum1

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

This thread is about Marquette. I would like to keep it that way. For those of you who want to discuss Mick's hiring against the hiring of BH, start a new thread. Otherwise, try to offer some decent insight into the Bearcats game against Marquette, who is considered a legitimate final 4 contender.


Alum1

Answered the ? asked. You may wish to reply to the person who asked them.

[BearcatAlum1]

Answered the ? asked. You may wish to reply to the person who asked them.

Sorry. I didn't mean to single you out, but merely use a quote from the before mentioned discussion of MC v. BH. I'm sure you can appreciate a thread that stays on topic.

Alum1

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Sorry. I didn't mean to single you out, but merely use a quote from the before mentioned discussion of MC v. BH. I'm sure you can appreciate a thread that stays on topic.

Alum1

I have made several points about Marquette game. UC plays well (lately) in Milwaukee. Has 2 straight W there. Losing Crean hurts MU in the short term. Etc, etc, etc.

[BearcatAlum1]

[QUOTE= Losing Crean hurts MU in the short term. Etc, etc, etc.[/QUOTE]

I disagree entirely. Buzz has done a great job thus far. Marquette's recruiting class is phenomenal next year, rivaling (if not exceeding) the class of 2004 (James, McNeal, Hayward, etc.).

Alum1

[Cats4Ever]

The more I think about it, the more obvious it becomes. Vaughn wears down. For those of you who have played PG, you're well aware of the energy that is required to play the position correctly. If you've noticed, there are very few "high-scoring" PGs. There are many reasons to explain this statistic, but in Vaughn's case, it appears to be fatigue. He expels a great amount of energy having to break pressure, then get our team into its offense, then he is FORCED to create something when the shot clock is expiring. Later in the game, his legs are gone. As a result, his shot doesn't fall quite consistently. I am aware that he hasn't shot the ball that well early in the game, but I see fatigue as a huge problem. Vaughn regularly has the ball in his hands for 15-20 seconds each possession. That's not good, especially when you need to get open WITHOUT the ball. Let's have Bishop play point and "Magic Johnson" the ball up the court (i.e. just back your man down the entire length of the court).

Alum1


I think this has a lot of validity. Sure wish we had a JUCO pg on the team this year. Warren provided a lot of ball handling last year that had to be picked up by Vaughn. Still wouldn't mind getting a juco pg for next year - gives Wright time to develop, and provides for more flexibility in the way the guards can be used and also allows for Vaughn to get some more rest. Might see this happen in the spring signing period?

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

I disagree entirely. Buzz has done a great job thus far. Marquette's recruiting class is phenomenal next year, rivaling (if not exceeding) the class of 2004 (James, McNeal, Hayward, etc.).

Alum1

Crean is a veteran coach with FF appearance. Losing him hurts MU in the short run.

[juckerrules]

The stat that really stands out to me is that is the 3 losses, UC turned the ball over 18-20 times
You turn the ball over 20 times, you'll lose to just about anyone

This team lacks a true point guard - end of story
it's amazing how much better everyone else looks when the ball is pushed up the floor, goes to the right player at the right time, doesn't get turned over etc.

Our big men would have better stats if a quick, good ball handling, superb passing, offense understanding, decent shooting point guard was handling the game

[BearcatAlum1]

Crean is a veteran coach with FF appearance. Losing him hurts MU in the short run.

"Short run" being...??? It's apparent they haven't skipped a beat this year. And, as I've mentioned, Buzz has one of the top recruiting classes in the country for 2009. I'd say losing Crean won't hurt at all...


Alum1

[BearcatAlum1]

The stat that really stands out to me is that is the 3 losses, UC turned the ball over 18-20 times
You turn the ball over 20 times, you'll lose to just about anyone

This team lacks a true point guard - end of story
it's amazing how much better everyone else looks when the ball is pushed up the floor, goes to the right player at the right time, doesn't get turned over etc.

Our big men would have better stats if a quick, good ball handling, superb passing, offense understanding, decent shooting point guard was handling the game

Absolutely. I'd like to see Mick "force" our team to run and take secondary break shots. In reality, I'd rather have Mitchell hoist 3s after one or two passes than pass it around for 30 seconds and chuck a desperation/rushed shot.

Alum1

[bearcatfanCJ]

Im normally as optimistic as they come about the bearcats, but guys this Marquette team is a complete and total matchup nightmare for the cats. Not much size, but alot of athletisism, really good shooters, and TONS of experience.

[BearcatBball23]

Im normally as optimistic as they come about the bearcats, but guys this Marquette team is a complete and total matchup nightmare for the cats. Not much size, but alot of athletisism, really good shooters, and TONS of experience.

I agree. Our only hope is to get the ball inside early and often, which may be difficult if Marquette pressures our guards like Memphis did.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

"Short run" being...??? It's apparent they haven't skipped a beat this year. And, as I've mentioned, Buzz has one of the top recruiting classes in the country for 2009. I'd say losing Crean won't hurt at all...


Alum1

Next 2 or 3 years.

I'd not reach a definite conclusion based on OOC results to date.

[Billy Don]

I hate to respond to idiotic posts or idiots, but BD's post and BD qualifies for both. Look up your hero Bob Huggins resume before he got the UC job and compare it to MC's. Which one was more impressive? I'm sorry the basketball program isn't where you would like it to be, or where you feel like you deserve it to be, especially since you have such a vested interest in the University. Finally, shut up already about how much money he makes. With as much money as you like to tell everyone you have, why would you care what anyone else makes?

Thank You, Thank You! I have a 130 IQ which is just a little above adverage but not quite in the ***** stage. Plus I have a lot of common sense which I've found a lot of the high IQ's don't have. A good example is some of the people we have in congress right now. I just feel sorry for fans paying their hard earned dollars for ticket prices that are way too high for what they recieve. There are too many people in this country who are overpaid and the little guy has to suffer for it. Mick makes twice as much as the President of the United States and I didn't even get to vote for him! Maybe if UC paid him more he could beat Marquette Sunday. Well maybe paying him less wouldn't change anything either would it? Cheaper tickets maybe?

[Mick's Da Man]

"Short run" being...??? It's apparent they haven't skipped a beat this year. And, as I've mentioned, Buzz has one of the top recruiting classes in the country for 2009. I'd say losing Crean won't hurt at all...


Alum1


You are spot on.

Crean found a diamond in the rough in Dwayne Wade, and it took him to the FF. Every coach is looking for that dream player. Boeheim got Carmelo and it worked out well for him.

Crean is a good coach. I like Buzz better and think he'll do better in the long run. Crean was a whiner and bugged the snot out of me with his constant crying to the officials. He didn't chew them out, just whined.

[Mick's Da Man]

Thank You, Thank You! I have a 130 IQ which is just a little above adverage but not quite in the ***** stage. Plus I have a lot of common sense which I've found a lot of the high IQ's don't have. A good example is some of the people we have in congress right now. I just feel sorry for fans paying their hard earned dollars for ticket prices that are way too high for what they recieve. There are too many people in this country who are overpaid and the little guy has to suffer for it. Mick makes twice as much as the President of the United States and I didn't even get to vote for him! Maybe if UC paid him more he could beat Marquette Sunday. Well maybe paying him less wouldn't change anything either would it? Cheaper tickets maybe?


My IQ is in the 170 range. :cool:

[Mick's Da Man]

Absolutely. I'd like to see Mick "force" our team to run and take secondary break shots. In reality, I'd rather have Mitchell hoist 3s after one or two passes than pass it around for 30 seconds and chuck a desperation/rushed shot.

Alum1


I'd like to see one or two quick passes and then dribble penetration to the basket, draw a foul, make the shot, or dish to the open man.

I did an analysis (which I'll post when I have more time) and of the multiple things I came away with, our guards are not getting to the FT line enough. Meanwhile, our big men, in our 6 toughest games, have all been in serious foul trouble.......probably due to the opponents guard dribble penetration. We need to fight fire with fire and give them a taste of their own medicine.

[Billy Don]

My IQ is in the 170 range. :cool:

Thats too bad! I read somewhere if your IQ was over 160 you were nuts.

[Mick's Da Man]

Thats too bad! I read somewhere if your IQ was over 160 you were nuts.


No. You misread it. If your IQ is over 160, you have big nuts. ;)

[jeffto]

Absolutely. I'd like to see Mick "force" our team to run and take secondary break shots. In reality, I'd rather have Mitchell hoist 3s after one or two passes than pass it around for 30 seconds and chuck a desperation/rushed shot.

Alum1I'd like to see that too, but my fear is we'd see a lot of baskets the other way off turnovers. I just don't think we have the ball handlers for a fast break game. We can barely manage a half court game.

It seems to me I'm reading about a lot of teams struggling without a true point guard - Louisville comes to mind.

[LongTimer]

My IQ is in the 170 range. :cool:

All right, somebody is lying. I haven't seen anybody on here with an IQ over 100. My IQ has dropped 40 points since I joined, just by reading all your posts, and mine only started at 56!

Back to the thread. I can't respond much to Marquette. I have not followed them. I don't know all that much about them. I don't have much interest in them. I always thought Crean was way overrated anyway. My sense is that we will lose by at least 10 if their guards are as quick as everyone says. I hope Mick can pull one out of his butt, but after Memphis, my confidence is at an all-time low. Sorry. Now I must get back to reading the classics to try and recover my lost IQ!

[LongTimer]

All right, somebody is lying. I haven't seen anybody on here with an IQ over 100. My IQ has dropped 40 points since I joined, just by reading all your posts, and mine only started at 56!

Back to the thread. I can't respond much to Marquette. I have not followed them. I don't know all that much about them. I don't have much interest in them. I always thought Crean was way overrated anyway. My sense is that we will lose by at least 10 if their guards are as quick as everyone says. I hope Mick can pull one out of his butt, but after Memphis, my confidence is at an all-time low. Sorry. Now I must get back to reading the classics to try and recover my lost IQ!

I have to clarify the above post. Even though my IQ was only 56, CatsAreBack has an IQ of 129, so combined, our IQ is 185!

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

You are spot on.

Crean found a diamond in the rough in Dwayne Wade, and it took him to the FF. Every coach is looking for that dream player. Boeheim got Carmelo and it worked out well for him.

Crean is a good coach. I like Buzz better and think he'll do better in the long run. Crean was a whiner and bugged the snot out of me with his constant crying to the officials. He didn't chew them out, just whined.

Boeheim has coached for 30 (plus) years and averages 74% W-L record and 24 W per season for his career. He's in the HOF for crying out loud.

It's ridiculous for anyone to think Boeheim is only great because of Carmelo Anthony. Totally, utterly absurd.

[Doss]

play .500 ball and kiss Nasty Zimpher's (ring?)

When asked about Marquette and the upcoming Big East season Mick just got a big smile on his face. With good reason! When all you have to do to keep your Million dollar a year job is play .500 ball who wouldn't smile? Of course he hasn't coached .500 ball as yet so he has a little work to do. Putting 12 Arkansas Pine-Bluffs on the OOC schedule next year after getting rid of Memphis will get him close. Marquette! Not to worry. Win or lose Mick will be smiling all the way to the bank. Go Mick!

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

play .500 ball and kiss Nasty Zimpher's (ring?)

I don't think Ms. Zimpher cares, 1 way or the other. I think AD Thomas will be the one who will be satisfied (or not) by UC athletic results.

[BearcatAlum1]

To all:

What is your expectation for the game tomorrow? Marquette is a top 25 team. They just beat Villanova (#13 at the time) 79-72 at home. Marquette is 10-0 at home. They have 4 seniors that combine to score approximately 64 points a game. I haven't seen the spread, but I'd imagine it will be around 13-17 points (considering we were a 12 point underdog at Memphis).

I do not expect us to win this game. I'm sure someone will provide a Pomeroy statistic giving us a less than 15% chance of victory. I'd like us to keep it close, but I think turnovers will doom us. I think Marquette wins by 15 points.


Alum1

[jeffto]

I do not expect us to win this game. I'm sure someone will provide a Pomeroy statistic giving us a less than 15% chance of victory. I'd like us to keep it close, but I think turnovers will doom us. I think Marquette wins by 15 points.
Alum1Actually Pomeroy says we have a 27% chance - same as against Conn next Saturday.

A win would definitely be an upset, but not a huge upset. St Johns had a 27% chance of beating Notre Dame today. Final 71-65. St J wins!

[Billy Don]

Actually Pomeroy says we have a 27% chance - same as against Conn next Saturday.

A win would definitely be an upset, but not a huge upset. St Johns had a 27% chance of beating Notre Dame today. Final 71-65. St J wins!

Thats not good for UC either. Don't need any of the teams in UC's area winning games they shouldn't. Not counting the fact UC plays St Johns twice.

[jeffto]

Thats not good for UC either. Don't need any of the teams in UC's area winning games they shouldn't. Not counting the fact UC plays St Johns twice.Kind of scary, isn't it. Right now Pomeroy has our chances vs St J at 64% there and 87% in Cincy. It will be interesting to see how those change tomorrow when he updates.

[BeastUC]

I'm not sure how St.John's winning over ND is not good for UC.It was already known that "NO" game in the BEAST this year would be a cakewalk.
People can call teams bottom feeders and say they shouldn't win games or not,but these so-called bottom feeders,(which some call UC) are good enough to win games in conference play especially at home.

[Billy Don]

I'm not sure how St.John's winning over ND is not good for UC.It was already known that "NO" game in the BEAST this year would be a cakewalk.
People can call teams bottom feeders and say they shouldn't win games or not,but these so-called bottom feeders,(which some call UC) are good enough to win games in conference play especially at home.

My reason was UC needs to stay ahead of teams like St Johns, Providence, Rutgers and the like. It's not a given UC is going to stay ahead of teams like that in the standings. Don't need anyone of them winning games they shouldn't. UC doesn't figure to have a shot at staying ahead of ND but they do St Johns so that is the reason that was a bad win for UC.

[Mick's Da Man]

Boeheim has coached for 30 (plus) years and averages 74% W-L record and 24 W per season for his career. He's in the HOF for crying out loud.

It's ridiculous for anyone to think Boeheim is only great because of Carmelo Anthony. Totally, utterly absurd.


Typical attempt to derail another thread and start a fight. It never ends with you.

Please don't respond to my posts. I don't care what your thoughts are and pretty much nobody else does either. Do not respond to my posts. I have avoided responding to yours til now because you blatantly were insulting and attacking me as usual.

[BeastUC]

My reason was UC needs to stay ahead of teams like St Johns, Providence, Rutgers and the like. It's not a given UC is going to stay ahead of teams like that in the standings. Don't need anyone of them winning games they shouldn't. UC doesn't figure to have a shot at staying ahead of ND but they do St Johns so that is the reason that was a bad win for UC.

What exactly are games teams should win?I always thought those we're home games,but i guess others think differently.
From what i've seen,i wasn't as impressed with ND,Villanova nor UL out of conference since those are picks to finish in the top half.
I'm not surprised ND lost and wouldn't be surprised if UL and Nova finish at the bottom half either.But again,no game is a sure win in the BEAST.

[Thewhiteboy]

UC doesn't play defense?

Against our 6 best opponents this year:

Opponent........W-L..........OppFG%......Opp3FG%
Florida State.........L...............38%.........33%
UNLV...................W..............38%......... 30%
UAB.....................W..............40%........ .24%
Xavier..................L...............36%....... ..37%
Miss St.................W.............45%..........22%
Memphis...............L...............37%......... .11%


Against the rest of the schedule - they consistently played defense:

Opponent........W-L..........OppFG%......Opp3FG%
Texas Southern........W.............38%...........0%
W. Illinois................W.............28%......... ..25%
Coastal Carolina........W............38%...........26%
Charleston Southern...W............34%..........25%
EKU.........................W.............44%..... ....48%
AR-PB......................W.............31%......... 38%


How did UC shoot in the games against the 6 best opponents?

Opponent........W-L..........UCFG%......UC3FG%
Florida State.........L...............33%.........16%
UNLV...................W..............38%......... 36%
UAB.....................W..............50%........ .35%
Xavier..................L...............36%....... ..33%
Miss St.................W.............45%..........44%
Memphis...............L...............26%......... .18%

How did UC take care of the ball and pass it against the 6 best opponents?

Opponent..........W-L.............UC-Assists..........UC-turnovers
Florida State............L...................8............ .........19
UNLV......................W..................13... .................12
UAB........................W..................14.. .................16
Xavier.....................L...................13. ..................18
Miss St....................W..................20....... ...........15
Memphis...................L...................5... .................20

How bad is this team, When their a sleep or when they have their eyes?closed?

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Typical attempt to derail another thread and start a fight. It never ends with you.

Please don't respond to my posts. I don't care what your thoughts are and pretty much nobody else does either. Do not respond to my posts. I have avoided responding to yours til now because you blatantly were insulting and attacking me as usual.

Be factual so no response is necessary.

It's ABSURD to suggest that Boeheim is a good coach ONLY because of Carmelo Anthony.

[Billy Don]

What exactly are games teams should win?I always thought those we're home games,but i guess others think differently.
From what i've seen,i wasn't as impressed with ND,Villanova nor UL out of conference since those are picks to finish in the top half.
I'm not surprised ND lost and wouldn't be surprised if UL and Nova finish at the bottom half either.But again,no game is a sure win in the BEAST.
UL being a final 4 pre-season pick by the experts is a long long way from that right now. Everyone assums because UL has a great coach he will right the ship as the season goes on. Players shooting bricks might be beyond his control.

[icehole3]

If UC doesnt get the ball inside they will lose, its that simple. If Mitchell is heaving 3's and not making them UC doesnt have a chance. I want the ball to be forced inside first then outside.

[Mick's Da Man]

Be factual so no response is necessary.

It's ABSURD to suggest that Boeheim is a good coach ONLY because of Carmelo Anthony.

Respond to others. Not me. I asked politely. Go annoy someone else.

[Mick's Da Man]

Be factual so no response is necessary.

It's ABSURD to suggest that Boeheim is a good coach ONLY because of Carmelo Anthony.


I said a great player can take a coach very far. As usual you twist things around which brings out the fool in you.

[jeffto]

UL being a final 4 pre-season pick by the experts is a long long way from that right now. Everyone assums because UL has a great coach he will right the ship as the season goes on. Players shooting bricks might be beyond his control.He'd better make them play better. If he can't make them better, how do we* expect Mick to make us better?

*I realize you (and '58 and LongTimer) don't think Mick will make us better. The "we" is meant to include the "Huggins Haters" only.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

I said a great player can take a coach very far. As usual you twist things around which brings out the fool in you.

Boeheim developed and coached many great players at Syracuse. Few think Carmelo Anthony is his only such player.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

He'd better make them play better. If he can't make them better, how do we* expect Mick to make us better?

*I realize you (and '58 and LongTimer) don't think Mick will make us better. The "we" is meant to include the Huggins Haters only.

He sure hasn't (yet). He may (someday) or maybe not. But NOT YET.

[jeffto]

Kind of scary, isn't it. Right now Pomeroy has our chances vs St J at 64% there and 87% in Cincy. It will be interesting to see how those change tomorrow when he updates.61% and 85%. In case you were wondering

[ucat4]

Man this team is hard to watch. Jacking up 3's & giving up wide open 3's.
We look ill-prepared yet again!!

[ucat4]

"We're still a young team searching," Cronin said. I'm so sick of hearing our head coach say this.....we are not a young team anymore! Quit saying this MC.....you're giving your team an excuse to lose!!

[ucat4]

Absolutely getting blown out of the water. Our offense is HORRIBLE! Can't contain McNeal. I used to look forward to playing Marquette.

[ucat4]

Marquette almost doubled us up the scoreboard......pathetic and embarassing. MC needs to kick the guys out of the locker room and take their warmups away until they show some desire tio win!!