Questions about Wilks and Mitchell

[bearcatjoey]

(1) Will we see Wilks in a Bearcat uniform this season? Will we see him playing at the DSL?

(2) Will Alvin Mitchell be a starter this season? If so, when do you think it will happen?

[BigCat]

As I said in an earlier post, I feel that Mitchell will be one of the most complete shooting guards that UC has had in a long time. It may take him the non-conference schedule to get acclimated to D-1 play, but by the time the conference schedule comes around, I would expect that he has at least played himself into a co-starting role with Warren at the shooting guard spot, if not the starter outright.

[shaunsimpson]

I hope that Wilks is not playing in 2007 as that would give him another year to develop and that there is another player of value added to the team.

[Mick's Da Man]

I hear that the 5 returning starters are much improved and in better shape. I know everyone thinks they're just JUCO fill ins, but if Warren, Gentry, Sikes, Williamson and Vaughn have raised their games, this could be an interesting upcoming season. Mitchell will play a huge part whether he starts or comes off the bench.

[BigCat911]

I hear that the 5 returning starters are much improved and in better shape. I know everyone thinks they're just JUCO fill ins, but if Warren, Gentry, Sikes, Williamson and Vaughn have raised their games, this could be an interesting upcoming season. Mitchell will play a huge part whether he starts or comes off the bench.

The 5 returning starters will be much improved adding some help inside by Williams, Adam H, Belton and McCain...... Bishop, Davis, Mitchell, someone in this group is gonna make a few shots. I see Mitchell starting out of the gate if not shortly after.......im pretty excited:D

[Inchickinkick]

i think we are going too see the same lineup,
vaughn,gentry,williamson,(williams,hrycaniuk)
with a strong bench, warren and sikes with 6 freshman.
i beleve this team will win the big east.

[swilsonsp4]

While the upcoming squad should be light-years better than last season's, it will be extremely difficult to crack the upper echelon of the BE, much less win the league.

Williams is far better than any big man from 2006-7, but he's just one of many excellent BE players. Hrycaniuk is a nice addition and is much better than Sikes. Gentry has looked good offensively in the Deveroes, as has Warren.

But, Williamson's knees are problematic. Davis, while athletic and quick, has a whole lot to learn. Belton needs to work on his conditioning. After five minutes of one game, he was grabbing his shorts and breathing through his mouth. Belton also injured his leg, with the extent unknown.

What I'm getting at is that UC isn't at the level of Louisville, which I believe will win the regular season in 2007-8. The Cardinals are talented and battle tested. That's not what I want to see happen, but it seems likely.

The BE is a difficult assignment to traverse. UC will be improved, maybe to the extent of reaching midway into the standings. But, winning the conference this year is out of the question.

[Inchickinkick]

no disrespect>
sikes will play small forward if williamson can't go.
plus he will play minutes behind williams at the power spot,
and mcclain will backup hrycaniuk, this team could
a special group.

[swilsonsp4]

If Sikes is the starting SF, the Cats are in trouble. He's too slow to guard athletes out on the perimeter. He's more likely a backup at either forward position. A healthy Williamson would be a better choice, but he hasn't shown an ability to shoot from the outside.

Because there are so many new players, the starting lineup is not set. I'm sure Mick has some idea as to what he'd like to see happen. Based upon early Deveroes results, Williams, Warren, Vaughn and probably Hrycaniuk would get the nod. The SF position is a mystery. From comments by Cronin at the time of recruitment, it appears that he'd like to plug Mitchell there, although he's shorter than advertised (probably 6'3").

Vaughn has been playing SG for Slats, not PG, except when no one else is available at a given point in a game. Warren figures to start there. I'm sure there will be times when UC puts three guards on the floor.

It's going to take time for this squad to gel. They have considerably more depth than they did last season, and that alone will allow them to be more aggressive.

They're probably good enough to finish just behind Memphis in C-USA. But, that's not what they're going to be facing. Louisville, Georgetown (even without Jeff Green), a fortified Syracuse, Villanova, etc., are all formidable foes. I'll take 7-9, a trip to MSG and a post-season appearance, and run with it. If they win more than that, great!

[Inchickinkick]

i didnt know that, i figured
he lead the team in 3point%

[Inchickinkick]

everybody put your hands together(START PRAYING)
hope jason henry makes the grade

[IKnowMoreThanYou]

If Sikes is the starting SF, the Cats are in trouble. He's too slow to guard athletes out on the perimeter. He's more likely a backup at either forward position. A healthy Williamson would be a better choice, but he hasn't shown an ability to shoot from the outside.

Because there are so many new players, the starting lineup is not set. I'm sure Mick has some idea as to what he'd like to see happen. Based upon early Deveroes results, Williams, Warren, Vaughn and probably Hrycaniuk would get the nod. The SF position is a mystery. From comments by Cronin at the time of recruitment, it appears that he'd like to plug Mitchell there, although he's shorter than advertised (probably 6'3").

Vaughn has been playing SG for Slats, not PG, except when no one else is available at a given point in a game. Warren figures to start there. I'm sure there will be times when UC puts three guards on the floor.

It's going to take time for this squad to gel. They have considerably more depth than they did last season, and that alone will allow them to be more aggressive.

They're probably good enough to finish just behind Memphis in C-USA. But, that's not what they're going to be facing. Louisville, Georgetown (even without Jeff Green), a fortified Syracuse, Villanova, etc., are all formidable foes. I'll take 7-9, a trip to MSG and a post-season appearance, and run with it. If they win more than that, great!

I agree that it wouldn't be good news if Sikes has to play extensive minutes at the SF position. He can certainly shoot well enough to earn some minutes but he'd be hard to hide on defense. Mitchell probably runs about 6'4" and with his physical maturity and relentless energy he is going to be a matchup problem for whoever has to guard him. Vaughn has been playing PG for Slats and is in tremendous shape and has been working on sharpening his PG skills, which he played in high school but he played on the wing at Harmony and last year.

This team will certainly see more success than last year and with added depth (but growing pains) there is a good chance this team hits their stride at the right time. Also expect the depth to prevent certain players, i.e. Vaughn and Williamson from wearing down as they did at times last season. It should be an exciting year and hopefully the seniors play with a sense of urgency especially during crunch time.

[waterhead]

I thought Mick hinted a while back of 4 probable starters. I don't remember if it was a radio show or an article.

Hyranciuk
Williams
Mitchell
Vaughn

I guess the 5th spot would be open for play in. Biggie, Williamson, Sykes would be the first candidates unless Mick wants to go with a smaller lineup...then Gentry or Warren. The wild card might be Henry/Wilkes? but if they miss too much practice time they won't start the beginning of the season anyway. I don't see Bishop or Belton getting the nod. Also when I say starter I mean the 5 guys with the most playing time (not just who starts the game) just in case there is a 6th man coming off the bench for heavy minutes ala the BH years. That would be Mitchell by the sounds of things this year if Mick plays the 6th man game.

I'm happy to hear Adam H is looking good. It should push Biggie and it means we should have decent quality depth at C. Vaughn sounds like our team leader both on floor and off and we desperately need one of those. If Williamson's knees hold up I think he is the 5th starter and I don't have any problem with that.

[Bearcat_DF]

Waterhead,

I'm curious what type of rotations you expect. Here is the depth chart as I see it.

1 - Vaughn, Warren
2 - Gentry, Davis or Mitchell
3 - Henry, Mitchell or Bishop
4 - Williams, Williamson, Benton
5 - Adam H, Sikes, McClain

I do not see all the depth about which some people are talking - the 1 and 5 look real thin. We have a lot of players on the wings, but not much experience.

Post rotation:
I see Williams and Adam H as the post starters with Williamson first off the bench. I can also imagine Williams and Williamson starting. If McClain develops quickly, that will be a huge boost to our front line.

Wing Players:
5 players - only 1 returning player. Again, if one of the new players develops quickly that will be a huge boost. I cannot see Williamson or Sikes playing in the SF position - they did not appear to me to be quick enough.

PG - Vaughn is a solid pg, but I would rather have him at the 2. It seems Warren was injured last year and might have more game than what he was able to show last year. If Warren can provide some PG play then Vaughn goes to the 2 and then you only need one young player to step up on the wing instead of 2.

I see one quality player returning - Vaughn.
I see one quality player becoming eligible - Williams.
I see a lot of question marks.

It should be a fun season!

Go Cats!
DF

[waterhead]

Waterhead,

I'm curious what type of rotations you expect. Here is the depth chart as I see it.

1 - Vaughn, Warren
2 - Gentry, Davis or Mitchell
3 - Henry, Mitchell or Bishop
4 - Williams, Williamson, Benton
5 - Adam H, Sikes, McClain

I do not see all the depth about which some people are talking - the 1 and 5 look real thin. We have a lot of players on the wings, but not much experience.

Post rotation:
I see Williams and Adam H as the post starters with Williamson first off the bench. I can also imagine Williams and Williamson starting. If McClain develops quickly, that will be a huge boost to our front line.

Wing Players:
5 players - only 1 returning player. Again, if one of the new players develops quickly that will be a huge boost. I cannot see Williamson or Sikes playing in the SF position - they did not appear to me to be quick enough.

PG - Vaughn is a solid pg, but I would rather have him at the 2. It seems Warren was injured last year and might have more game than what he was able to show last year. If Warren can provide some PG play then Vaughn goes to the 2 and then you only need one young player to step up on the wing instead of 2.

I see one quality player returning - Vaughn.
I see one quality player becoming eligible - Williams.
I see a lot of question marks.

It should be a fun season!

Go Cats!
DF

DF,

I think people are talking about depth compared to last year and the year before when there were few actual basketball players on the bench.

Here's how I see the minutes playing out or some variation of it:

Hyranciuk 20-25/McClain 10-15
Williams 30/Sykes 10-15/Belton 0-5
Williamson 20-25/Henry or Wilkes? 10-15/Bishop 0-5
Mitchell 20-25/Gentry 10-15/Davis 5-10
Vaughn 30/Warren 10

I don't think we have a bigtime center but with Biggie as a defensive back up to Adam H we finally have actual centers playing center. The say Adam H. looks decent. The presence of those two will open up Williams/Williamson/Sykes/Henry to actually play their position rather than helping underneath. The presence of Mitchell/Gentry/Davis will allow for Vaugn to play his natural PG position and that is where we want him. He is becoming a leader from what I hear.

PG is the one place we can't afford to get hurt. The other positions are interchangeable to some degree. I think the Bearcats go as Vaughn goes this year. We want him to distribute the rock but having a shooter at point adds another dimension to your team. I really don't think the loss of Henry will affect us that much...it may even be a blessing. If he makes it I'm sure Mick will whip him into shape. If he was going to be problematic we definitely will be better off without him.

[swilsonsp4]

As a footnote, I'm not sure where Mick envisions Davis playing. It may not be at SG, but rather, PG. Playing for Slats is a lot different than playing D1, but Davis has spent most of his time handling the ball, even when Vaughn has been on the floor with him. He has been off the ball, too, but he's mostly played PG.

[Inchickinkick]

i guess the big question is;
how many of those six freshman are going too step up and help the seven
players the cats got coming back?

[Cats0507]

I think the starters will be
pg- vaughn
sg- mitchell
sf- gentry
pf- williams
c- adam h

Ive heard gentry has improved big time in the off season and is gonna turn some heads when the season comes

[Irishbearcat]

i think we are going too see the same lineup,
vaughn,gentry,williamson,(williams,hrycaniuk)
with a strong bench, warren and sikes with 6 freshman.
i beleve this team will win the big east.

Wow, that's a bold statement. Especially when they are just going to be trying to find their appropriate roles. I hope your right, and I do like your optomism!

[shaunsimpson]

I would take making the NCAA tournament. I think there is about 0 chance of winning the Big East, but I will be pulling for it.

[Jtarchcincy]

I would take making the NCAA tournament. I think there is about 0 chance of winning the Big East, but I will be pulling for it.

Agreed... The primary goal for this team should be to gel early and get an NCAA bid. That would mean solid Big East play (finish top half of the conference) and a good showing in the Big East tournament. If they fall short of that, they have the talent to make the Big East tournament and secure an NIT bid. That is still a successful season after last year and will lead to NCAA expectations in 08' (which is realistic with the returning talent and the talent that should be coming in next year).

A NCAA bid this coming season may not be completely realistic, but it is reachable and should be set as the primary goal for the 07' squad.