Finally some Recruiting News

[the_one_32]

It seems that now according to bearcatinsider.com the bearcats have two players who are now interested in Cincinnati. Four Star PG Eric Bledsoe and Four Star SG Darius Smith.

PG Eric Bledsoe
6'0" 160 lbs.
Parker HS Birmingham, AL
Scouting Report: Pass-first point guard has a real ability to make plays and get into the seams of defense. Weaknesses include his agressiveness to score and perimeter shot.
Schools: Alabama, Baylor, Cincinnati, Florida, Memphis, South Florida, UAB

SG Darius Smith
6'2" 180 lbs.
Marshall Metropolitan HS Chicago, IL
Scouting Report: A pure scorer in somewhat of the mold of Alvin Mitchell but game is more polished and he plays harder. He has great athleticism and agression on offense but lacks real 3-point range and passing ability.
Schools: Arizona, Arizona State, Bradley, Cincinnati, Dayton, Indiana, Kentucky, Wisconsin

I'd say leave Darius Smith alone but we really need a PG like Bledsoe who will not be needed for scoring but to play solid 15 minutes a night without turning the ball over.

[mboston67]

If i'm not mistaken I think Smith is also a PG. And also is known as a lockdown defender.

[the_one_32]

scout has him as a SG im not sure about rivals but those two sites are VASTLY different, rivals has jelan kendrick in 2010 as a SF at 6'6" but scout has him as a SG in 2010 at 6'4"

[Globe Trotting Cat Fan]

Both players are indeed PG's.

No offense to Scout, but their research into players (IMO) leaves a lot to be desired.

And yes, Smith may have a "scorer's mentality", but he is also a good distributor and absolutely appears to be a lockdown defender.

Go Cats!

[juckerrules]

It seems that now according to bearcatinsider.com the bearcats have two players who are now interested in Cincinnati. Four Star PG Eric Bledsoe and Four Star SG Darius Smith.

PG Eric Bledsoe
6'0" 160 lbs.
Parker HS Birmingham, AL
Scouting Report: Pass-first point guard has a real ability to make plays and get into the seams of defense. Weaknesses include his agressiveness to score and perimeter shot.
Schools: Alabama, Baylor, Cincinnati, Florida, Memphis, South Florida, UAB

SG Darius Smith
6'2" 180 lbs.
Marshall Metropolitan HS Chicago, IL
Scouting Report: A pure scorer in somewhat of the mold of Alvin Mitchell but game is more polished and he plays harder. He has great athleticism and agression on offense but lacks real 3-point range and passing ability.
Schools: Arizona, Arizona State, Bradley, Cincinnati, Dayton, Indiana, Kentucky, Wisconsin

I'd say leave Darius Smith alone but we really need a PG like Bledsoe who will not be needed for scoring but to play solid 15 minutes a night without turning the ball over.

Hmmm Bledsoe aggressively tries to score, but can't shoot, and the other guy can't shoot the 3 OR pass......just what you want in a PG

[shaunsimpson]

I wouldn't call Bledsoe new since we have been talking about him for a while, but he is for sure the one I would like to see........who knows though. Mick keeps everything on lockdown.

[London 'Cat]

They simply must get a PG. It sounds like Smith is less of a pure PG than Bledsoe. Based on some other information I've read, I am really high on Bledsoe.

[Forsure21]

Not sure if I would want someone who lacks passing ability and 3 point shooting to run the point or be at SG.

[ralph1950]

With the additions of Adrian Payne, Chane Behanan, and Marques Teague, Mick is going to have one heck of a team for 2011-2012.

[Nasty Nati 513]

ok ralph1950, so who told you Payne and Teague silent verballed? This will be good...

[BearcatAlum1]

Not sure if I would want someone who lacks passing ability and 3 point shooting to run the point or be at SG.

Quite honestly, I agree. I have seen too many PGs at UC that couldn't shoot the rock. There is something to be said for handling the ball and playing tough defense, but it is very important for the PG to keep the defense honest by consistently hitting open 3s.

Alum1

[BearcatAlum1]

ok ralph1950, so who told you Payne and Teague silent verballed? This will be good...

They didn't, and probably won't be.

Ralph claims that Payne silent verballed this past summer after a tournament, about the same time as Chane.

Teague has done nothing of the sorts.

I don't think we land Teague or Payne. I would be delighted if we did, but I don't see it.

As for Ralph, he is better left ignored.

Alum1

[Bearcat Jeff]

Eric Bledsoe would be a great get!! Don't know how "in" we are but I for one would love to have this kid. He is a great passer, and one of the highest rated defenders as a pg. I believe defensively he is ranked second. The ball looks like a yo-yo on his hand.

[bearcat josh]

ok so for next year we have

vaughn
l. davis
bishop
gates
mitchell
williams
wright
thomas
wilks
mcclain
belton
dixon
toyloy
tyree
kilpatrick

we all think belton will leave but nothing right now is certain. also most on here think williams will get another year

my question is what on earth is mick gonna do. I would really hate to see him force out a couple of the players that HE recruited and IMO isnt a good habit to have.

what if belton wants to stay? what if biggie wants to be a bearcat for his last 2 years?

if im not mistaken ive read that sean miller forced out one or two of his players and to me its chicken $hIt...im all for bringing in good players and im a big mick suppoorter..I would like to hear your opinions ..we'll all find out what happens in the near future GO CATS!!

[bearcatfanCJ]

ok so for next year we have

vaughn
l. davis
bishop
gates
mitchell
williams
wright
thomas
wilks
mcclain
belton
dixon
toyloy
tyree
kilpatrick

we all think belton will leave but nothing right now is certain. also most on here think williams will get another year

my question is what on earth is mick gonna do. I would really hate to see him force out a couple of the players that HE recruited and IMO isnt a good habit to have.

what if belton wants to stay? what if biggie wants to be a bearcat for his last 2 years?

if im not mistaken ive read that sean miller forced out one or two of his players and to me its chicken $hIt...im all for bringing in good players and im a big mick suppoorter..I would like to hear your opinions ..we'll all find out what happens in the near future GO CATS!!

We all know, at least most of us I assume, that scholarships are not guaranteed for all 4 years. They are renewable, and to me, that means a kid must earn his scholarship each and every year. In my opinion, if Biggie or anyone else were to leave, it would be because he didnt do enough to prove himself worthy of keeping the scholarship, unless of course they choose to transfer. Yes on the surface it reflects badly on Mick because people think the kids are "forced out", but hey sometimes the truth hurts, Biggie is simply not good enough.

[jeffto]

We all know, at least most of us I assume, that scholarships are not guaranteed for all 4 years. They are renewable, and to me, that means a kid must earn his scholarship each and every year. In my opinion, if Biggie or anyone else were to leave, it would be because he didnt do enough to prove himself worthy of keeping the scholarship, unless of course they choose to transfer. Yes on the surface it reflects badly on Mick because people think the kids are "forced out", but hey sometimes the truth hurts, Biggie is simply not good enough.Agreed. Mick cannot afford to keep players who aren't giving the effort or, as it turns out, just are not Big East caliber. I have no problem getting rid of "coasters". It would be their own fault. For those who just don't have the talent, they're better off going somewhere where they can play.

Roster spots never have been and never will be a barrier to landing the right players.

[BearcatAlum1]

Agreed. Mick cannot afford to keep players who aren't giving the effort

I think that is the determining factor. If the kid is giving 100% effort, doing well in school, and everything the coach asks in terms of drills, weights, etc., then there is no reason to not renew the scholarship. Like I said, there was a commitment from both parties on day one and I expect both to honor that agreement. HOWEVER, if the player is not pulling his weight in terms of effort and responding to the coach's instruction, then the coach should be able to tell the player his time is up. On the other hand, if the player is dissatisfied with his playing time, treatment, etc., he has the right to transfer. That's how it works. I'm sure all parties involve understand this....

Alum1

[Forsure21]

My whole point is I don't really see any news? Im sure Mick and the staff have contacted many players to still available.

[ralph1950]

ok ralph1950, so who told you Payne and Teague silent verballed? This will be good...

No one told me they have verbaled but I have heard rumors from various people that they are coming. That Payne silent verbaled to UC at the Take 5 Classic is well known, of course like Jamarr Butler, Verez Ward, etc. they can always change their mind. Behanan can change his mind also, he is still be recruited by other schools. Also, UC can change their mind for them as happened with Danny McElroy. Their is nothing official with any recruit until the LOI is signed and delivered.

[ralph1950]

One of the great things about Mick is that he is not going to leave UC for another job. He does not have to face that negative recruiting issue. AD's around the nation have taken note of the great rebuiding job Mick has done at UC, Alabama and Georgia want Mick, they will not get him as he is Cincinnati through and through.

[Deaf_Bearcat]

One of the great things about Mick is that he is not going to leave UC for another job. He does not have to face that negative recruiting issue. AD's around the nation have taken note of the great rebuiding job Mick has done at UC, Alabama and Georgia want Mick, they will not get him as he is Cincinnati through and through.

I am from metro Atlanta and I have seen a number of local sports articles stating that Georgia fans has formed petitions asking UGA officials to consider Knight. Also, Alabama is eyeing toward Knight as its #1 candidate. I don't care about them. LOL. I agree that it sounds like Mick is planning to stay at UC for good. I am OK with him as long as he is re-building the UC basketball program very well lately.

[UcatsRick]

Smith, a 2-guard who lacks passing and 3-point shooting skills? Really? And we want him for ______?

[GoCats1994]

ok so for next year we have

we all think belton will leave but nothing right now is certain. also most on here think williams will get another year



I guess I am in the minority then...

[Oldtimer_UC_fan]

I guess I am in the minority then...

That makes two of us. I'd be very surprised.

[CincyBearcat95]

Hmmm Bledsoe aggressively tries to score, but can't shoot, and the other guy can't shoot the 3 OR pass......just what you want in a PG

I think it means he is not aggressive about scoring - he's pass first.

[CincyBearcat95]

I think that is the determining factor. If the kid is giving 100% effort, doing well in school, and everything the coach asks in terms of drills, weights, etc., then there is no reason to not renew the scholarship. Like I said, there was a commitment from both parties on day one and I expect both to honor that agreement. HOWEVER, if the player is not pulling his weight in terms of effort and responding to the coach's instruction, then the coach should be able to tell the player his time is up. On the other hand, if the player is dissatisfied with his playing time, treatment, etc., he has the right to transfer. That's how it works. I'm sure all parties involve understand this....

Alum1

I think this is exactly right. If we recruit a kid and he gives it his all, but doesn't have the talent we thought he did - well then that's a mistake on UC's part when recruiting and we should honor the scholarship. If the kid is simply not giving it his all and we aren't even getting the chance to see if he has the talent, then his scholarship is in jeopardy.

I fully expect to hear from some that disagree on the talent part of my post.

[Major ----de Coverley]

I think this is exactly right. If we recruit a kid and he gives it his all, but doesn't have the talent we thought he did - well then that's a mistake on UC's part when recruiting and we should honor the scholarship. If the kid is simply not giving it his all and we aren't even getting the chance to see if he has the talent, then his scholarship is in jeopardy.

I fully expect to hear from some that disagree on the talent part of my post.

I agree with all you said, but still, if we honor the scholarship yet inform the player that he will likely never get on the court the "ball" is then in his court whether a transfer makes sense.

[bearcat josh]

bearcat alum i agree with what u said...thanks for the insight people...im not gonna worry about it anymore this is why mick is the coach he knows what to do....i would rather land a FRESHMAN PG like bledsoe than a JUCO such as Melvin Goins

[Kindog202]

bearcat alum i agree with what u said...thanks for the insight people...im not gonna worry about it anymore this is why mick is the coach he knows what to do....i would rather land a FRESHMAN PG like bledsoe than a JUCO such as Melvin Goins

From what I have heard, Goins is moving out of the picture. Mick has developed relationships with the other kids and rates those kids higher than Goins. I doubt now that we will see Goins in a Bearcat uniform next year.

[bearcat josh]

From what I have heard, Goins is moving out of the picture. Mick has developed relationships with the other kids and rates those kids higher than Goins. I doubt now that we will see Goins in a Bearcat uniform next year.

thats good to hear and its what mick should do

[Irishbearcat]

I'd like to see us get a PG (must) and a true SF who can fill the break, and work inside and outside. Maybe Wilks can be that guy, but he hasn't shown it, yet.
I dislike teams casting off players after recruiting them, but in this case, I'm not sure that Mick has a choice. He brought in too many players, some of whom just don't contribute.

[CincyBearcat95]

I agree with all you said, but still, if we honor the scholarship yet inform the player that he will likely never get on the court the "ball" is then in his court whether a transfer makes sense.

Agreed. I have no problem with a kid transferring because he wants more playing time. And I think its only fair for the coach to say - look, you should know that you're not going to see the court much here. So the kid can make the choice rather than be strung along with "we need you if 2 other guys go down."

When a player transfers for more playing time, it seems everyone wins. He goes where he's happy and the school gets back it's scholly without the potential bad press.

[shaunsimpson]

My whole point is I don't really see any news? Im sure Mick and the staff have contacted many players to still available.

Mick plays so much close to the vest that we get very little and when we hear Cincinnati mentioned it is exciting.

[Globe Trotting Cat Fan]

I am going to go back to the original post that started this thread and the "player breakdown" that the_one_32 got from Scout.

Both of these players ARE in fact point guards. Both players are pretty darn good shooters from what I have been told and both can run a team very well also.

I mean no disrespect to you the_one_32 because you did go out and post the information, but for my money (and mine only) Scout is one of the worst places to get recruiting information (at least when it comes to basketball) that I have found. Unless things have changed since I dropped my membership there, the updates are few and far between, the information is generally thin and the breakdowns have often times proven to be inaccurate. Again, this is just my opinion of what they bring to the table.

Go Cats!

[Mick's Da Man]

I am going to go back to the original post that started this thread and the "player breakdown" that the_one_32 got from Scout.

Both of these players ARE in fact point guards. Both players are pretty darn good shooters from what I have been told and both can run a team very well also.

I mean no disrespect to you the_one_32 because you did go out and post the information, but for my money (and mine only) Scout is one of the worst places to get recruiting information (at least when it comes to basketball) that I have found. Unless things have changed since I dropped my membership there, the updates are few and far between, the information is generally thin and the breakdowns have often times proven to be inaccurate. Again, this is just my opinion of what they bring to the table.

Go Cats!


Bearcatlair is about as much a waste of time. I wouldn't waste my money on it.

[Joe_Pong]

Hmmm Bledsoe aggressively tries to score, but can't shoot, and the other guy can't shoot the 3 OR pass......just what you want in a PG


Umm, I think when they said his aggressiveness to score is a weakness they meant he is not aggressive enough in looking to score, not that he is too aggressive.

They called him a pass-first PG. That probably means he doesn't look for his shot enough or look to score. Hence, his aggressiveness to score is his weakness. Heck, living out here in Phoenix, I ay the same thing about Steve Nash all the time. But I'll take it.

[Globe Trotting Cat Fan]

For Mick's Da Man:

The information and opinions I get on most of these players come from a lot of different sources, including one of my closest friends from my reporting days who is a national level sports producer and gets some of the most ridiculous information I can imagine.

Not trying to make that sound bragging like everything I know is "insider info" (if it does, I apologize), just more of an FYI about where I am coming from.

When I hear about a kid we may be looking at, I like to go look at all the sources I can, then try to find clips, game highlights from local T.V. stations/newspapers that cover the players on a regular basis, etc etc.

Just my opinion, but if we land Bledsoe, Smith or Beatty (or someone else), he will be able to come in and do exactly what we need him to do.

As always, just my opinion.

Go Cats!

[NorrisHopper30]

Darius Smith is a point guard, Scout doesn't know what they are talking about. I'd much rather prefer Bledsoe, but Smith is from the same area as Dixon and is also considered under the radar.

[Scheids21]

Darius Smith is a point guard, Scout doesn't know what they are talking about. I'd much rather prefer Bledsoe, but Smith is from the same area as Dixon and is also considered under the radar.

**** I'll take another Dixon

[Bearcat Cafe]

Scout's evaluations are terrible. That we should all agree on. I'd take Smith or Bledsoe in a heartbeat.

[Globe Trotting Cat Fan]

One of the things that I believe people like so much about Smith is that he is considered another "tough Chicago kid".

And I agree, I am not a big fan of Scout's player breakdowns, evaluations, updates etc.

While I am sure their are some people in here that are not big fans of Rivals as well, the one thing I will say is that they are always posting articles and on site evaluations etc.

Go Cats!

[Kindog202]

One of the things that I believe people like so much about Smith is that he is considered another "tough Chicago kid".

And I agree, I am not a big fan of Scout's player breakdowns, evaluations, updates etc.

While I am sure their are some people in here that are not big fans of Rivals as well, the one thing I will say is that they are always posting articles and on site evaluations etc.

Go Cats!

You bring up an interesting point about the "tough Chicago kid". I had considered starting a thread on how I thought Dion's ability to contribute early on in his career was due to his playing in the tough Chicago Public League. How a tough league or conference prepares someone to play early on at the highest level. Kids from Chicago or New York as example seem to have built in toughness and don't need to be coached to play hard. I don't want to derail this thread from the recruiting news so if there is enough interest in this topic, maybe a thread should be open on this topic.

[CincyBearcat95]

You bring up an interesting point about the "tough Chicago kid". I had considered starting a thread on how I thought Dion's ability to contribute early on in his career was due to his playing in the tough Chicago Public League. How a tough league or conference prepares someone to play early on at the highest level. Kids from Chicago or New York as example seem to have built in toughness and don't need to be coached to play hard. I don't want to derail this thread from the recruiting news so if there is enough interest in this topic, maybe a thread should be open on this topic.

Maybe Mick can open a pipeline to Chicago like Huggs did with Texas. Wouldn't be a bad place to keep pulling kids!

[dp3113]

You bring up an interesting point about the "tough Chicago kid". I had considered starting a thread on how I thought Dion's ability to contribute early on in his career was due to his playing in the tough Chicago Public League. How a tough league or conference prepares someone to play early on at the highest level. Kids from Chicago or New York as example seem to have built in toughness and don't need to be coached to play hard. I don't want to derail this thread from the recruiting news so if there is enough interest in this topic, maybe a thread should be open on this topic.

I thought about bringing this up to. They also have a level of competitiveness that goes along with the toughness as well.

[Lobot]

Maybe Mick can open a pipeline to Chicago like Huggs did with Texas. Wouldn't be a bad place to keep pulling kids!

Why give up on TX? There are plenty of great players down here. It's like Florida for football recruits.

[Kindog202]

I was doing some checking on ESPN's recruiting website and they have Smith listed at a 89 grade and Bledsoe at a 88 grade. The writeup about Smith is pretty impressive - talks about him having very quick hands and long arms, a very good defender and his ability to create steals and turnovers with his quick hands and having the skills to play either guard position at the college level. I am definitely warming up to the idea of having another high school PG compete with Cash next year for the starting PG spot.

[Globe Trotting Cat Fan]

Why give up on TX? There are plenty of great players down here. It's like Florida for football recruits.

I don't think he was suggesting that we give up on Texas, just that it would be nice if Chicago could become a pipeline LIKE what we had during the previous era.

Go Cats!

[Globe Trotting Cat Fan]

I am not sure what the statute is for linking to video on other sites in here, but if people just do a general search they should be able to find plenty of clips for Smith and Bledsoe.

Go Cats!

[Lobot]

I am not sure what the statute is for linking to video on other sites in here, but if people just do a general search they should be able to find plenty of clips for Smith and Bledsoe.

Go Cats!

There is no statute for posting links provided that they are not copyrighted. If they go to a pay site like ESPN Insider please denote that.

[Pocket Hercules]

You bring up an interesting point about the "tough Chicago kid". I had considered starting a thread on how I thought Dion's ability to contribute early on in his career was due to his playing in the tough Chicago Public League. How a tough league or conference prepares someone to play early on at the highest level. Kids from Chicago or New York as example seem to have built in toughness and don't need to be coached to play hard. I don't want to derail this thread from the recruiting news so if there is enough interest in this topic, maybe a thread should be open on this topic.

They can also exhibit the tendency to have attitude problems, be undisciplined, and difficult to coach.

Case(s) in point: Depaul and St. John's usually have rosters loaded with "tough Chicago/New York kids", and both teams usually manage to thoroughly suck on a year-in, year-out basis. Especially these days when you are hard-pressed to find old-school coaches who have the principles to iron the "hip-hop" out of these kids.

Bottom line, it's cool to sprinkle one or two of these players into your roster if they will be surrounded with coachable kids. It takes all different kinds of players to round out a championship roster.

[jeffto]

I don't think he was suggesting that we give up on Texas, just that it would be nice if Chicago could become a pipeline LIKE what we had during the previous era.

Go Cats!Texas is still in the mix. LD is a good Texas "get". There will be more.

Mick seems to have lots of connections - mostly Eastern US (which makes sense given travel expenses).

[Globe Trotting Cat Fan]

Thanks for letting me know! :)

In that spirit...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-XVRsOZ7Po = Bledsoe

Unfortunately, Smith highlights I can only find on pay sites...sorry guys! :(

Go Cats!

[Forsure21]

Guys, will somebody inform me what the news was? I don't see anything that is news on here? Im sure Mick and the staff are contacting many different players. There is absolutely no information or quotes that says these players are even interested in UC.

[Kindog202]

They can also exhibit the tendency to have attitude problems, be undisciplined, and difficult to coach.

Case(s) in point: Depaul and St. John's usually have rosters loaded with "tough Chicago/New York kids", and both teams usually manage to thoroughly suck on a year-in, year-out basis. Especially these days when you are hard-pressed to find old-school coaches who have the principles to iron the "hip-hop" out of these kids.

Bottom line, it's cool to sprinkle one or two of these players into your roster if they will be surrounded with coachable kids. It takes all different kinds of players to round out a championship roster.

Point taken, Satterfield as an example, exhibited some of those traits.

[Globe Trotting Cat Fan]

Actually...not really a highlight of his play...but...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LasrpacR7Ps = Smith

Not bad for a point.

Go Cats!

[Globe Trotting Cat Fan]

I do agree that in some cases Chicago and NYC kids can show some negative traits, but I "suspect" this is partially because they want so badly to win.

Talking to Dion a bit over the summer and early in the season, you can just tell that he is willing to do whatever he is asked to do to win, and will put his wants aside for what the team needs.

Should Smith display similar traits, then that would be good enough for me.

Go Cats!

[Kindog202]

With Dion, you can see he wants to do whatever it takes to win. I've never seen him mope or hang his head. I've never talked to him but I could tell even in the summer leagues, he had a quiet confidence about himself and his game. He has all of the tools to be a top Big East player when it is all said and done.
**
By the way - a little off topic but WVU is laying the wood at home on 'Nova right now. Game is on ESPN.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

One of the things that I believe people like so much about Smith is that he is considered another "tough Chicago kid".

And I agree, I am not a big fan of Scout's player breakdowns, evaluations, updates etc.

While I am sure their are some people in here that are not big fans of Rivals as well, the one thing I will say is that they are always posting articles and on site evaluations etc.

Go Cats!

I sent this 411 to Mike Ryan a while ago.

Smith is the #2 player in Chicago this year. Very talented combo G. Strong defender, good scorer, will be a collegiate starter (and possible STAR).

[Kindog202]

I sent this 411 to Mike Ryan a while ago.

Smith is the #2 player in Chicago this year. Very talented combo G. Strong defender, good scorer, will be a collegiate starter (and possible STAR).

How would you compare him to Dixon and is he a contributor on a Big East team right away or in a few years?

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

How would you compare him to Dixon and is he a contributor on a Big East team right away or in a few years?

Better than Dixon and YES next year, Darius Smith will start or heavily contribute wherever he goes.

[Kindog202]

Better than Dixon and YES next year, Darius Smith will start or heavily contribute wherever he goes.

Thanks for the info, it will be interesting to see who winds up coming here next year.