Summer League

[Thegreatone]

Ok so I finally made it out to the league. I was really interested in seeing everyone. Here are some quick thoughts on some of the guys and please give me your input on these or other players.

Mike Williams- This guy is going to be a rock solid preformer all year. He is as good as advertised. I walked in right next to him and he is a huge. He really had a turn around jumper working today and he hit the boards HARD. He can really do it all, I wonder why Texas would ever let this guy go?

Alvin Mitchell- Wilks might not be the only guy on the team with a 40' vertical. I have read how good of a scorer he is, and he was but I had not idea he could fly. He will be a high intensity guy, although I think Mick will have to work with him on looking to pass the ball. Real good scorer though, but wow can he get up there.

Darnell Wilks- He is taller than I anticipated. He can fly as well. He has a pretty good shot, or at least in warm-ups he did. I can see him being a spark off the bench, a guy who after a timeout gets a designed alley-oop to electrify the crowd.

Kenny Belton- Tall, thick, and powerful. Offense may be a little rough but he is a bruiser. He could pick up 10 minutes for sure because he will bring a lot of muscle to the court.

Larry Davis- In warmups he may not have missed. If he can get the ball and gain some aggresiveness he could be a serious threat.

Rashad Bishop- He is taller than I thought, he is pretty quick too. I wonder how much time he will get? I didnt get a great feel for him.

Adam H- Thinner than I thought, maybe I was expecting Eric Hicks I dont know. He can run the court well and I imagine will be used nicely in Mick's full court pressure D. Charles Bronson of Xavier seemed to push him around early, although Adam got into foul trouble so he may have been trying to avoid a 3rd foul.

I wish McClain would have been there, I dont know if he is going to come I keep hearing he will but I dont know. Overall I was very impressed and excited with the team. Vaugn came in late but looked like his usual self and Jamal Warren looked awesome in his game. I think we will have plenty of guys to keep pressure on guys the entire game.

[Inchickinkick]

another great thread, i seen a pic of mike williams in the newspaper,
he looks 6-6 or 6-7 built like a tree reminds me of fortson. how tall
did wilks, bishop and belton look? who does belton remind you of
(elton brand)?

[Thegreatone]

I would say that Mike Williams, Kenny Belton and Darnell Wilks were all a legitimate 6'8. As for Belton and who he reminds me of, I dont know this is a tough one. Big, Strong guy but didnt seem to have a incredable amount of touch. Just a bruiser, a guy who can come in and knock people around. He will not be intimidated by anybody. Saying a bigger, taller, more athletic Conner Barwin. In the sense he will be physical. I dont believe he will ever be a big time player but he will be a very good sub and will make everyone earn it in practice.

The real gem is Mike Williams, this guy is going to come in and make his presence felt form day one. I believe he is capable of 18-20 points and 10 rebounds a game. He reminds me a lot of Danny Fortson. He is not a guy that will come in and slam it down, he will hit his shots and position his body in the post and beat his man. You can tell this guy has recieved proper coaching, he has the athletic ability but uses the fundamentals.

[Kindog202]

I was at both games this weekend and here are my thoughts...

Mike Williams - Agree with The great one on this one. Dude is a beast underneath, especially today, I'm surprised he still had a shirt on at the end of the game. He was getting pulled and grabbed the entire game but still managed to get 20 and 15. Like the great one said, showed a surprising turnaround jumper from 10-15 feet out.

Alvin Mitchell - Extremely athletic, has the entire offensive package, was very aggressive defensively. I have it on a very close source to Mick that he will in fact be the starting shooting guard from the beginning this year.

Darnell Wilks - Even more athletic than Mitchell (if possible), hit a couple of 3's this game and played some good "D" today. Yesterday, he took a lob from half-court from Vaughn, caught it with one hand and threw it down hard. Mick was right when he said Wilks will remind us of White. On one play he had his entire head above the rim going for a blocked shot. Does need to get stronger with the ball and stronger in general and also slow down with the ball. A couple of times he got moving faster than he was able to dribble and wound up losing the ball out of bounds.

Kenny Belton - Again great one has him pegged. Not much to add other than he was the only one diving for loose balls, definitely not afraid of contact, although most of the new guys do not seem to fear contact. I would not compare him to Elton Brand now, too slow and limited offensive game although he is built a lot like Brand. I think this year he is used as a body with five fouls to give. He definitely favors a half court game although he did not look that bad today in the up tempo style of play.

Larry Davis - Did not play the second half of todays game (coincidently, Vaughn showed up at halftime). Is very quick with his hands and feet, made some bad passes when running the point. At this stage of his development, I see him 3rd in line at both the PG and SG position. May be able to play well in spurts but don't want him in there for long periods of time.

Rashad Bishop - Nothing impressive today, college-ready body, will be an effective backup at the "3". Does need to work on his defense.

Adam H - Hit a 3 today, did get into foul trouble, seemed to have some trouble guarding Bronson in the low block. I only watched the first half of his game.

I saw Hep and Dan Cronin and talked to them today (i.e. my "very close source") and they said that the thinking now is a lineup of 1-Vaughn, 2-Mitchell, 3-Williamson, 4-Williams and 5-Adam H. Although they don't know what they have with McClain since he is not on campus yet.

[Thegreatone]

I agree totally with your analysis and I would love that line-up. IF Mitchell gets some coaching he will be special this year.

[gocats45]

I was just wondering if anyone thinks the Cats might run out Davis, Mitchell, and Vaughn at the same time. I don't think they could do this against the Big East teams, except South Florida, who shouldn't be in the big east anyway. Does anybody else feel like that could be a possibility early in the season?

[Thegreatone]

Could they, yes. Mitchell is big enough and strong enough to play a 3 if the situation would call for that. In fact, I believe that is what most people thought he was. I like him at the 2, but he could certainly play the 3.

[Kindog202]

I was just wondering if anyone thinks the Cats might run out Davis, Mitchell, and Vaughn at the same time. I don't think they could do this against the Big East teams, except South Florida, who shouldn't be in the big east anyway. Does anybody else feel like that could be a possibility early in the season?

I don't see it happening too often this year, or if it does, not for too long a time period. I know the summer league is not indicative of the regular season but I honestly think Davis is at least a year away from contributing significantly. I see mop-up duty in his future for this year. I think if he is averging more than 5-7 minutes a game, then this team is in trouble. You have to figure that Warren and Gentry need to get their minutes. Looking at this team, I feel there are a total of 6 guys who can play at either or both of the guard spots and Davis is 5th out of 6 (in front of Miller and behind Vaughn, Mitchell, Warren and Gentry). The depth chart, as I see it now:

1 - Vaughn, Warren, Davis
2 - Mitchell, Gentry, Davis, Miller
3 - Williamson, Wilks, Sikes, Bishop
4 - Williams, Belton, Sikes
5 - Adam H, McClain, Belton

The big question right now is the "5" because without McClain being on campus yet, you don't know what he will bring to the table

[GoBearcats31]

Kindog202:
"Alvin Mitchell - Extremely athletic, has the entire offensive package, was very aggressive defensively. I have it on a very close source to Mick that he will in fact be the starting shooting guard from the beginning this year."


A close source said Alvin Mitchell will start at the 2? Mick Cronin doesn't even know what his starting lineup is going to be, outside of Vaughn at point and likely Williams and Hyricianuk in the post. Mitchell has neither played in an official practice, running plays with the entire team and coaching staff, so how would Mick or anyone know that he will be starting shooting guard. Sure he has a great shot, but Gentry has been playing well too...

[Kindog202]

Kindog202:
"Alvin Mitchell - Extremely athletic, has the entire offensive package, was very aggressive defensively. I have it on a very close source to Mick that he will in fact be the starting shooting guard from the beginning this year."


A close source said Alvin Mitchell will start at the 2? Mick Cronin doesn't even know what his starting lineup is going to be, outside of Vaughn at point and likely Williams and Hyricianuk in the post. Mitchell has neither played in an official practice, running plays with the entire team and coaching staff, so how would Mick or anyone know that he will be starting shooting guard. Sure he has a great shot, but Gentry has been playing well too...

As I said later on in my post, I talked to Hep and Dan Cronin today at the summer league and that is the thinking right now.

[UCbball21]

I think it will be one he11 of a position battle between Mitchell and Gentry...Warren could even make a case with his improved play if Mick wanted to run with two point guards reminiscent of Satterfield and Logan like last year. Basically Williams and Vaughn are the only locks to start...

[Inchickinkick]

if alvin mitchell is 6-5 he will be the sf,
in a three guard sceam for four years.

[IKnowMoreThanYou]

Mitchell is probably closer to 6-4 and would seem to be a better fit, at least initially, coming off the bench with Gentry, the senior starting. Have to love Mitchell's toughness and energy but he is still learning a lot about basketball and Gentry has had a fantastic summer, is healthy, has been in the system for a year and is really good defensively. Pending development that could change but I see Gentry starting at the 2.

[tophat]

As I said later on in my post, I talked to Hep and Dan Cronin today at the summer league and that is the thinking right now.k

No matter what Hep and Dan said, Mick has real concerns about Williamson at the 3. He's a 6'5 power forward with limited ball skills, a shaky jump shot and one patented move to the basket that every coach in the BE is onto. The one edge he has over Bishop is experience. Williamson may start at SF, but unless his game has expanded his minutes there will be limited.

[Inchickinkick]

all of you guests checking out this fantastic website,
get a account and write your opinions.
lets continue>

[Oldtimer_UC_fan]

I'm not nearly as concerned about starting lineups as I am about the rotation of the players. Who finishes a game is more important than who starts it. For you guys watching the summer games....What does the free throw shooting look like for the new guys? We lost so many games last year because of poor free throw shooting...poor shooting in general, really.

[Inchickinkick]

everybody is shooting good from the freethrow line,
warran and gentry seem too be getting there more.

[gocats45]

From what you guys have seen at the summer league does Marvin Gentry look any bigger than last year? He looked like a flag pole last year compared to the rest of the Bearcats.

I think that the Bearcats will be in the top 5 in the Big East in defense this year. Mark my words. I think that instead of having to double the other teams big man we can put one guy on him while having Vaughn and Mitchell put on an athletic display on the perimiter.

[Corporateballa]

Gentry has not gained an ounce. Wilks has him beat however for least amount of muscle mass on the team. After watching Mitchell play like 5 times, all i can say is WOW! He will not be at UC for 4 years. He is strong, athletic, tremendous ball skills, and he is N-A-S-T-Y! Reminds me of Hick, Max, Logan, Keyon, etc. the way he competes. He just needs coaching and discipline. His skills and athleticism are elite. Huggins never had a player like him (not Herb Jones, I-Mac, Stokes...). Think Mel Levette with basketball skills.

Belton is HORRIBLE! He looks like a MAC player. Maybe he can develop over time. Williams will be ALL BE. A monster. Vaughn's body looks incredible. I look for him to have a monster year. The most impressive/most improved guy is Jamal Warren. Good luck keeping that guy off the floor. I don't look for any of the freshmen that I've seen other than Mitchell to make any impact (at least not the 1st half of the season).

[juckerrules]

Gentry has not gained an ounce. Wilks has him beat however for least amount of muscle mass on the team. After watching Mitchell play like 5 times, all i can say is WOW! He will not be at UC for 4 years. He is strong, athletic, tremendous ball skills, and he is N-A-S-T-Y! Reminds me of Hick, Max, Logan, Keyon, etc. the way he competes. He just needs coaching and discipline. His skills and athleticism are elite. Huggins never had a player like him (not Herb Jones, I-Mac, Stokes...). Think Mel Levette with basketball skills.

Belton is HORRIBLE! He looks like a MAC player. Maybe he can develop over time. Williams will be ALL BE. A monster. Vaughn's body looks incredible. I look for him to have a monster year. The most impressive/most improved guy is Jamal Warren. Good luck keeping that guy off the floor. I don't look for any of the freshmen that I've seen other than Mitchell to make any impact (at least not the 1st half of the season).

Glad to hear Jamual is much improved - he needs to be, particularly his shooting - I just looked up his last year's stats...wow! 9-59 on 3-pt shots...yikes! Maybe driving to the hoop could be an option? :rolleyes:

[Eastside_J]

I have been to 4 slats games now, Belton is absolutely not horrible.

He is a big guy from HS in a guard and SF dominated league. We have been dying for big players that are willing to play physical ball in the paint and he is every bit of that.

Its really stinks to hear a bearcat fan tear down a recruit, especially after seeing him play in a summer league game.

[Thegreatone]

Eastside I agree, Belton is not horrible. He is solid. He can give us 5-10 minutes because what he lacks in skill he makes up for it in effort and strength. Plus he is 6'8. I really like Mitchell as well, but saying he will not be here for 4 years might be premature. He has the ability no doubt, but he seems to need to improve his defense and passing. He needs to be put in to a scheme and lets see if he can thrive in a 5 man game.

Bottom Line: Belton is going to give us a few quality hard earned minutes and lets not make Mitchell the next Lebron just yet, but I am very excited for his abilities.

Oh yeah, Jamaul Warren has looked NASTY! It will be very hard not have in the starting lineup. I think Mitchell will switch from the 2 and 3 a lot but I think he is more of a 2, but thats why Mick makes the big bucks.

[gocats45]

I think Belton would have been better suited to play on last years team(But who wouldn't?). That team needed a defensive presence inside. From what I have read, I think McClain will have that covered. BCI lists him as being a good low block scorer, but I just don't see it in the rugged Big East.

It is my belief that Rashad Bishop is the x factor of this class. He has come in very far under the radar, and could be that spark guy off the bench. As for switching Mitchell to the 3, I would be all for it in his second year. I just think that he should stay at the 2 this year because he hasn't developed his tools yet. This team is too good to be playing with players out of their natural position. 21 wins this year.

[subflea]

I think Belton would have been better suited to play on last years team(But who wouldn't?). That team needed a defensive presence inside. From what I have read, I think McClain will have that covered. BCI lists him as being a good low block scorer, but I just don't see it in the rugged Big East.

It is my belief that Rashad Bishop is the x factor of this class. He has come in very far under the radar, and could be that spark guy off the bench. As for switching Mitchell to the 3, I would be all for it in his second year. I just think that he should stay at the 2 this year because he hasn't developed his tools yet. This team is too good to be playing with players out of their natural position. 21 wins this year.


21 wins?!?!?! I hope you are ready for dissappointment, because this team is not winning 21 games this year. They are greatly improved over what we put on the floor last year, but not that improved.

[Inchickinkick]

did anybody hear alvin mitchell on 700 this morning?
he was talking about micks plans for him.

[gocats45]

How is 21 wins crazy? I think that this team is so vastly improved from last year. Mick was giving any basketball player with legs a scholarship offer to fill last years roster. This year he was much more selective, and hopefully this young team will buy into Mick's coaching style. 21 wins.

[Inchickinkick]

vaughn,warren,gentry,williamson,sikes,williams and hrycaniuk are all above
avg. players. thats a great group of players, i give mick a (A) last year and
a (A) for this years group. he has five too get for 08

[loshow22]

The bottom line is that we will see an improvement from last season. How much of an improvement is up to the attitude of the players and ability of the coaches. We have a solid core of returning players who took their beatings last year and hopefully learned from it. We also have a solid nucleus of young talent to build around. I like the looks of UC basketball again! Whether or not we get 20 wins is yet to be determined. If we do then great, if not then oh well. The point is we were down but are not staying there. Here we come...

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Gentry has not gained an ounce. Wilks has him beat however for least amount of muscle mass on the team. After watching Mitchell play like 5 times, all i can say is WOW! He will not be at UC for 4 years. He is strong, athletic, tremendous ball skills, and he is N-A-S-T-Y! Reminds me of Hick, Max, Logan, Keyon, etc. the way he competes. He just needs coaching and discipline. His skills and athleticism are elite. Huggins never had a player like him (not Herb Jones, I-Mac, Stokes...). Think Mel Levette with basketball skills.

Belton is HORRIBLE! He looks like a MAC player. Maybe he can develop over time. Williams will be ALL BE. A monster. Vaughn's body looks incredible. I look for him to have a monster year. The most impressive/most improved guy is Jamal Warren. Good luck keeping that guy off the floor. I don't look for any of the freshmen that I've seen other than Mitchell to make any impact (at least not the 1st half of the season).

MAC players have included very solid players from Miami OH (Wally Szcerbiak) and Ohio U, among others, in recent years.

"MAC player" can be a good thing.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

How is 21 wins crazy? I think that this team is so vastly improved from last year. Mick was giving any basketball player with legs a scholarship offer to fill last years roster. This year he was much more selective, and hopefully this young team will buy into Mick's coaching style. 21 wins.

UC had talent on the 2007 roster, just very little depth and not much height.

I think the 2008 roster has depth AND height to go with talent so 20 W is within reach.

[Flanntastic]

we still need a TRUE PG and a 3pt bomber, this team could win 21 games with a Chris Lofton type bomber.

[waterhead]

I was curious to find out what you all think Mick will do with the 3 position. I am one that doesn't really get caught up in traditional position players but having said that...

Option one right now seems to be to let Williamson start and play. He may not have an outside shot or handle the ball well but he is a hard worker. He can score some points on the inside and he CAN rebound and is very active and seems to provide energy to the team. Williamson plays more like a 4 but does that really matter? Obviously we can't spread the court as well but then again we should be better inside and on the glass. I guess if Adam H/Biggie is in there along with Williams it could get crowded with Williamson.

Option two right now seems to be to let Mitchell play the 3 and Gentry the 2 with Williamson filling in at 3 and 4. This allows us to spread the court so Williams can have plenty of room to work down low with Adam or Biggie.

Option 3 right now seems to be Wilks as a true 3 that can shoot from outside and has size to play in the lane. It sounds like Wilks has some improving to do but as soon as Mick gets to coach him up who knows. It would be nice if this became option number 1 for traditional position play.

It seems like the 1, 2, 4, and 5 positions are covered. We know who is playing 1 and 4. We are pretty sure it's between two people at 2 and 5. The only thing that seems really wide open is the 3.

I don't want to seem like I am giving other players no shot but I'm just going by what I've heard. Everyone will get their chance to impress Mick.

[Inchickinkick]

we still need a TRUE PG and a 3pt bomber, this team could win 21 games with a Chris Lofton type bomber.

your writing about next years teams right.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

we still need a TRUE PG and a 3pt bomber, this team could win 21 games with a Chris Lofton type bomber.

The 2006 team won 21 games but I don't remember anyone comparable to Lofton on that squad.

[jkwuc89]

I think the last pure sharp shooter UC had was Steve Logan. Some would argue that Field Williams was the last but I rate Steve ahead of Field because Steve could handle the ball, create his own shot and play defense.

I know a lot of folks talk about the importance of defense and rebounding and I won't deny that these are important. But, the ultimate goal is to put the ball in the basket. No amount of good defense and rebounding can make up for a lack of good shooting. Sooner or later (especially against quality opposition), a failure to make shots when creating good lucks will result in losses.

[cincycpaw]

I think the last pure sharp shooter UC had was Steve Logan. Some would argue that Field Williams was the last but I rate Steve ahead of Field because Steve could handle the ball, create his own shot and play defense.

I know a lot of folks talk about the importance of defense and rebounding and I won't deny that these are important. But, the ultimate goal is to put the ball in the basket. No amount of good defense and rebounding can make up for a lack of good shooting. Sooner or later (especially against quality opposition), a failure to make shots when creating good lucks will result in losses.

That is true, but you could easily just switch it around and say no amount of good shooting can make up for an inability to play defense or rebound. Sooner of later.

You need to be a complete team to be the best. Looks like we are once again headed in that direction.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

I think the last pure sharp shooter UC had was Steve Logan. Some would argue that Field Williams was the last but I rate Steve ahead of Field because Steve could handle the ball, create his own shot and play defense.

I know a lot of folks talk about the importance of defense and rebounding and I won't deny that these are important. But, the ultimate goal is to put the ball in the basket. No amount of good defense and rebounding can make up for a lack of good shooting. Sooner or later (especially against quality opposition), a failure to make shots when creating good lucks will result in losses.


"The key to winning, Chuck, is ya gotta make shots." Heard that often through 2005. Still true today.

[Mick's Da Man]

Other than an unhealthy Marvin Gentry's 30 point game and a couple of Sikes three point games, Williamson and Vaughn carried the offensive load last year. Not to mention these guys were playing alot of minutes and couldn't afford to get into foul trouble because of the lack of depth. When Vaughn and Williamson went cold or got tired, this team was SOL.

We will have depth and size this upcoming year. We have plenty of returning experience. We have solid guards and multiple options for scoring.

This will be a completely different looking team this year. The guys will be more confident knowing there is are reserves sitting on the bench of all shapes and sizes.

[jkwuc89]

There in lies the rub. Inevitably, UC faces an equally strong defensive/rebounding team as itself. The margin of error then becomes being able to put the ball in the basket under duress. More often than not, UC was at a disadvantage in this regard.

[Flanntastic]

your writing about next years teams right.
yes



The 2006 team won 21 games but I don't remember anyone comparable to Lofton on that squad.
different team than what we will have next year

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

different team than what we will have next year

True. The 2006 team had much less depth than 2008 team. More experience. Less basketball talent. More athleticism. First year head coach then. Not so this year.

[Bearcat_DF]

I was curious to find out what you all think Mick will do with the 3 position. I am one that doesn't really get caught up in traditional position players but having said that...

Option one right now seems to be to let Williamson start and play. He may not have an outside shot or handle the ball well but he is a hard worker. He can score some points on the inside and he CAN rebound and is very active and seems to provide energy to the team. Williamson plays more like a 4 but does that really matter? Obviously we can't spread the court as well but then again we should be better inside and on the glass. I guess if Adam H/Biggie is in there along with Williams it could get crowded with Williamson.

Option two right now seems to be to let Mitchell play the 3 and Gentry the 2 with Williamson filling in at 3 and 4. This allows us to spread the court so Williams can have plenty of room to work down low with Adam or Biggie.

Option 3 right now seems to be Wilks as a true 3 that can shoot from outside and has size to play in the lane. It sounds like Wilks has some improving to do but as soon as Mick gets to coach him up who knows. It would be nice if this became option number 1 for traditional position play.

It seems like the 1, 2, 4, and 5 positions are covered. We know who is playing 1 and 4. We are pretty sure it's between two people at 2 and 5. The only thing that seems really wide open is the 3.

I don't want to seem like I am giving other players no shot but I'm just going by what I've heard. Everyone will get their chance to impress Mick.

Waterhead,

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that John Williamson won't play much of the 3. Mick had the opportunity to play Williamson in the 3 last year. McGowan did not play well there, but had proven he could play in the 4 position. Mick never made the switch that seemed pretty logical. So, I do not anticipate Williamson playing too much at SF. I do see John Williamson and Williams playing together when we can afford to go small on the front line.

I think options 2 and 3 are the most likely. I suspect Mick will be eager to get Wilks in the lineup. Also, I can imagine Gentry and Mitchell in the line up together too.

The one player you didn't mention is Sikes, however I do not think he has the quickness to play the 3, though he does have an outside shot.

Go Cats!
DF

[solomon33]

I am waiting for someone to break the ice and say something about the tourney games last night in the Summer League. I know it is just "summer league" basketball but talk about going from a high to a low. Watching J.Warren play out of his mind during the opening game I started to think about the 2-headed monster of a backcourt that we could have this season. Then came the Slats game...I don't think they could have possibly played any worse?? I guess that's where the "best thing about freshman is when they are sophomores" line comes in...but how about a WOW for Warren's new game! Confident stroke from outside along with driving to the whole and finishing with style and flare, throwing down a nasty over the head dunk on gentry on the break!!

[Flanntastic]

i still think we will see 18 wins or more this year.

[waterhead]

Waterhead,

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that John Williamson won't play much of the 3. Mick had the opportunity to play Williamson in the 3 last year. McGowan did not play well there, but had proven he could play in the 4 position. Mick never made the switch that seemed pretty logical. So, I do not anticipate Williamson playing too much at SF. I do see John Williamson and Williams playing together when we can afford to go small on the front line.

I think options 2 and 3 are the most likely. I suspect Mick will be eager to get Wilks in the lineup. Also, I can imagine Gentry and Mitchell in the line up together too.

The one player you didn't mention is Sikes, however I do not think he has the quickness to play the 3, though he does have an outside shot.

Go Cats!
DF

Interesting points DF. I didn't mention Bishop either but from all the talk it didn't sound like Sikes or Bishop were much of an option to play all those minutes.

I agree with you on Wilks. I am also hoping Biggie can manage to win the 5. If these two win their positions along with Mitchell we should be set for a good run in two or three years. We have Vaughn for three more years. We will have Gates as a soph for when Williams has to leave even though Gates may see a lot of time as a frosh. Even if we didn't get one more recruit we could work with that lineup. It can only get better.

Vaughn
Mitchell
Wilks
Williams/Gates
McClain

I hope Mick can coach them ALL up including Davis, Bishop, and Belton and any new reruits we may have coming. Speaking of new recruits...man it's been dead in here about 08' recruits. That's not a good sign...is it?

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Waterhead,

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that John Williamson won't play much of the 3. Mick had the opportunity to play Williamson in the 3 last year. McGowan did not play well there, but had proven he could play in the 4 position. Mick never made the switch that seemed pretty logical. So, I do not anticipate Williamson playing too much at SF. I do see John Williamson and Williams playing together when we can afford to go small on the front line.

I think options 2 and 3 are the most likely. I suspect Mick will be eager to get Wilks in the lineup. Also, I can imagine Gentry and Mitchell in the line up together too.

The one player you didn't mention is Sikes, however I do not think he has the quickness to play the 3, though he does have an outside shot.

Go Cats!
DF

Sikes played a solid 3 at Georgia before transferring. His outside shot was good last year. He can play there but Wilks is The Man if he's ready for BEast caliber play.

[swilsonsp4]

I saw Slats play seven times and last night's disaster was nothing like their previous efforts. They fell behind early and quit. The beginning of the 2nd half was particularly disheartening. No matter who was on the floor, if he touched the ball, he shot the ball. Even Mike Williams, who normally plays with great verve and within his capabilities, took an ill-advised three-point attempt.

The team they were playing often had four strong 6'7"-6'8" guys on the floor with a 5'9" waterbug guard, who abused Deonta Vaughn all night. Darnell Wilks was forced to guard in the post and was pushed around. Alvin Mitchell also had to contend with size and appeared frustrated. Rashad Bishop was virtually non-existent.

Fortunately, these games don't count for much. The players are going to receive quality coaching come October, in a team setting.

On the positive side, Jamual Warren was unguardable in the last two games he played for Mike Albert Leasing. He hit for 34 and 35, largely on quick penetration, often on the break. The opponents ultimately double-teamed him every time down the floor in order to force him to give up the ball. Warren also rebounds very well for a 6'2" guard.

[Bearcat_DF]

Sikes played a solid 3 at Georgia before transferring. His outside shot was good last year. He can play there but Wilks is The Man if he's ready for BEast caliber play.

The only information I found about Sikes at George is that he averaged 2.2 points and 2.4 rebounds as a freshmen.

Without knowing more - I'm not sure I would call that solid.

Though for comparison Kirkland averaged 3.4 pts and 2.0 rebounds and Hicks averaged 2.5 pts and 3.6 rebounds as freshmen.

Go Cats!
DF

[Inchickinkick]

here is how the team it looks after this year>
--------------------------------------------
vaughn(1)
mitchell/davis/miller(1)
wilks/bishop(?)
williams/belton(1)
mcclain(1)
-----------------------------------------------

needs for o8>5 too offer

2 guards
1 power forward (gates)
1 post player
hold back 1 for 09
----------------------------------------------------



2 for 09(2 wing forwards)
alot of guys wood disagree(bench dept, a can't miss player ect....
i think the bench would be strong,mick has got his plans, thats
why he gets played the big bucks>

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

The only information I found about Sikes at George is that he averaged 2.2 points and 2.4 rebounds as a freshmen.

Without knowing more - I'm not sure I would call that solid.

Though for comparison Kirkland averaged 3.4 pts and 2.0 rebounds and Hicks averaged 2.5 pts and 3.6 rebounds as freshmen.

Go Cats!
DF

Nevertheless he played 3 (not 4) in the Georgia lineup. He's a natural 3 who played out of position at 5 last year but still did pretty well.

[DMoney_70]

Last year may just be a blur for me but I don't think we have any idea whether Sikes can play the 3 or not. He was too busy trying to defend against guys taller and stronger than him. He kind of got cheated the opportunity for growth by being forced out of position the whole season.

[gocats45]

Last year may just be a blur for me but I don't think we have any idea whether Sikes can play the 3 or not. He was too busy trying to defend against guys taller and stronger than him. He kind of got cheated the opportunity for growth by being forced out of position the whole season.

Its defensivly where we have our doubts about Sikes at the 3. Last year he more than proved he could score, even when he was being worn down by much bigger competition.