New Coach please!

[pis777]

Please Please Please.........................

Mick is a assistant Coach AT BEST on the D1 level. Can we please get a coach in here with some RESPECT from potential players!!!!!

[Forsure21]

I'm not so sure about Mick but Mick needs to get some stones and make some changes on his staff. How about hiring a guy like Terry Nelson. He needs to make staff changes.

[Thegreatone]

We need a new coach, we could give a new coach a decent start with our young talent.

[bubbachunk]

oh please just pick a new team

[Thegreatone]

I am done with this guy. We have some decent young talent and we wouldnt be starting over. We need to get this dude out of here. I am sure some good coaches would want to come to the Big East and coach a team that has some good young talent.

[catsfan32]

Is this what UC basketball has fallen to? Our players dont even have pride in their school or name, get me 5 guys from UC that want to play, i would rather watch effort and heart with less talent than these bunch of players who dont care!

[cornelius]

Watch for major shakeups in the roster next year this team will not look anything like it does today. Hopefully it pans out for Mick because if he doesn't make the NCAA tourney he is FIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Forsure21]

How can you not want to win? If you win you play on ESPN tomorrow.

[Matt1982]

This is what I said ALL YEAR LONG!!!! LAST YEARS TEAM HAD FIGHT IN THEM!! They may not have had the talent, but you knew Williamson, Sikes, Gentry etc were proud to be Bearcats and they played their hearts out. This team has more talent, but they play not to get hurt, it's pathetic. Zero fight, zero intensity and it bugs the heck out of me.

[LongTimer]

It's time for Mick's da Man to weigh in with his stats and telling us what a tremendous job Mick has done and about this being a 5 year rebuilding job. If we let Mick stay here 5 years, we could be looking at a 10 year rebuilding job.

[Billy Don]

I am done with this guy. We have some decent young talent and we wouldnt be starting over. We need to get this dude out of here. I am sure some good coaches would want to come to the Big East and coach a team that has some good young talent.

For a million dollars a year I'm sure there would be plenty of proven coachs who would like the job!

[bearcat josh]

Anthony Grant from VCU anyone????

[bearcatbilly6225]

I HOPE AN ANNOUNCEMENT IS MADE BY THOMAS TONIGHT THAT MICK IS FIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If he is not fired I will never ever spend another penny on UC merchandise, or pay to see this complete garbage being put on the court.... If Mike Thomas wants to keep his job he better make this happen......This is UC basketball we are better than this, and our fans deserve better than this I AM DONE

[Forsure21]

We can't let Mick go now or else everybody will transfer and we won't have a team again next year.

[slimm]

Watch for major shakeups in the roster next year this team will not look anything like it does today.

i agree. if things are that bad internally, this off season may bring a mass exodus of players. that in itself may be micks undoing. something is definitely wrong, and it will rear its ugly head when the seasons over.

[bearcatbilly6225]

I would take Bobby Knight in a heart beat

[Matt1982]

At this point, who cares. What's the worst that could happen? Finish 0-18 and win your first game in the BE tourney?

[bearcatbilly6225]

We can't let Mick go now or else everybody will transfer and we won't have a team again next year.

these kids will not transfer out of big east just because a sorry coach leaves believe that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ralph1950]

Please Please Please.........................

Mick is a assistant Coach AT BEST on the D1 level. Can we please get a coach in here with some RESPECT from potential players!!!!!

Mick is the right man for the job, UC's basketball future has never been brighter.

[Matt1982]

Default
Anthony Grant from VCU anyone????

Sounds great to me.... but I doubt he'd take the job, he's got a much easier path to success there than he ever will here.

[Thegreatone]

Mike Thomas needs to do the right thing and fire Mick and give us hope for next year.

[cornelius]

he gets one more year of this crap then done, i think the university should take a major look at if a coach like grant is wanting to come here.

[Forsure21]

Guys we need to realize he can't go anywhere. If he left this year we would be taking another 3 year step back. I bet a lot of players would transfer and we wouldn't have a roster.

THen if he stays and fails again next year or the year after he won't have a contract extension for recruiting purposes. It is a really tricky situation.

[ralph1950]

I HOPE AN ANNOUNCEMENT IS MADE BY THOMAS TONIGHT THAT MICK IS FIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If he is not fired I will never ever spend another penny on UC merchandise, or pay to see this complete garbage being put on the court.... If Mike Thomas wants to keep his job he better make this happen......This is UC basketball we are better than this, and our fans deserve better than this I AM DONE

Actually, as soon as the season is over a contract extension will be announced.

[bearcatbilly6225]

and who cares if they do??????????????actually they either really suck and MC recruited em...or they have talent that the coach is not able to get out of them...either situation means MC has to go....I mean come on people take off your blinders, it is obvious

[Scheids21]

I would take Bobby Knight in a heart beat

Well yeah, I think most would agree with that. Even if the administration wanted to get rid of MC, what would our options be for coaches?

[catsfan32]

ralph i really hope your joking but i dont think you are!

[ralph1950]

Guys we need to realize he can't go anywhere. If he left this year we would be taking another 3 year step back. I bet a lot of players would transfer and we wouldn't have a roster.

THen if he stays and fails again next year or the year after he won't have a contract extension for recruiting purposes. It is a really tricky situation.

Mick has done a remarkable job of rebuilding the Bearcats, if the players cannot make shots it is tough to win. Louisville lost to ND by 33 points.

[BeastUC]

A lot of the players might transfer anyway.And trust me,there's some coaches who can do better with what we have,but if they do i'm sure people will say those we're Mick's players.
Funny how that kinda stuff works out.

[bearcatbilly6225]

Mick is the right man for the job, UC's basketball future has never been brighter.

Ralph you are really starting to look like you are either just kidding, or are not very smart at all, and know nothing about UC basketball.....or you just really had a problem with Huggins, maybe you are really JEff Wyler and mad cause ..........

[Thegreatone]

Who would transfer??

Deonta wont because he would be a senior and Yancy came here because of the location not because of Mick. Cashmere wouldnt sit out another year to transfer. Who would we lose?

Everyone else would be expendable

[LongTimer]

This is what I said ALL YEAR LONG!!!! LAST YEARS TEAM HAD FIGHT IN THEM!! They may not have had the talent, but you knew Williamson, Sikes, Gentry etc were proud to be Bearcats and they played their hearts out. This team has more talent, but they play not to get hurt, it's pathetic. Zero fight, zero intensity and it bugs the heck out of me.

Matt, there are a few of us that have taken some major abuse from the many in here. I am not laughing now. But, I knew I was right all along. I have been around long enough to recognize a special coach when I see one. Mick Cronin is not a special coach. That is why this rebuilding job will take much longer than what it should. When he turned away Downey, that should have raised the red flag immediately. Actually, I'm sad as ****, because I really deep down thought Mick would eventually get it. However, this ended up being a horrible coaching job. I don't care about the improvement year over year. You can't look past this collapse. He's just not a very good coach and he has proven to not be much of a recruiter either...especially when he is recruiting for Mick Cronin instead of Bob Huggins and Rick Pitino.

[Billy Don]

I'm not so sure about Mick but Mick needs to get some stones and make some changes on his staff. How about hiring a guy like Terry Nelson. He needs to make staff changes.

Mick didn't have the stones to do the post game.

[Forsure21]

A lot of the players might transfer anyway.And ttuss me,there's some coaches who can do better with what we have,but if they do i'm sure people will say those we're Mick's players.
Funny how that kinda stuff works out.

I feel the same way. I just feel if Mick left someone like Cash or Yancy might transfer.

THere is no question in my mind a good coach could have easily got 21 wins with this squad in the regular season.

[mboston67]

I'm not going to say Mick needs to be fired. (That said, if he were I wouldn't lose any sleep). But the way the team has finished not only this season, but last season as well, is just absolutely pathetic. IMO falls directly on the shoulders of the head coach. Who loses to USF, Seton Hall, and DEPAUL!!!?!?!?!?! Nobody loses to Depaul. No literally no Big East team loses to Depaul. Something needs to be done immediately!!!! I know we won't turn down any invitation for a post season tourny, but please why would we accept it???? If u can't beat USF or Depaul, how could u expect to look anything more than foolish against a mediocre team?

[LongTimer]

Actually, as soon as the season is over a contract extension will be announced.

And a UCAT fee increase and ticket price increase will follow shortly after that. Can you say 3,000 fans next year?

[nyCat99]

I have to admit I am a Mick supporter, but today was embarrassing. I work in NYC and all the guys at the office are just laughing at us, except my boss who is a Rutgers grad. Anyway you look at things, you can't be satisfied with our season. Yes, we were in a position to go where we didn't think we could just yet, but to collapse like this is UNACCEPTABLE.

I'm not going to blame Mick 100%. But he deserves a lot of heat for their play the last 2 weeks. I could handle the losses to Pitt, and Louisville. Even a loss to the Orange was ok, but we got spanked. Lossing 2 games last week, and now to 18 straight losers DePaul.

Not even the losses, but the way we have looked. Teams are supposed to get better, and with the exception of maybe Darnell Wilkes, and Gates at times, no one has looked improved. Yes, Mike Williams injury hit us at a bad time, but no excuses.

With all that said, you still have to give Mick one more year. This is his team, and if you bring in another coach he's going to treat these players like a step child, not like one of his own. Plus, if we don't get to the NCAA next year, there won't be any controversy over getting rid of him.

I know many fans don't want to wait, but that is the bottom line. Yes Mick deseves heat, but let's remember what task was given to him.

[RobPoppeil]

Mick has done a remarkable job of rebuilding the Bearcats, if the players cannot make shots it is tough to win. Louisville lost to ND by 33 points.

Yes, he has done a great job of rebuilding. Before he was here, it would have been hard to lose to the 14th, 15th and 16th team in the conference in a row.

[bearcatbilly6225]

This Team Has Some Talent And It Is Not Being Coached Effectively.....this Is Just Really Killing Me To See What My Favorite Team Of All Sports Is Being Brought Down To... I Use To Look Forward To Uc Bball Games More Than Anything During The Week, It Was The One Team I Could Always Depend On Playing In The Post Season, And Knew The Coach Would Get Everything He Could Out Of His Players....... Now I Get Losses To The Three Worst Teams In The League To Finish Out A Season That Had Potential To Be In The Dance????
Bye Bye Mick Or Bye Bye Lots Of Money Uc......

[pis777]

I have to admit I am a Mick supporter, but today was embarrassing. I work in NYC and all the guys at the office are just laughing at us, except my boss who is a Rutgers grad. Anyway you look at things, you can't be satisfied with our season. Yes, we were in a position to go where we didn't think we could just yet, but to collapse like this is UNEXCEPTABLE.

I'm not going to blame Mick 100%. But he deserves a lot of heat for their play the last 2 weeks. I could handle the losses to Pitt, and Louisville. Even a loss to the Orange was ok, but we got spanked. Lossing 2 games last week, and now to 18 straight losers DePaul.

Not even the losses, but the way we have looked. Teams are supposed to get better, and with the exception of maybe Darnell Wilkes, and Gates at times, no one has looked improved. Yes, Mike Williams injury hit us at a bad time, but no excuses.

With all that said, you still have to give Mick one more year. This is his team, and if you bring in another coach he's going to treat these players like a step child, not like one of his own. Plus, if we don't get to the NCAA next year, there won't be any controversy over getting rid of him.

I know many fans don't want to wait, but that is the bottom line. Yes Mick deseves heat, but let's remember what task was given to him.

# years ago EVERYBODY was saying ................."ok 3 years is all he needs so he can get his recruiting players in here. We are finished with year 3 now. Now it is a 5 year process>.............................. CMON FANS he has to go BYEBYE. My 7th grade team I don't let quit. Why should I teach them that if they see UC quiting year in and year out.

[GoBearcats31]

I'm not going to blame Mick 100%. But he deserves a lot of heat for their play the last 2 weeks. I could handle the losses to Pitt, and Louisville. Even a loss to the Orange was ok, but we got spanked. Lossing 2 games last week, and now to 18 straight losers DePaul.

Not even the losses, but the way we have looked.


I agree that it's not all on him, but more than anything it is. Something is not right here. I know some players are gonna be selfish or have bad attitudes and that kind of stuff, but this is his second collapse in two years.

This team wasn't supposed to get to the NCAA Tournament, but they don't deserve a pass. Fine, make the NIT. But at least be one of the last couple teams out. There is no reason they can beat some of the teams they did and just collapse.

I think Mick is a good coach and knows the game well, but I don't think he knows how to run a high-caliber team. There are a lot of egos at this level, and I honestly don't think most of the team wants to listen to him.

My personal stat of the day: Mick Cronin is 0-10 in three years at UC during the month of March. 0-1 the first year is acceptable because of the conditions (and playing WVU), but with losses to Providence, DePaul and Bradley last year, and USF, SHU at home and DePaul this year, it's a JOKE!

[slimm]

Mick has done a remarkable job of rebuilding the Bearcats, if the players cannot make shots it is tough to win. Louisville lost to ND by 33 points.

remarkable job rebuilding...A ; coaching....F

[bearcat josh]

I have to admit I am a Mick supporter, but today was embarrassing. I work in NYC and all the guys at the office are just laughing at us, except my boss who is a Rutgers grad. Anyway you look at things, you can't be satisfied with our season. Yes, we were in a position to go where we didn't think we could just yet, but to collapse like this is UNEXCEPTABLE.

I'm not going to blame Mick 100%. But he deserves a lot of heat for their play the last 2 weeks. I could handle the losses to Pitt, and Louisville. Even a loss to the Orange was ok, but we got spanked. Lossing 2 games last week, and now to 18 straight losers DePaul.

Not even the losses, but the way we have looked. Teams are supposed to get better, and with the exception of maybe Darnell Wilkes, and Gates at times, no one has looked improved. Yes, Mike Williams injury hit us at a bad time, but no excuses.

With all that said, you still have to give Mick one more year. This is his team, and if you bring in another coach he's going to treat these players like a step child, not like one of his own. Plus, if we don't get to the NCAA next year, there won't be any controversy over getting rid of him.

I know many fans don't want to wait, but that is the bottom line. Yes Mick deseves heat, but let's remember what task was given to him.

mick will get one more year at least...if UC is not dancing next year mick WILL BE out the door...i was a huge mick supporter and i will still give him one year (unless anthony grant wants to come here) he needs to give the fans some answers and take responsability and not put blame elsewhere THIS IS ON YOU MICK

[bearcatbilly6225]

and MIck has the nerve to not do post game show???????? He is a lame duck and that is all there is to it, and if he does not go we will just keep watching the same ole crap next year....why wait get it done, lets get a big name coach and see what he does with the same talent next year???? You are telling me recuits are impressed with a coach that just lost first round of tourney to a team that DID NOT WIN ONE CONFERENCE GAME>>>>NOT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bu7ch]

and MIck has the nerve to not do post game show????????

If you are listening to wlw you'd know that Mick couldn't do the post game show.

[Billy Don]

Matt, there are a few of us that have taken some major abuse from the many in here. I am not laughing now. But, I knew I was right all along. I have been around long enough to recognize a special coach when I see one. Mick Cronin is not a special coach. That is why this rebuilding job will take much longer than what it should. When he turned away Downey, that should have raised the red flag immediately. Actually, I'm sad as ****, because I really deep down thought Mick would eventually get it. However, this ended up being a horrible coaching job. I don't care about the improvement year over year. You can't look past this collapse. He's just not a very good coach and he has proven to not be much of a recruiter either...especially when he is recruiting for Mick Cronin instead of Bob Huggins and Rick Pitino.

It's not that Mick doesn't know how to coach. He can do a game plan with the best of them. What Mick's problem is he doesn't have the players respect and they won't play for him. I don't know just what he says or does to the players but they don't like it.

[bearcatbilly6225]

It's not that Mick doesn't know how to coach. He can do a game plan with the best of them. What Mick's problem is he doesn't have the players respect and they won't play for him. I don't know just what he says or does to the players but they don't like it.

exactly that is why he is assistant coach material not HEAD CoaCH MATERIAL...GREAT POST

[Forsure21]

It's not that Mick doesn't know how to coach. He can do a game plan with the best of them. What Mick's problem is he doesn't have the players respect and they won't play for him. I don't know just what he says or does to the players but they don't like it.

I agree. When your players don't respect you then you aren't going to accomplish much.

[nyCat99]

No way this guy gets the axe this year, whether or not he deserves it is another question. He will be given one more chance, IMO. The Admin had already chalked this season up before it began and any success was viewed as a bonus. Just the reality of things.

Maybe we can beat UK in the NIT. I know that would make me feel a little better, since misery loves company.

[bearcatbilly6225]

No way this guy gets the axe this year, whether or not he deserves it is another question. He will be given one more chance, IMO. The Admin had already chalked this season up before it began and any success was viewed as a bonus. Just the reality of things.

Maybe we can beat UK in the NIT. I know that would make me feel a little better, since misery loves company.

nit??????????????????????????????// NO WAY WE MAKE NIT

[mboston67]

No way this guy gets the axe this year, whether or not he deserves it is another question. He will be given one more chance, IMO. The Admin had already chalked this season up before it began and any success was viewed as a bonus. Just the reality of things.

Maybe we can beat UK in the NIT. I know that would make me feel a little better, since misery loves company.


Not trying to be a jerk, but why would u think we could beat Kentucky, if we can't even give Depaul or USF a game?

[bearcat65]

I think all UC fans are pretty angered over the finish of this year and last. I'd say we have every right to be. Having said that who can UC get to replace Mick? UC isn't exactly flush with cash which would be a detriment to luring any kind of big name here and that would definitely include Bob Knight. Huggins is home and isn't coming back. So basically that means rolling the dice on a mid major coach wanting to take a step up. Maybe it can be done, we certainly upgraded when Kelly was hired, but what are the chances that we can get someone who is going to come in and make an immediate impact both in the current team and recruiting? Chances are slim in my opinion. I'd prefer to give Mick one more year, if the results are the same then I'll be on the side of those calling for his head. Firing him now only means we have no hope for next year instead of the slim hope that he and the team will improve.

[LongTimer]

The program is in free-fall. The fans are not coming to games and next year will be worse. Many have said..."NO MORE"!!! We are losing money. The players have quit on Mick for whatever reason. He is not a great ambassador for the program. He is boring! I have said all year long that he needs 2 more years. Not anymore. Stop the bleeding now!!!

[London 'Cat]

It's not that Mick doesn't know how to coach. He can do a game plan with the best of them. What Mick's problem is he doesn't have the players respect and they won't play for him. I don't know just what he says or does to the players but they don't like it.

I agree with this. There is a lot of truth to it. When you listen to Cronin talk about the game, it is clear he is knowledgeable about it. I think the problem he has is getting the players to buy in. For whatever reason, he seems not to have his players' respect or attention. You simply cannot have that in a head coach. I think it's time to move on.

[Matt1982]

I agree, the program is in need of an icon. Brian Kelly is an icon for UC football. We need a Bobby Knight, or someone who has some controversy to ignite the program

[LongTimer]

No way this guy gets the axe this year, whether or not he deserves it is another question. He will be given one more chance, IMO. The Admin had already chalked this season up before it began and any success was viewed as a bonus. Just the reality of things.

Maybe we can beat UK in the NIT. I know that would make me feel a little better, since misery loves company.

The NIT isn't going to happen....even Machock and Hoard said that.

[Kindog202]

I am going to give him until next year still. He has no more leeway after next year. For Mick's sake, he better hope Cash, IT and Kilpatrick can spark this team next year. At this point and time, I have lost all confidence in his coaching abilities. He has next year to make me a believer again.

[London 'Cat]

I think all UC fans are pretty angered over the finish of this year and last. I'd say we have every right to be. Having said that who can UC get to replace Mick? UC isn't exactly flush with cash which would be a detriment to luring any kind of big name here and that would definitely include Bob Knight. Huggins is home and isn't coming back. So basically that means rolling the dice on a mid major coach wanting to take a step up. Maybe it can be done, we certainly upgraded when Kelly was hired, but what are the chances that we can get someone who is going to come in and make an immediate impact both in the current team and recruiting? Chances are slim in my opinion. I'd prefer to give Mick one more year, if the results are the same then I'll be on the side of those calling for his head. Firing him now only means we have no hope for next year instead of the slim hope that he and the team will improve.

Perhaps. But aren't you just prolonging the misery then? It is clear to me today that he cannot do it - next year or anytime. Move on before all the good coaches are off the market.

[kennh]

They won't fire Mick over this. I'm mad but I don't necessarily want him fired. The administration decided three years ago to hire a YOUNG relatively inexpierenced coach and that is what we have. They will give him one more year at least. I don't care if they even give him and extension. It's just if they do extend him they have to be willing to pull the plug and eat the contract if things don't get better. The last time the adiministration tried to change coaches on the cheap this is where we ended up.

[ralph1950]

The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar
That tomorrow
There'll be sun!
Just thinkin' about
Tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs,
And the sorrow
'Til there's none!
When I'm stuck a day
That's gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And Grin,
And Say,
Oh
The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
'Til tomorrow
Come what may
Tomorrow!
Tomorrow!
I love ya
Tomorrow!
You're always
A day
A way!

[nyCat99]

I really don't care if we go to the NIT. I was not saying we deserve the NIT nor was I inferring that we could beat Kenpuky. Be that as it may, the only solace to be had this year would be beating pUKe, or winning the NIT. That's just my opinion.

[Mick's Da Man]

All I'm going to say is I have it from a really good source that there is some serious dissension among the players, and that 2 or 3 are planning to leave. Something is wrong in Bearcat land.

I get the impression from my source that the coaches know about it, and are already planning to address it in the offseason.

Expect big changes in the roster.

[ralph1950]

Perhaps. But aren't you just prolonging the misery then? It is clear to me today that he cannot do it - next year or anytime. Move on before all the good coaches are off the market.

Coach K went 11-17 his third season at Duke and the fans wanted him fired. They were saying how could they have hired this young guy from Army to be the coach at Duke.

[nyCat99]

If I'm Mick, I tell DV to take a month off. No running, no jumping. Maybe shoot FTs that's it. This guy looked totally gassed the past 6 weeks, he could use a vacation for some R&R.

Anyone really care if Mike Williams gets another year? There's been times when I had hopes, but now I am indifferent. Besides, with the way the NCAA rules against us with routine, I'm not holding my breath.

[bearcatmark]

Coach K went 11-17 his third season at Duke and the fans wanted him fired. They were saying how could they have hired this young guy from Army to be the coach at Duke.

Bob Huggins made the final four in his third season at Cincinnati... Everyone loved him...


THESE WERE BOTH ENTIRELY DIFFERENT SITUATIONS.

All i know is i watched a Bearcat team get worse late in the year for the third straight seasons. Maybe it took more time to get the talent to duke i don't know. Maybe they could see the effort was their with the Duke players and that they were improving. That certainly is not the case with these guys. That scares me.

[Mick's Da Man]

I just don't understand how Mick can take a makeshift roster of players that have no business playing in the Big East, in his first season, and not lose a single Big East game by more than 16 points. And then in his second season, with the same makeshift roster, win 8 Big East games, including beating Louisville, Villanova, Pitt, Syracuse, and West Virginia. Discounting the win-loss record the first 2 seasons, the team actually had heart and gave it their all, where I was actually proud of them, even knowing they had no chance. I was impressed that Mick had those guys competing, even though the results didn't show it.


Then you have this season. They beat everyone they should in the OOC schedule, and then split the 6 tough games. Then hit the Big East schedule, and really didn't seem to play that hard in any game. I don't get it.

Has Mick changed that much in one season? He goes from inspiring and coaching his team to surprise wins over Syracuse, Pitt, Villanova, West Virginia, etc...........to coaching a team that seems like it doesn't care.

I'm going to give Mick another season to show that this was an aberration. Sometimes there are things going on behind the scenes that you just don't realize are affecting the team.

[Kindog202]

All I'm going to say is I have it from a really good source that there is some serious dissension among the players, and that 2 or 3 are planning to leave. Something is wrong in Bearcat land.

I get the impression from my source that the coaches know about it, and are already planning to address it in the offseason.

Expect big changes in the roster.

That seems about right. This team was playing hard for Mick the entire year up through the WVU game. The fact that they have laid a fat, smelly egg these last 4 games leads me to believe that it is more to due with some unhappy players than the entire team giving up on Mick. Regardless, Mick has next year to get us to the NCAA's if not, then he should be let go.

[Billy Don]

I just don't understand how Mick can take a makeshift roster of players that have no business playing in the Big East, in his first season, and not lose a single Big East game by more than 16 points. And then in his second season, with the same makeshift roster, win 8 Big East games, including beating Louisville, Villanova, Pitt, Syracuse, and West Virginia. Discounting the win-loss record the first 2 seasons, the team actually had heart and gave it their all, where I was actually proud of them, even knowing they had no chance. I was impressed that Mick had those guys competing, even though the results didn't show it.


Then you have this season. They beat everyone they should in the OOC schedule, and then split the 6 tough games. Then hit the Big East schedule, and really didn't seem to play that hard in any game. I don't get it.

Has Mick changed that much in one season? He goes from inspiring and coaching his team to surprise wins over Syracuse, Pitt, Villanova, West Virginia, etc...........to coaching a team that seems like it doesn't care.

I'm going to give Mick another season to show that this was an aberration. Sometimes there are things going on behind the scenes that you just don't realize are affecting the team.

I think we need more posts from someone who knows a coach when he sees one. Someone like me!

[bearcat65]

Perhaps. But aren't you just prolonging the misery then? It is clear to me today that he cannot do it - next year or anytime. Move on before all the good coaches are off the market.

What good coaches are on the market that UC can afford and would want the job? Realistically I don't think there are many if any. That means rolling the dice with a mid major up and comer.

[LongTimer]

There is one positive out of all of this.....at least we don't have to endure one of those 2nd round NCAA losses. We should all be praising Mick for that!!! :cool:

[LongTimer]

I think we need more posts from someone who knows a coach when he sees one. Someone like me!

BD, remember how lonely our group was 3 months ago. Now we don't have enough room to accomaodate everyone. We need to build a bigger clubhouse! :D

[Mick's Da Man]

What good coaches are on the market that UC can afford and would want the job? Realistically I don't think there are many if any. That means rolling the dice with a mid major up and comer.

John Calipari? ;)

Hehehe.

[Mick's Da Man]

What good coaches are on the market that UC can afford and would want the job? Realistically I don't think there are many if any. That means rolling the dice with a mid major up and comer.

The head coach of Butler?

He lost to Ohio State by only 3, and beat Xavier and UAB. Hehehe. :D

[LongTimer]

All I'm going to say is I have it from a really good source that there is some serious dissension among the players, and that 2 or 3 are planning to leave. Something is wrong in Bearcat land.

I get the impression from my source that the coaches know about it, and are already planning to address it in the offseason.

Expect big changes in the roster.

One of the UCATS buddies of mine said two of the coaches were almost coming to blows outside the lockerroom after the Seton Hall game. It was not pretty. Lots of arguing and raised voices!

[Matt1982]

Long shot, I know it'll never happen. But I would go out on a limb to think that Bobby Knight would actually accept the UC job if it were to come open. Heck, if he can come out and say he would possibly be interested in the Georgia opening... then he HAS to give UC consideration.

The problem with Mick is he's not made a name for himself here other than being a loser. I know a lot of that is bad rap simply due to circumstances out of his control, but ultimately, he's done nothing in his tenure to prove otherwise. Great job, we got 18 wins against 99% of them will not be in the NCAA.

[Mick's Da Man]

Well..........in terms of the fans, Bobby Knight would be a good choice, because he is a far more accomplished Bob Huggins clone with his fieryness.........but Knight is a far more accomplished offensive tactician.

The problem with Knight is, I don't think he has the desire to spend time recruiting anymore. And the fans are expecting highly rated recruits because of the move to the Big East.

Maybe they hire Knight and keep Cronin around to recruit? ;)

[Mick's Da Man]

One of the UCATS buddies of mine said two of the coaches were almost coming to blows outside the lockerroom after the Seton Hall game. It was not pretty. Lots of arguing and raised voices!

One of my UCATS buddies of mine said two of the cheerleaders were almost coming to blows outside the lockerroom after the Seton Hall game. :D ;)

[bearcat65]

Georgia has a lot more money to throw at Knight than UC does and why would we want a coach whose best years are behind him? I know this loss was inexcusable but people aren't thinking right now. I don't blame people for wanting him gone right now but I have yet to see a viable option.

[2Cert]

The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar
That tomorrow
There'll be sun!
Just thinkin' about
Tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs,
And the sorrow
'Til there's none!
When I'm stuck a day
That's gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And Grin,
And Say,
Oh
The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
'Til tomorrow
Come what may
Tomorrow!
Tomorrow!
I love ya
Tomorrow!
You're always
A day
A way!

Finally you post something that makes sense! Of course it has nothing to do with anything, but it's a beginning :rolleyes:

[Matt1982]

Give me Bobby Knight on his death bed and I STILL think he'd do a better job than what we're currently getting.

[Mick's Da Man]

It would be a good year to maybe lure Calipari to the Big East. But we couldn't afford him.

2nd and 3rd leading Memphis scorers, Dozier and Antonion Andersen....graduate. Frosh PG and leading scorer, Tyreke Evans is actually listed as a first round draft pick on most NBA mock drafts, so he might leave. And junior Shawn Taggert is listed as a second round draft pick on some mock drafts. The first two are gone, and Evans might be too.

Good time for Cal to move on?

I don't seriously ever see him leaving Memphis. Too easy a gig. High pay, easy conference, guaranteed tournament run every year, and he's established a great recruiting pipeline despite playing in a crappy conference.

[bearcatbret]

Hey Ralph, maybe your man, Kerry Combs can be the new head coach. I am not sure if it is the coach or the players at this point. I think that I would have played Miller the whole game. He was the only one out there with heart.

[coach]

guys, we aren't in a position financially to recruit and retain big time coaches. i'm not happy about what we've seen this year, but i think staying the course at least for another year is our best option for a number of reasons. i guess i kind of wonder if cronin is recruiting the type of players that he can coach. belien is a good example of this. i kind of think he has put a lot of pieces in place that he can't get his arms around? discuss!

[ralph1950]

Hey Ralph, maybe your man, Kerry Combs can be the new head coach. I am not sure if it is the coach or the players at this point. I think that I would have played Miller the whole game. He was the only one out there with heart.

What we have here is a big time over reaction to a lost basketball game. Failure to see the forest through the trees, failure to see the big picture. The record is 18-14 with solid wins vs West Virginia, Georgetown twice, UNLV, Notre Dame, UAB, Mississippi State.

Mick started with nothing more than a tradition and a Big East membership. The media gets that. Rebuilding is a long term project not a short term project.

[catscratchfever]

I really don't know...
I have been a huge mick supporter, but there is no explanation for this. Yes, he took over a decimated team 3 years ago. How does that relate to back to back seasons where the team collapsed at the end? I could see using the (rebuilding) argument to justify a couple of 15-15 seasons. However, when you show you can win, only to follow that up with an absolute collapse down the stretch. That is on the coach. It is his job to have his team ready to play. I don't think I will say that he should be fired today, but I will say this. Next year is his last year, and he now has to skip the NIT step of the rebuilding process. We are most likely in the CBIT again this year, and next year, he had better be in the NCAA.
The whole argument about how this is the toughest conference in history is bs. Depaul? Seton Hall? USF? We didn't just lose to UCONN, PITT and Louisville guys...this has nothing to do with the toughness of the conference.


This is freaking disgusting

[bearcatbilly6225]

Mike Thomas I hope is not a stupid man and has the balls to call MC in his office and say sorry buddy but you are just not ready for this right now. Maybe 10-15 years down the road you will be, but we cannot sit and wait for you to get it together. We would gladly keep you on as an assistant coach if you really love Cincinnati so much,(lmfao, he left cincinnati to go to louisville) but we will be hiring a new head coach immediately. Sorry but please let me know your decision by noon tomorrow...GOOD DAY

[RobPoppeil]

What we have here is a big time over reaction to a lost basketball game. Failure to see the forest through the trees, failure to see the big picture. The record is 18-14 with solid wins vs West Virginia, Georgetown twice, UNLV, Notre Dame, UAB, Mississippi State.

Mick started with nothing more than a tradition and a Big East membership. The media gets that. Rebuilding is a long term project not a short term project.

Georgetown and Notre Dame weren't any good. Why didn't you just include the great win against Coastal Carolina while you were at?

And this wasn't a lost - as in singular. It was a late season collapse followed up with a loss to a team that couldn't win one game in conference until Mick showed up.

[levydl]

It would be a good year to maybe lure Calipari to the Big East. But we couldn't afford him.

2nd and 3rd leading Memphis scorers, Dozier and Antonion Andersen....graduate. Frosh PG and leading scorer, Tyreke Evans is actually listed as a first round draft pick on most NBA mock drafts, so he might leave. And junior Shawn Taggert is listed as a second round draft pick on some mock drafts. The first two are gone, and Evans might be too.

Good time for Cal to move on?

I don't seriously ever see him leaving Memphis. Too easy a gig. High pay, easy conference, guaranteed tournament run every year, and he's established a great recruiting pipeline despite playing in a crappy conference.

Cal just signed DeMarcus Cousins, one of the top recruits in the country and perhaps the top big, Xavier Henry, one of the top recruits in the country and maybe the top SG, and he may get John Wall, the top PG. He just reloads there. It's no coincidence that when UC was beating Memphis in the CUSA years, the top talent high school talent was going pro.

UC needs to stay the course and not go crazy after this debacle at the end of the season. We don't have the money to pay Mick and hire another coach, and we don't have the time to rebuild all over again. I still think Mick can get this done.

[bearcatbilly6225]

if any one was listening to 1530 that was me on the air...;0)

[LongTimer]

Cal just signed DeMarcus Cousins, one of the top recruits in the country and perhaps the top big, Xavier Henry, one of the top recruits in the country and maybe the top SG, and he may get John Wall, the top PG. He just reloads there. It's no coincidence that when UC was beating Memphis in the CUSA years, the top talent high school talent was going pro.

UC needs to stay the course and not go crazy after this debacle at the end of the season. We don't have the money to pay Mick and hire another coach, and we don't have the time to rebuild all over again. I still think Mick can get this done.

If we can do better than Mick, and we have money to do it, then we need to stop the bleeding now. Otherwise, we're stuck with him and we just do the best we can. It sucks. He sucks. I'll bet you'll be looking at 3,000 to 4,000 fans next year. It'll be ugly!

[Mick's Da Man]

What we have here is a big time over reaction to a lost basketball game. Failure to see the forest through the trees, failure to see the big picture. The record is 18-14 with solid wins vs West Virginia, Georgetown twice, UNLV, Notre Dame, UAB, Mississippi State.

Mick started with nothing more than a tradition and a Big East membership. The media gets that. Rebuilding is a long term project not a short term project.

What we've got here is failure to communicate........ - Cool Hand Luke

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnO9Jyz82Ps&feature=related

[Mick's Da Man]

If we can do better than Mick, and we have money to do it, then we need to stop the bleeding now. Otherwise, we're stuck with him and we just do the best we can. It sucks. He sucks. I'll bet you'll be looking at 3,000 to 4,000 fans next year. It'll be ugly!

I'll take that bet about the attendance.

[Matt1982]

We can't take the Cincinnati Reds approach to a coach here. We can't give Mick a free pass simply because he's our hometown boy. The Reds tried that for the better part of a decade and lost 65% of their games in doing so. We need the right man for the job and I haven't felt all along that Mick was cut out for it. The team lacks an identity and Mick does a very poor job of standing out. Has anyone else noticed when this team starts getting whacked on the scoreboard, Mick sits down with his elbows on his knees and drinks from his water bottle? I'm sorry, but sitting down once you start getting smoked... why not just pull the team off the floor and go home. Mick isn't a great leader, and that's what we need. Give me a motivator at this point, because this team lacks serious motivation!

[levydl]

If we can do better than Mick, and we have money to do it, then we need to stop the bleeding now. Otherwise, we're stuck with him and we just do the best we can. It sucks. He sucks. I'll bet you'll be looking at 3,000 to 4,000 fans next year. It'll be ugly!

Everyone's confidence in Cronin is shaken (at least those of us who had confidence in him to begin with) after this utter failure at the end here, but the smart thing to do is let him coach next year, at least. He's done some good things here. No way they should have finished like they have, but there's still hope for the future. We can't throw it away and start over. The quickest way back is to stick by the decision Thomas made when he hired Cronin to make us a winner again. If he doesn't get us solidly in the tourney next year and in the top 5 or 6 in the Big East, then we have to begin again. But 3 years isn't enough time to give him. No excuses next year.

[Mick's Da Man]

Everyone's confidence in Cronin is shaken (at least those of us who had confidence in him to begin with) after this utter failure at the end here, but the smart thing to do is let him coach next year, at least. He's done some good things here. No way they should have finished like they have, but there's still hope for the future. We can't throw it away and start over. The quickest way back is to stick by the decision Thomas made when he hired Cronin to make us a winner again. If he doesn't get us solidly in the tourney next year and in the top 5 or 6 in the Big East, then we have to begin again. But 3 years isn't enough time to give him. No excuses next year.

I agree. MC knows he's on the hot seat now and he will have no excuses next year.

Everyone on the roster either will be or could be back depending on how things shake out. Cash will be back from injury.

As Alice In Chains says "No Excuses".

[jeffto]

I agree. MC knows he's on the hot seat now and he will have no excuses next year.

Everyone on the roster either will be or could be back depending on how things shake out. Cash will be back from injury.

As Alice In Chains says "No Excuses".Suggestions:

"Mick's Da Man (Maybe)"
"Mick Might Be Da Man"
"Mick has a Year to Become Da Man"
"Mick's Not Da Man - But Give Him Another Year Anyway"
"Mick Was Never Da Man - But I'll Never Admit it"

[LongTimer]

Everyone's confidence in Cronin is shaken (at least those of us who had confidence in him to begin with) after this utter failure at the end here, but the smart thing to do is let him coach next year, at least. He's done some good things here. No way they should have finished like they have, but there's still hope for the future. We can't throw it away and start over. The quickest way back is to stick by the decision Thomas made when he hired Cronin to make us a winner again. If he doesn't get us solidly in the tourney next year and in the top 5 or 6 in the Big East, then we have to begin again. But 3 years isn't enough time to give him. No excuses next year.

You don't know if he is the answer or not and neither do I. If we knew, then the decision now would be easier. He has done some good things and he has done some bad things. What is evident is that we didn't hire one of those "special" coaches like it appears we did in football. I think being in the Big East requires a "special" coach. Nothing he has done demonstrates that he will be a great coach, and we can't afford a mediocre one being in this conference. This is a hard one for me.

[Lobot]

I really don't know...
I have been a huge mick supporter, but there is no explanation for this.

Actually there is an explanation for this. We just don't know what the true explanation is yet. Others have suggested there seems to be something going on here internally that we all don't know about. It seems to me (hunch) this might be the case. Maybe we need a change in assistants rather than the head coach.

The repeated failures at the end of the season might be a totally different issue. I vote for a conditioning problem. Maybe the team needs a sports pyschologist to come in and work with them. I don't really know for sure what they need but it's something.

I'm not about to defend the team's play lately but regardless of all this Mick did come home with a winning record and the recruiting is getting better quality players on campus as we go along.

I think a lot of people on here had the bar set too high for this year. Others had the bar set too low and we came in somewhere in the middle.

So, One more year for Cronin, maybe a second based on the recruits that we have coming that we would most likely lose if a coaching change were made.

Decline the CBIT invite. It's a financial boondoggle anyway unless they changed the terms from last year. The whole tournament is a lose/lose situation.

[DMoney_70]

The last thing this program needs is another reset. Every coach really should get 4 years to prove himself and that's under normal circumstances.

Everyone needs to take a deep breath. This was embarrassing today but did you really think they were going to win more than 1 in this tourney? It's been a bad 2 weeks, no doubt but Mick should get at least next year to make up our minds.

Sorry if I'm not freaking out with everyone.

[catsfan32]

G-town just lost, at least its nice to see some other program do poorly in the BE when they had high expectations.

[levydl]

You don't know if he is the answer or not and neither do I. If we knew, then the decision now would be easier. He has done some good things and he has done some bad things. What is evident is that we didn't hire one of those "special" coaches like it appears we did in football. I think being in the Big East requires a "special" coach. Nothing he has done demonstrates that he will be a great coach, and we can't afford a mediocre one being in this conference. This is a hard one for me.

No, none of us knows if Mick is the answer. I also don't know who we'd get if we canned him, so I don't know if he'd be the answer either (Bobby Knight certainly isn't a long term answer and may not be a short term, and I don't know who else people want. Anthony Grant isn't exactly a sure thing). I disagree with your thinking it's evident that Mick isn't a "special" coach. I don't think there's any way to tell that yet after 3 years starting from nothing. He may very well turn out not to be, and this end of season face-plant is not helping his cause any, but I don't think we can tell yet. We have to give him another year to prove himself. We can't fire him over 4 games, as awful as they were. We've got some players and I'm sure we'll have some more coming in. We're too far along to pull out now. We don't need to Steinbrenner this thing.

And while I love Kelly, I don't think it's comparable. Nonetheless, were people real happy after the Orange Bowl? Or god, how about the near collapse against WVU? Not nearly the same thing, but then again, the Big East football isn't nearly the same as basketball.

[coach]

What we have here is a big time over reaction to a lost basketball game. Failure to see the forest through the trees, failure to see the big picture. The record is 18-14 with solid wins vs West Virginia, Georgetown twice, UNLV, Notre Dame, UAB, Mississippi State.

Mick started with nothing more than a tradition and a Big East membership. The media gets that. Rebuilding is a long term project not a short term project.

no, what you have here is a young team that went terribly backwards blowing leads to the 3 worst teams in the league to finish the season. not hustling, turning the ball over, missing free throws, and generally not looking like they wanted to even be out there. that's not even mentioning the syc debacle. i felt williams abscence hurt in some of that, but the problem is much worse than that.

[jeffto]

Actually there is an explanation for this. We just don't know what the true explanation is yet. Others have suggested there seems to be something going on here internally that we all don't know about. It seems to me (hunch) this might be the case. Maybe we need a change in assistants rather than the head coach.

The repeated failures at the end of the season might be a totally different issue. I vote for a conditioning problem. Maybe the team needs a sports pyschologist to come in and work with them. I don't really know for sure what they need but it's something.

I'm not about to defend the team's play lately but regardless of all this Mick did come home with a winning record and the recruiting is getting better quality players on campus as we go along.

I think a lot of people on here had the bar set too high for this year. Others had the bar set too low and we came in somewhere in the middle.

So, One more year for Cronin, maybe a second based on the recruits that we have coming that we would most likely lose if a coaching change were made.

Decline the CBIT invite. It's a financial boondoggle anyway unless they changed the terms from last year. The whole tournament is a lose/lose situation.The key is in Mick figuring out what's wrong and then fixing it, if that's possible.

We have no evidence that the players don't respect him, do we? No one has transferred out. Recruits seem to like him.

It seems more mental than physical to me, but those two can sometimes go hand-in-hand.

A sports pscychologist would seem to be a good idea - if Mick is receptive.

Something beyond losing a few games seems to be going on, but maybe not. Maybe it's a year end slump that has no source in team dynamics.

The one thing that is certain is that Mick better open up and share with the team's fans what he thinks about the current state of UC basketball - and not just spout off a bunch of stats.

[bearcatn8]

I don't entirely agree that this team just quit. I think the real probelm -- which unquestionably is Mick's fault -- is that they don't have a single player other than Vaughn who can score consistently going to the basket. Maybe Bishop, but he just refuses to assert himself. As a result, it seems like the vast majority of their shots are 15 footers or contested threes. Given that this is not a very good shooting team to begin with, and it's no surprise that things fell apart rapidly once other teams started playing a zone against them.

I am a Mick supporter and really WANT him to do well. He is a Cincy guy and he seems nice enough. By all accounts, he wants to run a clean program, be successful, and stay in Cincy for the long term. I can't disagree with those, however, who are troubled by the meltdowns the last couple of years.

For me, next year is absolutely key for him. Vaughn is a senior, you are adding the transfer (I forget his name), Kilpatrick and Wright. If he can't win next year, with an experienced team entirely of his making and players, then there are no more excuses and I would have a hard time arguing against those who would say it's time to go in a different direction.

[Brian H.]

I don't think he is going to figure it out, just keeps making excuses:

“We don’t have overwhelming talent yet,” Cronin said. “Obviously, you hope to get there, but that is not the case with us. We’re in the second phase of a massive rebuilding project and the first year of that phase."

From the post game on Cincinnati.com

[anbuc88]

No, none of us knows if Mick is the answer. I also don't know who we'd get if we canned him, so I don't know if he'd be the answer either (Bobby Knight certainly isn't a long term answer and may not be a short term, and I don't know who else people want. Anthony Grant isn't exactly a sure thing). I disagree with your thinking it's evident that Mick isn't a "special" coach. I don't think there's any way to tell that yet after 3 years starting from nothing. He may very well turn out not to be, and this end of season face-plant is not helping his cause any, but I don't think we can tell yet. We have to give him another year to prove himself. We can't fire him over 4 games, as awful as they were. We've got some players and I'm sure we'll have some more coming in. We're too far along to pull out now. We don't need to Steinbrenner this thing.

And while I love Kelly, I don't think it's comparable. Nonetheless, were people real happy after the Orange Bowl? Or god, how about the near collapse against WVU? Not nearly the same thing, but then again, the Big East football isn't nearly the same as basketball.

Excellent post. The last week and a half has been the most depressing as a UC fan since August of 2005. But, let's keep things in perspective. This is the same team that beat Depaul by 4 points earlier in the year and would have lost if a last second 3 had fallen. They seemed to improve but played to the level of competition and thus there were never any comfortable victories. When they did play hard, they were able to compete but there is not enough player leadership to have sustained this. A coach can yell and scream all he wants, but it has to come from the players.

Having said the above, something significant needs to change. I would certainly not blow this up and start from scratch. Mick learned from Huggins and Pitino, and unless he retained very little (which is not the case), he should be able to teach X's and O's. The problem then is the players. He needs to find players who buy into the system. Additionally, there is no player with enough leadership qualities to hold their teammates accountable. There is no question that a number of these guys need to go and new blood needs to come in or we will have a repeat next year. I am still firmly in Mick's corner, but have to agree that my footing isn't as rock solid as it used to.

Finally, Mick Cronin is still my coach and will continue to have my support. Here's to happier days in the future for our beloved Cats. As always, GO CATS.

[catsfan32]

great post, puts thing in perspective, this off-season should be very interesting!

[Kindog202]

Based on their play, especially the last 4 games - guys I'd like to see back next year - Vaughn, Davis, Mitchell (before the suspension), Dixon, Wilks, Toyloy and Gates plus Cash, IT, Kilpatrick. Guys I'd send packing - McClain, Bishop, Williams.
**
If I were Mick, I'd talk to Kenyon this summer, see if he'd come back and whip Gates' ***. Gates comes back due to his supreme talent. Lance mentioned today that Mitchell was suspended for team rules violation. I thought Mitchell had turned a corner but he was hanging by a thread and this may be the final straw.

[binturong07]

please....it took Huggins 3 years to make the tourney at UC, and that was in a crap conference. It even took Coach K several years to get a good team. And now we want to fire Mick after 3? He has done an OUTSTANDING job recruiting and rebuilding the program. He, at the very least, deserves to have his first real recruiting class (the sophomores) become seniors.

If someone had said three years ago that the team would be 18-14, and 8-11 in the BE, would you have been so fired up and ready to fire the guy? No, its about where you would expected him to be at.

We dont play in the Big 10, CUSA, the sun belt, or the Cincinnati Rec Sports League. We play in the Big East. Its going to take time to rebuild a decimated program when you physically beat up every game and play against the toughest competition in the ncaa.

Patience, its a virtue. Just take a deep breath before swearing if Mick isnt fired youll never spend another dime at UC.

[bearcat josh]

Based on their play, especially the last 4 games - guys I'd like to see back next year - Vaughn, Davis, Mitchell (before the suspension), Dixon, Wilks, Toyloy and Gates plus Cash, IT, Kilpatrick. Guys I'd send packing - McClain, Bishop, Williams.
**
If I were Mick, I'd talk to Kenyon this summer, see if he'd come back and whip Gates' ***. Gates comes back due to his supreme talent. Lance mentioned today that Mitchell was suspended for team rules violation. I thought Mitchell had turned a corner but he was hanging by a thread and this may be the final straw.

YES YES YES! something like this needs to happen. get the players to play with pride and getthem to understand what putting on the jersey for the university means. i wonder what the BIG O is thinking right now.

[HotSizzle]

please....it took Huggins 3 years to make the tourney at UC, and that was in a crap conference. It even took Coach K several years to get a good team. And now we want to fire Mick after 3? He has done an OUTSTANDING job recruiting and rebuilding the program. He, at the very least, deserves to have his first real recruiting class (the sophomores) become seniors.

If someone had said three years ago that the team would be 18-14, and 8-11 in the BE, would you have been so fired up and ready to fire the guy? No, its about where you would expected him to be at.

We dont play in the Big 10, CUSA, the sun belt, or the Cincinnati Rec Sports League. We play in the Big East. Its going to take time to rebuild a decimated program when you physically beat up every game and play against the toughest competition in the ncaa.

Patience, its a virtue. Just take a deep breath before swearing if Mick isnt fired youll never spend another dime at UC.

A voice of reason. I saw people saying that no one would transfer if mick got fired...B.S. It would show nothing but chaos at the university...4 coaches in how many years?? Downey left for this reason...who else you want to risk losing? Regardless if they wouldnt miss Mick, a university in turmoil attracts no one.

P.S. Mitchell needs to go before Bishop...easy decision. But I wouldnt cry if both left.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

please....it took Huggins 3 years to make the tourney at UC, and that was in a crap conference. It even took Coach K several years to get a good team. And now we want to fire Mick after 3? He has done an OUTSTANDING job recruiting and rebuilding the program. He, at the very least, deserves to have his first real recruiting class (the sophomores) become seniors.

If someone had said three years ago that the team would be 18-14, and 8-11 in the BE, would you have been so fired up and ready to fire the guy? No, its about where you would expected him to be at.

We dont play in the Big 10, CUSA, the sun belt, or the Cincinnati Rec Sports League. We play in the Big East. Its going to take time to rebuild a decimated program when you physically beat up every game and play against the toughest competition in the ncaa.

Patience, its a virtue. Just take a deep breath before swearing if Mick isnt fired youll never spend another dime at UC.

The Great Midwest was a very good conference in early 1990's.

UC was in Metro first 2 years under Huggins. C-USA didn't start until 1996.

Get your bullcrap straight, please.

[Not Guilty]

The Great Midwest was a very good conference in early 1990's.

UC was in Metro first 2 years under Huggins. C-USA didn't start until 1996.

Get your bullcrap straight, please.

Was it as difficult as this years Big East?

[Bearcat_DF]

If someone had said three years ago that the team would be 18-14, and 8-11 in the BE, would you have been so fired up and ready to fire the guy? No, its about where you would expected him to be at.


It is interesting. In terms of wins and losses. The team is where I thought it would be. If we had made the NIT, we would have been ahead of where I thought we would be 3 years ago.

However, I never thought I would see a UC team completely quit. Now I've seen it happen too many times.

[Doss]

we are not a day away, we are a coach away.
The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar
That tomorrow
There'll be sun!
Just thinkin' about
Tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs,
And the sorrow
'Til there's none!
When I'm stuck a day
That's gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And Grin,
And Say,
Oh
The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
'Til tomorrow
Come what may
Tomorrow!
Tomorrow!
I love ya
Tomorrow!
You're always
A day
A way!

[Irishbearcat]

I've said all along that next year is the determining year for both Weis at ND and Mick. Let's not get anxious to toss them out before they actually get some upper class talent. (Not that UC has much talent, but at least upper class).

[Doss]

Ok who would transfer?

Gates - No he would have to sit an not be able to be NBA ready
Vaughn - No unless he is ready to go to Europe
Williams - he may be gone to Europe anyway
Thomas - No he does not want to sit 2 years

I have never seen a UC team quit like this. I can take the losing to better teams like UL, Pit, UConn,etc. but quiting an losing to USF, SH, DePaul.

[Pie Hole]

please....it took Huggins 3 years to make the tourney at UC, and that was in a crap conference. It even took Coach K several years to get a good team. And now we want to fire Mick after 3? He has done an OUTSTANDING job recruiting and rebuilding the program. He, at the very least, deserves to have his first real recruiting class (the sophomores) become seniors.

If someone had said three years ago that the team would be 18-14, and 8-11 in the BE, would you have been so fired up and ready to fire the guy? No, its about where you would expected him to be at.

We dont play in the Big 10, CUSA, the sun belt, or the Cincinnati Rec Sports League. We play in the Big East. Its going to take time to rebuild a decimated program when you physically beat up every game and play against the toughest competition in the ncaa.

Patience, its a virtue. Just take a deep breath before swearing if Mick isnt fired youll never spend another dime at UC.


Ok, I am so sick of seing the comment that "Mick has done an OUTSTANDING JOB in recruiting and rebuilding the program". Where are the "outstanding recruits"? Ok, I'll give you Gates and maybe Dixon. But where are the others? Mitchell, Biggie, Davis, Wilkes, Toyloy, and Bishop? Rumor has it that many of these recruits will transfer. Has the program really been rebuilt? I don't see it yet, especially after the past 2 weeks. Mick has done an AVERAGE job at recruiting and an AVERAGE job at rebuilding the program.

I'm not calling for his head yet, but to call his body of work "outstanding" to this point is silly.

[bubbachunk]

Georgetown and Notre Dame weren't any good. Why didn't you just include the great win against Coastal Carolina while you were at?

And this wasn't a lost - as in singular. It was a late season collapse followed up with a loss to a team that couldn't win one game in conference until Mick showed up.

Georgetown has just as much talent as anybody in the country with a future pro like Greg Monroe.

[RobPoppeil]

Georgetown has just as much talent as anybody in the country with a future pro like Greg Monroe.

And what seed are they going to be in the NCAA tourney? Oh wait they aren't. In fact they got bounced in the first round of the Big East Tourney. That just screams of a great team.

[bubbachunk]

And what seed are they going to be in the NCAA tourney? Oh wait they aren't. In fact they got bounced in the first round of the Big East Tourney. That just screams of a great team.

Where did I or the previous poster call them a great team?

[RobPoppeil]

Where did I or the previous poster call them a great team?

Were you not defending them as good win? A good win isn't against a sub-par team is it?

[Not Guilty]

Were you not defending them as good win? A good win isn't against a sub-par team is it?

My guess is Memphis, UConn, Villanova and Syracuse would consider it a good win.

[catsfan32]

I take Georgetown losing their first round game and finishing 16-14. Just proves how tough this conf is.

[bubbachunk]

I take Georgetown losing their first round game and finishing 16-14. Just proves how tough this conf is.

Bingo, we want to bill this a the best conference in the nation but cant understand how we can lose a game.

[binturong07]

The Great Midwest was a very good conference in early 1990's.

UC was in Metro first 2 years under Huggins. C-USA didn't start until 1996.

Get your bullcrap straight, please.

Im well aware that UC was in the Metro when Huggins started. And no, it was not a tough league, especially compared to the BE now.

I dont like seeing our team give up (losing I can take) as much as anyone, but after three years and we are ready to fire Mick and start all over again? After a measly three years we are ready to tar and feather him and risk decimating the program again? Especially after the team has consistently improved from year to year?

Sure, the team has work to do, but the best programs, in pro and in college, are the ones that are stable and have consistency. We will NEVER be successful switching coaches every three years, hoping to find one that strikes gold and brings the team to a tourney appearance. All good things takes time. Im going to give Mick his due diligence.

[catscratchfever]

I don't think he is going to figure it out, just keeps making excuses:

“We don’t have overwhelming talent yet,” Cronin said. “Obviously, you hope to get there, but that is not the case with us. We’re in the second phase of a massive rebuilding project and the first year of that phase."

From the post game on Cincinnati.com

Quotes like this from Cronin are what really pisses me off. Hey Coach! WE LOST TO DEPAUL, USF, AND SETON HALL! They don't have overwhelming talent either! I can buy that excuse to a degree when we lose to UCONN, PITT, or Louisville, but not when we get beat by the slums. I can't even listen to his stupid comments anymore.

[unclerico]

Sometimes I wonder of Mick was ever hired for the "long term" anyway. He may not have been. They took a big risk giving him the job. This team was NOT coached well at all this season. I bet Mick has 1 more year and then he gets canned of he doesn't produce. I am not convinced that knows how to coach players at all.

[Billy Don]

guys, we aren't in a position financially to recruit and retain big time coaches. ? discuss!

I'd say Mick Cronin makes more than over half the coachs in the Big East and more than almost all mid major coachs. 4 years ago the South Florida alum wanted McCullum gone. McCullum was makeing 600 thousand a year with 3 years left on his contract and the SF admis. wouldn't pay the buyout. The alum took up a collection but couldn't come up with enough money either. SF waited one year then bought out the last 2 years of his contract. So take up a collection and help MT pay the bailout. It wouldn't take many of those fans who pay 12 thousand dollars UCATS fees to come up with some serious money.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Sometimes I wonder of Mick was ever hired for the "long term" anyway. He may not have been. They took a big risk giving him the job. This team was NOT coached well at all this season. I bet Mick has 1 more year and then he gets canned of he doesn't produce. I am not convinced that knows how to coach players at all.

Ed Badger got 5 years. Tony Yates got 6 years. Cronin will get more (of a chance).

[levydl]

Ok, I am so sick of seing the comment that "Mick has done an OUTSTANDING JOB in recruiting and rebuilding the program". Where are the "outstanding recruits"? Ok, I'll give you Gates and maybe Dixon. But where are the others? Mitchell, Biggie, Davis, Wilkes, Toyloy, and Bishop? Rumor has it that many of these recruits will transfer. Has the program really been rebuilt? I don't see it yet, especially after the past 2 weeks. Mick has done an AVERAGE job at recruiting and an AVERAGE job at rebuilding the program.

I'm not calling for his head yet, but to call his body of work "outstanding" to this point is silly.

For one, Gates is one of, what, 20 5* recruits and one of the top 5 freshman in the Big East this year. He was a huge get. How is that average? How many of those players is he supposed to sign in his 1st 3 classes starting from nothing? You have to give it some context. You can't judge it in a vacuum. Plus, you're forgetting Cashmere Wright. He was a highly rated guy too. As you said, Dixon looks like a find. Those are all from this class. The sophomores, you're right, they aren't that good. But you have to look at the context there too. I think he's done a good job rebuilding the program, though this collapse certainly has marred what looked like a pretty nice season. And I think he's done a very good job recruiting given the circumstances. You're right, not outstanding, but not average either.

[shaunsimpson]

In its final year CUSA had 5 teams in the top 53 RPI. That is not the Big East, but it is very good. To get to the 5th SEC team this year you have to go to 66 and they have no one in the top 20 (CUSA had 1 and 2 in top 25).

[Doss]

but his results were impacted by NCAA Probation brought on by Catlett. Had Badger stayed Dennis Hopson and Danny Manning would have been Bearcats and we could have avoided the Tony Yates hometown guy does bad era.

Ed Badger got 5 years. Tony Yates got 6 years. Cronin will get more (of a chance).

[Cats4Ever]

When you see undisciplined play of the team - it's a sign the coach doesn't have what it takes to run a team.

It's ok to want UC to have a great coach and win. It's not a crime or politically incorrect to want what is best for UC basketball.

mick doesn't have "it".

He does have over $4 million though and a young wife. He'll be fine.

[Billy Don]

Mike Thomas needs to do the right thing and fire Mick and give us hope for next year.

I don't think Mike Thomas has that option. Huggins had his 3 million dollar buyout stretched out for tax reasons and I don't think UC has that paid off as yet. It would be another 3 million dollar buyout for Cronin and I doubt UC has the money. I wonder if UC canceled their rooms in NY and came home last night? Could save a few bucks. To sum it up Cronin will be here because UC can't afford to get rid of him, even if they want to.

[ralph1950]

I don't think Mike Thomas has that option. Huggins had his 3 million dollar buyout stretched out for tax reasons and I don't think UC has that paid off as yet. It would be another 3 million dollar buyout for Cronin and I doubt UC has the money. I wonder if UC canceled their rooms in NY and came home last night? Could save a few bucks. To sum it up Cronin will be here because UC can't afford to get rid of him, even if they want to.


Mick Cronin is head coach at UC and will remain head coach at UC because he is absolutely the best guy for the job.

[Cats4Ever]

I understand ralph now - he is an X fan trolling our site.

of course you want mick here!

[bobestes]

1) Mick isn't going anywhere.

2) This team will be in the NCAA tournament next season. When that happens, will you still want him fired?

[Mick's Da Man]

1) Mick isn't going anywhere.

2) This team will be in the NCAA tournament next season. When that happens, will you still want him fired?

Agree.

Let's move on to next season. This team will be ranked in the top 25 off and on, finish in the top 6 of the Big East, and make the NCAA Tournament.

And all of this will be water under the bridge, growing pains.

[slimm]

Agree.

Let's move on to next season. This team will be ranked in the top 25 off and on, finish in the top 6 of the Big East, and make the NCAA Tournament.

And all of this will be water under the bridge, growing pains.

Mick...what will we talk about then? Devroes isn't till summer

[anbuc88]

1) Mick isn't going anywhere.

2) This team will be in the NCAA tournament next season. When that happens, will you still want him fired?

I'm sure some will still feel he needs to go. As has been mentioned by Longtimer, his fear is that UC will make the tournament and Mick will get a contract extension. The mentality of some on this board is scary, but to each his/her own.

[LongTimer]

1) Mick isn't going anywhere.

2) This team will be in the NCAA tournament next season. When that happens, will you still want him fired?

If he doesn't have us in the tournament the next five years, then yes, let's get rid of him. In and out of the NCAA will not be tolerated. We search until we find the coach that gets it done every year!

[RobPoppeil]

I don't think Mike Thomas has that option. Huggins had his 3 million dollar buyout stretched out for tax reasons and I don't think UC has that paid off as yet. It would be another 3 million dollar buyout for Cronin and I doubt UC has the money. I wonder if UC canceled their rooms in NY and came home last night? Could save a few bucks. To sum it up Cronin will be here because UC can't afford to get rid of him, even if they want to.

If the buyout on Cronin's contract is $3mil then Miek Thomas needs to go? Why would you give a guy from Murray State that kind of contract?

[shaunsimpson]

I don't think he will be gone, but the worst thing that could happen is us to lose those last 4 games like that and then see the young coaches.....Butler......who have succeeded with a very young team......Butler......doing very well or winning their conference championships.

I don't see anyway that Mick is gone (justified or not), but I do see next year being an all or nothing year.

[LongTimer]

I'm sure some will still feel he needs to go. As has been mentioned by Longtimer, his fear is that UC will make the tournament and Mick will get a contract extension. The mentality of some on this board is scary, but to each his/her own.

Let's quote Longtimer correctly anbuc88, and don't comment on my mentality please. I said I am worried about him making the tournament next year, earning his raise and extension, then proving to be a coach that has us in a few years and then out a few years. If you want that kind of coach, then you are commenting on the wrong person's mentality. The coach we seek is one like Huggs, who has us in almost every year...and we hope to improve on Huggs by making longer runs in the tournament. I don't want a coach that recruits the type of players that we have now, that take 3 years to develop, then we are in the tournament for a year of two, and then back to rebuilding and out of the tournament for a couple years. My perception is that Mick is going to be this type of coach. It is only a perception and I hope I am wrong. If he is like Huggs, then sign him to a long term contract. If he is like Rick Minter....two bowl games followed by two losing seasons....then get him out of here!

[Billy Don]

If the buyout on Cronin's contract is $3mil then Miek Thomas needs to go? Why would you give a guy from Murray State that kind of contract?

The quote at the time was it was Big East coach money. All coachs as far as I know have a buyout fired without cause contract and the school has to pay the full contract if fired without cause. Thats how Huggins got them. You can't fire a coach because he doesn't win and not pay him. Of course it works both ways. A coach has to pay if he leaves before his contract is over in most cases also.

[Mick's Da Man]

Let's quote Longtimer correctly anbuc88, and don't comment on my mentality please. I said I am worried about him making the tournament next year, earning his raise and extension, then proving to be a coach that has us in a few years and then out a few years. If you want that kind of coach, then you are commenting on the wrong person's mentality. The coach we seek is one like Huggs, who has us in almost every year...and we hope to improve on Huggs by making longer runs in the tournament. I don't want a coach that recruits the type of players that we have now, that take 3 years to develop, then we are in the tournament for a year of two, and then back to rebuilding and out of the tournament for a couple years. My perception is that Mick is going to be this type of coach. It is only a perception and I hope I am wrong. If he is like Huggs, then sign him to a long term contract. If he is like Rick Minter....two bowl games followed by two losing seasons....then get him out of here!

Huggs only went to the tournament every year because he was coaching in a cakewalk conference. How convenient to leave that out.

Same reason Calipari loves being in CUSA. Or Sean Miller loves being in the A-10.

Sure, you still have to be a good coach and put together good teams........but there's little competition otherwise.....unlike the Big East where nearly every team is pretty good or very good. In any other non top 6 conference, Providence and Syracuse finish at the top or near the top. In the Big East, they finish in the middle.

[LongTimer]

Huggs only went to the tournament every year because he was coaching in a cakewalk conference. How convenient to leave that out.

Same reason Calipari loves being in CUSA. Or Sean Miller loves being in the A-10.

Sure, you still have to be a good coach and put together good teams........but there's little competition otherwise.....unlike the Big East where nearly every team is pretty good or very good. In any other non top 6 conference, Providence and Syracuse finish at the top or near the top. In the Big East, they finish in the middle.

You mean the same cakewalk conference that now occupies a third of the Big East? There were always 7 conferences all ranked pretty close to each other by a difference of percentage points. Conference USA was one of the 7 every year. We were always ranked high. Louisville was ranked often. Memphis was ranked often. Depaul was ranked often. Charlotte was ranked often. Marquette was ranked often. UAB was ranked some. Souther Miss had some good teams. The league at one time had some of the greatest coaches in college basketball all coaching against each other. This was not ever a cakewalk conference. We made it a cakewalk because our teams were exceptional. Today, it is a cakewalk conference, because all the good teams and great coaches left. No comparison to what is once was. If you put down Conf USA, then you put down the Big East, because a Conference USA team currently resides as the Big East Champion!

[Billy Don]

Huggs only went to the tournament every year because he was coaching in a cakewalk conference. How convenient to leave that out.

Same reason Calipari loves being in CUSA. Or Sean Miller loves being in the A-10.

Sure, you still have to be a good coach and put together good teams........but there's little competition otherwise.....unlike the Big East where nearly every team is pretty good or very good. In any other non top 6 conference, Providence and Syracuse finish at the top or near the top. In the Big East, they finish in the middle.

I'm not 100% sure about Miller but Calipari and Huggins goes to the NCAA every year out of the Big East. Calipari has a great class coming in next year and Huggins is adding size which WV needs. XU also has a nice recruiting class. Odds are UC will be underdogs to all three of those teams next year although I think Mick will try to get rid of Memphis on the schedule if he can. The Memphis contract ran out this year. Huggins made the NCAA tourney this year in the Big East playing his 3 freshmen recruits with 2 of them starters. How do you explain that? Huggins has no problem making the NCAA, Big East or not. Huggins is a Big East NCAA tournament coach so you can forget the CUSA excuse. In another 2 years Huggins will own the Big East. No sweat!

[jkwuc89]

Again, I say to everyone...it does not matter what other coaches are doing. It only matters what UC and Coach Cronin do. To a large extent, comparisons to other coaches are not very relevant.

Also, do NOT turn this into another prolonged discussion about Huggins. That ground has been covered quite well on other threads.

[LongTimer]

Again, I say to everyone...it does not matter what other coaches are doing. It only matters what UC and Coach Cronin do. To a large extent, comparisons to other coaches are not very relevant.

Also, do NOT turn this into another prolonged discussion about Huggins. That ground has been covered quite well on other threads.

Comparing coaches that have coached our program is absolutely relavant. Comparing coaches who have coached in similar situations to our coach might also be relevant. If we can't compare him to our past coaches and can't compare him to other coaches, then what do we say? Are we just sopposed to ignore everything that puts Mick in a bad light? Why have a forum? Let's just all praise and worship Mick!

[bearcatbilly6225]

Comparing coaches that have coached our program is absolutely relavant. Comparing coaches who have coached in similar situations to our coach might also be relevant. If we can't compare him to our past coaches and can't compare him to other coaches, then what do we say? Are we just sopposed to ignore everything that puts Mick in a bad light? Why have a forum? Let's just all praise and worship Mick!


great post
..............................

[Mick's Da Man]

You mean the same cakewalk conference that now occupies a third of the Big East? There were always 7 conferences all ranked pretty close to each other by a difference of percentage points. Conference USA was one of the 7 every year. We were always ranked high. Louisville was ranked often. Memphis was ranked often. Depaul was ranked often. Charlotte was ranked often. Marquette was ranked often. UAB was ranked some. Souther Miss had some good teams. The league at one time had some of the greatest coaches in college basketball all coaching against each other. This was not ever a cakewalk conference. We made it a cakewalk because our teams were exceptional. Today, it is a cakewalk conference, because all the good teams and great coaches left. No comparison to what is once was. If you put down Conf USA, then you put down the Big East, because a Conference USA team currently resides as the Big East Champion!

Marquette and Louisville are far better programs for having joined the Big East. They were nowhere near this good back then other than the Dwayne Wade years which really put Tom Crean on the map. They didn't do much at any other time.

Pitino/Louisville in CUSA wasn't as good as they are now.

CUSA only had a few good teams which allowed UC to get "up" for a couple of games a year and then sleepwalk through the rest of the pathetic conference.

And Calipari's Memphis was nothing like it is now when we were in CUSA. Not to mention the pathetic Larry Finch years.

There was a huge difference between the top 6 conferences and CUSA being 7th. You continue to kid yourself. I remember plain as day. I think CUSA had one good year where the conference was ranked like 3rd in the rpi. Other than that, they had a few years where they dropped down to like 10th. It was a boring overrated conference, that made it easy for a good coach to pad his win totals. End of story.

I've lived and breathed Bearcat basketball enough to know that any intelligent person does not need stats to back anything up regarding a comparison to the Big East NOW versus CUSA when UC was in it.

NO COMPARISON. A person looks foolish trying to compare the two. Seriously. I'm trying to save anyone the embarrassment but the point keeps getting argued.

[LongTimer]

Marquette and Louisville are far better programs for having joined the Big East. They were nowhere near this good back then other than the Dwayne Wade years which really put Tom Crean on the map. They didn't do much at any other time.

Pitino/Louisville in CUSA wasn't as good as they are now.

CUSA only had a few good teams which allowed UC to get "up" for a couple of games a year and then sleepwalk through the rest of the pathetic conference.

And Calipari's Memphis was nothing like it is now when we were in CUSA. Not to mention the pathetic Larry Finch years.

There was a huge difference between the top 6 conferences and CUSA being 7th. You continue to kid yourself. I remember plain as day. I think CUSA had one good year where the conference was ranked like 3rd in the rpi. Other than that, they had a few years where they dropped down to like 10th. It was a boring overrated conference, that made it easy for a good coach to pad his win totals. End of story.

I've lived and breathed Bearcat basketball enough to know that any intelligent person does not need stats to back anything up regarding a comparison to the Big East NOW versus CUSA when UC was in it.

NO COMPARISON. A person looks foolish trying to compare the two. Seriously. I'm trying to save anyone the embarrassment but the point keeps getting argued.

Conference USA was so weak that we were ranked #1 a number of times and in the top 10 and top 20 all the time. We were also seeded high many times. It seems as though the "experts" would not have given us high rankings and high seeds continuously if we were playing in such a powderpuff conference. It's all about schedule strength anyway, and Cincinnati allways had a high strength of schedule, which would not have been possible playing in a powderpuff league. Conference USA was never 10th when we were ruling the roost. I don't need stats either. The proof is in what actually happened. The rankings, the high seeds, the high schedule strength, etc. You are defending a coach that quite frankly sucks, has under-achieved, has players quitting on him, not hustling, has made us the laughingstock of college basketball, hasn't recruited, etc. You can try to put down the ex-coach and Conference USA all you want. The truth is, Cronin was Huggs' video coordinator and that is about as close as he'll ever get to being close to him as a coach! There's a poll on Cincinnati.com asking people to rate UC under Mick Cronin. 4 choices...1.) Yes, he's the man for the job. 2.) Somewhat support, they're still slowly progressing. 3.) Don't think he is going in the right direction. He better turn it around fast. 4.) It's time for a new coach. 3,594 votes cast....top response is #4, 1,334 votes to fire his *** (37.1%), 2nd most popular response #3...1210 votes. 71% of the people don't think he is doing a good job! Only 308 people or 8.5% think he is the man for the job. You and a few others in here are in the very small minority way of thinking. I've said all along, this forum is only occupied by Mick lovers who are for some reason excited about where our program is headed. The people who know where it is headed left the arena and the program the last 4 years and don't bother posting on this forum, because they think it is full of people who don't have a clue. They're disgusted with the program and won't come back until some heads are rolling. When you have a poll like the one on cincinnati.com, you get a feel about what the majority opinion is, and it is nowhere close to what you are trying to preach!

[bearcatbilly6225]

Conference USA was so weak that we were ranked #1 a number of times and in the top 10 and top 20 all the time. We were also seeded high many times. It seems as though the "experts" would not have given us high rankings and high seeds continuously if we were playing in such a powderpuff conference. It's all about schedule strength anyway, and Cincinnati allways had a high strength of schedule, which would not have been possible playing in a powderpuff league. Conference USA was never 10th when we were ruling the roost. I don't need stats either. The proof is in what actually happened. The rankings, the high seeds, the high schedule strength, etc. You are defending a coach that quite frankly sucks, has under-achieved, has players quitting on him, not hustling, has made us the laughingstock of college basketball, hasn't recruited, etc. You can try to put down the ex-coach and Conference USA all you want. The truth is, Cronin was Huggs' video coordinator and that is about as close as he'll ever get to being close to him as a coach! There's a poll on Cincinnati.com asking people to rate UC under Mick Cronin. 4 choices...1.) Yes, he's the man for the job. 2.) Somewhat support, they're still slowly progressing. 3.) Don't think he is going in the right direction. He better turn it around fast. 4.) It's time for a new coach. 3,594 votes cast....top response is #4, 1,334 votes to fire his *** (37.1%), 2nd most popular response #3...1210 votes. 71% of the people don't think he is doing a good job! Only 308 people or 8.5% think he is the man for the job. You and a few others in here are in the very small minority way of thinking. I've said all along, this forum is only occupied by Mick lovers who are for some reason excited about where our program is headed. The people who know where it is headed left the arena and the program the last 4 years and don't bother posting on this forum, because they think it is full of people who don't have a clue. They're disgusted with the program and won't come back until some heads are rolling. When you have a poll like the one on cincinnati.com, you get a feel about what the majority opinion is, and it is nowhere close to what you are trying to preach!


BUYAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Truth is in the numbers!!!!!!!

[BearcatAlum1]

I cannot understand where everyone gets this idea that UC basketball should be one of the dominant teams in the country. We havent been there since our national champsionship days, and many fans weren't born within 20 years of those dates. A few bright spots in the last 30 years doesn't make us an elite program. We were a good program, but not elite. The faster some of you realize this, the better.


BearcatAlum1

[Lobot]

Ahh but the numbers can lie. That's an unscientific poll with very few voters logged. It definitely shows how unhappy people are but it's not a true statistical sample. Pretty much makes it invalid IMO.

[bearcatbilly6225]

Ahh but the numbers can lie. That's an unscientific poll with very few voters logged. It definitely shows how unhappy people are but it's not a true statistical sample. Pretty much makes it invalid IMO.

you are way wrong ......fact is any survey the has over 2500 votes is considered to be a very close estimate of what the general public feels.... So I would bet you money if the survey was 50,000 same percentage with plus or minus 4%.... dont try to disregard facts, if the vote was 150,000 you people on here would say the same thing, come on face it the people as a whole are fed up with Mick Cronin and the kool aid drinkers on here are the minority believe that!!!!!!!!!

[anbuc88]

Conference USA was so weak that we were ranked #1 a number of times and in the top 10 and top 20 all the time. We were also seeded high many times. It seems as though the "experts" would not have given us high rankings and high seeds continuously if we were playing in such a powderpuff conference. It's all about schedule strength anyway, and Cincinnati allways had a high strength of schedule, which would not have been possible playing in a powderpuff league. Conference USA was never 10th when we were ruling the roost. I don't need stats either. The proof is in what actually happened. The rankings, the high seeds, the high schedule strength, etc. You are defending a coach that quite frankly sucks, has under-achieved, has players quitting on him, not hustling, has made us the laughingstock of college basketball, hasn't recruited, etc. You can try to put down the ex-coach and Conference USA all you want. The truth is, Cronin was Huggs' video coordinator and that is about as close as he'll ever get to being close to him as a coach! There's a poll on Cincinnati.com asking people to rate UC under Mick Cronin. 4 choices...1.) Yes, he's the man for the job. 2.) Somewhat support, they're still slowly progressing. 3.) Don't think he is going in the right direction. He better turn it around fast. 4.) It's time for a new coach. 3,594 votes cast....top response is #4, 1,334 votes to fire his *** (37.1%), 2nd most popular response #3...1210 votes. 71% of the people don't think he is doing a good job! Only 308 people or 8.5% think he is the man for the job. You and a few others in here are in the very small minority way of thinking. I've said all along, this forum is only occupied by Mick lovers who are for some reason excited about where our program is headed. The people who know where it is headed left the arena and the program the last 4 years and don't bother posting on this forum, because they think it is full of people who don't have a clue. They're disgusted with the program and won't come back until some heads are rolling. When you have a poll like the one on cincinnati.com, you get a feel about what the majority opinion is, and it is nowhere close to what you are trying to preach!

If they had taken a poll after the WVU game, what do you think the results would have been. It's unscientific to poll people when they are emotional, such as after a particularly devastating loss or after a satisfying win, as the results would be predictable. Additionally, on the internet, the only one's likely to vote are those who are motivated to do so. Could you vote more than once on this poll? The only poll that they should taken is from Mike Thomas. The results would be vastly different than the one that is on cincinnati.com.

[anbuc88]

you are way wrong ......fact is any survey the has over 2500 votes is considered to be a very close estimate of what the general public feels.... So I would bet you money if the survey was 50,000 same percentage with plus or minus 4%.... dont try to disregard facts, if the vote was 150,000 you people on here would say the same thing, come on face it the people as a whole are fed up with Mick Cronin and the kool aid drinkers on here are the minority believe that!!!!!!!!!

No you are wrong. It's like saying the callers on sports talk radio speak for the general sports fan. You have to be motivated to vote on an internet poll, just like you need to be motivated to call a sports talk show. Take a poll of people knowledgeable to the situation at hand, other coaches and college basketball writers. See what the results would be with that poll. Ashuredly diametrically oposed to the results of this poll. The only person whose opinion truly matters is Mike Thomas. As far as we know he is still firmly in MC's corner, as he should be.

[cincycpaw]

I cannot understand where everyone gets this idea that UC basketball should be one of the dominant teams in the country. We havent been there since our national champsionship days, and many fans weren't born within 20 years of those dates. A few bright spots in the last 30 years doesn't make us an elite program. We were a good program, but not elite. The faster some of you realize this, the better.


BearcatAlum1

The lowering of expectations has become an art on this site.

Certainly we weren't elite...didn;t win a championship in 40+ years, can't be elite...but were a great team and a great program. How many years straight did we go to the NCAA tournament again? How's that compare to other programs?

[RobPoppeil]

If they had taken a poll after the WVU game, what do you think the results would have been. It's unscientific to poll people when they are emotional, such as after a particularly devastating loss or after a satisfying win, as the results would be predictable. Additionally, on the internet, the only one's likely to vote are those who are motivated to do so. Could you vote more than once on this poll? The only poll that they should taken is from Mike Thomas. The results would be vastly different than the one that is on cincinnati.com.

Or it shows they have more data.

[LongTimer]

If they had taken a poll after the WVU game, what do you think the results would have been. It's unscientific to poll people when they are emotional, such as after a particularly devastating loss or after a satisfying win, as the results would be predictable. Additionally, on the internet, the only one's likely to vote are those who are motivated to do so. Could you vote more than once on this poll? The only poll that they should taken is from Mike Thomas. The results would be vastly different than the one that is on cincinnati.com.

If you don't believe the poll, look at the arena during games. They go hand and hand. Few are attending games. If Cincinnati liked Mick Cronin and believed he is making progress and is happy with the job he is doing, then they would be attending games and averaging 11 to 13,000 fans like we used to, especially since we are rising out of the dumpster like you all claim. We were on the verge of making the NCAA and still nobody came to games. The poll is very accurate.

[LongTimer]

If they had taken a poll after the WVU game, what do you think the results would have been. It's unscientific to poll people when they are emotional, such as after a particularly devastating loss or after a satisfying win, as the results would be predictable. Additionally, on the internet, the only one's likely to vote are those who are motivated to do so. Could you vote more than once on this poll? The only poll that they should taken is from Mike Thomas. The results would be vastly different than the one that is on cincinnati.com.

Why should we rely on a poll taken after one game versus a poll taken after a whole season. We're further down the road now and he lost everything we had gained in a metter of 2 weeks. Thats a horrible job. I know he isn't getting fired and I also know he will get us to the NCAA next year...whoopie!!! He'll get his raise and his extension and we will be stuck with him for at least three or four more years whether we want him or not. I just hope you are right about him because there's not much any of us can do to change the sorry state our program is in at this point except ride it out!!

[LongTimer]

The lowering of expectations has become an art on this site.

Certainly we weren't elite...didn;t win a championship in 40+ years, can't be elite...but were a great team and a great program. How many years straight did we go to the NCAA tournament again? How's that compare to other programs?

At the time Huggs was fired, only Arizona had a longer consecutive years run in the NCAA. Michael Jordan chose us to wear his uniforms based of us being a non-elite program!!! Non-elite programs are always getting no.1 rankings and top seeds in the tournament. The non-elite programs are always getting 100% of their games televised, numerous network national tv games, games on prime-time ESPN. You see it all the time. lol....DUH!!!! I won't attack anyone personally, but if there is anyone out there who says we were not an elite program, they have just defined their basketball IQ and it is pretty low!

[MDW79]

Actually Kansas had a longer streak and we were tired with UK for consecutive tourney appearences, just to clarify.

[ralph1950]

At the time Huggs was fired, only Arizona had a longer consecutive years run in the NCAA. Michael Jordan chose us to wear his uniforms based of us being a non-elite program!!! Non-elite programs are always getting no.1 rankings and top seeds in the tournament. The non-elite programs are always getting 100% of their games televised, numerous network national tv games, games on prime-time ESPN. You see it all the time. lol....DUH!!!! I won't attack anyone personally, but if there is anyone out there who says we were not an elite program, they have just defined their basketball IQ and it is pretty low!

Elite programs win NCAA National Championships and go to consectutive Final 4's. Elite programs do not constantly lose in the 2nd round of the NCAA tourney. UC was an elite program from 1958 to 1963, after that UC is still waiting to become one again.

[jeffto]

Some of you know I was selected as a charter member of the Huggins Haters, but I find myself emotionally involved and rooting for WVU as they play Notre Dame. Frankly, he puts a better product on the floor than our current coach. (And Ralph - I don't give a damn if Mick beat WVU twice - meaningless). Go WVU - all the way.

[LongTimer]

Elite programs win NCAA National Championships and go to consectutive Final 4's. Elite programs do not constantly lose in the 2nd round of the NCAA tourney. UC was an elite program from 1958 to 1963, after that UC is still waiting to become one again.

Is that why we ran our elite coach out of town back then..2 years after he won those titles?

[LongTimer]

Actually Kansas had a longer streak and we were tired with UK for consecutive tourney appearences, just to clarify.

So, per Ralph's definition of an elite program, we were hangin with three elite programs Arizona, Kansas, and Kentucky, with many elite programs with smaller streaks than ours. Sounds like an elite program to me.

[slimm]

Elite programs win NCAA National Championships and go to consectutive Final 4's. Elite programs do not constantly lose in the 2nd round of the NCAA tourney. UC was an elite program from 1958 to 1963, after that UC is still waiting to become one again.

it sure was fun & exciting when we were on the verge those past 15 years as compared to these past few where our status is more comparable to the bungals futility

[jeffto]

Is that why we ran our elite coach out of town back then..2 years after he won those titles?Based on your posts about Mick, I could easily see you as one of the ringleaders forcing Jucker out (to make a ton more coaching in the pros - BTW).

[Lobot]

it sure was fun & exciting when we were on the verge those past 15 years as compared to these past few where our status is more comparable to the bungals futility

Be fair, the Bungals nosedive all season long not just the last few games.

[LongTimer]

lol....I didn't even know WVU was playing tonight and had no plans to watch them....and I am accused of being a Huggs lover. :D But, now that Jeffto has sparked my interest, I might as well watch and root also. Isn't it great to have a team to root for in March? This may be the best thing that ever happened for UC fans. We always know Huggs will be there to root for. If Mick makes it too, we'll have two teams to follow.

[LongTimer]

Based on your posts about Mick, I could easily see you as one of the ringleaders forcing Jucker out (to make a ton more coaching in the pros - BTW).

I'm not quite that old. I was a little fart back then, attending with my dad. Jucker was forced to resign because he started losing and not getting us in the tourney. They hung him in effigy on campus and bitched until he quit. He did not quit to coach the Royals. He sat out a few years and then the Royals came a-calling. He only lasted two years there and ended up coaching at Rollins college.

[jeffto]

I'm not quite that old. I was a little fart back then, attending with my dad. Jucker was forced to resign because he started losing and not getting us in the tourney. They hung him in effigy on campus and bitched until he quit. He did not quit to coach the Royals. He sat out a few years and then the Royals came a-calling. He only lasted two years there and ended up coaching at Rollins college.So you learned to hate on coaches on your daddy's knee? Touching.

[ucat4]

WVU up on ND by 10 with 2.5 minutes to go......you don't see the WVU kids giving up.....hmmm, wonder why?

[LongTimer]

So you learned to hate on coaches on your daddy's knee? Touching.

Haven't really hated any Bearcat coaches actually. Got tired of Badger. I kind of wanted Yates to get one more year. Mick just caught more of my anger at Nancy Z and the rest of the administration and hasn't done enough to bring me on board with him. It has nothing to do with Huggins. It has more to do with destroying a great program and giving us crap to watch. It's not Mick's fault, but then he hasn't turned it around quick enough for me. You'll see me loving Mick if he ever starts winning. That's all I want.

[ucat4]

Agreed, all I want is for our program to be elite again.....Just like it was in the 90's and part of the 00's.....elite!!

[ucat4]

and...WVU moves on. Man am I jealous.

[anbuc88]

Why should we rely on a poll taken after one game versus a poll taken after a whole season. We're further down the road now and he lost everything we had gained in a metter of 2 weeks. Thats a horrible job. I know he isn't getting fired and I also know he will get us to the NCAA next year...whoopie!!! He'll get his raise and his extension and we will be stuck with him for at least three or four more years whether we want him or not. I just hope you are right about him because there's not much any of us can do to change the sorry state our program is in at this point except ride it out!!

Are you are so convinced that he is not the right coach that you won't be happy even if we make the NCAA's next year? What about the year after that? If we don't go after a couple of consecutive years, will that validate your argument. I hope Cincinnati.com will have a poll at the end of next season if you are correct that we will be in the tournament. What do you think the results will be at that time?

[LongTimer]

and...WVU moves on. Man am I jealous.

Yep, that pretty much locks up the NCAA bid for Huggs. Some things never change. And he keeps doing it even in the big bad Big East. Kind of shoots down the people's argument that he only did it because he was in a powderpuff conference. And, next year will be no different for him. His team is young and will be even better. Sure glad we got rid of that loser!!! :eek:

[Pie Hole]

Huggs only went to the tournament every year because he was coaching in a cakewalk conference. How convenient to leave that out.

Same reason Calipari loves being in CUSA. Or Sean Miller loves being in the A-10.

Sure, you still have to be a good coach and put together good teams........but there's little competition otherwise.....unlike the Big East where nearly every team is pretty good or very good. In any other non top 6 conference, Providence and Syracuse finish at the top or near the top. In the Big East, they finish in the middle.

If Conference USA was so bad why was our Strength of Schedule Ranking so good? I've posted this on other threads and have not received an answer. To refresh your memory:

1999 Strength of Schedule Ranking - 35
2000 Strength of Schedule Ranking - 5
2001 Strength of Schedule Ranking - 64
2002 Strength of Schedule Ranking - 24
2003 Strength of Schedule Ranking - 9
2004 Strength of Schedule Ranking - 23

I was unable to locate SOS ranking prior to 1999. If anyone else can find this info please post it.

[catsfan32]

blah blah blah same old longtimer, why do u always have to bring up Huggins, ALWAYS? Get over it and move on! I would argue against huggins having more going into WVU but there's no point anymore.

[Lobot]

Let's discuss the thread topic please which happens to be a new coach not an old coach.

[LongTimer]

Are you are so convinced that he is not the right coach that you won't be happy even if we make the NCAA's next year? What about the year after that? If we don't go after a couple of consecutive years, will that validate your argument. I hope Cincinnati.com will have a poll at the end of next season if you are correct that we will be in the tournament. What do you think the results will be at that time?

Once he gets us there, we better stay there. I won't even demand Huggs success ratio. I'll only demand 8 of every 10. But, in those 8, he has to get us to at least 6 or 7 sweet 16's or he is outta here. Can't accept any of those 2nd round losses without firing his ***. We have to be consistent on that, especially if we aren't even demanding that he get us to the dance every single year!

[ucat4]

he keeps doing it even in the big bad Big East. Kind of shoots down the people's argument that he only did it because he was in a powderpuff conference

I always just roll my eyes when people try to make that argument. Their argument makes no sense because he keeps rolling along, even with being in the BigEast!

He did well last year in the dance if I remember correctly.

[LongTimer]

If Conference USA was so bad why was our Strength of Schedule Ranking so good? I've posted this on other threads and have not received an answer. To refresh your memory:

1999 Strength of Schedule Ranking - 35
2000 Strength of Schedule Ranking - 5
2001 Strength of Schedule Ranking - 64
2002 Strength of Schedule Ranking - 24
2003 Strength of Schedule Ranking - 9
2004 Strength of Schedule Ranking - 23

I was unable to locate SOS ranking prior to 1999. If anyone else can find this info please post it.

It wasn't much different back then. There was one year that we had the #1 SOS. You're right...those Conference USA teams must have been pretty damn good to give us those high schedule strengths. They had to be good. You don't get #1 rankings and seeds playing patsies. We were right with the Big East and the other conferences every year. The current Big East champion is a Conf. USA team. A third of the league is Conf. USA teams.

[Bearcat Jeff]

This as usual is a ridiculous thread. Mick drew up a nice play for Davis the other day and he shoots an airball. How many lay ups were missed? Again, there is a segment of people on here that fail to understand what this particular coach has had to deal with in bringing this program back. I hate to lose!! However, to say "fire Mick now!" is plain ignorant. You think the program was set back before? Try a coaching change now.

[LongTimer]

This as usual is a ridiculous thread. Mick drew up a nice play for Davis the other day and he shoots an airball. How many lay ups were missed? Again, there is a segment of people on here that fail to understand what this particular coach has had to deal with in bringing this program back. I hate to lose!! However, to say "fire Mick now!" is plain ignorant. You think the program was set back before? Try a coaching change now.

I'll agree with your last sentences and I have said that very thing for the last 4 months. In case you haven't noticed, coaches get fired when their players don't perform. We don't care what he had to deal with. Just win baby! He was close last year and folded down the stretch. He was there again this year and folded down the stretch. Who the **** cares what he had to deal with. Deal with it and start winning, which is what he is paid to do. If he didn't think he could deal with it, he shouldn't have taken the job. He knew what he was getting into. He's had 3 years. A good coach would have closed the deal this year and probably last year!

[Billy Don]

I'll agree with your last sentences and I have said that very thing for the last 4 months. In case you haven't noticed, coaches get fired when their players don't perform. We don't care what he had to deal with. Just win baby! He was close last year and folded down the stretch. He was there again this year and folded down the stretch. Who the **** cares what he had to deal with. Deal with it and start winning, which is what he is paid to do. If he didn't think he could deal with it, he shouldn't have taken the job. He knew what he was getting into. He's had 3 years. A good coach would have closed the deal this year and probably last year!

I think our next coach should be at least 6 foot tall! What do you think?

[BearcatAlum1]

The lowering of expectations has become an art on this site.

Certainly we weren't elite...didn;t win a championship in 40+ years, can't be elite...but were a great team and a great program. How many years straight did we go to the NCAA tournament again? How's that compare to other programs?

"Great" is quite subjective. Kansas, North Carolina, Duke, UCLA.........those are "great" programs.

Cincinnati was always a "good" program to me, not great. I have the rare ability of using an objective critique of my own team (i.e. UC), whereas many others don't have this attribute. Many, if not all basketball fans, will admit Cincinnati had a "good" program in the late 80s to mid 2000s. I have yet to talk to a non UC fan that thought our program was "great" or "elite." To think that our program has been that way in the last 40 years is borderline fantasy.

Many (almost everyone) on this site don't have an objective evaluation of our program. Their evaluation is blinded by passion, bias, and emotion. Until many can separate themselves from these blatant blinders, this false appreciation and image will continue to foster unrealistic expectations.

BearcatAlum1

[LongTimer]

Wow, I feel so much better hearing an objective viewpoint. I have talked to many non UC fans who called our program great. But then, I was hanging around basketball fans.

[Mick's Da Man]

It wasn't much different back then. There was one year that we had the #1 SOS. You're right...those Conference USA teams must have been pretty damn good to give us those high schedule strengths. They had to be good. You don't get #1 rankings and seeds playing patsies. We were right with the Big East and the other conferences every year. The current Big East champion is a Conf. USA team. A third of the league is Conf. USA teams.

One of those situations where the stats don't tell the truth and seeing is believing.

CUSA sucked, hands down.

It was a crappy boring conference. And in the end, UC managed to not make it past the first weekend or ever beat a higher seed in the NCAA Tournament, probably because they were ill-prepared playing in a weak pathetic conference.

You can throw out all the stats you want. But everyone knows it was a loser conference. And it set UC up for loser results in the Big Dance.

All your b-ball friends can say what they want. All my b-ball friends don't miss that conference and are ecstatic we are in a REAL b-ball conference now.

[LongTimer]

One of those situations where the stats don't tell the truth and seeing is believing.

CUSA sucked, hands down.

It was a crappy boring conference. And in the end, UC managed to not make it past the first weekend or ever beat a higher seed in the NCAA Tournament, probably because they were ill-prepared playing in a weak pathetic conference.

You can throw out all the stats you want. But everyone knows it was a loser conference. And it set UC up for loser results in the Big Dance.

All your b-ball friends can say what they want. All my b-ball friends don't miss that conference and are ecstatic we are in a REAL b-ball conference now.

It was so bad that the Big East wanted half of the teams.

[jkwuc89]

We are now using a single thread to review and discuss the 2008-09 season.