Wright committed to UC

[Thegreatone]

According to Scout.com he is down to Cincinnati and Tennesee. From what I gather he is a talented true PG. We keep saying how we need a PG next season, he could be it. With a name like Cashmere Wright he has got to be good, just sounds like a basketball name. But seriously how important would this be for us? Any more information on him?

[Mick's Da Man]

I'll be surprised if he picks UC with Vaughn implanted at PG, and Mitchell at SG. Tennesse loses three key guards this year. Plenty of playing time at UT.

[Bearcat_DF]

Mike has moved him up to a 5 which is usually a very good sign.

Go Cats!
DF

[Thegreatone]

That was my thought, when I see 5 it usually means good things are happening.

[columbus_bearcat]

He just came back from a visit to UT and was really impressed. In fact, he said that UT right now is his leader. But I believe he is still making an unofficial visit to Cincy later this month. So he'll probably decide sometime after the visit. Hopefully being the last visit will bode well for us, but you never know. UT is closer to home, which I believe is important to him. His parents were also with him at UT, I wonder if his parents are making the trip to Cincy as well?

[Cats4Ever]

He is on 'grades' watch - he is that good of a player.

Hope he makes it.

[IKnowMoreThanYou]

He just came back from a visit to UT and was really impressed. In fact, he said that UT right now is his leader. But I believe he is still making an unofficial visit to Cincy later this month. So he'll probably decide sometime after the visit. Hopefully being the last visit will bode well for us, but you never know. UT is closer to home, which I believe is important to him. His parents were also with him at UT, I wonder if his parents are making the trip to Cincy as well?

His parents are making the drive with him this weekend up to Cincinnati and I would imagine a decision is coming middle of next week. He enjoyed his trip to Tenn. but few kids don't enjoy their visits if they like the school enough to visit in the first place.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Mike has moved him up to a 5 which is usually a very good sign.

Go Cats!
DF

Absolutely. Mike Ryan's number (1 through 5) is the best indicator on the Internet.

[Cats21]

Wright to Now Take a look at South Carolina? Hope this is only a courtesy visit for his parents.

[RedDog]

A couple of days ago the rumor was he had decided, would anounce any day, and we were looking good. I have been anxiously awaiting good news. This development, if accurate, is concerning. Does anyone have any good info as to what might be going on?
How about updates on any other top 150's we are still being listed as in the hunt for? What is known about Laron Dendy - 6'9 from S.C. ?

[waterhead]

The recruting page on this site says the bearcat insider is reporting that Wright made them aware of a decision on Wednesday afternoon. I would have thought we might have heard something good by now if he picked UC.

[Bearcat Cafe]

BCI now has a thread started by one of their administrators saying that Wright sent them a message today stating that he will definitely announce his decision between UT and UC sometime this afternoon.

[Bearcat Cafe]

Someone on another board pointed this out. Rivals now lists Cashmere as a 2008 commitment to UC.


http://cincinnati.rivals.com/commitlist.asp?Year=2008&School=12&Sport=2

[bearcatd]

He commits to the Cats!

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070816/SPT0101/308160043

[bizzle3280]

From the Enquirer:

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070816/SPT0101/308160043

[MikeInClifton]

Wow - that was quick by the Enquirer. I was told moments ago that he made his announcement at about 2pm at his school.

[RedDog]

Great job Mick and staff. Now lets add that small forward and a juco center and we'll really be on our way. I am very pleased that we appear to be doing it with quality kids and not high risk cases. Mick has his priorities straight and I couldn't be more supportive.

[Kindog202]

Love to see the last 3 scholly's go to Willie Warren, Dequan Jones and J'Mison Morgan.

[shaunsimpson]

It was nice to get the text from rivals that he committed when I was in a meeting around 2. I really like this since I think a PG was our most imediate need.

Scout ***
Rivals ****

[waterhead]

This is the type of news I was hoping for! Way to go Mick! I guess all you have to do is ask. I think this is better than Bost but maybe not quite as good as Walker. I'm happy with anyone ranked in the top 75 of either service...not that the rankings are the best thing to go by. Two down and three to go...

Keep it up Mick!

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Love to see the last 3 scholly's go to Willie Warren, Dequan Jones and J'Mison Morgan.

Doubtful on Warren. Even less on Morgan. Good shot at Jones, I think.

[Inchickinkick]

He looks like a good kid, I am glad Mick landed him.
Now all Mick got too do is land a shooting guard and post player>

[Mick's Da Man]

I think Dequan is what we need next. Then a PF or C. Or Both

[Mick's Da Man]

Cashmere Wright is down to 1!!!!!!!

[jkwuc89]

I just merged the three separate Wright threads into one. Please continue discussion about Wright on this combined thread. Thanks!

[james jr]

I like J'Mison Morgan, Phillip McDonald and Dequan Jones to fill out the '08 class. I like that Wright sees himself as someone who can distribute to the big men and shooters and score WHEN NEEDED! I also read in one of our recruiting page articles that he is a defensive-minded player (just what you need in a BE point quard)! GO CATS!!!!!

[Bearcat Jeff]

One of the most under rated aspects of recruiting in the fact that good players want to play with other good players. The coach matters, the facilities matter, and the school tradition matters but when it is all said and done players want to win. You can only do this with talent on a consistent basis. With the addition of Cashmere Wright, and with Yancy Gates already committed, we may now see a very positive outcome to the '08 class. I personally would like to see McDonald, Jones, and a center. Either way i have full confidence in Mick and his staff to bring in quality players. With Williams, Mitchell, Vaughn and McClain here next season I think we have the basis for a very bright future.

[CincySuperFan]

Is it just me or does Mick just continue to exceed expectations?!?! Recruiting has been great, he's already beaten Xavier once, and knock on wood, no one has gotten in trouble since he's been here! Great job Mick!!!

[DBSUC1982]

Wow! How did they convince this kid to be a back-up PG (Vaughn) for 2 years?

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

I like J'Mison Morgan, Phillip McDonald and Dequan Jones to fill out the '08 class. I like that Wright sees himself as someone who can distribute to the big men and shooters and score WHEN NEEDED! I also read in one of our recruiting page articles that he is a defensive-minded player (just what you need in a BE point quard)! GO CATS!!!!!

Morgan doesn't have UC on his list(s) lately. Very doubtful.

[bearcat18]

Morgan doesn't have UC on his list(s) lately. Very doubtful.

http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=700201

Sorry if this has already been posted ^

Unless you know something that we don't, looks like we are still in the running for Morgan according to Jerry Meyer.

[CincyBeerCo]

“I played with Yancy last year at the adidas camp,” Wright said. “Ever since then, we’ve been friends. With me and Yancy and the freshman class they’re bringing in, we’re trying to put Cincinnati on the map the way it used to be.”


Couldn't be happier about this commit...lightning quick and has the "pass first" mentality of a true point guard, but still the ability to score as needed. The quote above is the most exciting part of this to me. When Yancy commited he made it clear he was going to start doing his own recruiting/politicing through out the AAU circuits and summer camps. Seems like Yancy's been putting in some good work...Keep it up!!!

[bearcat_red]

Great news! His bio looks like he will be a solid addition. It is hard not to feel good about Mick's recruiting ability.

[waterhead]

I think Dequan is what we need next. Then a PF or C. Or Both

I agree with the assessment here. A big man C or PF and a SF/Wing are next in line. The last scholly can be a wild card and go to the best available regardless of position.

It would be nice to always have 2 talented players at each position 1-5. The three remaining scholly's can go to the weakest positions or the best available players we can recruit. After this year the roster will look like this.

McClain/Belton?
Williams/Gates/McElroy replaces Williams in 09'
Wilkes/Bishop
Mitchell/Davis/Miller
Vaughn/Wright

It looks to me like center, and SF will have the weakest quality depth. The last scholly in 08' can go to the best available recruit we can get.

[MikeInClifton]

http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=700201

Sorry if this has already been posted ^

Unless you know something that we don't, looks like we are still in the running for Morgan according to Jerry Meyer.

But that same article says he has nine other schools on his list.
I'll move him back to 'active', but its hard to get excited about it. . . .

[Bearcat_DF]

McClain/Belton?
Williams/Gates/McElroy replaces Williams in 09'
Wilkes/Bishop
Mitchell/Davis/Miller
Vaughn/Wright

It looks to me like center, and SF will have the weakest quality depth. The last scholly in 08' can go to the best available recruit we can get.

My chart for 2008 looks like this:

C - McClain
PF - Williams/Belton (McElroy in 2009)
SF - Wilkes/Bishop/Gates
SG - Mitchell/Davis
PG - Vaughn/Wright

I would make my priorities - C, PF, SG.

Mick deserves some love for getting a top-PG nailed down. In a previous post, I've argued that some positions are harder to recruit than others. From hardest to easiest: PG and C, PF, SG and SF.

So, I hope he puts in energy into a C and PF!

It is a shame that he is recruiting for three players! I'm sure he is looking forward to recruiting the 2009 class, oh yeah, that is already done!!!

And, he only had one to recruit in 2010. That could be quite a year with 6 seniors and five juniors!!!! (I know, it is unlike that those eleven players stay all 4 years, but it is nice to dream.) If all did stay, Mick would have his work cut out for him in 2011 and 2012. But after a FF at the least, he should have some interest.

Go Cats!
DF

[CincyBeerCo]

My chart for 2008 looks like this:

C - McClain
PF - Williams/Belton (McElroy in 2009)
SF - Wilkes/Bishop/Gates
SG - Mitchell/Davis
PG - Vaughn/Wright


Gates is a PF, and I would say that C and SG/SF are the priorities.

[waterhead]

My chart for 2008 looks like this:

C - McClain
PF - Williams/Belton (McElroy in 2009)
SF - Wilkes/Bishop/Gates
SG - Mitchell/Davis
PG - Vaughn/Wright


Gates is a PF, and I would say that C and SG/SF are the priorities.

I completely agree Gates is a PF. How about we just say we need one more quality big man. C or a PF willing to play C if needed...Morgan would be ideal here. Then a swingman of some sort who can play the SF or the SG...Jones would be ideal here. Then one more scholly to be used on the best available recruit we can get. Warren would be ideal here!

[Inchickinkick]

HERES MY CHART FOR2008

C - McClain/ ?
PF - Williams/Belton/Gates
SF - Wilks/Bishop(McElroy09)
SG - Mitchell/Davis/ ?
PG - Vaughn/Wright

HERES MY CHART FOR2009

C - McClain/ ?
PF - Belton/Gates/McElroy
SF - Wilks/Bishop/ ?
SG - Mitchell/Davis/ ?
PG - Vaughn/Wright

[Bearcat_DF]

Thanx for clarifying about Gates. I thought I had read an article that mentioned that one of the reasons he committed to UC was that he would have the opportunity to play the 3 instead of the 4. That most schools were recruiting him with the expectation of putting him at the 4.

I know it sounds like he has a 4 body, but I thought I read places where he had 3 skills. I checked the recruiting page and indeed, Mike has him as a 4.

I remember that Hicks came to UC thinking he as a 3. I think it took a while for him to realize the coaching staff wanted him to be a 4.

Go Cats!
DF

[Inchickinkick]

Thanx for clarifying about Gates. I thought I had read an article that mentioned that one of the reasons he committed to UC was that he would have the opportunity to play the 3 instead of the 4. That most schools were recruiting him with the expectation of putting him at the 4.

I know it sounds like he has a 4 body, but I thought I read places where he had 3 skills. I checked the recruiting page and indeed, Mike has him as a 4.

I remember that Hicks came to UC thinking he as a 3. I think it took a while for him to realize the coaching staff wanted him to be a 4.

Go Cats!
DF
If Gates wants too play at the3, What kind of playing time will Wilks and Bishop be getting? Seems like everybody want too bring in another 3 for 08>

[Oldtimer_UC_fan]

“I played with Yancy last year at the adidas camp,” Wright said. “Ever since then, we’ve been friends. With me and Yancy and the freshman class they’re bringing in, we’re trying to put Cincinnati on the map the way it used to be.”


Couldn't be happier about this commit...lightning quick and has the "pass first" mentality of a true point guard, but still the ability to score as needed. The quote above is the most exciting part of this to me. When Yancy commited he made it clear he was going to start doing his own recruiting/politicing through out the AAU circuits and summer camps. Seems like Yancy's been putting in some good work...Keep it up!!!

How does a guy who averaged 36 PPG as a junior have a pass first mentality?

[Kindog202]

If Gates wants too play at the3, What kind of playing time will Wilks and Bishop be getting? Seems like everybody want too bring in another 3 for 08>

Gates may want to play the "3", however, he is much more suited and effective at the "4". With Wilks, Bishop, Mitchell and hopefully Jones (in '08), there will not be a need for Gates to play the "3"

[Inchickinkick]

Then i see him becoming a problem>

Will he except his roleplaying the4?

[Kindog202]

Yes, I think he will, he is prototypical NBA "4", probably closer to 6'9 than 6'8 and a solid 250lbs. His body reminds me of Karl Malone's, his game still needs work to look like Malone's but he has time.

Also, I have never heard him questions playing the "4", I think he was concerned that he would have to play the "5" in college and stated he did not want to do that.

[swilsonsp4]

I saw Gates play several times this past season. He's not a 3. Gates showed his best abilities when he powered through LaSalle, which couldn't handle him inside. His worst performance was against St. X, which attacked him everytime he went to the perimeter. He couldn't put the ball on the floor under pressure.

[CincyBeerCo]

How does a guy who averaged 36 PPG as a junior have a pass first mentality?


Thats why I threw in scoring "as needed". From all I've seen/heard, there weren't many other scorers on his HS team. So...he does have the "pass first mentality" when he has confidence in the other scoring options around him. The point of my post however was that is seems as though Yancy played a major role in Cashmere's decision.

[CincyBeerCo]

Also, I have never heard him questions playing the "4", I think he was concerned that he would have to play the "5" in college and stated he did not want to do that.

Exactly. Most of the other schools involved in his recruitment were angling to have him play the 5. He is a prototype for both a college and NBA 4.

[bcat51]

The ratings of players fluctuate greatly; Walker's stock certainly has increased recently but these kids are only entering their senior season and you never know Wright might be at top of the ratings next summer.

Personally, I prefer a point guard prospect known for their scoring abilities versus one with only play maker talents. The later skills hopefully can be developed by our coaching staff to create a solid all around player in Wright.

[Kindog202]

I saw Gates play several times this past season. He's not a 3. Gates showed his best abilities when he powered through LaSalle, which couldn't handle him inside. His worst performance was against St. X, which attacked him everytime he went to the perimeter. He couldn't put the ball on the floor under pressure.

I couldn't agree more, my thoughts exactly.

[subflea]

Thanx for clarifying about Gates. I thought I had read an article that mentioned that one of the reasons he committed to UC was that he would have the opportunity to play the 3 instead of the 4. That most schools were recruiting him with the expectation of putting him at the 4.

I know it sounds like he has a 4 body, but I thought I read places where he had 3 skills. I checked the recruiting page and indeed, Mike has him as a 4.

I remember that Hicks came to UC thinking he as a 3. I think it took a while for him to realize the coaching staff wanted him to be a 4.

Go Cats!
DF

What I remember reading is that he was happy Mick got McClain because he didn't want to play somewhere where he would be used as an undersized C, but play his more natural position of PF. I know he tends to slip to the perimeter even though he is strong enough to beat people inside, but I haven't seen anything saying he wanted to be a 3.

[Bearcat_DF]

What I remember reading is that he was happy Mick got McClain because he didn't want to play somewhere where he would be used as an undersized C, but play his more natural position of PF. I know he tends to slip to the perimeter even though he is strong enough to beat people inside, but I haven't seen anything saying he wanted to be a 3.

Again, thanx for the clarification. That makes the recruiting situation even rosier.

Top priority - C
Then a SG and a SF.

Recruiting a BE - C is a difficult task. Having McClain in the fold as a sophomore in 2008 will add to the challenge.

Hopefully, the Gates and Wright verbals might attract a top tier C.

Getting a SG and SF to come is relatively easy compared to getting C, PG, and PF.

Go Cats!
DF

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Tidbit on Cashmere Wright - his uncle is former UK star Derrick Miller. FWIW.