Return of Thug U

[Carin's Dad]

Reading all the comments on other sites, it's apparent that no one has forgotten UC's image from the past. It's being rehashed all over again. Frankly, it's almost painful to read some of the trash that's being flung by jealous idiots.

It was unfair then and it's unfair with Lance. Unfortunately there is absolutely nothing we can do about it.

Even if everything turns out squeaky clean, we're still going to be the program that will take anyone - no matter the baggage. I say **** 'em. I hope we get back the Bearcat swagger, the black uniforms and the winning percentage from the past and tell those who don't like it to eat ****.

[CincyBeerCo]

Intimidate, Dominate, Celebrate!!! (without negatively effecting the APR) :D

[NorrisHopper30]

If the haters are back that means we are doing something right.

[catsfan32]

Agreed, let all the haters lineup. The Bearcats are back baby. I smell the MARCH!

[shaunsimpson]

Lets face it. Many of the top 100 recruits want to play for a team with some swagga, image and reputation. They don't care that we have a good architecture program and they don't want to play for a church team. I want to C Paw to be a strong brand and our team to bring an intimidation to the court. That is what we need for top recruits as well.

[CincySuperFan]

I WANT THE SWAGGER, BLACK UNI'S, AND THE GET THE **** OUT OF OUR WAY ATTITUDE!!!

As long as we stay out of the news, go to class, and graduate, bring it on!!! That's who we are!!! Go Bearcats!!!

Did I mention that our football team is really good!?!?!?

[gocats13]

I love that everyone is back to hating us. That just means that once again they are scared of the UC Bearcats. I noticed that in a thread on the rivals main site that there are a lot of Arizona fans who are bitter. Can't wait to go to the Maui Invitational and kick their butts. Finally a chance to get some revenge for Miles Simpson's BS Prayer.

[Deaf_Bearcat]

I am so glad that Mick took his risk in winning Lance. I don't care about other schools calling UC "Thug". It was never fun in last 4 seasons. It is time for UC to show toughness and win all the way to March.

[bearcattg]

I love that everyone is back to hating us. That just means that once again they are scared of the UC Bearcats. I noticed that in a thread on the rivals main site that there are a lot of Arizona fans who are bitter. Can't wait to go to the Maui Invitational and kick their butts. Finally a chance to get some revenge for Miles Simpson's BS Prayer.

Miles Simon

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

And its 20 W in NCAA tourney equals the entire history of "Non-Thug U" before and after.

Gimme some W-L results like "Thug U" please.

[shaunsimpson]

Yep. I agree re: the wins.

I also agree that the image of thug you doesn't need to be reinforced in the classroom or off the court.

[Bcat007]

Not that i care, but why are Arizona fans upset with UC? Mick has finally brought in the goods on paper. But considering the way our past seasons under Mick began with heart breaking injuries and ineligibility issues, i will exhale after i see "everyone" healthy, suited and ready to go! We are due. Even still it's hard not to be at least a little excited.

[JohnFrancis]

LS is one and done (at best 2 years and NBA bound). He's not going to do anything off the court to harm his draft status or make NBA General Managers think twice unless he wants to forfeit a lot cash - I would hope he just lets his play on the court do the talking.

[nolte50uc]

i'm just glad to not see five new uk threads a day. we have some good news of our own so we don't have to hate on other programs and can just worry about our 'Cats. it's so refreshing - i love the energy for this team all of a sudden!

i don't know if i'm proud of a 'thug' image, but i like having a tough and physical team - which i think we can have w/ toyloy, gates (hopefully), and others. just stay out of the courts and in the classroom.

[cincycpaw]

If the haters are back that means we are doing something right.

Exactly..................

[mikep]

I once won 10 bucks off a UD fan who was sure we had at least 3 players who were 25, let them hate and make stuff up.......... after we kick their as$

[Irishbearcat]

I've seen pages of dirt on Urban Meyer about his recruiting practices. Same with Les Miles, Rich Rodriguez, Pete Carroll, and Nick Saban.

The opposing fans can't stand them, but the media loves them, and their fans are crazy about them.

Why? Because they win.

[bearcatbret]

Oh, the X basement dwellers are starting to speak out. Why, it is because their program is on the decline and UC's is on the incline. There are coaches who have been involved with LS and they say that he is kind and respectful. However, those who cheer for teams who could not sign LS will continue to try to tear him down and the school that signed him. Let the go cry to their moms from their basements. Let us not forget all of the problems that past X players got into and were swept under the rug.

[beeman7467]

I hate the image, but there is something to be said for the intimidation that accompanies it. Back in the day, playing the Bearcats meant you had to bring it for 40 minutes or they would crush you. Let's hope it is back.

[joe]

Reading all the comments on other sites, it's apparent that no one has forgotten UC's image from the past. It's being rehashed all over again. Frankly, it's almost painful to read some of the trash that's being flung by jealous idiots.

It was unfair then and it's unfair with Lance. Unfortunately there is absolutely nothing we can do about it.

Even if everything turns out squeaky clean, we're still going to be the program that will take anyone - no matter the baggage. I say **** 'em. I hope we get back the Bearcat swagger, the black uniforms and the winning percentage from the past and tell those who don't like it to eat ****.

Exactly. I didn't care then. I don't care now. Mick has all the weapons needed
for a great season.

gregg

[LongTimer]

The image was created by a lot of schools that were jealous of our program. In most cases it was unwarranted and inaccurate. There were many programs just as bad as ours that didn't get near the same media attention. Every program has their bad apples. I would rather have a tougher image with wins than a good image program that loses. I'm a basketball fan first.

[gocats13]

Miles Simon

Thank you. I was going from memory and I was very young at that time.

[CincyEngGrad02]

The image was created by a lot of schools that were jealous of our program. In most cases it was unwarranted and inaccurate. There were many programs just as bad as ours that didn't get near the same media attention. Every program has their bad apples. I would rather have a tougher image with wins than a good image program that loses. I'm a basketball fan first.

See now I like posts like this. You've been very upfront from the beginning. You've said you want to win and that the other things weren't quite as important.

Others on here, not to mention the admin, have been saying for quite some time how image was so important. Funny how those people aren't saying that now, or they are busy trying to downplay LS's issues.

[ChicagoCat]

Being one of the older posters on the board I've seen every manifestation of UC basketball since Tay Baker. Other than Catletts' teams, Huggins were the consistently best and a ton of fun to watch.
Personally, I simply loved watching Kenyon and Melvin and co turn Duke and NC, (remember Brenda Heywood? Kenyon does) into little girls.
Give us black uniforms and swagger any day, and we'll fill up fifth/third again.

[Bearcat_DF]

Not that i care, but why are Arizona fans upset with UC? Mick has finally brought in the goods on paper. But considering the way our past seasons under Mick began with heart breaking injuries and ineligibility issues, i will exhale after i see "everyone" healthy, suited and ready to go! We are due. Even still it's hard not to be at least a little excited.

AZ was recruiting LS.

[JerseySean]

See now I like posts like this. You've been very upfront from the beginning. You've said you want to win and that the other things weren't quite as important.

Others on here, not to mention the admin, have been saying for quite some time how image was so important. Funny how those people aren't saying that now, or they are busy trying to downplay LS's issues.

I'll speak up (as I consistently do) for wanting UC to have a "good reputation". I believe that the reputation of our (my) institution as a whole is important, and that means recruiting young men and women who will represent our (my) university with distinction, play with honor, go to class, and obey the law. Oh, yeah, it would be nice if they graduate, too.

Quite simply, our reputation outside of Cincinnati has not been good for a long, long time (those of you who live in Cincinnati might not be as familiar with our reputation, but during the Huggins years it downright sucked out here). But I also believe that it is getting better in the Northeast -- especially with our admission to the BEast and our emerging football "program" and highly-touted coach. To me, it is important that our (my) university be highly ranked in academic programs and I'm exceptionally proud of the rankings of CCM and DAAP, in particular.

That all said, I do not believe - at this point - that LS will be a "problem" for UC. In fact, I expect that he will play with sportsmanship, attend class, and stay out of trouble. I expect him to acquit himself well on and off the court. In other words, we can have our cake and eat it, too. What will make him a "bad egg" is if he gets in trouble while at UC.

It's unfortunate that the NCAA/NBA system makes college a temporary "layover" for so many gifted athletes (and let's face it, a number of these athletes should stay more than one year, anyway), and I don't like UC athletes leaving early unless they are determined to come back and get their diploma. But Mick has to win. And I think LS is a "reasonable" bet to be a gentleman while he's here. He could, in the end, improve our reputation.

My pipe dream? That he stay four years. Unrealistic.
My other pipe dream? That should he leave, he comes back and gets his diploma. Sadly, unlikely...
My best guess? That he leaves after one or two years, but leaves the program better than he found it while enhancing his own reputation as well as that of our (my) university.

Welcome aboard, Lance. Make us proud.

[columbus_bearcat]

I'll speak up (as I consistently do) for wanting UC to have a "good reputation". I believe that the reputation of our (my) institution as a whole is important, and that means recruiting young men and women who will represent our (my) university with distinction, play with honor, go to class, and obey the law. Oh, yeah, it would be nice if they graduate, too.

Quite simply, our reputation outside of Cincinnati has not been good for a long, long time (those of you who live in Cincinnati might not be as familiar with our reputation, but during the Huggins years it downright sucked out here). But I also believe that it is getting better in the Northeast -- especially with our admission to the BEast and our emerging football "program" and highly-touted coach. To me, it is important that our (my) university be highly ranked in academic programs and I'm exceptionally proud of the rankings of CCM and DAAP, in particular.

That all said, I do not believe - at this point - that LS will be a "problem" for UC. In fact, I expect that he will play with sportsmanship, attend class, and stay out of trouble. I expect him to acquit himself well on and off the court. In other words, we can have our cake and eat it, too. What will make him a "bad egg" is if he gets in trouble while at UC.

It's unfortunate that the NCAA/NBA system makes college a temporary "layover" for so many gifted athletes (and let's face it, a number of these athletes should stay more than one year, anyway), and I don't like UC athletes leaving early unless they are determined to come back and get their diploma. But Mick has to win. And I think LS is a "reasonable" bet to be a gentleman while he's here. He could, in the end, improve our reputation.

My pipe dream? That he stay four years. Unrealistic.
My other pipe dream? That should he leave, he comes back and gets his diploma. Sadly, unlikely...
My best guess? That he leaves after one or two years, but leaves the program better than he found it while enhancing his own reputation as well as that of our (my) university.

Welcome aboard, Lance. Make us proud.

Good post, Sean. Well Said. I agree with everything you've said. Welcome aboard Lance.

[Deaf_Bearcat]

OK. Now we have Lance on UC basketball team. The only possible roadblock is the NCAA Clearinghouse which it will check his whole background. We have to keep our hope at minimal because we have been through many disappointments by NCAA clearinghouse, for example, Herrara, Adam H, and many others. Once Lance gets through the roadblock, we can then be more joyous and celebrating.

[bearcated]

Everyone likes you when they are whipping your tail.

I'll take the old style, gin-drinking, horse slapping crew, and take my chances.

You can find malcontents and problem children in every program. Just ask Drew Lavendar.

[kcat]

Before Eggsvair starts their Catholics vs Convicts.. They better check
Drew Lavender's drug possession charge before he became a choir boy.
Oh, he ended his stay at Eggs with a drug possession charge.
They took another hit this week by accepting the Purdue academic
reject. Kinda shots a hole in the their elite academic standing (which
is a joke).

[righthook]

Before Eggsvair starts their Catholics vs Convicts.. They better check
Drew Lavender's drug possession charge before he became a choir boy.
Oh, he ended his stay at Eggs with a drug possession charge.
They took another hit this week by accepting the Purdue academic
reject. Kinda shots a hole in the their elite academic standing (which
is a joke).

You forgot to mention Dedrick Finn's drug distribution charges and Parrom punching his coach. Plus, didn't one of their recruits from last year have to sit out because they didn't meet the NCAA's academic requirements? Lyons?

[Bcatfan08]

I think the difference with Stephenson and most of the Huggins recruits is that Stephenson is a top 10 type recruit. I don't mind bringing in a top 10 recruit with a history once in a while. Huggins was bringing in three star guys with a history. Guys that Mick has laid off of since he has been here. Those guys aren't worth the risk. Stephenson is worth the risk of having a player with a history. Bringing in a kid with a history that will likely sit the bench for a couple years is definitely not worth the risk. Maybe I'm being silly, but I don't mind bringing in a questionable guy if he's a five star type of player. Most of these five star guys have attitude problems, so bringing this kid isn't much worse than any other five star guy out there.

[shaunsimpson]

Do we really have a program that needs to be liked? I know that there are a lot with envy over the fan bases of other schools, but I loved and still love being the school that people from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana like because they are sick of the other schools.

[Deaf_Bearcat]

I think the difference with Stephenson and most of the Huggins recruits is that Stephenson is a top 10 type recruit. I don't mind bringing in a top 10 recruit with a history once in a while. Huggins was bringing in three star guys with a history. Guys that Mick has laid off of since he has been here. Those guys aren't worth the risk. Stephenson is worth the risk of having a player with a history. Bringing in a kid with a history that will likely sit the bench for a couple years is definitely not worth the risk. Maybe I'm being silly, but I don't mind bringing in a questionable guy if he's a five star type of player. Most of these five star guys have attitude problems, so bringing this kid isn't much worse than any other five star guy out there.

FYI....Huggins has gotten several McDonald's AA kids (Wingfield, Fortson, D. Johnson, Flint, etc.). I am sure they were 5-star kids.

[BearcatAlum1]

^It's true. However, we were not pulling in those type of kids on a regular basis.

MC has landed a 5* in consecutive recruiting classes, and we're in on two 5* for 2010 (Payne and Kendrick).


Addressing the "Thug U" misconception...........

Some comments are warranted, as we have had troubles in the past. Every big-time schools takes gambles. Wall at Kentucky is a prime example. UK is more "Thug U" than us.

More importantly..........I want all black jerseys. Let's go old school. All black with red/white print of Cincinnati across the chest.

Press for 40 minutes and contest every shot. The other team doesn't get layups because we foul. They complain about our defense because we're hanging all over them. We continue to pressure and get called for fouls, but we have a 10 man rotation. We sub, but there is not dropoff. That's what I want.........

[Lobot]

I would like to change the title of this thread to something more positive. I think the title does a disservice to the university and indirectly insults Lance. Any ideas?

[milfordcats]

I would like to change the title of this thread to something more positive. I think the title does a disservice to the university and indirectly insults Lance. Any ideas?

"New perception?"

[CincyBeerCo]

I would like to change the title of this thread to something more positive. I think the title does a disservice to the university and indirectly insults Lance. Any ideas?

Intimidate, Dominate, Celebrate!!! :)

[righthook]

I would like to change the title of this thread to something more positive. I think the title does a disservice to the university and indirectly insults Lance. Any ideas?


The title of the thread refers to the perception that many are going back to with this signing. Whether you like it or not, the thread title is an accurate description of the topic.

[oldcat48]

Guys. Seriously. This big legal thing is a MISDEMEANOR. It was "groping." Not that it's ever appropriate, but let's also put it in perspective. I see girls get groped in bars regularly. ****, even guys get "groped" - it's happened to me. If everyone charges everyone else with groping the court system would burst. The attention paid to this is almost humorous.

Secondly, we have players on other UC teams with much more egregious accusations/histories. You guys act like men's basketball is our only sport at UC. Nancy approved questionable athletes. This is peanuts compared to some of the others.

[kcat]

Groping (grab a$$),,, It use to be if the girl did'nt like it, you got slapped (end of story).
This groping thing is way over blown.

[shaunsimpson]

I had my junk grabbed at a bar a little while ago.

I don't condone the action, but I am not sure he did it either. It happened around the end of school in front of the school. Unless they are different than most schools they should have had saftey guards ot school personal out there.

If he did it he should be punished. Losing ability to play college basketball punished? I don't know all of the info on the case, but my first impression would be no.

[BearcatAlum1]

^ I really could careless about it.

He isn't selling drugs, gangbanging, etc. He hasn't been convicted of anything.

I wish we had a team of Born Readys.

[Carl]

Reading all the comments on other sites, it's apparent that no one has forgotten UC's image from the past. It's being rehashed all over again. Frankly, it's almost painful to read some of the trash that's being flung by jealous idiots.

It was unfair then and it's unfair with Lance. Unfortunately there is absolutely nothing we can do about it.

Even if everything turns out squeaky clean, we're still going to be the program that will take anyone - no matter the baggage. I say **** 'em. I hope we get back the Bearcat swagger, the black uniforms and the winning percentage from the past and tell those who don't like it to eat ****.

I agree, but count my vote.

Sticks and stones will break my bones.....

I live in Atlanta. On end given Saturday, there might be grads from four or five SEC schools in the room. All of them accuse each other's school of recruiting criminals. It is the first thing out of their mouths. Don't listen to it. Some people need thicker skin.

[Pie Hole]

Do we really have a program that needs to be liked? I know that there are a lot with envy over the fan bases of other schools, but I loved and still love being the school that people from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana like because they are sick of the other schools.

Personally, I love being the team that every fan in the nation "loves to hate". Generally speaking, people don't hate teams that are average. Their hatred towards that team comes only if they are successful. Bring on the haters.

[dp3113]

Personally, I love being the team that every fan in the nation "loves to hate". Generally speaking, people don't hate teams that are average. Their hatred towards that team comes only if they are successful. Bring on the haters.

100% agree.