Mick-Loving

[jbreeds1]

I was trying to do some research on Mick to find out exactly what kind of game plan he will try to instill in this year's team. I just can't go another year of watching inept ball movement around the top of the key (a.k.a. the weave). He has a great group of talent this year and should be able to do some fun and exciting things on offense and defense. I found an article that made me realize he is the right man for the job. The part about "cartwheelin' down the hallway" made me chuckle. Mick deserves a lot of credit for what he has done for the basketball program. Not only in the past few years as a head coach, but, also as an assistant under Huggins. Time to rally around Coach Cronin! Lets go Cats!

http://www.magazine.uc.edu/0506/cronin1.htm

[BearcatAlum1]

I don't think we have "great" talent.

I do think we have much "better" talent than we have had in the Cronin's short tenure.

I do think we have enough talent to place in the top 4 of the BigEast and earn a 3-6 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

I do think we have enough talent to make a Sweet 16 run.

I do think we have enough talent to get 25 wins.

I don't think we have "great" talent like Kansas, Michigan State, Villanova, North Carolina, or Kentucky.



Alum1

[Cincinnati Burrcats]

This is his last chance, so he needs to pull out all the stops. No excuses this year.... yet.

[BearcatAlum1]

"Last chance" for what..........?

[Cincinnati Burrcats]

To prove he can be the coach of UC. No doubt if Mick does make a vast improvement record wise this year and especially if the 'cats do the typical losing streak to end a season, there's no justification for keeping Mick around, how many chances does a guy get when continually failing? This the best team he's had since he's arrived, now do something with it.

[CincyBeerCo]

To prove he can be the coach of UC. No doubt if Mick does make a vast improvement record wise this year and especially if the 'cats do the typical losing streak to end a season, there's no justification for keeping Mick around, how many chances does a guy get when continually failing? This the best team he's had since he's arrived, now do something with it.

I would argue that he has been continually improving and succeeding. Not failing.

[Bearcat Revival]

This is NOT his "last chance". Maybe for you, but not for me and not for UC. He'll at least get next year unless they completely collapse and fall under .500...which isn't going to happen.

[Cincinnati Burrcats]

We'll agree to disagree, but I think we can agree that Mick is finally to a point where he cannot use the same excuses. The probationary period is over, the transition should be in its next phase and that is competing on a nightly basis. We have depth, we have a few big time recruits, we have Vaughns senior year, we have Thomas, we need guys like Bishop and Wilks to pull their heads out of their rear and step up to the plate, we have youth in Kilpatrick, Wright, Dixon and Stephenson. Bottom line is, our bench players could very well be players that have a fair amount of playing experience, which bodes well going into the season.

[kcat]

"This is his last chance" What causes people to say such things. Things are
finally looking up and we have some that want to say "last chance".
It just shows how far people will go be negative.

[JasonS]

This is his last chance, so he needs to pull out all the stops. No excuses this year.... yet.

I could not disagree with this more. I would say this is Mick's FIRST chance. This is the first year where Mick was actually able to recruit kids earlier on and not pick from the recruits left over. It only goes up from here.

[CincyBeerCo]

I could not disagree with this more. I would say this is Mick's FIRST chance. This is the first year where Mick was actually able to recruit kids earlier on and not pick from the recruits left over. It only goes up from here.

Well put....FIRST chance it is :)

[Cincinnati Burrcats]

Whatever, first chance, last chance, either way if Micks team chokes down the stretch again, it's curtains. Don't mistake this for negativity, it's a fan saying hey, you've got yourself the tools to win now, now go and do it. There is no reason why this team cannot be a top 50 team in the country, none whatsoever. Anything short of an NCAA bid would be a letdown.

[HotSizzle]

I don't think we have "great" talent.

I do think we have much "better" talent than we have had in the Cronin's short tenure.

I do think we have enough talent to place in the top 4 of the BigEast and earn a 3-6 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

I do think we have enough talent to make a Sweet 16 run.

I do think we have enough talent to get 25 wins.

I don't think we have "great" talent like Kansas, Michigan State, Villanova, North Carolina, or Kentucky.





Alum1

"Great" talent is kind of relative. Those 5 teams are not the only teams that can be considered to have great talent. If cincy finishes top 4 in the big east and gets a 3 seed...that's a great year by a "great" team. The teams you mentioned are more of the elite...which cincy is not yet.

[BearcatAlum1]

I'm not trying to play word games, but:

While "great" is relative, our overall talent might be top 6 in the BigEast. We are probably top 8. I feel confident that we are def. top 10 in talent.

Either way, we don't have "great" talent. We have the most talent on any UC team that MC has coached.

A "great" year doesn't always progress from a "great" team.

Hopefully, we can be a great team. I'm not counting any chickens before they hatch.

[red_n_black_attack]

I absolutely agree that this is Mick's first chance. The Cash injury and changed this team last year, which I had originally counted as "the real year one". I know one player, especially an incoming freshmen, does not a team make. That said, our guards were playing out of position. Let the new "Year One" begin!

I believe Mick will quell the naysayers this year AND moving forward. This team has improved every year. Last year, we were ahead of schedule until end of year drop off the face of the earth performances. We will not see that again!

[jbreeds1]

[QUOTE=BearcatAlum1;88095]I'm not trying to play word games, but:

While "great" is relative, our overall talent might be top 6 in the BigEast. We are probably top 8. I feel confident that we are def. top 10 in talent.

Either way, we don't have "great" talent. We have the most talent on any UC team that MC has coached.


Top 10 in talent? That's a bold assessment.;) I'd like to see your rankings so that I may chuckle aloud.

How can you say our talent is not great with players like Vaughn, Stephenson, Gates, Cash... Sounds pretty great to me.

[JasonS]

Whatever, first chance, last chance, either way if Micks team chokes down the stretch again, it's curtains. Don't mistake this for negativity, it's a fan saying hey, you've got yourself the tools to win now, now go and do it. There is no reason why this team cannot be a top 50 team in the country, none whatsoever. Anything short of an NCAA bid would be a letdown.

First of all, to say "first chance, last chance, either way if Micks team chokes down the stretch again, it's curtains" is both stupid and ignorant. It is stupid because there is a big difference between first and last chances. It is ignorant because you really think Mick will be canned after this year when he has full support of the AD and rightfully so.

Also, if your goal is to be a top 50 team in the country, please don't try to offer your services as a motivational speaker any time soon. If the Bearcats are barely a top 50 team, then we will have to wait it out on the bubble come selection Sunday and quite frankly this team should be good enough to be solidly in the tourney this year.

[BearcatAlum1]

1. Villanova
2. Connecticut
3. Louisville
4. Syracuse
5. Georgetown
6. Cincinnati
7. Pitt
8. Rutgers

That's how I'd rank the top 8 re: overall talent on the team.

[BeastUC]

1. Villanova
2. Connecticut
3. Louisville
4. Syracuse
5. Georgetown
6. Cincinnati
7. Pitt
8. Rutgers

That's how I'd rank the top 8 re: overall talent on the team.

I would replace Pitt with Seton Hall and agree if we are talking about ratings and performance.
SHU has a lot of transfers who was highly ranked,and even some on the team from last year that showed their talent while being undermanned.

[bearcatbret]

I am sure glad to be able to play UConn twice this year. It will demonstrate that we have the talent and UConn will not be quite as tough as last year. I think that I would also list WVU in the top 8.

[jbreeds1]

1. Villanova
2. Connecticut
3. Louisville
4. Syracuse
5. Georgetown
6. Cincinnati
7. Pitt
8. Rutgers

That's how I'd rank the top 8 re: overall talent on the team.

West Virginia gets bumped by Rutgers?

My List:
1. Villanova
2. UConn
3. Louisville
4. West Virginia
5. Cincinnati
6. Georgetown
7. Syracuse
8. Pitt
9. Notre Dame
10. Rutgers

[mikep]

1. Villanova
2. Connecticut
3. Louisville
4. Syracuse
5. Georgetown
6. Cincinnati
7. Pitt
8. Rutgers

That's how I'd rank the top 8 re: overall talent on the team.

This might be right but I expect UC to finish higher than their “Talent” do to this teams depth and experience. Look how many teams on this list had to replace their top 2 or 3 players.

[Cincinnati Burrcats]

No, top 50 would get you into the tourney... hence, 64 teams.

[subflea]

No, top 50 would get you into the tourney... hence, 64 teams.

Uh, you need to quit before you get any further behind. The top 64 teams in the country do not make the NCAA tournament, even the top 50 usually don't. The top 35 or so teams do, and behind them is a bunch of lower level D-1 teams that win their conference tournament.

[xlax1306]

No, top 50 would get you into the tourney... hence, 64 teams.

you and the greatone must hang out.

[BeastUC]

Rutgers has plenty of talent on their team,their fault is coaching.
WVU doesn't have a lot of guys that was highly rated,but they have good coaching.
Notre Dame has 4 proven guys and after that,not much.

[xlax1306]

Rutgers has plenty of talent on their team,their fault is coaching.
WVU doesn't have a lot of guys that was highly rated,but they have good coaching.
Notre Dame has 4 proven guys and after that,not much.

That has always been Huggs MO. Get underrated and undervalued guys that come in and turn them into solid players (Butler, Mazulla, Wellington Smith, Truck Bryant, etc.) and pair them with a couple studs to put them over the top (Ebanks, Kevin Jones)

[mikep]

That has always been Huggs MO. Get underrated and undervalued guys

Who are athletic and hungry

[BeastUC]

That has always been Huggs MO. Get underrated and undervalued guys that come in and turn them into solid players (Butler, Mazulla, Wellington Smith, Truck Bryant, etc.) and pair them with a couple studs to put them over the top (Ebanks, Kevin Jones)

Agreed.I'm not sure Joe Alexander would have been a lottery pick under John Beilein.

[xlax1306]

Agreed.I'm not sure Joe Alexander would have been a lottery pick under John Beilein.

Perfect example. No chance he would have been. Alexander was a lottery pick because he had versatility in that he could take it to the hole and shoot it from outside and bang with the big boys. If not for Huggs we would have been just another big jump shooter.

[Cincinnati Burrcats]

Its no wonder I keep getting banned... you people are ridiculous. Whatever happened to accountability? Have the Bengals and Reds rubbed off on you all??? Mediocrity should not be acceptable given where this program was before the disaster. I feel like this is the same garbage mindset Mike Brown and the Reds have had for the past 20 years. The last thing this town needs is another loser. We're in the BE, and at some point in time people need to put some expectations on Mick that aren't so incredibly pathetic. Anything less than the NCAA is grounds for firing, period. Heck, you may not agree with that, but I bet one thing, if this club doesn't make the NIT at least, there's no way in **** Mick's around to see another day with this club.

[xlax1306]

Its no wonder I keep getting banned... you people are ridiculous. Whatever happened to accountability? Have the Bengals and Reds rubbed off on you all??? Mediocrity should not be acceptable given where this program was before the disaster. I feel like this is the same garbage mindset Mike Brown and the Reds have had for the past 20 years. The last thing this town needs is another loser. We're in the BE, and at some point in time people need to put some expectations on Mick that aren't so incredibly pathetic. Anything less than the NCAA is grounds for firing, period. Heck, you may not agree with that, but I bet one thing, if this club doesn't make the NIT at least, there's no way in **** Mick's around to see another day with this club.


Mick signed a 5 year contract when he first got here and he'll be around for the 5th year barring a scandal. If you look at the situation he walked into when he got here in terms of our APR you'd know that most people on here are being realists not ridiculous. That being said I believe this team will win at least 1 game in the big dance and finish top 2-4 in the BEAST.

[JasonS]

Uh, you need to quit before you get any further behind. The top 64 teams in the country do not make the NCAA tournament, even the top 50 usually don't. The top 35 or so teams do, and behind them is a bunch of lower level D-1 teams that win their conference tournament.

Yep. There are 34 at-large births so that means there are 31 conference winners. Out of those 31 conferences, usually only the 6 BCS conferences plus the A-10, Missouri Valley, Mountain West, WAC, and CUSA even have teams that are regularly "top 50" teams as Burrcats likes to reference. So that makes 11 auto bids plus 34 at large bids or 45 bids total. That means that on average at least 5 "top 50" teams do not even make the tourney.

[Helicopter]

No, top 50 would get you into the tourney... hence, 64 teams.

Wow... watch cbball much?

Its usually 45-47 depending on who wins their tournies.

[JasonS]

Its no wonder I keep getting banned... you people are ridiculous. Whatever happened to accountability? Have the Bengals and Reds rubbed off on you all??? Mediocrity should not be acceptable given where this program was before the disaster. I feel like this is the same garbage mindset Mike Brown and the Reds have had for the past 20 years. The last thing this town needs is another loser. We're in the BE, and at some point in time people need to put some expectations on Mick that aren't so incredibly pathetic. Anything less than the NCAA is grounds for firing, period. Heck, you may not agree with that, but I bet one thing, if this club doesn't make the NIT at least, there's no way in **** Mick's around to see another day with this club.

So you have already moved from NCAA Tourney or fire Mick to at least NIT or fire Mick? If you are going to continue to be unreasonable, at least be consistent with your position. :rolleyes:

[Thegreatone]

That has always been Huggs MO. Get underrated and undervalued guys that come in and turn them into solid players (Butler, Mazulla, Wellington Smith, Truck Bryant, etc.) and pair them with a couple studs to put them over the top (Ebanks, Kevin Jones)

no, we dont.

The list of my best friends are this:

Lance Stephenson, Mick Cronin, Todd, The Ralph.

[BearcatAlum1]

I forgot West Virginia and Seton Hall! My bad.....

That just proves that the Big East will have an abundance of talent, even if it is "down" from last year.

I appreciate everyone that helped prove my point regarding our team having "great talent." We don't have great talent. It's debateable if we're even one of the top 6 or 7 teams in our own Leage in terms of raw talent.

I think we have "some" nice talent on our squad. I don't think you have to be the most talented team to win games, hence my expectation that we could finish in the top 4 in the BigEast.

This is MC's most talented team, but we're far from having "great talent."

Now, maybe some of the guys make strides and enhance their athletic ability and play.

We should revisit this argument mid-season and see what's happening.

[xlax1306]

no, we dont.

The list of my best friends are this:

Lance Stephenson, Mick Cronin, Todd, The Ralph.

Trouble operating the quote button?

[BearcatAlum1]

I feel like a father watching his twins fight all day. Geesh.

[xlax1306]

I feel like a father watching his twins fight all day. Geesh.

Having someone take credit for information that is yours can light a fire under your ***.

[slimm]

This is his last chance, so he needs to pull out all the stops. No excuses this year.... yet.

not quite....unless you can personally nix his current contract. but not to worry.....this year will be extremely enjoyable as compared to the last few.

[Bearcat82]

I don't think we have "great" talent.

I do think we have enough talent to place in the top 4 of the BigEast and earn a 3-6 seed in the NCAA Tournament.


Alum1

I believe by having the talent to finish in the top 4 of the BEast- even in a "down year", by definition means we have "great talent"

[xlax1306]

I believe by having the talent to finish in the top 4 of the BEast- even in a "down year", by definition means we have "great talent"


This team has really good college basketball talent. Not great NBA talent as i think the only ones from the current roster with a shot to make a large mark in the league are yancy and lance with potentially Dixon and Kilpatrick in the mix. I consider great talent to be final four talent and I dont think this team is there yet. Is the talent good enough to win a few tourney games? absolutely.

[Cincinnati Burrcats]

unbelievable. That's all I got.

[Bearcat82]

That has always been Huggs MO. Hey, no offense, but I thought the title of this thread is "Mick-Loving". Mick's MO is beating Huggs. ;)

[xlax1306]

Hey, no offense, but I thought the title of this thread is "Mick-Loving". Mick's MO is beating Huggs. ;)

Well played, but I'm sure Mick has loved every minute of both those W's.

[JasonS]

Having someone take credit for information that is yours can light a fire under your ***.

I'd hate to see how you act when someone (allegedly) steals good info from you. :rolleyes:

Give it a rest already and quit hi-jacking 27 different threads with this junk!

[xlax1306]

I'd hate to see how you act when someone (allegedly) steals good info from you. :rolleyes:

Give it a rest already and quit hi-jacking 27 different threads with this junk!

That's the point. Giving people a reason not to do it in the future. I apologize for hi-jacking all the threads, but it appears as though i got my point across.

[ralph1950]

Whatever, first chance, last chance, either way if Micks team chokes down the stretch again, it's curtains. Don't mistake this for negativity, it's a fan saying hey, you've got yourself the tools to win now, now go and do it. There is no reason why this team cannot be a top 50 team in the country, none whatsoever. Anything short of an NCAA bid would be a letdown.

Mick just signed a 2 year contract extension at $1 million per year, he has 5 years remaining on his contract. One has to be a fool to think UC would fire Mick before the remaining 5 years on his contract run out no matter what the team's record is. UC cannot afford to pay 2 coaches, one to coach and one not to coach.

[Boosilini]

"This is his last chance" What causes people to say such things. Things are
finally looking up and we have some that want to say "last chance".
It just shows how far people will go be negative.

Thats Bearcatnews for ya.... you get a lil bit of everything lol.A few ppl on here that Really know what to expect,those that hope tooooooooo much and those that speak without thinking.But we all love UC hoops so dont respond to the garbage.
________
HOW TO MAKE A VAPORIZER (http://howtomakeavaporizer.info/)

[LongTimer]

Its no wonder I keep getting banned... you people are ridiculous. Whatever happened to accountability? Have the Bengals and Reds rubbed off on you all??? Mediocrity should not be acceptable given where this program was before the disaster. I feel like this is the same garbage mindset Mike Brown and the Reds have had for the past 20 years. The last thing this town needs is another loser. We're in the BE, and at some point in time people need to put some expectations on Mick that aren't so incredibly pathetic. Anything less than the NCAA is grounds for firing, period. Heck, you may not agree with that, but I bet one thing, if this club doesn't make the NIT at least, there's no way in **** Mick's around to see another day with this club.

I have to agree with CB here. Mick has to step it up soon or we need to go in another direction. I have been consistent in saying he should get this year plus one more. I have also been consistent in saying that he has underachieved in my opinion. If he has another end of season meltdown and we fail to make the NCAA, my opinion of giving him another year might change. It's probably just a moot point anyway. I don't see any chance that he won't have a good year this year. But, I have grown very tired of this period of mediocrity we have found ourselves in. He has the horses now. He has an abundance of above average/good/great players (whatever you choose to label them). Our experience is good. Just get it done. Coach 'em up like Huggs always did. No more excuses.

As to having great support from the AD and everyone else, I know some people close to the situation who would not agree with this. He got a contract extension, but he did not get a raise. That says a lot. I think they are being patient with him and hoping (like me) that he gets his act together, because like I have said many times, he is our absolute best option for coach. He will stay forever if we let him, and I for one, would love for that to happen. I want to embrace him just like I did Huggs. I want the Shoe full and rocking like it used to be. But, we are running out of time. Four years out of the tournament is a trend that is disturbing and must stop now! I'm confident and hopeful it will change this year.

[HeThun]

Next year is very important for Mick for a number of reasons.

1. His job is to create revenue for the University, and that means positive cash flow and hopefully, a nice profit. No on likes to talk about it, but that is why unis have "varsity" programs. The two programs that most often carry the rest are mens' basketball and football. A hidden benefit (profit center) from successful bball and fball programs is increased alumni donations.

Right now, Mick and the basketball program are creating negative cash flow, something which will not continue for more than a couple of years.

With the recent addition of Lance Stephenson, Mick with the approval of the Board of Directors, took a step to increasing short-term revenues despite a lackluster 08/09 season. Lance WILL provide increased $$$ through seat sales and added TV appearances. He may even help increase UC branded product sales.

2. For recruiting purposes, it is important for Mick that next season results in an NCAA appearance, specifically for the April 2010 signing period, 2011 and beyond. The Lance Effect is the only thing that could affect the November signing period.

3. For Mick's ego. He is like everyone else. He kept repeating the comeback will take time, but he really felt he would have us in the NCAA tourney last season. He wants it bad. It is tough to walk among the coaching greats when you are an 18 win coach. They see you standing there, pat you on the head, and resume their conversations.

I'm old. I know these things.

[Bearcats_Rule]

I have to agree with CB here. Mick has to step it up soon or we need to go in another direction. I have been consistent in saying he should get this year plus one more. I have also been consistent in saying that he has underachieved in my opinion. If he has another end of season meltdown and we fail to make the NCAA, my opinion of giving him another year might change. It's probably just a moot point anyway. I don't see any chance that he won't have a good year this year. But, I have grown very tired of this period of mediocrity we have found ourselves in. He has the horses now. He has an abundance of above average/good/great players (whatever you choose to label them). Our experience is good. Just get it done. Coach 'em up like Huggs always did. No more excuses.

As to having great support from the AD and everyone else, I know some people close to the situation who would not agree with this. He got a contract extension, but he did not get a raise. That says a lot. I think they are being patient with him and hoping (like me) that he gets his act together, because like I have said many times, he is our absolute best option for coach. He will stay forever if we let him, and I for one, would love for that to happen. I want to embrace him just like I did Huggs. I want the Shoe full and rocking like it used to be. But, we are running out of time. Four years out of the tournament is a trend that is disturbing and must stop now! I'm confident and hopeful it will change this year.

LT... I like your optimism but I am curious how you felt the program should have done the past 4 years? Did you expect them to be in the NCAA Tourney in which year? I think they got snubbed by the NIT last year but the have been in the NCAA conversation the past couple years and that I consider over achieving. I thought when Mick was hired it would be 4-5 years before we could even consider to be in the NCAA conversation. That was due to rebuiding a team to compete in the BEast... Would have felt different if we were still in conf USA