Will Mick improve as a coach

[CincinnatiUSC]

The banter in the "Is Lance 1 and done" thread brought up an old thought in my mind that I wanted to hash out here and get your opinions.

I think we can all agree we haven't ended the past 2 years on a good note. Some harshly criticize Mick's ability to improve players, others give him somewhat of a free pass saying it's too early to completely evaluate. The truth lies somewhere in the middle more than likely.

We hired Mick as a young head coach. Our program had 2 scholarship basketball players when he got here, one of which transferred. Our record has improved each year under Mick, but the quality of basketball hasn't drastically improved the way the record indicates. I'm sure he's doing some learning on the job in many aspects of coaching.

Now that Mick has had 3 years of major D1 head coaching experience under his belt, do you think he's better prepared to help players improve their basketball skills? Will the freshmen he recruits next year improve more than the Wilks/Bishop bunch because of Mick's experience? Or do you expect the same level of improvement (or lack there of depending on your position)
?

I tend to think (hope) that Mick is a pretty savvy guy and can improve his coaching abilities. He is pretty competitive which leads me to believe he'll grow as a coach and a person. I'm also an optimist and would like to hear others opinions on this matter.

[catscratchfever]

probably not a good idea to start a thread like this...I think we all know where this will go

[BearcatAlum1]

Joke of a thread. I challenge others not to post and gives this the time of day.

[CincinnatiUSC]

Kind of harsh reactions to an honest question.

I was curious as to some other examples of young coaches improving that maybe I am not aware of. (Frank Beamer in football comes to mind) I also understand there may be some doubters, but as long as those thoughts can be expressed with tact and facts, I assume we're all grown enough to handle honest criticism.

Deep down I was hoping to get a large percentage of "yeah, I think if Mick had knew then what he knows now the first 3 years would have been better" type stuff. Hopefully we'll have our coach for a long time and win a lot of games.

I guess the initial reactions were just message board skepticism.

[JasonS]

Kind of harsh reactions to an honest question.

I was curious as to some other examples of young coaches improving that maybe I am not aware of. (Frank Beamer in football comes to mind) I also understand there may be some doubters, but as long as those thoughts can be expressed with tact and facts, I assume we're all grown enough to handle honest criticism.

Deep down I was hoping to get a large percentage of "yeah, I think if Mick had knew then what he knows now the first 3 years would have been better" type stuff. Hopefully we'll have our coach for a long time and win a lot of games.

I guess the initial reactions were just message board skepticism.

I think you way underestimated the lack of talent Mick had when he walked in the door and the conference that he had to deal with. I don't think it is fair to judge his coaching talent based on the first three years because of where this program was. Let's see where this program goes from here and then make some judgements.

[CincyEngGrad02]

A very good question. Mick is all over the place. Gets beat by lesser talented teams....USF, Depaul, & Belmont...but also beats more talented teams like Xavier, Louisville, West Virginia, and Notre Dame.
Right now the only thing I can clearly tell is he's not one of the bottom 4 coaches in the Big East, and he's not one of the top 8.
This site has him ranked 11th.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/216881-sizing-up-the-basketball-coaches-of-the-big-east-16-all-the-way-to-1

[catsfan32]

A very good question. Mick is all over the place. Gets beat by lesser talented teams....USF, Depaul, & Belmont...but also beats more talented teams like Xavier, Louisville, West Virginia, and Notre Dame.
Right now the only thing I can clearly tell is he's not one of the bottom 4 coaches in the Big East, and he's not one of the top 8.
This site has him ranked 11th.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/216881-sizing-up-the-basketball-coaches-of-the-big-east-16-all-the-way-to-1

Seriously top 4 in the BE is crazy. We have Calhoun, Huggins, Pitino, Boheim.. All of the top 4 are HOF coach's. Then you have JP3, Dixon, and Wright to round out the top 7. That list would take years to crack.

[Lobot]

Seriously top 4 in the BE is crazy. We have Calhoun, Huggins, Pitino, Boheim.. All of the top 4 are HOF coach's. Then you have JP3, Dixon, and Wright to round out the top 7. That list would take years to crack.

Something eventually has to give for Jay Wright. You can't stay at a small school like Nova forever. West coast schools like Dixon and if the Pitt program ever takes a downturn I would expect him to be gone as well.

[Cincinnati Burrcats]

The question should be an answer, Mick NEEDS to be a better coach, or it's time to move on.

[dp3113]

Something eventually has to give for Jay Wright. You can't stay at a small school like Nova forever. West coast schools like Dixon and if the Pitt program ever takes a downturn I would expect him to be gone as well.

I think if Wright goes anywhere, its to the NBA.

As for Jamie Dixon- he is interesting, because he is an LA guy, and has always been rumored to be heading back to the west coast when he got the opportunity.....yet USC (multiple times) and Arizona have come calling now, and he has stayed put in Pittsburgh.

[westsidecat]

A very good question. Mick is all over the place. Gets beat by lesser talented teams....USF, Depaul, & Belmont...but also beats more talented teams like Xavier, Louisville, West Virginia, and Notre Dame.
Right now the only thing I can clearly tell is he's not one of the bottom 4 coaches in the Big East, and he's not one of the top 8.
This site has him ranked 11th.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/216881-sizing-up-the-basketball-coaches-of-the-big-east-16-all-the-way-to-1

Don't take anything from bleacher report serious. Might be the worse site for sports on the net.

But to answer the question of the thread, Coach Cronin's teams has gotten better every year. Things like the ending of last years season will happen in a rebuilding period, and being short 4 players won't help out much.

I have no worries that Cronin is the right guy for the job.

[Lobot]

The question should be an answer, Mick NEEDS to be a better coach, or it's time to move on.

I'm curious, You continue with this track even after being banned, Spill the beans. What is your agenda?

I don't personally have a beef with you but you're rubbing people the wrong way on this board.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

The banter in the "Is Lance 1 and done" thread brought up an old thought in my mind that I wanted to hash out here and get your opinions.

I think we can all agree we haven't ended the past 2 years on a good note. Some harshly criticize Mick's ability to improve players, others give him somewhat of a free pass saying it's too early to completely evaluate. The truth lies somewhere in the middle more than likely.

We hired Mick as a young head coach. Our program had 2 scholarship basketball players when he got here, one of which transferred. Our record has improved each year under Mick, but the quality of basketball hasn't drastically improved the way the record indicates. I'm sure he's doing some learning on the job in many aspects of coaching.

Now that Mick has had 3 years of major D1 head coaching experience under his belt, do you think he's better prepared to help players improve their basketball skills? Will the freshmen he recruits next year improve more than the Wilks/Bishop bunch because of Mick's experience? Or do you expect the same level of improvement (or lack there of depending on your position)
?

I tend to think (hope) that Mick is a pretty savvy guy and can improve his coaching abilities. He is pretty competitive which leads me to believe he'll grow as a coach and a person. I'm also an optimist and would like to hear others opinions on this matter.

I count 4 - McGowan, Downey, Tilford, and Allen were all on scholarship in March 2006.

[Eastside_J]

The question should be an answer, Mick NEEDS to be a better coach, or it's time to move on.

Speaking of time to move on.

But my guess is you would just pathetically come back with a new alias, again. Too much time on your hands Doss?

[CincinnatiUSC]

I count 4 - McGowan, Downey, Tilford, and Allen were all on scholarship in March 2006.
The point is still remains he started with zero big east caliber players, much less starters, with the transfer of Downey.

The first year was to be expected.

The second year when we went on that stretch where we beat Louisville, Cuse, Nova, WV, and played UConn so close gave us all hope. We didn't have the personel those teams did and managed a way to win. We made the game a classic with UConn @ the shoe. But we then proceeded to lose our last 7 games to a mixture of good and bad teams.

The third year resembled the second with mid year wins that gave us all hope only to fall apart at the end.

The good wins make those of us who read the "Mick sucks, he can't coach" roll our collective eyes at the childinsh banter. But it has to be noted there's certainly room for improvement.

The question is a hypothetical one and will only lead to pure specualtion, but hey- that's what comes with message boards. Is Mick a better coach now than he was when he first took over the program? Will we see future freshmen improve more in their first 2 years than the Bishop/Wilks crew? Will they play better defense? Rebound better? Keep a mental toughness through the end of the year? Is Mick more prepared to make that happen now that he's been through 3 years of Big East play?

Recruiting guys like Lance certainly makes that easier on Mick. I think that in college, winning a combination of coaching and talent moreso than high school (more about coaching) and the pros (more about talent). If he continues to get high caliber players, we'll certainly win more than we have. I'll make no bones about it, recruiting well is part of improving as a college coach. Mick has done that. Will his ability to improve those players follow suit? That's all I'm asking because hey, it's the off-season.

[Josh Rexhausen]

I'm curious, You continue with this track even after being banned, Spill the beans. What is your agenda?

I don't personally have a beef with you but you're rubbing people the wrong way on this board.

Yes that response nailed the coffin of his blokatude (ignore list).

[Firm_bizzle]

I think most of the criticism that Mick gets will go away with winning. Now that Nancy is gone he will have the opportunity to give the program the rouge image again. I actually think the rouge image is good for us. Kentucky can be the NCAA's darlings, I (and most other people) would rather stick it up the NCAA's @ss.

[Cincinnati Burrcats]

You guys are pathetic. Stick up for the program for once why don't ya? Quit sugar coating Mick's situation. Results are the name of the game, he's the got the players now, improvement is a MUST. Plain and simple, if that is grounds for banning me, then screw this site because that's pure garbage.

[Irishbearcat]

Better players make for better coaches.

[HeThun]

No question Mick has been learning on the job. That is not a bad thing, just one thing to be expected considering the state we were in.

If UC were in good shape and that certain person had just moved on to say, WVU, then we would have looked for a seasoned coach, successful at the Division I level for more than just a couple of years. We could have watched Mick grow into a hot coach ready for primetime. Mr. replacement leaves, Mick walks in and immediately shines.

That wasn't what happened, was it? We needed a coach, but didn't have a darn thing to offer but Deadliest Catch work and below average pay. I was told that it was Rick Pitino in a long phone conversation with the UC BOD who convinced convinced UC to interview Mick.

Is Mick growing into the job. Yes, and very rapidly. Hiring George Jackson is one big example. Moving one assistant to a position he is better suited for was another. I think he may need to make another move there, but I don't see it happening.

One thing Mick was already at the top of his game on was recruiting and recruiting connections.

Is he yet at the level of the top 4 Big East coaches? No, though I happen to believe he has a good chance at being a top 4 BE coach, cand keep us among the top 4BE teams, can bring us to the NCAA every year and coach the team for a run at the final four along the way.

If he can get fans buying tickets, buying UC wear and other things, he will create cash flow and will be flying around in private jets and impressing and eventually signing the top echelon recruits year after year.

Call me cautious, but optomistic!

[Ran513]

[QUOTE=Cincinnati Burrcats;89168]You guys are pathetic. Stick up for the program for once why don't ya? This doesnt help you man, I dont recall anyone saying you were pathetic, even if you say the same crap repeatedly. You have yet to utter ONE positive comment about anything. If it sucks so bad and the people here are not negative enough for you, go elsewhere. Constructive criticism is one thing, but its like you are on a one person campaign to HATE on UC every chance you get.IT IS OLD.

Maybe x is more your speed.

[JasonS]

Can we not use quotes when talking to Burrcats? It really sucks for those of us who have him on ignore. I would suggest more people put him on ignore. It makes for a more enjoyable read.

[CincyEngGrad02]

I can't understand the "blocking" someone feature. Are you so weak willed that one of two things happen when you read his posts?
A. Feel like you have to respond to his comments
B. Let his comments affect you so much that it affects your mood

My gosh people. Its called reading something, and moving on. I do it every day. Trust me, its not that difficult if I can do it.

[westsidecat]

You guys are pathetic. Stick up for the program for once why don't ya? Quit sugar coating Mick's situation. Results are the name of the game, he's the got the players now, improvement is a MUST. Plain and simple, if that is grounds for banning me, then screw this site because that's pure garbage.

The only thing that is pathetic is someone who can't see the improvements year by year.

Do you not understand when you are building something things will happen? Then add players getting hurt, or not allowed to play, ect, ect, will hurt you as a team over a very long season.

The only thing that is pathetic is someone who can't see what was and is going on.

[Not Guilty]

I do it every day. Trust me, its not that difficult if I can do it.

Well, you're right there...

[JasonS]

I can't understand the "blocking" someone feature. Are you so weak willed that one of two things happen when you read his posts?
A. Feel like you have to respond to his comments
B. Let his comments affect you so much that it affects your mood

My gosh people. Its called reading something, and moving on. I do it every day. Trust me, its not that difficult if I can do it.

No, it is called a waste of my time to read the same thing over and over and over again. Maybe you don't value your time but I value mine.

[Cincinnati Burrcats]

Wow. It's like you are all brainwashed. It's almost scary. But I get it, even if this team goes 0-30 this year I'm supposed to see the silver lining and see the improvement. The title of this thread stated "will mick improve as a coach" I simply replied with Mick NEEDS to be a better coach. What the heck is wrong with that? To me, this is the year, he's got the tools to win, not win it all, but win games in convincing fashion. There should be no 30 point plus defeats. There should'nt be a 6 game losing streak at the end vs. terrible opponents. That is ALL I'm saying!!! WHY IS THAT GROUNDS FOR BANNING OR BLOCKING ME. Take a reality pill people and quit giving people free passes, that's the same garbage the Reds and Bengals promote. There are NO excuses for Mick this year barring serious injuries. I WANT Mick and the 'Cats to succeed, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with anyone putting a little fire under his rear because the time is now, not next season, not the year after, we've got enough on this roster to compete EVERY NIGHT and not get our doors blown off by 40 points to elite teams. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THAT THOUGHT PROCESS

[adrock]

But I get it, even if this team goes 0-30 this year I'm supposed to see the silver lining and see the improvement. The title of this thread stated "will mick improve as a coach" I simply replied with Mick NEEDS to be a better coach. What the heck is wrong with that? To me, this is the year, he's got the tools to win, not win it all, but win games in convincing fashion. There should be no 30 point plus defeats. There should'nt be a 6 game losing streak at the end vs. terrible opponents.

I understand the frustration from the losing streak at the end of last year: I think most all of us were angry with that. However, after the season's over we need to be able to take a step back and look at the season as a whole. Was last season better than the one before? And was that season better than the one before it? Only a brainwashed person WOULDN'T see improvement from an objective standpoint. Check it out:

2006/07 -- RPI 174, 11-19 (2-14 Big East)
2007/08 -- RPI 118, 13-19 (8-10 Big East)
2008/09 -- RPI 84, 18-14 (8-10 Big East)

[CincyEngGrad02]

No, it is called a waste of my time to read the same thing over and over and over again. Maybe you don't value your time but I value mine.

You're making posts asking people not to "quote" someone. How valuable can your time be?

[shaunsimpson]

I hope he is a better coach.....I hope that every year with more experience he gets better and better. That isn't saying I don't think he is a good coach now, but you hope he grows year by year.

Also, I think it will be interesting how talent and experience will make him a better coach.

[Cincinnati Burrcats]

Exactly Simpson, to this point Cronin has done a mediocre job at best. Now that he's finally got a loaded gun, lets see if he knows how to use it. It's college, even the best players need good coaches.

[aronius]

to this point Cronin has done a mediocre job at best

You are one of the few that view it that way. Not an A+ but far better than mediocre

[Cincinnati Burrcats]

No, I am not one of the few, the difference from doing well and being mediocre is the terrible ends of season two years running. My fear is Mick doesn't know how to keep a team in it for the long haul.

[LongTimer]

It's funny how defensive everyone becomes when a discussion of Mick's performance as a coach comes up. This topic has been discussed a thousand times and it always leads to name-calling, bannings, and ignores. If you don't love Mick, you're basically worthless and ignorant on this forum. I've certainly taken my share of shots for not being in love with Mick's performance thus far. I don't care what he started with, I'm disappointed in his performance over three seasons. Evidently, his bosses are not that in love with him either. They did extend his contract a few seasons, but he got no raise.

That being said, I support Mick as our coach. Barring a complete shock, I expect this season to be outstanding and he will come out of it on more solid ground...and probably will earn a raise and a longer extension. I'm more concerned about the long haul and how he follows up the good season that he will have this year. If we have a kick-a$$ season this year, and then fall right back to the middle or lower level of the Big east next year, then I think my support of him will definitely be gone. This is a building process and the trend line needs to continue to move upward. We will have years where we fall back, but we should recover from those quickly and keep the trend moving upward. That is what I expect from Mick Cronin. I like what he has done with recruiting this year. He's young and still somewhat inexperienced. We need badly for him to succeed, because he offers us stability over the long run. We will never have to worry about him leaving and that is a great advantage for our program.

To sum it up, I'm a little disappointed in him so far. I think he is doing some good things and will show more improvement as this season develops. I hope he can keep our program moving onward and upward over the next five years and long into the future. I'm still skeptical about him, but very hopeful that he will overcome some of the issues that have plagued him in his 1st 3 years. But.....we need to stop making excuses because of what he started with. That excuse is over and done. The horses are in place, and he needs to earn his money starting right now. He no longer has any excuses.

[catsfan32]

No, I am not one of the few, the difference from doing well and being mediocre is the terrible ends of season two years running. My fear is Mick doesn't know how to keep a team in it for the long haul.

Actually I believe you are one of the few, those few just chose to voice their displeasure nonstop. 75% or more of UC fans understand what the program has been through and how Mick has done a good job handling it. Has he done amazing, who knows but he has done a pretty darn good job with rebuilding this program. Why people chose to be so pessimistic towards UC is amazing. Not only on this site but others there is always a few who rag on cronin to no end. My personal opinion of these "fans" is either 1) they have never played basketball at a high level (deep state runs in high school, college ball or higher), 2) have no idea what it takes to coach basketball (at HS, College, Pro) 3) have unrealistic expectations and are blind to the extenuating circumstances the program was left in. 4) actually think they can do better.

[Cincinnati Burrcats]

I'm sorry, but no. It is NOT unrealistic to expect last years team and the year before NOT to do an absolute king size choke job melt down to finish the season. That is not too much to ask for regardless of where the program was. I'm so freakin' tired of everyone using the "where this program was" garbage I want to throw a rock through somebody's window. That was then, this is now. Now, for the FINAL TIME. CRITICISM does NOT = PESSIMISM.

[CincyBeerCo]

I'm sorry, but no. It is NOT unrealistic to expect last years team and the year before NOT to do an absolute king size choke job melt down to finish the season. That is not too much to ask for regardless of where the program was. I'm so freakin' tired of everyone using the "where this program was" garbage I want to throw a rock through somebody's window. That was then, this is now. Now, for the FINAL TIME. CRITICISM does NOT = PESSIMISM.

Correct "Cincinnati Burrcats = PESSIMISM :D

[catscratchfever]

I'm sorry, but no. It is NOT unrealistic to expect last years team and the year before NOT to do an absolute king size choke job melt down to finish the season. That is not too much to ask for regardless of where the program was. I'm so freakin' tired of everyone using the "where this program was" garbage I want to throw a rock through somebody's window. That was then, this is now. Now, for the FINAL TIME. CRITICISM does NOT = PESSIMISM.

Just go away please

[Cincinnati Burrcats]

In all seriousness, both of you, tell me what the heck is wrong with my post? I find it awfully aggravating that all I get is stupid responses from a few of you. It seems very apparent some of you take too much offense to criticism, which I have no idea why unless all of you are secretly Mick Cronin himself with multiple member names, that's all I can figure. From now on I'll be a robot like the rest of you, Mick Cronin is awesome, the Bearcats have been great the past few years despite their situation, everything is just going absolutely swell down at the shoe lately. I'm under the impression there are really only about 10 people on this board, and a bunch of people with multiple names, it's freakin' ridiculous.

[LongTimer]

Actually I believe you are one of the few, those few just chose to voice their displeasure nonstop. 75% or more of UC fans understand what the program has been through and how Mick has done a good job handling it. Has he done amazing, who knows but he has done a pretty darn good job with rebuilding this program. Why people chose to be so pessimistic towards UC is amazing. Not only on this site but others there is always a few who rag on cronin to no end. My personal opinion of these "fans" is either 1) they have never played basketball at a high level (deep state runs in high school, college ball or higher), 2) have no idea what it takes to coach basketball (at HS, College, Pro) 3) have unrealistic expectations and are blind to the extenuating circumstances the program was left in. 4) actually think they can do better.

There are far more than just a few who are displeased with Mick Cronin and/or the program. The 6,000 or 7,000 empty seats represent fans who at one time didn't care about their horrible seats at the Shoe. They were big Bearcat fans. There are also many who continue to go to games who are not happy. This forum has banned most of the people who are unhappy, so it now inaccurately depicts the state of UC Basketball fans as happy and satisfied.

I love UC basketball and have supported the program for 48 years both financially and with my attendance. But, I am far from happy with what has happened. I'm happy that we're finally ready to break out of our funk. I'm pissed off about the last four years and having to sit thru them as a fan. However, that's all in the past. Mick has us ready to rock and roll and I'm not going to revisit what went wrong over the last 4 years. I'm excited about this year. I'm excited about Mick building a great program with this season as the starting point. I'm ignoring the last 4 years. A lot of people can be blamed for it. It's done! I can't wait for this season to start!

[LongTimer]

In all seriousness, both of you, tell me what the heck is wrong with my post? I find it awfully aggravating that all I get is stupid responses from a few of you. It seems very apparent some of you take too much offense to criticism, which I have no idea why unless all of you are secretly Mick Cronin himself with multiple member names, that's all I can figure. From now on I'll be a robot like the rest of you, Mick Cronin is awesome, the Bearcats have been great the past few years despite their situation, everything is just going absolutely swell down at the shoe lately. I'm under the impression there are really only about 10 people on this board, and a bunch of people with multiple names, it's freakin' ridiculous.

CB, I hear what you are saying and agree with a lot of it. However, as we stand here on July 24th, things are looking pretty good. It's hard for me to remain pessimistic. I'm giving Mick the benefit of the doubt. He hasn't turned us around as fast as I would have liked, but he appears to have completed the job (I'm assuming a very good season). There's no reason today to keep up the fight. Let's just get behind him and enjoy this season. Then, if he disappoints us, or fades down the stretch again, we can start all the bitching and moaning again. I like a good fight as much as anyone else, but I think you're going to have to eat a lot of crow this year if you stay on the "bash Mick" side of the fence. It was a valid side to be on 3 or 4 months ago, but I think the other side makes more sense to me now....so that is where I will reside for now. Once again, I respect your opinion and you do make a lot of good points.

[Cincinnati Burrcats]

Thank you Longtimer.... I don't understand why everyone automatically lumps someone who criticizes into the pessimism category. I think we have a good shot of being a fairly dangerous team if the chemistry gels well. It's up to Mick to put these kids in the best position to succeed this year, let's hope it happens.

[catscratchfever]

CB, I hear what you are saying and agree with a lot of it. However, as we stand here on July 24th, things are looking pretty good. It's hard for me to remain pessimistic. I'm giving Mick the benefit of the doubt. He hasn't turned us around as fast as I would have liked, but he appears to have completed the job (I'm assuming a very good season). There's no reason today to keep up the fight. Let's just get behind him and enjoy this season. Then, if he disappoints us, or fades down the stretch again, we can start all the bitching and moaning again. I like a good fight as much as anyone else, but I think you're going to have to eat a lot of crow this year if you stay on the "bash Mick" side of the fence. It was a valid side to be on 3 or 4 months ago, but I think the other side makes more sense to me now....so that is where I will reside for now. Once again, I respect your opinion and you do make a lot of good points.
Longtimer this is one of the best posts I have ever read

[westsidecat]

CB, I hear what you are saying and agree with a lot of it. However, as we stand here on July 24th, things are looking pretty good. It's hard for me to remain pessimistic. I'm giving Mick the benefit of the doubt. He hasn't turned us around as fast as I would have liked, but he appears to have completed the job (I'm assuming a very good season). There's no reason today to keep up the fight. Let's just get behind him and enjoy this season. Then, if he disappoints us, or fades down the stretch again, we can start all the bitching and moaning again. I like a good fight as much as anyone else, but I think you're going to have to eat a lot of crow this year if you stay on the "bash Mick" side of the fence. It was a valid side to be on 3 or 4 months ago, but I think the other side makes more sense to me now....so that is where I will reside for now. Once again, I respect your opinion and you do make a lot of good points.


He hasn't turned us around as fast as you would like? Are you keeping in mind that he has been short players every year he has been here? And just not one, but a few each year?

Funny how ppl who feel this way never mention this key fact.

[$.02]

You're making posts asking people not to "quote" someone. How valuable can your time be?

Okay, this made me laugh out loud. Thanks!

[Carin's Dad]

He hasn't turned us around as fast as you would like? Are you keeping in mind that he has been short players every year he has been here? And just not one, but a few each year?

Funny how ppl who feel this way never mention this key fact.I thought we had some pretty tall players last year.

My contribution to the "humor" thread.

[westsidecat]

I thought we had some pretty tall players last year.

My contribution to the "humor" thread.

BRAVO!!! :p

[Carin's Dad]

CB, I hear what you are saying and agree with a lot of it. However, as we stand here on July 24th, things are looking pretty good. It's hard for me to remain pessimistic. I'm giving Mick the benefit of the doubt. He hasn't turned us around as fast as I would have liked, but he appears to have completed the job (I'm assuming a very good season). There's no reason today to keep up the fight. Let's just get behind him and enjoy this season. Then, if he disappoints us, or fades down the stretch again, we can start all the bitching and moaning again. I like a good fight as much as anyone else, but I think you're going to have to eat a lot of crow this year if you stay on the "bash Mick" side of the fence. It was a valid side to be on 3 or 4 months ago, but I think the other side makes more sense to me now....so that is where I will reside for now. Once again, I respect your opinion and you do make a lot of good points.It's funny how some people who can't argue their point very well resort to placing those who disagree with them on the "other side." As you point out there are no "sides" to being a UC fan. Levels of enthusiasm are fluid and tend to wax and wane as the W and L's and news dictate. It is indeed possible to be a die hard Bearcat fan and one month criticize the heck out of the coaches, administration and players and the next month sing their praises. It's what being a fan is all about.

We should all remember that we're all Bearcat fans which grants us the right to bitch or to praise, as long as it's done with civility and respect.

[LongTimer]

He hasn't turned us around as fast as you would like? Are you keeping in mind that he has been short players every year he has been here? And just not one, but a few each year?

Funny how ppl who feel this way never mention this key fact.

Being short players might be a valid excuse for poor performance....and might not be a valid excuse for poor performance. Being short players might actually be the coach's own fault...unless it is injury related. Being short players might happen when you give away one of the best point guards in the nation, even though he expresses a desire to return to your team. Being short players also happens when you make these "Big Splash" announcements of signing great players...who end up never stepping foot on our court, or have to sit out a year before they do...such as Hall, Henry, Riek, Hrycaniuk, and now....is Born Ready the next one to fall into this category? Being short players also happens when you recruit bad characters, who turn out to a bad character, and you have to release him...like Mitchell. Being short players also happens when you have an injury at your key position, and you have recruited nobody to back him up and your team suffers all year long.

I apologize for not bringing up the topic of Mick being short players and am glad you pointed this out. My opinion of being disappointed about how fast he has turned us around hasn't changed.....even considering us being short players. That being said....those days are in the past and I'm excited about where Mick has us positioned today. We should be very good....unless, of course, we are short players again...especially if Born Ready never makes it to the floor!

[bearcatbret]

Yea, like you can recruit an entire team with depth a couple of months prior to the first game. Get off your horse already, most of us are tired of it.

[LongTimer]

Yea, like you can recruit an entire team with depth a couple of months prior to the first game. Get off your horse already, most of us are tired of it.

You have your opinion. I have mine. If you are happy...great! For most of Mick's 3 years, I haven't been real happy. Today, I'm happy with him. That's all that matters. Being unhappy didn't stop me from attending the games and supporting the program. I haven't ever called for him to be fired. I was excited when he was hired and I am excited about him coaching us the next thirty or so years. Huggins had his imperfections and many of you all have pointed them out many times. Pointing out Mick's shortcomings is no big deal. It's a part of being a fan. If you're tired of my opinion, just ignore me. I enjoy reading your and everyone else's opinions whether I agree with them or not. It's a forum of Bearcat fans. Feel free to post as stupid as you like. Life is too short to get upset and tired at silly forum postings.

[William Lytle]

We should all remember that we're all Bearcat fans which grants us the right to bitch or to praise, as long as it's done with civility and respect.

We are all Bearcat Fans and have the right to complain, but within reason. Empty complaining and hearing about how UC sucks is useless. If I wanted that I could do it by walking around in Columbus in a Cincinnati shirt.