We're Gonna Be Tough To Handle

[BasketBySteveLogan]

Mick is recruiting like a madman, and a lot of highly ranked prospects are giving us a serious look. Add that to his coaching ability and experience... and nobody leaves The Shoe with a W. Send me my Cashmere Wright jersey RIGHT NOW.

[BasketBySteveLogan]

Uhh, has everyone seen this Teondre Williams video??

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ri7QUcJvPMI

yeah, uh, I'll take HIM too please

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Mick is recruiting like a madman, and a lot of highly ranked prospects are giving us a serious look. Add that to his coaching ability and experience... and nobody leaves The Shoe with a W. Send me my Cashmere Wright jersey RIGHT NOW.

You're predicting an undefeated season at home this year???

[CroninCrazy]

You're predicting an undefeated season at home this year???

Obviously not since Wright won't be here until next year.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Obviously not since Wright won't be here until next year.

OK - or next year???

[The real Bearcat Fan]

I am cautiously optimistic about this year's basketball team and I will have a better idea about next year's team after all of the recruits are signed. I do believe Mick and his staff is working hard to get UC back to the national prominence it deserves. Go Bearcats!

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

I am cautiously optimistic about this year's basketball team and I will have a better idea about next year's team after all of the recruits are signed. I do believe Mick and his staff is working hard to get UC back to the national prominence it deserves. Go Bearcats!

That I'll buy - undefeated at home versus Big East schedule, not quite yet.

[London 'Cat]

You're predicting an undefeated season at home this year???

Since nobody leaves the Shoe without a win, I think the prediction includes the 'Cats. So, UC will tie every home game. Silly, I know, just like the original statement.

[BasketBySteveLogan]

You guys are so funny with your fresh sarcasm... what I was trying to say was that we got smoked at home a lot last year which doesnt usually happen.. and now that we have a real squad and Mick at the helm we can get back to crushin people at home and soon we will have our first Big Monday home game ever.

[Mick's Da Man]

I'm not going to predict big things. But what I do see is a team poised to surprise. Maybe not right off the bat, but as the season goes on, they could be interesting.

That's what the Van Exel teams did. They peaked at the right time.

[Oldtimer_UC_fan]

I'm not going to predict big things. But what I do see is a team poised to surprise. Maybe not right off the bat, but as the season goes on, they could be interesting.

That's what the Van Exel teams did. They peaked at the right time.

I tend to agree with you. With so many new faces, it may take awhile for the team to jell. I think you'll see a lot of playing time for the returning guys early on, and, as time goes on, the new guys will start to assert themselves. I just hope it doesn't take too long. It would be nice if one of the newcomers came in and really surprised.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

I'm not going to predict big things. But what I do see is a team poised to surprise. Maybe not right off the bat, but as the season goes on, they could be interesting.

That's what the Van Exel teams did. They peaked at the right time.

29-5 then 27-5 (Van Exel teams). Tall order for 2008 and 09 Bearcats.

[SLMadiCat]

29-5 then 27-5 (Van Exel teams). Tall order for 2008 and 09 Bearcats.

He probably isn't as worried about the win total. Who really cares how many wins they have if they have a deep run in the tourny? How many wins did Florida have the past two years, and UNC, UConn, etc. I can't recall as I'm sure most people can't w/o looking it up. But they could tell you that they won the nat'l championship.

[CincySuperFan]

This is amazing that basketball chat has been slow until now!!! Good football team!!! We won't know what to do when they're both playing and both WINNING!!!

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

He probably isn't as worried about the win total. Who really cares how many wins they have if they have a deep run in the tourny? How many wins did Florida have the past two years, and UNC, UConn, etc. I can't recall as I'm sure most people can't w/o looking it up. But they could tell you that they won the nat'l championship.

OK - 7 W in 2008 and 09 NCAA tourneys is a pipedream.

[SLMadiCat]

OK - 7 W in 2008 and 09 NCAA tourneys is a pipedream.

I agree, they are not going to win back to back championships, let alone one. But that wasn't the point. You can't compare win totals from the CUSA to the Big East. They just aren't at the same level, but lets not get into this discussion again. The point he was making is that if they come together at the right time, they may have a chance to surprise. Lets hope he is right.

[Bearcat82]

Let's just put 11-19 & 2-14 in the rearview mirror ASAP

[UCnut]

Let's just put 11-19 & 2-14 in the rearview mirror ASAP

I couldn't agree more. I'm hoping for atleast .500 if not better and an apperance in the Big East tournament.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

I agree, they are not going to win back to back championships, let alone one. But that wasn't the point. You can't compare win totals from the CUSA to the Big East. They just aren't at the same level, but lets not get into this discussion again. The point he was making is that if they come together at the right time, they may have a chance to surprise. Lets hope he is right.

True dat but UC was among the Top 10 programs in the nation from 1992 through 2006.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Let's just put 11-19 & 2-14 in the rearview mirror ASAP

Sure hope so - that's in the bottom 10% of W-L records at UC over the past 50 years.

[SLMadiCat]

True dat but UC was among the Top 10 programs in the nation from 1992 through 2006.

I completely agree with that statement. Unfortunately it didn't translate into NCAA success too often, but I was certainly glad for the final four run, elite eight run and even the sweet 16 loss to Stanford.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

I completely agree with that statement. Unfortunately it didn't translate into NCAA success too often, but I was certainly glad for the final four run, elite eight run and even the sweet 16 loss to Stanford.

1 FF, 3 Elite 8, 4 Sweet 16 in those 15 years.

Compared to 0 FF, 0 Elite 8, 2 Sweet 16 (1966, 1975) in the previous 25+ years (back to 1964).

[SLMadiCat]

1 FF, 3 Elite 8, 4 Sweet 16 in those 15 years.

Compared to 0 FF, 0 Elite 8, 2 Sweet 16 (1966, 1975) in the previous 25+ years (back to 1964).

You worry about the past too much. I'm not concerned with what happened from 1964 to 1989. I'm more worried about what happens from 2007 on.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

You worry about the past too much. I'm not concerned with what happened from 1964 to 1989. I'm more worried about what happens from 2007 on.

Many think that 1958 to 1963 was typical for UC. (It wasn't)

Nor was 1964 to 1991 (typical). But those 15 seasons (1992 FF thru 2006) were the best for UC since The Glory Years.

[SLMadiCat]

Many think that 1958 to 1963 was typical for UC. (It wasn't)

Nor was 1964 to 1991 (typical). But those 15 seasons (1992 FF thru 2006) were the best for UC since The Glory Years.

And those past 15 years have set up nicely for better things to come in the next 15 years. With Cronin, I have faith that the next 15 years will produce some of the best UC teams ever. Maybe it won't, but I'm not going to dwell on the past.

[jeffto]

Many think that 1958 to 1963 was typical for UC. (It wasn't)

Nor was 1964 to 1991 (typical). But those 15 seasons (1992 FF thru 2006) were the best for UC since The Glory Years.

So let me get this straight 58-91 were not typical years, and since 92-06 were "the best" they were, by definition, not typical. Therefore, since 1958 we've had no typical years. Maybe the Socko years were typical?

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

So let me get this straight 58-91 were not typical years, and since 92-06 were "the best" they were, by definition, not typical. Therefore, since 1958 we've had no typical years. Maybe the Socko years were typical?

I'll simplify it for you.

1958-63 were atypical. The best ever at UC.

1964-91 were not typical either. Worse than before, worse than after.

1992-2006 were the best years since 1958-63 at UC.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

And those past 15 years have set up nicely for better things to come in the next 15 years. With Cronin, I have faith that the next 15 years will produce some of the best UC teams ever. Maybe it won't, but I'm not going to dwell on the past.

Next 15 years, 2008 to 2022. Better than 1992-2006? That would be quite a feat.

I'd be very happy with better than 1964-89.

[jeffto]

I'll simplify it for you.

1958-63 were atypical. The best ever at UC.

1964-91 were not typical either. Worse than before, worse than after.

1992-2006 were the best years since 1958-63 at UC.

You just cannot make these blanket statements. According to you, the 2002-3 team (17-12) was better than the 1976-77 team (25-5).

Let's be more precise. UC's all time winning percentage is 64%. So a typical UC year (28 games) would be 18-10. If we match the 64-91 winning percentage our record will be 16-12. If we match 1992-2006, we will be 21-7.

If we match BH's second year record, we will be 17-11 (keep in mind - against MUCH tougher overall competition this year).

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

You just cannot make these blanket statements. According to you, the 2002-3 team (17-12) was better than the 1976-77 team (25-5).

Let's be more precise. UC's all time winning percentage is 64%. So a typical UC year (28 games) would be 18-10. If we match the 64-91 winning percentage our record will be 16-12. If we match 1992-2006, we will be 21-7.

If we match BH's second year record, we will be 17-11 (keep in mind - against MUCH tougher overall competition this year).

I just did. Huggins' 2nd team was 18-12. His first team was 20-14 so he was 38-26 his first 2 years.

27-7 (this year) would tie his 2 year record.

[jeffto]

I just did. Huggins' 2nd team was 18-12. His first team was 20-14 so he was 38-26 his first 2 years.

27-7 (this year) would tie his 2 year record. I notice that you ignore that which you cannot defend.

I have one question: Whose side will you be on when UC plays WVU? I'm pretty sure about 99% of the people on this forum. You're so stuck in the past, maybe you'll say publicly that you support UC, but inside you'll probably feel some satisfaction if UC loses.

[schottjy]

Give it a rest guys... Take it to private messages if you must.

[Oldtimer_UC_fan]

I just did. Huggins' 2nd team was 18-12. His first team was 20-14 so he was 38-26 his first 2 years.

27-7 (this year) would tie his 2 year record.

That is not a fair comparison at all. BH inherited a very good group of players. The cupboard was totally bare for Cronin, unless you think that McGowan was some kind of stud.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

That is not a fair comparison at all. BH inherited a very good group of players. The cupboard was totally bare for Cronin, unless you think that McGowan was some kind of stud.

LOL.

The 1990 Bearcats had 8 scholarship players (2 signed by Huggins in spring of 1989). He inherited 4 good players - Banks, Robinson, Starks, and Tate.

He recruited well in 1990 (Herb Jones, Anthony Buford, Curtis Bostic) and 1991 (Corie Blount, Nick Van Exel, Erik Martin, Terry Nelson, Lazell Durden) to greatly improve the talent level in the program.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

I notice that you ignore that which you cannot defend.

I have one question: Whose side will you be on when UC plays WVU? I'm pretty sure about 99% of the people on this forum. You're so stuck in the past, maybe you'll say publicly that you support UC, but inside you'll probably feel some satisfaction if UC loses.

I'll root for UC. I'm utterly amazed at the amount of Huggins Hatred from some folks who post here. Astounded really.

[Bearcat Jeff]

Jeffto please let this go!!! You are so out of line with these attacks against Bearcat Fan it is ridiculous. Just because he appreciates past success does not mean he doesn't hope for future success. I find all his information very entertaining. My goodness man get off his back.

[Bearcat Cafe]

If you like revisionist history and blanket statements not supported by facts, you'll love 1958.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

If you like revisionist history and blanket statements not supported by facts, you'll love 1958.

Actual history and nothing BUT facts.

[SLMadiCat]

I just did. Huggins' 2nd team was 18-12. His first team was 20-14 so he was 38-26 his first 2 years.

27-7 (this year) would tie his 2 year record.

Please, save some credibility and stop comparing records from CUSA and the Big East. You've been doing this for a while now and it just hurts your cause....Apples to oranges.

[SLMadiCat]

I'll root for UC. I'm utterly amazed at the amount of Huggins Hatred from some folks who post here. Astounded really.

There really isn't that much hatred (if any at all) from people on this board, but I'm pretty sure almost everyone is sick and tired of you pointing out what happened in the past in every single thread. Take a breather for a little while, please. Just try to post in one thread that doesn't mention the past. You'll get used to it and maybe even enjoy yourself for a change.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Please, save some credibility and stop comparing records from CUSA and the Big East. You've been doing this for a while now and it just hurts your cause....Apples to oranges.

In 1989 and 1990, UC was in the Metro conference. Louisville, Memphis (etc).

36-20 then. Need 27-7 to tie. Not going to happen.

[Oldtimer_UC_fan]

LOL.

The 1990 Bearcats had 8 scholarship players (2 signed by Huggins in spring of 1989). He inherited 4 good players - Banks, Robinson, Starks, and Tate.

He recruited well in 1990 (Herb Jones, Anthony Buford, Curtis Bostic) and 1991 (Corie Blount, Nick Van Exel, Erik Martin, Terry Nelson, Lazell Durden) to greatly improve the talent level in the program.

I'd say that those were 4 pretty good guys to start with. Banks and Robinson were very good players, and, Starks and Tate were also good.

[tophat]

True dat but UC was among the Top 10 programs in the nation from 1992 through 2006.

In terms of number of W's we clearly were (earned while playing CUSA competition), and the rankings probably support it. In terms of NCAA performance we were not.

[SLMadiCat]

In 1989 and 1990, UC was in the Metro conference. Louisville, Memphis (etc).

36-20 then. Need 27-7 to tie. Not going to happen.

Again, apples to oranges. How do you keep failing to see that the Big East is far superior to the CUSA AND Metro? Why even compare win totals? What is your point?

[BasketBySteveLogan]

How bout we just start gettin excited about the fact that we have a highly regarded SEVEN FOOTER!! And Alvin Mitchell who dropped 35 per game last year!! And a strong frontcourt with size and experience in Williams and The Big Polish Gazelle!! And Deonta!! And a guy who looks like a James White but off 2 feet type dunker!! Who cares about past teams??

"Deonta Vaughn.. for THREE... he's got 25, and the Bearcats take the lead over Syracuse 78-76..." (Sean McDonough) "Ooh.. a little NYLON.. from Deonta" (Bill Raftery)

[SLMadiCat]

How bout we just start gettin excited about the fact that we have a highly regarded SEVEN FOOTER!! And Alvin Mitchell who dropped 35 per game last year!! And a strong frontcourt with size and experience in Williams and The Big Polish Gazelle!! And Deonta!! And a guy who looks like a James White but off 2 feet type dunker!! Who cares about past teams??

"Deonta Vaughn.. for THREE... he's got 25, and the Bearcats take the lead over Syracuse 78-76..." (Sean McDonough) "Ooh.. a little NYLON.. from Deonta" (Bill Raftery)

I'm always excited for the basketball season to start. Can't wait.

[Mick's Da Man]

Again, apples to oranges. How do you keep failing to see that the Big East is far superior to the CUSA AND Metro? Why even compare win totals? What is your point?


Might as well stop arguing with the old coot. 1958? Senility may be setting in. (Just kidding)

Can't wait for this season. It is the foundation of a bright future.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Might as well stop arguing with the old coot. 1958? Senility may be setting in. (Just kidding)

Can't wait for this season. It is the foundation of a bright future.

UC had a bright (recent AND distant) past. The future remains to be seen.

It appeared bright with Catlett and Yates, too.

[jeffto]

UC had a bright (recent AND distant) past. The future remains to be seen.

It appeared bright with Catlett and Yates, too.

You can't let it go, can you? Nobody here hates Huggins. I for one love the man, but he's not our coach anymore. He had great success - not as much in the tourney as most would like, but a great record nonetheless. (He will not be a "great" coach until/unless he wins the big dance).

Mick is our coach now and no matter how much you repeat Huggins' success story as a way to cast doubt on Mick I'm backing him 110%.

In the overall scheme of things what Catlett, Huggins, Baker, Jucker, Wiethe, Smith, Yates or Badger did as coaches has zero impact on how we're going to do this year or anytime in the future. And, your statistics from the past, no matter how factual, are totally irrelevant.

You can continue to cast aspersions and to quote your facts, but I for one will ignore them from now on.

[jeffto]

Sorry - my computer coughed.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

You can't let it go, can you? Nobody here hates Huggins. I for one love the man, but he's not our coach anymore. He had great success - not as much in the tourney as most would like, but a great record nonetheless. (He will not be a "great" coach until/unless he wins the big dance).

Mick is our coach now and no matter how much you repeat Huggins' success story as a way to cast doubt on Mick I'm backing him 110%.

In the overall scheme of things what Catlett, Huggins, Baker, Jucker, Wiethe, Smith, Yates or Badger did as coaches has zero impact on how we're going to do this year or anytime in the future. And, your statistics from the past, no matter how factual, are totally irrelevant.

You can continue to cast aspersions and to quote your facts, but I for one will ignore them from now on.

Good. Feel free to do so.

I'm happy with recruiting.

Not with 11-19.

[tophat]

Good. Feel free to do so.

I'm happy with recruiting.

Not with 11-19.

No one's happy with 11-19, and no one had a right to expect any more with what Mick inherited. He'll win here, but in the BE it's unlikely Huggs' record for total wins vs losses will be matched. His record for advancing in the NCAA will be matched or surpassed.

[Irishbearcat]

The parallel is a situation like at Notre Dame. Both are bringing in loads of talent, and both need to be patient while they develop and get experience. Both programs will be scary in two years.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

No one's happy with 11-19, and no one had a right to expect any more with what Mick inherited. He'll win here, but in the BE it's unlikely Huggs' record for total wins vs losses will be matched. His record for advancing in the NCAA will be matched or surpassed.

I'll take that if it happens.

UC made 14 NCAA appearances in 17 seasons between 1990 and 2006.

UC advanced beyond the second round 4 times (first time to do that in 30 years) in those 14 appearances.

Mick has yet to win an NCAA game (much less 2 in the same year) so I'll be Just Fine with 5 (or more) Sweet 16 appearances in the next 15 years.