Bearcat Scrimmage

[BearcatRob33]

Lance looks incredible but I'm concerned about his ability to get along with teammates. He didn't seem to listen to them well.

[The HFD fan]

The cats looked pretty good today. I wouldn't worry about lance listening to his teammates. I think coach has things under control for the most part.

Yancy has lost some weight and looks good.

From what I saw, we might not have to worry to much about whether Jaquon can relieve cash or not because he will be able to handle it just fine. We might see a fight for who starts, because Jaquon has skillz at the point.

Lance can score at will and had the most buckets by far at the scrimmage and spells good things for us and bad things for the defenses we face.

Biggie and Thomas are tall.

I don't remember seeing SK score at all.

Deonta is Deonta. He looked like what we expect.

Cash had a nice strong take to the hole and one.

Dion looked like the guy we saw last year. He wanted/had the ball in crunch time and delivered a few buckets.

Lance had a nice alley oop to Wilks.

Lots of up tempo. We are going to be runnin it this year! :)

[GoBearcats31]

From Jody Demling, Louisville Courier-Journal:

The top freshman and the top sophomore basketball players in the state of Kentucky are both on the University of Cincinnati campus this afternoon.

Lexington Catholic sophomore Jaylen Beckham and Shelby County freshman Darryl Hicks were both attending the Cincinnati scrimmage and then the football game against Louisville.

For the record, Cincinnati is big. Took in the scrimmage myself and Lance Stephenson had most of the points for the red team.

[BearcatAlum1]

Thank you to all who have and those who do share insight.

[Bearcat Jeff]

It is good to hear about Jaquon. I heard a whisper to not be surprised if he started over Cash. How did Davis and Toyloy look.

[Bearcat Revival]

Jaquon is very physical and strong, but he's not a PG IMO. Cash will be fine, but it may take him some time to get adjusted and get the rust off. LS was EVERYTHING as advertised today. WOW!!

[milfordcats]

Toyloy missed a putback or two.

Davis looked pretty good running off screens and hitting open threes.

Stephenson is going to be exciting to watch this year.

I got a twitter update that said that Lance had 22 of the 30ish the Red Team had.

[The HFD fan]

It is good to hear about Jaquon. I heard a whisper to not be surprised if he started over Cash. How did Davis and Toyloy look.

Toyloy will hold his own down low

Davis looks to be the other shooter we have been looking for behind Deonta. We will be dangerous if Lance, who scores at will, Deonta, Davis and 1 or 2 more are sharpshooters . Whewww!!

IMO, Jaquon has a ton of confidence with the ball because of his skill set and because he just won the state championship in Virginia. His basketball legs are still there. Cash hasn't played ball in a year. He's taller than cash and stronger than cash. If cash is given the nod anyway, don't be surprised if Jaquon is evenly splitting the time with him.

[Kindog202]

I went to the scrimmage and agree with the posts about Lance and JaQuon. One thing to add about JaQuon is that he seems to be very vocal on the court. He was running point for the black team and was consistently calling plays and getting guys into position. I think he will be a good one for a long time.

[GoBearcats31]

http://www.youtube.com/user/CincinnatiBearcats#p/a/u/0/T-2PxwFVf1Q

[Rock]

There were some recruits there sitting on press row/scoretable. Who were these young men? Anyone know?

[The HFD fan]

Jaquon kinda reminds me of Andre Miller.

[swilsonsp4]

There were some recruits there sitting on press row/scoretable. Who were these young men? Anyone know?

One of the recruits, about 6'6" or 6'7" was wearing a "Country Day" jacket (not CCD).

[ralph1950]

Lance looks incredible but I'm concerned about his ability to get along with teammates. He didn't seem to listen to them well.

Lance is not eligible to play in games as of right now, you are jumping the gun worrying about how he might interact with his teammates, he may never be eligible.

[milfordcats]

Lance is not eligible to play in games as of right now, you are jumping the gun worrying about how he might interact with his teammates, he may never be eligible.

While this is true, this is a Bearcat news forums and thus we can speculate. You are jumping the gun by assuming he won't be eligible. Nothing has come out to show that he might not or wont be eligible.

[Thegreatone]

Lance was laughing and having a great time with all of his teammates at the football game. He was fine with all of them.

[Lobot]

I never call myself anything other than a realist on here. Unfortunately I have to agree with Ralph on this. I'm not counting on him being eligible for no other reason than he's not been cleared and yes, that goes for Jaquon too.

It's not that I think they won't be able to play but so far officially they can't.

[MDW79]

How did Thomas' game look? Can he move around as well as I've heard? Did Biggie look any better? Sorry, but Ralph is just reiterating the same thing over and over and over... We get it, Lance isn't elligible yet, it's been read in EVERY SINGLE THREAD. Reik =national title x 100 times. Lance not eligible x 100 times. Anything else? We do have a whole roster of players ya know.

[milfordcats]

How did Thomas' game look? Can he move around as well as I've heard? Did Biggie look any better? Sorry, but Ralph is just reiterating the same thing over and over and over... We get it, Lance isn't elligible yet, it's been read in EVERY SINGLE THREAD. Reik =national title x 100 times. Lance not eligible x 100 times. Anything else? We do have a whole roster of players ya know.

Biggie actually looked like he had a few pounds of muscle on him. Hard to tell about him during the scrimmage.

Thomas looked impressive to me fighting for an O Rebound a couple of times.

[Kindog202]

I thought Thomas ran the floor well and had a nice looking 3 as well. He is thinner than Biggie was - could use some more time in the weight room, but he plays hard.

[NorrisHopper30]

One of the recruits, about 6'6" or 6'7" was wearing a "Country Day" jacket (not CCD).

6'9 Michigan Country Day

[dp3113]

6'9 Michigan Country Day

you sure you don't mean Detroit Country Day?

[NorrisHopper30]

you sure you don't mean Detroit Country Day?

That's what I meant

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Biggie actually looked like he had a few pounds of muscle on him. Hard to tell about him during the scrimmage.

Thomas looked impressive to me fighting for an O Rebound a couple of times.

Enquirer story (today) said McClain was part of the 1st team (Red) along with Vaughn, Gates, Lance, and Wright.

[Corporateballa]

That's what I meant


Chris Webber went to Detroit CD.

[Corporateballa]

Enquirer story (today) said McClain was part of the 1st team (Red) along with Vaughn, Gates, Lance, and Wright.

I love that line-up. Whether is Toyloy or Thamas - Yancy at PF, with a legit #3, and Deonta off the ball.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Both of those teams had 25 W.

That number is tougher to come by in the B-East but 20+ W should be done rather easily.

[GoBearcats31]

6'9 Michigan Country Day

Possibly 6'9" Detroit Country Day center Amir Williams?http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-Amir-Williams-75859

Rivals.com profile says he has a UC offer. Last year saw his No. 4 ranked DCD squad fall in a close 73-67 battle at No. 5 Bloomington South (Indiana). Williams came off the bench behind former 5-star Georgetown commit (eventual 3-star Syracuse signee) DaShonte Riley. Riley played pretty bad in my opinion, but Williams came off the bench and scored a stellar 11 or 12 points.

[coach]

have any of the 3 frosh been cleared? how did kilpatrick look?

[Bcat007]

I stopped by for the scrimmage here are my takes:

Lance Stephenson as others have stated was pretty much unstoppable. He is a competitor. I did not see any issues with teamates as someone else stated. I guess that label will follow him around until we start winning. Shame though.

Biggie does appear quite larger than last year, still moves the same though. I believe next season we will begin to see the guy we hoped Biggie could be. But he should give us some quality minutes this season also defensively.

Deonta Vaughn does what he does, hustles gets players involved and makes open shots.
Should have a great senior season.

Yancy Gates looks nice too. Had some nice buckets in the paint, including some athletic spin post moves. I watched him at the Deveroe's league and noticed improvement, but you have to be careful how you evaluate what you see there. But upon seeing him again in practice he is surely coming along just fine.

Dion Dixon looked fine. Like Vaughn just just does his thing. One of our fearless leaders.

Ibrahima Thomas can play. He was getting rode a bit by the team coach, but you can see he has talent. I saw him play on tv at Oklahoma State and he was chewed out for the same reasons.

Sean Kilpatrick was very silent. Did not get many looks. But i have seen what he can do.

Larry Davis was alright. His shooting looked average to me. Yes he knocked down a few, but he also missed several wide open looks. He also threw up a ugly air ball. Yet people on here are talking as if he was lighting it up. He would not be the guy i would look for as a 3rd or 4th option behind Vaughn, Lance, Dixon or Yancy on an inbounds play with the game on the line. Too streaky for me. I am ok with his ball handling and passing.

Darnell Wilks was the usual. Highlight reel slam and disappear.

Rashad Bishop i thought looked good. Surprized no one has mentioned him. His stroke looked much improved from last season. If he can continue that into the season he will contribute very well. Had to show him some love.

Jaquon Parker i like as well. Really gets after it defensively. Has a strong body and size with a good handle. His stroke needs some work as his form is not the greatest but he did knock down one open 3. Passes the ball well too.

Steve Toyloy played ok. He was his usual physical aggressive self.

Cashmere Wright is going to be fine. Has the tools. Just looks like he is thinking too much at times. Made some very nice assists and had a nice strong finish a the basket while being fouled.


The overall size of the team is something that jumps out at you. Looking forward to a good year. The talent is there.

[Carin's Dad]

I never call myself anything other than a realist on here. Unfortunately I have to agree with Ralph on this. I'm not counting on him being eligible for no other reason than he's not been cleared and yes, that goes for Jaquon too.

It's not that I think they won't be able to play but so far officially they can't.Here, here's a half empty glass of beer.

I think I'll enjoy my half full glass.

Actually, no one on the team can officially play in a real game yet. The first game isn't until next month! Lance will be cleared by then.

[Carin's Dad]

Larry Davis was alright. His shooting looked average to me. Yes he knocked down a few, but he also missed several wide open looks. He also threw up a ugly air ball. Yet people on here are talking as if he was lighting it up.


Think baseball. He only needs to hit 40-50% of his threes to be a superstar.

Thanks for the write-up!

[Carin's Dad]

Both of those teams had 25 W.

That number is tougher to come by in the B-East but 20+ W should be done rather easily.On paper, the talent is probably better than the final 4 team, but whether Mick can coach them to similar results remains to be seen.

[Bcat007]

Think baseball. He only needs to hit 40-50% of his threes to be a superstar.

Thanks for the write-up!

I hear ya. If that is the case then Lance would be a quadra-superstar with his performance lol.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

On paper, the talent is probably better than the final 4 team, but whether Mick can coach them to similar results remains to be seen.

I think you underestimate the talent of Van Exel, Blount, Jones, Buford (et al) on that 1992 team.

[Carin's Dad]

I think you underestimate the talent of Van Exel, Blount, Jones, Buford (et al) on that 1992 team.Not at all - I said "on paper." None of those players had the pedigree going into the season that the current team has.

The 1992 team proved that "on paper" doesn't mean a lot. They did it on the court. The current team needs to step up and show that they too can prove it on the court.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Not at all - I said "on paper." None of those players had the pedigree going into the season that the current team has.

The 1992 team proved that "on paper" doesn't mean a lot. They did it on the court. The current team needs to step up and show that they too can prove it on the court.

I beg to differ. Blount was Calif Juco of the year. Jones was national Juco POY. Van Exel, Nelson, Martin all garnered All-Juco honors. Just to name a few.

[Carin's Dad]

I beg to differ. Blount was Calif Juco of the year. Jones was national Juco POY. Van Exel, Nelson, Martin all garnered All-Juco honors. Just to name a few.That's great, but still not up to the current team's paper.

I'm sure you were sitting there in October, 1991 saying what a great group of players UC has for the upcoming season, but not many others were. I think your memory of how great these players were is based on their performance rather than their potential. They overachieved, IMO.

[dp3113]

From the highlights, Bishop appeared to hit 4 or so three's....which is a lot for him. Was he not this impressive in the actual scrimmage? Certainly surprised me on the highlights.

[TmacGoCats]

^^^ Yes i agree with you, he seemed to hit many shots, and really his offense was his weakness last year....maybe he's turned the corner....

[CroninCrazy]

Lance was laughing and having a great time with all of his teammates at the football game. He was fine with all of them.

I agree. As the football team walked by, I was sitting really close and yelled to Lance; he politely smiled and waved. He seems like a good kid to me!

[UCbball21]

How many fans were there? Thanks for the summaries too

[CroninCrazy]

How many fans were there? Thanks for the summaries too

There weren't too many...There were fans on both sides, but pretty spread out. Also, there were a few in the student sections...Obviously next week is the big basketball weekend where they sign autographs.

[dp3113]

I agree. As the football team walked by, I was sitting really close and yelled to Lance; he politely smiled and waved. He seems like a good kid to me!

might be looking a little to far into things based off that....

[CroninCrazy]

might be looking a little to far into things based off that....

I see what you are saying, but he didn't seem like an odd man out or not listening to teammates, like some have said.

[MDW79]

That's great, but still not up to the current team's paper.

I'm sure you were sitting there in October, 1991 saying what a great group of players UC has for the upcoming season, but not many others were. I think your memory of how great these players were is based on their performance rather than their potential. They overachieved, IMO.

While I get what you're saying, and yes a lot of fans probably didn't expect as much back in '91, I will have to respectfully disagree. Although it is almost impossible to compare. Back then JUCO's we're completely different and those guys could play, whether the fan base knew it or not. B/t Nicky and Blount, you got what, 20+ years in the league? I got ya though, much more hype for this team, locally and nationally, I expect big things. It's been long overdue. I can't wait!

[Carin's Dad]

From the March 14 2002 Enquirer discussing the 1991-92 team: "There was no way to predict what was going to happen that March, nor how it would affect the university, the city and the college basketball landscape." If the team was so impressive preseason wouldn't they expect a little more?

This is a good read. Check out the linked article comparing the 2001/2 team to 91/2.

http://www.enquirer.com/bearcats/2002/03/14/uc_uc_final_four_team.html

[dp3113]

I see what you are saying, but he didn't seem like an odd man out or not listening to teammates, like some have said.

right, but how can you infer that from a split second interaction in a public setting? you cannot make an accurate judgment as to whether or not he is "listening to his teammates" by shouting his name and him smiling at a football game. that determination is made in practice and in games.

[MDW79]

From the March 14 2002 Enquirer discussing the 1991-92 team: "There was no way to predict what was going to happen that March, nor how it would affect the university, the city and the college basketball landscape." If the team was so impressive preseason wouldn't they expect a little more?

This is a good read. Check out the linked article comparing the 2001/2 team to 91/2.

http://www.enquirer.com/bearcats/2002/03/14/uc_uc_final_four_team.html

Great find, thanks! I actually remember reading this I think, way back when I was still an enquirer subscriber. I'll be anxious to see what type of turnout Terry's reunion will get next year. I kind find it hard to see it happening. The BIG question, will Corrie be there?

[Irishbearcat]

I'm an optomist, so until I hear otherwise....I expect all the fellas on the roster to play. I expect great things from our hoops team, and don't think success on the gridiron won't carry over to the court. UC is getting a lot more attention than it has, and I do think Cronin and the boys want to continue that trend.

[MDW79]

The BE naming him preseason newcomer of the year really did away with any doubts I had. I would think there's enough people in the know that if there was any question that he wouldn't play they would have selected differently. It is amazing how long they drag these out though. How hard is it to make a ruling? Reik was a late signee and he's been cleared for months.

[ZCat]

http://www.youtube.com/user/CincinnatiBearcats#p/a/u/0/T-2PxwFVf1Q

Thanks so much for the Video!!

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

That's great, but still not up to the current team's paper.

I'm sure you were sitting there in October, 1991 saying what a great group of players UC has for the upcoming season, but not many others were. I think your memory of how great these players were is based on their performance rather than their potential. They overachieved, IMO.

I was expecting a great year. I followed recruiting closely and the 1991 UC class was well regarded by recruiting gurus like Bob Gibbons (et al).

Returning players like Herb Jones and Tarrice Gibson (and transfer Anthony Buford) plus the 91 recruits looked promising to me.

They didn't overachieve. They did virtually the same thing in 1993 season.

[Bearcat Jeff]

I was expecting a great year. I followed recruiting closely and the 1991 UC class was well regarded by recruiting gurus like Bob Gibbons (et al).

Returning players like Herb Jones and Tarrice Gibson (and transfer Anthony Buford) plus the 91 recruits looked promising to me.

They didn't overachieve. They did virtually the same thing in 1993 season.

I agree. That group was sold short over and over but proved everyone wrong. They got some breaks in the tournament by not meeting a higher seed till the FF and E8 but hey they beat the teams they faced.

[Carin's Dad]

I was expecting a great year. I followed recruiting closely and the 1991 UC class was well regarded by recruiting gurus like Bob Gibbons (et al).

Returning players like Herb Jones and Tarrice Gibson (and transfer Anthony Buford) plus the 91 recruits looked promising to me.

They didn't overachieve. They did virtually the same thing in 1993 season.On paper the current class is better than the 91/92 class. Period.

[GoCats1994]

I wouldn't get too worked up over comparing eras. It's an apples-to-oranges discussion.

1991... The AAU circuit and major shoe companies driving the sport were just getting cranked up. Recruiting looked a lot different in '89, '90, '91 than it does today. Off season training looked a lot different then than it does today.

I would argue that the "talent" level ("on paper") looks much different across the country today vs. what it did then. The high-water mark has been raised across the entire sport..."on paper". (Keep in mind...this current group of "talented" players is still only picked to finish 7th in their own league). There are many more awards to be given, many more honors, and much, much more $$$ to be had across the spectrum. More colleges care about competing as the lure of the all mighty $ comes into play. As the environment gets more competitive for talent...the talent level tends to raise.

Are the players better now than then? Not sure. I would argue that things like defense, passing, team-work (good old fashioned "fundamentals") are not what they used to be. Although I think the pure athletic ability of the current team is probably better than the '91-'92 team. (Biggie > the "Rock" IMO).

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

On paper the current class is better than the 91/92 class. Period.

To each his own:

UC landed 3 stars from the California junior college system. Corie Blount, Erik Martin, and Terry Nelson made a pact to come to UC together. A late signee from a Texas junior college would bolster UC ranks at guard. That would be Nick Van Exel. The 3 Ohio high school recruits were local star John Jacobs and Toledo prepsters LaZelle Durden and Shane Komives, who left UC before the first game that season.

The 1991 class was one of the very best landed by Huggins at UC. Van Exel and Blount became stars at UC and both played in the NBA for more than 10 years since leaving UC. Martin and Nelson were solid contributors for UC, as was LaZelle Durden. John Jacobs played 3 years but never seemed to reach his full potential. Both Martin and Nelson earned UC degrees.

[Bearcat Otto]

I am pretty sure that John Jacobs earned his degree as well.

I thought he left after because he was graduating and saw no playing time in his future.

[chrislewis]

Lance is not eligible to play in games as of right now, you are jumping the gun worrying about how he might interact with his teammates, he may never be eligible.

we get it man. blah blah blah...lance is not eligible yet. blah blah blah....tyreke evans is a silent verbal. blah blah blah. we get you are a hater. we got it. thanks for reiterating it. we get the point jacka$$.

[bearcatbret]

Ralph:
Why do you not jump on the UK blog and let them know that Wall and Bledsoe are not eligible to play yet?

[milfordcats]

Ralph:
Why do you not jump on the UK blog and let them know that Wall and Bledsoe are not eligible to play yet?

Ha. That'd be funny to read the responses.

[ralph1950]

we get it man. blah blah blah...lance is not eligible yet. blah blah blah....tyreke evans is a silent verbal. blah blah blah. we get you are a hater. we got it. thanks for reiterating it. we get the point jacka$$.

Thelivinglegend posted Lance was eligible to play which is not correct. Everyone seems to think Lance's eligibility is a done deal. It is not. It could very well be another Harnal Hall, Adam H., etc., etc., situation. Warning, do not get your hopes up that Lance will ever take the floor as Bearcat.

[Bearcat Jeff]

Ralph, you may be right, but you're next right prediction will be your first. That's why folks are skeptical.

[MDW79]

Thelivinglegend posted Lance was eligible to play which is not correct. Everyone seems to think Lance's eligibility is a done deal. It is not. It could very well be another Harnal Hall, Adam H., etc., etc., situation. Warning, do not get your hopes up that Lance will ever take the floor as Bearcat.

Actually he posted that he was cleared to practice, some took it to mean he's been fully cleared. Also, he just took the floor as a Bearcat for the scrimmage on Sat. C'mon Ralph, please stop. Your point is valid, not needed to be posted 500 times. I seem to remember you contributing to this site with decent posts. Now back to this stuff...

[levydl]

OK people, stop feeding the trolls.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

I am pretty sure that John Jacobs earned his degree as well.

I thought he left after because he was graduating and saw no playing time in his future.

Jacobs didn't (yet) but Blount did, along with others from that recruiting class.

[chrislewis]

Thelivinglegend posted Lance was eligible to play which is not correct. Everyone seems to think Lance's eligibility is a done deal. It is not. It could very well be another Harnal Hall, Adam H., etc., etc., situation. Warning, do not get your hopes up that Lance will ever take the floor as Bearcat.


It is Hernol. But knowing how your facts are always spot on, you would know that. And TheLivingLegend did not say that he was eligible to play. You need to comprehend what you are reading. And along with that, stay off this site because you are retarded.

Didn't you say Riek was a done deal too? Just like Tyreke? Stop posting dummy.

[waterhead]

Thelivinglegend posted Lance was eligible to play which is not correct. Everyone seems to think Lance's eligibility is a done deal. It is not. It could very well be another Harnal Hall, Adam H., etc., etc., situation. Warning, do not get your hopes up that Lance will ever take the floor as Bearcat.

I don't know about the rest of you but I am optimistic about Lance and have my hopes up. I have my hopes up for all the good players we are trying to get cleared to play and for those we are trying to sign...as I have in the past. That does not mean I have bet my life savings on it or that I am standing at the edge of a cliff waiting for Lance to be cleared. Geesh! This is SPORTS not life and death...that's just the realist in me. You can be both optimistic and realistic at the same time you know.

Some people in here must take bad news a LOT worse than the rest of us if they feel the need for so many warnings about minimizing hope.

[Bearcat Jeff]

I don't know about the rest of you but I am optimistic about Lance and have my hopes up. I have my hopes up for all the good players we are trying to get cleared to play and for those we are trying to sign...as I have in the past. That does not mean I have bet my life savings on it or that I am standing at the edge of a cliff waiting for Lance to be cleared. Geesh! This is SPORTS not life and death...that's just the realist in me. You can be both optimistic and realistic at the same time you know.

Some people in here must take bad news a LOT worse than the rest of us if they feel the need for so many warnings about minimizing hope.

I think with or without Lance this is a good team. With him I think they will be very good. I too am very optimistic. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. Like you said this is a sport. I lost a loved one to cancer earlier this month. That was a tragedy. This just wouldn't qualify as such.

[Flanntastic]

my thoughts from the scrimmage

Lance....absolute Beast, had a hard time missing a shot, BUT really has to talk himself into passing the ball....he wants EVER shot

DV.... didn't do much, hit a big three in OT but looked un-interested.

Cash.... FAST with the ball, skinny as a rail, but fast

Gates....thick, looks to be in better shape than last year, ones to shoot jumpers when he should just be pounding it in the middle, i still think he will be all big east this year.

Bishop....hit some shots, ran the black squad from the leadership side, will be a great 6th man this year. He has all around game, solid everywhere but not dominate anywhere.

Davis.....owns that corner three ball, he and Deon will battle for that backup SG spot,

Deon.... plays hard, can nail that 3 ball when he is on.

Wilkes still looks skinny, but had a great dunk

Toyloy is just a big nasty...will do the grunt work, and beat up Yancy in practice. Got to love his that he enjoys the rebounding defense side.

McClain....looks so slow all the time...i have given up on him

Ibrahima Thomas got lit up by the coaches but he impressed me, hit a 3, got some tips, he will start or be a key 6th man

Sean Kilpatrick....didn't even notice him

Jaquon Parker....was a spark, he could be the backup PG instead of moving vaughn over