#19 in AP and ESPN polls

[Bearcat POE]

Good to see we moved up in the polls, now we get 2 wins this week and keep climbing up

[Bearcats_Rule]

Very nice! In the top 20. Need to just keep taking care of business!

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/rankings

[Big B]

Haven't been paying much attention to bball, but I thought X was ranked. oh well.

[psax889906]

Congrats to a coach who put in the hard work to bring his alma mater back to national prominence against some pretty difficult circumstances... Thanks for all you've done thus far Coach Cronin and we look forward to seeing what you do with this program going into the future...

THE CATS ARE BACK!!!

[BasketBySteveLogan]

Looks like it's back to the Crosstown Shootout being Xavier's Super Bowl now that UC is in the top 20 and their dumb team isnt ranked

[LongTimer]

Mick has done a great job getting us back where we belong. Some of us wish it had happened sooner, but the bottom line is that we are there now. I think it is time to start looking at not only an extension (he got two additional years added earlier this year), but a nice pay increase. What he got this year was only an extension with no raise. I don't think that was a strong vote of confidense. The present is looking good. The future looks good. Lets give him a real contract this time. I've seen enough. Yes, there's the stretch drive collapses, but I don't think we'll see anymore of those. I'm confident enough in him now to lock him up long term. I predicted that we would compete for the BE title this year and nothing I've seen yet has changed my mind on that prediction. I'm more confident now than when I made that prediction.

[shaunsimpson]

Top 20 for both teams at the same time in school history.....and keep on climbing.

[ME80]

Mick has done a great job getting us back where we belong. Some of us wish it had happened sooner, but the bottom line is that we are there now. I think it is time to start looking at not only an extension (he got two additional years added earlier this year), but a nice pay increase. What he got this year was only an extension with no raise. I don't think that was a strong vote of confidense. The present is looking good. The future looks good. Lets give him a real contract this time. I've seen enough. Yes, there's the stretch drive collapses, but I don't think we'll see anymore of those. I'm confident enough in him now to lock him up long term. I predicted that we would compete for the BE title this year and nothing I've seen yet has changed my mind on that prediction. I'm more confident now than when I made that prediction.

God, this must be bizarro world, we are switching sides :D No big raise or extension until this year is complete.

[ou_bearcat]

I heard that after getting UC into the top 20, MC is going to talk to ND

[Not Guilty]

God, this must be bizarro world, we are switching sides :D No big raise or extension until this year is complete.

I agree, and I don't think there are many people who support Mick more than I do. As nice as the start of the season has been, its too early to leap to any huge conclusions.

And part of me questions whether LT is doing this to try and raise expectations to an unattainable level (winning the Big East title this year is still a stretch) in order to criticize him if those goals are not reached. His feelings for Mick aren't exactly hidden. He has called him a munchkin amongst other things in the past.

[LongTimer]

Mick did not get a raise. Either he has done an amazing job or he hasn't. The argument in here is predominantly that the job he has done is remarkable. I don't know if I agree with remarkable, but he has us back where I want us to be. Certainly, even with my feelings, if you deem them to be negative (which they aren't), or under other people's feelings, which are extremely positive....surely he deserves a nice raise at the very least. We're ranked. His roster is loaded. He is recruiting well. How in the world am I leaping to huge conclusions?

My feelings are not hidden. You are right about that. Not once have I said he should be fired. I have stated consistently that he should get this year plus next year before we even remotely consider changing coaches. I have said we will contend for a title this year. I have said that our roster is as deep and talented as it ever has been. I have always said that I support Mick as our coach. So, yes...my feelings about him are not hiddeen at all. They are positive like they always have been. That doesn't mean that I can't complain about certain things about him. I take the good with the bad. If I don't like something about him, I'll say it. He deserves a nice raise. I stand by that. If you guys don't agree, I hope you decide to join the bandwagon soon.

[ralph1950]

Looks like it's back to the Crosstown Shootout being Xavier's Super Bowl now that UC is in the top 20 and their dumb team isnt ranked

What do you mean by "back too". It has always been Xavier's Super Bowl as it has always been the biggest game on UC's basketball schedule. However, the game should be played in February. With the game played in football season it is more of a distraction than anything else. The game is Sunday and who really cares when your football team is playing Florida in the Sugar Bowl and your coach may or my not be interviewing with Notre Dame. I am in the middle of making Sugar Bowl reservations and do not have time to devote to or anticipate the XU basketball game. Please move the game to February so it once again becomes meaningful.

[Carin's Dad]

Thanks to all of you for PMing me and welcoming me back. I fell on my sword to get someone else banned and it worked!

I'm able to multitask so I can handle concurrent bball and football excitement. Does life get any better than what we are experiencing right now? I only wish my father (who was a friend of George Smith and Ed Jucker) was still alive.

[ucat4]

Mick has done a great job getting us back where we belong. Some of us wish it had happened sooner, but the bottom line is that we are there now. I think it is time to start looking at not only an extension (he got two additional years added earlier this year), but a nice pay increase. What he got this year was only an extension with no raise. I don't think that was a strong vote of confidense. The present is looking good. The future looks good. Lets give him a real contract this time. I've seen enough. Yes, there's the stretch drive collapses, but I don't think we'll see anymore of those. I'm confident enough in him now to lock him up long term. I predicted that we would compete for the BE title this year and nothing I've seen yet has changed my mind on that prediction. I'm more confident now than when I made that prediction.

And to think that a pretty good amount of people on this forum think that you "hate" MC. I always knew where you were coming from. However, I don't think it's quite the time to lock him up long term.....getting there though!

[ucat4]

Thanks to all of you for PMing me and welcoming me back. I fell on my sword to get someone else banned and it worked!

Are you actually claiming to be some kind of martyr because you got someone else banned? please.....

[CincyEngGrad02]

Are you actually claiming to be some kind of martyr because you got someone else banned? please.....

x2.............

[Carin's Dad]

Are you actually claiming to be some kind of martyr because you got someone else banned? please.....Please try to keep the topic on basketball. x2

[dp3113]

Please try to keep the topic on basketball. x2

not picking a fight, but didnt you take it off the topic of basketball?

[LongTimer]

And to think that a pretty good amount of people on this forum think that you "hate" MC. I always knew where you were coming from. However, I don't think it's quite the time to lock him up long term.....getting there though!

A pretty good amount of people in here have been dead wrong from day one and I have been consistent in my feelings. If Mick does something I don't like, I speak my mind. When he does something I like, I say that too. He didn't get us back as quick as I would have liked, but I am very happy now. The improvement over three weeks or so...from the team I saw in early November, to the team I see now...is amazing! Who knows where the next three months will take us. For me, I have seen enough the last three years where if you look where we are today and look at the whole body of work over 3+ years, I'm happy and am ready to commit fully to Mick. Some of the comments above that still insist we aren't ready to contend for a BE title are ridiculous. Any team that is ranked in the top 20 in the nation, can absolutely contend for a BE title. Whoever says they can't must be one of those dreaded "Naysayers". I said it in April and I still say it today. We will be in the hunt for the title!

[Bearcat Jeff]

Mick has done a great job getting us back where we belong. Some of us wish it had happened sooner, but the bottom line is that we are there now. I think it is time to start looking at not only an extension (he got two additional years added earlier this year), but a nice pay increase. What he got this year was only an extension with no raise. I don't think that was a strong vote of confidense. The present is looking good. The future looks good. Lets give him a real contract this time. I've seen enough. Yes, there's the stretch drive collapses, but I don't think we'll see anymore of those. I'm confident enough in him now to lock him up long term. I predicted that we would compete for the BE title this year and nothing I've seen yet has changed my mind on that prediction. I'm more confident now than when I made that prediction.
Those of you who were hoping this were dreaming. Realistically it was never going to happen sooner than yr. 4. Most everyone in coaching and media thought 5 yrs.. That's the problem with fans expectations. They are hardly ever realistic. What we saw was a gradual build while talent was added. A foundation of 4 yr. players was laid to provide continuity. My only disappointment was the collapse at the end of last season, but without another point guard on the roster I called 18 wins and that's what they hit. Still wish they would have won the S. Florida and Depaul games though and they should of.

This was the season for Mick and the program. Like you I'm glad things are looking better. It is far better for the program that Mick succeed. A coaching change would have been a set back. All he had in his pocket was the BEast. Now he has a top 20 program as recruiting fodder. This could be huge for the 2011 class if the success is maintained.

[LongTimer]

Those of you who were hoping this were dreaming. Realistically it was never going to happen sooner than yr. 4. Most everyone in coaching and media thought 5 yrs.. That's the problem with fans expectations. They are hardly ever realistic. What we saw was a gradual build while talent was added. A foundation of 4 yr. players was laid to provide continuity. My only disappointment was the collapse at the end of last season, but without another point guard on the roster I called 18 wins and that's what they hit. Still wish they would have won the S. Florida and Depaul games though and they should of.

This was the season for Mick and the program. Like you I'm glad things are looking better. It is far better for the program that Mick succeed. A coaching change would have been a set back. All he had in his pocket was the BEast. Now he has a top 20 program as recruiting fodder. This could be huge for the 2011 class if the success is maintained.

BJ, I disagree with you on the speed of the recovery. Had Mick avoided the collapses in year 2 and 3, this recovery would have happened much sooner. I don't think I was dreaming. But, we'll agree to disagree. No sense arguing over the speed that we got here. Let's focus on the fact that we're here, and we now need to make it a habit of being here. Mick has put together a great team and these next 3 months could really be a lot of fun. Hopefully, these next 20 years will be a lot of fun too. Without having to constantly worry about our coach leaving, we can build stability and add to the great tradition that we already have. Time to hang some more banners.

[ME80]

LT, I believe you want Mick and the program to succeed. I believe you are a big UC fan. I just believe that "inside" you don't have the confidence that Mick will succeed and are still prepared for the "downturn" to happen again this year.

[Bearcat Jeff]

BJ, I disagree with you on the speed of the recovery. Had Mick avoided the collapses in year 2 and 3, this recovery would have happened much sooner. I don't think I was dreaming. But, we'll agree to disagree. No sense arguing over the speed that we got here. Let's focus on the fact that we're here, and we now need to make it a habit of being here. Mick has put together a great team and these next 3 months could really be a lot of fun. Hopefully, these next 20 years will be a lot of fun too. Without having to constantly worry about our coach leaving, we can build stability and add to the great tradition that we already have. Time to hang some more banners.

I agree with the collapse part but I believe it was due to a thin roster and overall lack of talent and experience. It was a combo of them all showing up late in season and not knowing how to win when it mattered. They now have the experience to compete and know what it takes. Mick has the first 4 year player of his tenure on the team and several 3 year guys. Older players can now teach the younger ones. That is a huge trait on any winning team. It was a dynamic they did not have the previous 3 years.

[Not Guilty]

Just look at the transformation of Rashad Bishop if you don't understand why Mick needed at least 4 years.

[LongTimer]

LT, I believe you want Mick and the program to succeed. I believe you are a big UC fan. I just believe that "inside" you don't have the confidence that Mick will succeed and are still prepared for the "downturn" to happen again this year.

ME80, don't "assume" how I feel "inside". Too many in here are obsessed with "assuming' things about me. I'm telling you how I feel.

If we collapse again, I won't be happy and you won't be happy. There were reasons that we collapsed the past two years that are not present this year. It won't happen this year...no way.

I love the job Mick is doing and I am solidly behind him. Period!

[ucat4]

not picking a fight, but didnt you take it off the topic of basketball?

My thoughts exactly, Carin did take it off topic to begin with. Bragging about his quest to get someone banned because they didn't agree w/ his opinion kinda shows the type of person he is.

Don't take it personal Carin, that's just how you roll.

[STKohls]

Just look at the transformation of Rashad Bishop if you don't understand why Mick needed at least 4 years.

Good point. I think it's clear that Mick can recruit. It's clear that he can get players to improve each year. What's not clear (to me anyway) that his in-game coaching is up to the task. I've seen him make some great adjustments, but watching UC at the end of a half all too frequently reminds me of the movie Hoosiers. "Everybody clear out and let Jimmy take him." (that's was always my pet peeve about Hugs, too)

Now, I freely admit that there may be more going on than that, and maybe the Lance-to-Yancy alley oop was a called play and not just 2 guys making a great read, so I'm still hopeful. One way or another, we should know by April.

[ME80]

ME80, don't "assume" how I feel "inside". Too many in here are obsessed with "assuming' things about me. I'm telling you how I feel.

If we collapse again, I won't be happy and you won't be happy. There were reasons that we collapsed the past two years that are not present this year. It won't happen this year...no way.

I love the job Mick is doing and I am solidly behind him. Period!

Okay LT, I apologize, you are right, I do not know how you feel inside. As I mentioned I know you are a fan, and "I" believe that if Mick does fail this year I will be right next to you asking for a change.

I only know you from your posts and from those posts I believe that you never really believed that Mick would succeed in bringing this program back. This is not a knock on you, this is just my perception. As I said in many of my posts, this is the year that I will finally hold Mick accountable, and I would not be in favor of an extension or a raise until I see how the year proceeds.

Anyway I agree with you that I am looking forward to a successful year which should make all these past problems slowly fade into oblivion.

[LongTimer]

Okay LT, I apologize, you are right, I do not know how you feel inside. As I mentioned I know you are a fan, and "I" believe that if Mick does fail this year I will be right next to you asking for a change.

I only know you from your posts and from those posts I believe that you never really believed that Mick would succeed in bringing this program back. This is not a knock on you, this is just my perception. As I said in many of my posts, this is the year that I will finally hold Mick accountable, and I would not be in favor of an extension or a raise until I see how the year proceeds.

Anyway I agree with you that I am looking forward to a successful year which should make all these past problems slowly fade into oblivion.

Respectfully, let me correct you again. I have stated on here a hundred times that I give Mick at least through next year. So if we collapse again, you won't be beside me, because I won't be there asking for his head. You'll have to go it alone.

Secondly, like you, many on here try to determine ulterior motives in everything I post. If I post something negative, I'm a Mick hater. If I post something positive, I'm setting Mick up to bash him later. I can't win either way that I post. I always believed that he would bring us back eventually. I just wanted it sooner rather than later. A few doubts crept into my mind through his 1st 3 years. But, I never bailed and I never wanted him fired.

I don't mean to be negative towad you because you have treated me ok in the past (I think...lol). Anyway, regardless where I was in the past, I'm a happy camper now.

[Carin's Dad]

My thoughts exactly, Carin did take it off topic to begin with. Bragging about his quest to get someone banned because they didn't agree w/ his opinion kinda shows the type of person he is.

Don't take it personal Carin, that's just how you roll.I believe my original post was mostly about bball and football and about my joy at the status of our athletic programs right now. I just love our coach and our program right now.

As so often happens on here a few will pick out a word or a phrase from a post, take the thread in a new direction, and then blame the original poster for hijacking the thread.

Now if you want to do it again, that's on you, not me.

Go Bearcats, BEAT X!!!!!

Oh, and, by the way, for the little minds with no sense of humor, my comments about the banning in the original post were said in jest. I forgot that for some people you have to spell it out carefully.

[CincyEngGrad02]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/rankings?pollId=2

Updated.

[milfordcats]

#37 in coaches and #44 in the AP for those to lazy to open the link.

[STKohls]

#37 in coaches and #44 in the AP for those to lazy to open the link.

lol. I was just sitting here kind of shrugging and planning to not open the link. Thanks!

[Walston09]

Hopefully we stomp Winthrop!!!

[milfordcats]

New AP out keeps us at #44. Lost 2 votes though...currently have 7.

Look for us to possibly jump back in after we knock off UCONN Wed.

[milfordcats]

Down to #39 in the Coaches with 11 votes. Down from 12 votes.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/rankings?seasonYear=2010&weekNumber=7&seasonType=2

[ralph1950]

Down to #39 in the Coaches with 11 votes. Down from 12 votes.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/rankings?seasonYear=2010&weekNumber=7&seasonType=2

There is no #39 in the coaches or #44 in the AP. If you are not ranked in the Top 25, both are Top 25 polls, you are unranked, you are merely among the others receiving votes.

[milfordcats]

There is no #39 in the coaches or #44 in the AP. If you are not ranked in the Top 25, both are Top 25 polls, you are unranked, you are merely among the others receiving votes.

While you are correct that we are 'unranked' because we are not in the Top 25, I posted this so that we could track our climb back into the true Top 25.

[Bearcat_NTS]

we are in the 4th year of a major rebuilding project, we should be proud to be receiving votes

[Carin's Dad]

While you are correct that we are 'unranked' because we are not in the Top 25, I posted this so that we could track our climb back into the true Top 25.That's baloney - don't pay attention to Ralph. We rank 39th and 44th in the number of votes. As long as you have votes you can be ranked on how many you have. Unranked would be no votes at all.

[ucat4]

we are in the 4th year of a major rebuilding project, we should be proud to be receiving votes

Is this ralph??

[Bearcat_NTS]

who?


blah blah blah

[LongTimer]

we are in the 4th year of a major rebuilding project, we should be proud to be receiving votes

BREAKING NEWS!!!!! The "Major Rebuilding Project" excuse just signed a 10 year rollover contract to continue indefinitely as the University of Cincinnati's official excuse of choice. All the terms were not disclosed, but it is believed that even if we make the NCAA during that 10 year period, that excuse will continue as long as we don't repeat our NCAA selection for any three consecutive year period. The "Playing in the Rough/Tough Big East Conference" excuse was said to be bitterly disappointed in failing to secure the lofted status of being the #1 excuse. However, the blow was softened by similar opportunities opening up at Depaul, St. Johns, Rutgers, S. Fla., etc. who have all decided to not consider the "Major Rebuilding Project" excuse for their openings

[ralph1950]

BREAKING NEWS!!!!! The "Major Rebuilding Project" excuse just signed a 10 year rollover contract to continue indefinitely as the University of Cincinnati's official excuse of choice. All the terms were not disclosed, but it is believed that even if we make the NCAA during that 10 year period, that excuse will continue as long as we don't repeat our NCAA selection for any three consecutive year period. The "Playing in the Rough/Tough Big East Conference" excuse was said to be bitterly disappointed in failing to secure the lofted status of being the #1 excuse. However, the blow was softened by similar opportunities opening up at Depaul, St. Johns, Rutgers, S. Fla., etc. who have all decided to not consider the "Major Rebuilding Project" excuse for their openings

It is not an excuse if it is fact. What Mick was left to start with by the prior coaching staff was nothing. Here is an analogy of the situation Mick started with. UC (Mick) starts with $0 dollars, South Florida and Depaul start with $250,000 each, Rutgers, St. John's and Seton Hall start with $500,000 each. The other 10 schools in the Big East start with $1,000,000 each. The goal of each of the 16 schools is to get to $2,000,000. Unless UC gets really lucky like doing something such as hitting the powerball, UC is going to be the last of the 16 to get to $2,000,000.