Official Toledo Rockets Pregame/Prediction Thread

[Helicopter]

Wow this team is awful. I really want to watch this game.
And can someone tell me why they scheduled a horizon league team twice in OOC? bizarre...

Temple and Illinois both beat them by 30+ so thats the mark.

[RMHinVA]

The first road game of the year for any team is always a test. Toledo's program was in a shambles after the fiasco with their last coach. A tough rebuilding job for "the other coach K". Its actually a familiar story.

Their early games against Illinois and Temple were on the road. This home game will be closer and from the look of their scores, Toledo is playing better. Still, it should be an easy win for UC.

I suspect they schedule teams they can get to do home and home's with them. No one wants to play all their OOC games on the road.

[JDBEARCAT]

UC 90
Tol 57
Is this game on TV?

[Richard_Head]

Wow this team is awful. I really want to watch this game.
And can someone tell me why they scheduled a horizon league team twice in OOC? bizarre...

Temple and Illinois both beat them by 30+ so thats the mark.

It's not bizarre, they are a young team and the play in the BIG EAST. The Big East conference schedule alone will give you the RPI and strength of schedule to make the NCAA's, I don't understand people complaining about the early schedule at all. This team needed some early out of conference wins and that's what they are doing, can we not just be happy about a program that is 6-0 and not worry about who they are playing at this point. The schedule gets tough here soon.

[ginsid007]

I'm not thrilled having 4 UCAT tickets with the Nov/Dec home schedule however when we have to play Georgetown twice, UConn, Villanova, Pitt, Syracuse, ND, WV, Marquette having some wins is a must if we have any hope of making the show.

[ralph1950]

UC 93

Toledo 45

[Richard_Head]

I'm not thrilled having 4 UCAT tickets with the Nov/Dec home schedule however when we have to play Georgetown twice, UConn, Villanova, Pitt, Syracuse, ND, WV, Marquette having some wins is a must if we have any hope of making the show.

Exactly, if we make the tourny nobody is going to look back at the early schedule and complain about it. SO why complain now.

[Richard_Head]

UC 93

Toledo 45

Has Gates and Thomas been able to practice this week since the Wright State game? If they haven't I think the game could be a little closer then this.

[binturong07]

Wow this team is awful. I really want to watch this game.
And can someone tell me why they scheduled a horizon league team twice in OOC? bizarre...

Temple and Illinois both beat them by 30+ so thats the mark.

Drive up to Toledo and watch the game.

[Helicopter]

It's not bizarre, they are a young team and the play in the BIG EAST. The Big East conference schedule alone will give you the RPI and strength of schedule to make the NCAA's, I don't understand people complaining about the early schedule at all. This team needed some early out of conference wins and that's what they are doing, can we not just be happy about a program that is 6-0 and not worry about who they are playing at this point. The schedule gets tough here soon.

I was talking about Toledo, champ. They are a MAC team that scheduled the same Horizon league team twice in the same season. Its a bizarre scheduling move I thought it was interestings.

I don't understand why people can't read properly.

[Helicopter]

Drive up to Toledo and watch the game.

Can't I have all these exams I have to stay down here. :( I was seriously thinking about it though.

[Who Dey Time]

The first true road game of the season can always be a liitle nerve racking. Toledo has absolutely nothing to lose and should come out fired up.

Still, UC is worlds better but it'll be closer than some think:

UC 72
Toledo 54

[MDW79]

UC-68
Toledo-56

[Cpaw]

72-48 UC. Dixon leads all scorers with 22.

[GoBearcats31]

70-53 Cats

[bearcatgary]

I was talking about Toledo, champ. They are a MAC team that scheduled the same Horizon league team twice in the same season. Its a bizarre scheduling move I thought it was interestings.

I don't understand why people can't read properly.

I think you are referring to Illinois-Chicago. It looks like the first time UT played them was part of the 2K Sports classic. The 2nd meeting probably was part of their regular schedule.

I believe something similar happened to UC a few years ago. Didn't it?

[Thewhiteboy]

Cincy 68-56

[BearcatAlum1]

UC 77
Toledo 61

[waterhead]

I say we top 80 for the first time.

Cats 81-53

[Carthage World]

I'm a Univ. of Toledo student. Anyone planning on going to the game and has questions feel free to PM me.

It's unfortunate that UC has started to play Toledo again during their worst two years of basketball in program history. Long story short, they brought in a new coach two years ago who tore the program to shreds, and are now starting from the ground up again with UW-Green Bay's former coach. How can a team be so depleted? They brought in a total of 13 scholarship recruits over the past two years (not including this year's class) and now, only TWO of those 13 are still on the team.

Their roster looks like this...

Seniors- 2 (one being a transfer from Michigan who got released from their program after 4 years)
Juniors- 1 (a walk-on guard)
Sophomores- 1 (Malcolm Griffin, their best player)
Freshmen- 7 (1 RS, 3 scholarship true frosh, 3 walk-on true frosh)

They have 3 transfers sitting out this year who will make them much more competitive next year along with 4 more frosh coming in who will all be impact players.

As for Saturday night's game...

UC 83
Toledo 50

This is the worst team UC will play this year. Despite it being on the road, Toledo has so little talent anything under a 25 point win will be disappointing.

[BearcatAlum1]

^ Will Toledo go zone?

If Toledo goes zone, we may have trouble scoring 83. Also, our press may absolutely terrorize their guards.

[Carthage World]

^ Will Toledo go zone?

If Toledo goes zone, we may have trouble scoring 83. Also, our press may absolutely terrorize their guards.

Toledo has above average size for a MAC school but there's no doubt in my mind Toledo will play in zone for the majority of the game. UC's press while creating more turnovers may also help Toledo get more open shots considering Toledo is absolutely dreadful in the half court.

[MDW79]

I'm a Univ. of Toledo student. Anyone planning on going to the game and has questions feel free to PM me.

It's unfortunate that UC has started to play Toledo again during their worst two years of basketball in program history. Long story short, they brought in a new coach two years ago who tore the program to shreds, and are now starting from the ground up again with UW-Green Bay's former coach. How can a team be so depleted? They brought in a total of 13 scholarship recruits over the past two years (not including this year's class) and now, only TWO of those 13 are still on the team.

Their roster looks like this...

Seniors- 2 (one being a transfer from Michigan who got released from their program after 4 years)
Juniors- 1 (a walk-on guard)
Sophomores- 1 (Malcolm Griffin, their best player)
Freshmen- 7 (1 RS, 3 scholarship true frosh, 3 walk-on true frosh)

They have 3 transfers sitting out this year who will make them much more competitive next year along with 4 more frosh coming in who will all be impact players.

As for Saturday night's game...

UC 83
Toledo 50

This is the worst team UC will play this year. Despite it being on the road, Toledo has so little talent anything under a 25 point win will be disappointing.

Who was the former coach and what did he do to cause 11 kids to exit early? I'm assuming if he only got 2 years before getting the heave ho that did a doosey of a job on that program.

[bearcats011]

UC 81 Toledo 54. Wilks with 16 points

[Carthage World]

Who was the former coach and what did he do to cause 11 kids to exit early? I'm assuming if he only got 2 years before getting the heave ho that did a doosey of a job on that program.

Gene Cross, was an assistant at Notre Dame prior to Toledo.

Of the 08 class...

-1 got homesick/left a few games into the season
-1 got an injury RS and transferred several games into the 09 season
-1 had a Kenny Belton situation and lost his medical clearance to play.
-1 transferred/left after the season
-2 players were claimed "not good enough" to stay by the new coach and transferred after last year.

Of the 09 class...
-4 players transferred because of the coaching change. Some decided on their own, others were asked to leave by the new coach (academic issues too).
-1 player RS'd last year and left the program after the first scrimmage this year (didn't have the work ethic to see PT).
-The remaining two players (Humes and Griffin) are starters this year and should be crucial pieces for the program getting back on track.

[slimm]

uc 74 toledo 66

[Bearcat Bounce]

UC-78
Toledo-50

Cash gets 8 assists.

[Carin's Dad]

Toledo is the lowest ranked team we play all year. Look for Mick to try a lot of schemes and thus the final margin won't be as wide as it could be. 80-60

[BearcatAlum1]

If Toledo goes zone, I hope we don't fall in love with the 3.

I don't mind Killa, Dixon or Bishop taking open 3s. Most, if not all of the other players should only take a 3 if the shot clock is winding down AND they're wide open.

[Cats4Ever]

Found this article from Kansas City previewing the game tonight.

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/12/04/2496821/cincinnati-6-0-at-toledo-0-7.html

Interesting to see an outside perspective. Predicts a UC win.

Not sure about the safety of these sites, but found a couple of links advertising streaming tonight.

This link for online tv:

http://www.dunmay.com/cincinnati-vs-toledo-basketball-watch-live-stream-online-free-december-4-2010/

And also here:

http://www.sweeg.com/watch-cincinnati-vs-toledo-basketball-online-live-stream-free-december-4-2010/

[bearcats011]

Found this article from Kansas City previewing the game tonight.

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/12/04/2496821/cincinnati-6-0-at-toledo-0-7.html

Interesting to see an outside perspective. Predicts a UC win.

Not sure about the safety of these sites, but found a couple of links advertising streaming tonight.

This link for online tv:

http://www.dunmay.com/cincinnati-vs-toledo-basketball-watch-live-stream-online-free-december-4-2010/

And also here:

http://www.sweeg.com/watch-cincinnati-vs-toledo-basketball-online-live-stream-free-december-4-2010/

Thank you very much, i had been looking for a while but wasn't able to find anything.

[Boosilini]

grind out road game 'Cats 57 them 53
________
NEW MEXICO MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES (http://newmexico.dispensaries.org/)

[ralph1950]

Vegas has UC as 18 point favorite. Easy money, take UC and give the 18.

[ucat4]

our press may absolutely terrorize their guards.

I love statements like this - it reminds me of the 90's! :D

[BearcatCJR23]

Is the game viewable online anywhere?

[BearcatCJR23]

Is the game viewable online anywhere?

Sorry, didn't read above.

[BearcatAlum1]

Sorry, didn't read above.

I'm unsure if those links actually work.

[KY Bearcat]

I didn't have any luck with the links

[Ole Skool Bearcat]

Bearcats 63 U T 47

[waterhead]

Vegas has UC as 18 point favorite. Easy money, take UC and give the 18.

They have covered Vegas already:)

[cmm27]

39 - 11, UC on top. Not a bad way to start a game.

[JordanW]

grind out road game 'Cats 57 them 53

I think you might be off the mark by just a little bit.

[Who Dey Time]

71-38 'Cats with 7:30 left and it hasn't been close from minute one.

[Who Dey Time]

81-47 final. UC 7-0!

Dixon leads all scorers with 17.

[JohnFrancis]

I am enjoying this now because I still believe 20 wins (prior to the BE Tournament) will be tough to reach. Not sure if a record like 20-13 (with say 1 BE tourney win) would get us into the NCAA tournament

[dp3113]

I am enjoying this now because I still believe 20 wins (prior to the BE Tournament) will be tough to reach. Not sure if a record like 20-13 (with say 1 BE tourney win) would get us into the NCAA tournament

we have a very legit chance to be 14-0 or 13-1 heading into the new year/crosstown shootout. 20 should be accomplished this year.

[dp3113]

also, anyone get a chance to listen to postgame comments. my 700 feed went out on my computer during the postgame before mick came on.

[waterhead]

I don't think our total record matters as much as our Beast record. 10-8 in conference and we are probably in, 9-9 is probably bubble, and 8-10 is probably out. Of course that is assuming the Beast will be similar to years past in strength at the end of the year.

[bearcattg]

we have a very legit chance to be 14-0 or 13-1 heading into the new year/crosstown shootout. 20 should be accomplished this year.

You're right they could very easily go 13-0 or 14-0 to start. They will still struggle to get to 20. Look at that Big East schedule and be realistic. It's going to be a struggle to get to 7-8 wins in the BE.

[MDW79]

Regardless of our record in OOC, IMO we will need a minimum of 8 conference wins, with a conference tourney win. (That's 22 total) And I think that is really pushing it. I'd personally say set 9-9 as a MIN. As much as people point to the committee putting a cap on the amount of teams a conference can put in, I think the same can be said for having them put in a team with a losing conference record, especially if your OOC schedule is weak.

Just my opinion, but again I think this team needs at least 22 wins, perhaps even 23, if 13 of them come via the OOC.

Either way, good win tonight. Nothing wrong with winning the games you're supposed to, especially the way it sounds like they played tonight.

[MDW79]

I don't think our total record matters as much as our Beast record. 10-8 in conference and we are probably in, 9-9 is probably bubble, and 8-10 is probably out. Of course that is assuming the Beast will be similar to years past in strength at the end of the year.

You beat me to it. Agreed.

[waterhead]

Mick said he talked to the guys after WSU that they came out flat and their heads weren't entirely in the game after the UD blowout. He thought tonight they were prepared. He said he called off the dogs 5 minutes to go. He was very happy with how sharp they played in the first half. Lot's of extra passes to get open looks, high FG %, low TO's, and high on creating TO's. They really didn't talk much about the second half. He gave some lip service to Gates about scoring a couple of quick buckets down low and demanding a lot of attention which opened up the perimeter.

There wasn't much to say about this game...it was kind of expected. First half shooting and D was phenomenal though.

[waterhead]

You're right they could very easily go 13-0 or 14-0 to start. They will still struggle to get to 20. Look at that Big East schedule and be realistic. It's going to be a struggle to get to 7-8 wins in the BE.

The way things are looking it's also going to be a struggle to beat the Cats.

[catscratchfever]

The way things are looking it's also going to be a struggle to beat the Cats.

Good point! Funny how people seem to ignore that our team is pretty d@MN good too!

[waterhead]

Does anyone have any concerns about our substitution plan? He seems to like to put 3 guys in at the same time to play up tempo and press. Other than WSU...has it noticeably given us a lift or has it mostly created a stagnant offense and not a lot better D?

I might be wrong here. I kind of like taking starters out when they are tired or sucking and putting them back in when they are rested. There shouldn't be some pre-arranged schedule...it should be based on how fast the game is going and how tired they are. I am not big on this idea of putting a few guys out there to "hold down the fort" while our starters get rest. I wouldn't mind always having 3 starters in the game at the same time and preferably 4 until the game is out of reach. I think we have 6 starters with SK so keeping 3 fresh should be easy and 4 shouldn't be too hard for most of the game.

Whatever wins is fine with me...just an observation.

[bearcattg]

Good point! Funny how people seem to ignore that our team is pretty d@MN good too!

Everyone does realize Toledo is 0-8 right? The only decent team UC played was supposedly UD, and they are proving to be a bit of a sham.

[waterhead]

Everyone does realize Toledo is 0-8 right? The only decent team UC played was supposedly UD, and they are proving to be a bit of a sham.

And this means we are going to struggle?

[MDW79]

Does anyone have any concerns about our substitution plan? He seems to like to put 3 guys in at the same time to play up tempo and press. Other than WSU...has it noticeably given us a lift or has it mostly created a stagnant offense and not a lot better D?

I might be wrong here. I kind of like taking starters out when they are tired or sucking and putting them back in when they are rested. There shouldn't be some pre-arranged schedule...it should be based on how fast the game is going and how tired they are. I am not big on this idea of putting a few guys out there to "hold down the fort" while our starters get rest. I wouldn't mind always having 3 starters in the game at the same time and preferably 4 until the game is out of reach. I think we have 6 starters with SK so keeping 3 fresh should be easy and 4 shouldn't be too hard for most of the game.

Whatever wins is fine with me...just an observation.

I don't have any problem with it now, especially with the types of games we're in. Get everybody time and let them mesh. I will however have a big problem with it if we don't have some semblance of an 8 man rotation, a starting 5, and a 6th man come mid Jan.

Cash-Dixon-Bishop-Thomas-Gates- 6th man-Dixon Next 3 in Parker, Jackson, Wilks - Anybody else-garbage time. (Seems simple to me)

I really think Mick tried to outcoach people last year and I hope he learned from it. I'm sorry but 19 starting lineups, or whatever we had, you kill any chance your kids truly have of gaining rhythm and confidence.

There's a reason there is a term called "role players" It's because they have a "role", otherwise they would be called "randomly used players".

I think Mick will get it figured out better this year though, I know there was lot going on behind the scenes that he was trying to compensate for.

[MDW79]

Everyone does realize Toledo is 0-8 right? The only decent team UC played was supposedly UD, and they are proving to be a bit of a sham.

Does it somehow make us bad b/c we beat a bad team by 34? I don't think anyone is crowning us b/c of the win either.

[Carin's Dad]

The danger will be becoming over confident. I'm glad we ease into Big East play with DePaul, Seton Hall and X before we hit Nova. A little upgrade in competition before a huge jump up.

A key stretch will be away at Syr, ND and St J. If we come out of those with 1 win I'll feel good, 2 and I'll feel great!

[dp3113]

I don't have any problem with it now, especially with the types of games we're in. Get everybody time and let them mesh. I will however have a big problem with it if we don't have some semblance of an 8 man rotation, a starting 5, and a 6th man come mid Jan.

Cash-Dixon-Bishop-Thomas-Gates- 6th man-Dixon Next 3 in Parker, Jackson, Wilks - Anybody else-garbage time. (Seems simple to me)

I really think Mick tried to outcoach people last year and I hope he learned from it. I'm sorry but 19 starting lineups, or whatever we had, you kill any chance your kids truly have of gaining rhythm and confidence.

There's a reason there is a term called "role players" It's because they have a "role", otherwise they would be called "randomly used players".

I think Mick will get it figured out better this year though, I know there was lot going on behind the scenes that he was trying to compensate for.

once thing we have this year that we didnt have last year is starting lineup continuity- which is nice. seems like we have a starting 5 set- and hopefully it stays that way barring injury (knock on wood).

i like a shorter rotation- i just dont know that we are going to see that under mick. im not a big larry davis or darnell wilks fan because i think they are bad decision makers, have bad hands, etc. but mick has been very complimentary of their D so far this year and their attitudes- at least on postgames and radio shows. i think we will probably be seeing a 10 man rotation this year. i dont have a HUGE problem with that, as long as we are pressing for 30-40 mins. if we arent pressing, i'd like to see it at 8.

[ucat4]

The danger will be becoming over confident. I'm glad we ease into Big East play with DePaul, Seton Hall and X before we hit Nova. A little upgrade in competition before a huge jump up.

A key stretch will be away at Syr, ND and St J. If we come out of those with 1 win I'll feel good, 2 and I'll feel great!

Well, according to Pomeroy......I kid, I kid! I do agree however that MC needs to keep these kids heads from becoming to big, and becoming a bit "too" confident. Easing into the BigEast is a good thing.

[waterhead]

I think it depends what you mean by 10 man rotation. When we get to Beast play will 5 minutes be considered part of the "rotation"? I think we have a 9 man rotation at best anyway. I think one of our seniors will be used very sparingly and may not average more than a couple minutes come conference play (so not part of the rotation). I see 6 guys logging the lion's share. 3 others will probably depend a lot on matchups. Jackson, Wilkes, and Davis.

[milfordcats]

I don't have any problem with it now, especially with the types of games we're in. Get everybody time and let them mesh. I will however have a big problem with it if we don't have some semblance of an 8 man rotation, a starting 5, and a 6th man come mid Jan.

Cash-Dixon-Bishop-Thomas-Gates- 6th man-Dixon Next 3 in Parker, Jackson, Wilks - Anybody else-garbage time. (Seems simple to me)

I really think Mick tried to outcoach people last year and I hope he learned from it. I'm sorry but 19 starting lineups, or whatever we had, you kill any chance your kids truly have of gaining rhythm and confidence.

There's a reason there is a term called "role players" It's because they have a "role", otherwise they would be called "randomly used players".

I think Mick will get it figured out better this year though, I know there was lot going on behind the scenes that he was trying to compensate for.

I hope Kilpatrick gets into that rotation. And honestly with as bad as Davis has been in the past he is playing some pretty good defense lately.

[dp3113]

I hope Kilpatrick gets into that rotation. And honestly with as bad as Davis has been in the past he is playing some pretty good defense lately.

i think he meant to say kilpatrick as the 6man. he listed dixon twice.

[waterhead]

Well, according to Pomeroy......I kid, I kid! I do agree however that MC needs to keep these kids heads from becoming to big, and becoming a bit "too" confident. Easing into the BigEast is a good thing.

Most of the comments I have seen from players have been encouraging. "We still have a lot of work to do". I haven't seen any of them saying "We feel like we can play with any team out there right now".

After the WSU game presser Mick actually seemed a bit ticked off that people had told his kids how good they were after the UD game. He said that was one of the reasons he was worried about WSU...along with their senior guards and our player illness in days leading up to the game.

I think it has been addressed. Pre season we saw a couple juniors really take it upon themselves to work hard and get better over and above what the coach told them to. Gates has every reason to be frustrated so far...since he hasn't been getting the ball as much as I think he should. But I haven't heard one peep out of him SO FAR. I really think they have bought into the mentality of getting wins over and above individual stats. And Gates is a pro prospect...he has a major stake in getting the ball.

[MDW79]

i think he meant to say kilpatrick as the 6man. he listed dixon twice.

Whoops, yeah, I meant SK there.

And, fwiw, I really like the way Mick's using him in the 6 spot. For all of us old enough to remember, think of the way Darnell Burton was used primarily his last two years. "Instant offense"

[ralph1950]

I posted to give the 18 as it was easy money. Cannot believe the posters that were predicting a close game as there was no reason to think this game was ever going to be close. Toledo is a mess, much like the Muskies (their string of luck ran out, Chris Mack was a very bad hire).

[bearcattg]

And this means we are going to struggle?

UC under Cronin: 68-68. Non conference record: 40-18. BE: 28-50.

History says yes, this means they will struggle.

[Bearcat Cafe]

UC could have named a score tonight. Honestly, the dogs got called off 7 minutes into the second half when the starters sat and Parker, SK, Biggie, Wilks and Davis took over. 3 walk ons and Biggie the last few minutes was the mercy rule.

Loved how hard they went after it to start.

[waterhead]

Whoops, yeah, I meant SK there.

And, fwiw, I really like the way Mick's using him in the 6 spot. For all of us old enough to remember, think of the way Darnell Burton was used primarily his last two years. "Instant offense"

Yah...I'm not sure that is a coincidence:) Mick says he likes subbing to strength not weakness. I wonder where he got that from? And isn't it nice that he finally has a perfect situation to use it? SK will be starting next year and for as long as he is with UC after that. He will get starters minutes this year but that honor is being given to the vets and I'm down with that. I am sure SK is well aware of what's going on and doesn't have a big problem with it.

[Panamacat]

UC under Cronin: 68-68. Non conference record: 40-18. BE: 28-50.

History says yes, this means they will struggle.

But your history suggests that previously they have struggled with the non-conference component. Is this 7-0 team better than the previous ones (40-18)? Probably. Therefore we have a good chance to do better than the 28-50 BE record you quote. That data is skewed by the Ron Allen/Adam Hrycaniuk days of old. Have some faith!

[dp3113]

Most of the comments I have seen from players have been encouraging. "We still have a lot of work to do". I haven't seen any of them saying "We feel like we can play with any team out there right now".

After the WSU game presser Mick actually seemed a bit ticked off that people had told his kids how good they were after the UD game. He said that was one of the reasons he was worried about WSU...along with their senior guards and our player illness in days leading up to the game.

I think it has been addressed. Pre season we saw a couple juniors really take it upon themselves to work hard and get better over and above what the coach told them to. Gates has every reason to be frustrated so far...since he hasn't been getting the ball as much as I think he should. But I haven't heard one peep out of him SO FAR. I really think they have bought into the mentality of getting wins over and above individual stats. And Gates is a pro prospect...he has a major stake in getting the ball.

getting the ball on the block is a two way street. gates still doesn't do a good job of getting position, establishing it, and sealing off his man.

look at this team so far- very little selfishness, sharing of the ball, different guys scoring, a lot of extra passes being made. if yancy was open on the block, he'd be getting the ball. this team will find find him if he is.

[waterhead]

UC under Cronin: 68-68. Non conference record: 40-18. BE: 28-50.

History says yes, this means they will struggle.

Oh yah...thanks for reminding me...I had almost forgot the last 100 times that has been mentioned. We have struggled before which means we will struggle this year. This team is the same as all the others. Nothing new to see here. Wrap it up boys...no reason to play it out...history has spoken.

This team has no better talent than Mick's first few years. Same old gang. As a matter of fact Hyranciuk would be an all star on this team. Am I forgetting last year? Nope. Obviously we are playing the same type of strategy as last year too. Nothing has changed. Same coach...same team...same results.

What are you doing following the season by the way? If you think we will get the same results...you could be doing something a little more productive than watching re-runs no?

[BearcatAlum1]

I don't have any problem with it now, especially with the types of games we're in. Get everybody time and let them mesh. I will however have a big problem with it if we don't have some semblance of an 8 man rotation, a starting 5, and a 6th man come mid Jan.

Cash-Dixon-Bishop-Thomas-Gates- 6th man-Dixon Next 3 in Parker, Jackson, Wilks - Anybody else-garbage time. (Seems simple to me)

I really think Mick tried to outcoach people last year and I hope he learned from it. I'm sorry but 19 starting lineups, or whatever we had, you kill any chance your kids truly have of gaining rhythm and confidence.

There's a reason there is a term called "role players" It's because they have a "role", otherwise they would be called "randomly used players".

I think Mick will get it figured out better this year though, I know there was lot going on behind the scenes that he was trying to compensate for.

We've had the same starting 5 for the last 6 games: Cash, Dixon, Bishop, Gates, Ibra.

Killa has been entering with about between the 15:00-16:00 mark in the first half and plays a large amount of the remaining minutes. Wilks has been entering at this time too

[bg703]

Getting lost in the SK hype is that Dixon leads the team in scoring. This is an example of Dixon and SK playing each other in practice making both players better.

This team has 6 players you trust (Gates, Thomas, Bishop, Dixon, Kilpatrick and Wright). The other guys (Parker, Jackson, Wilks, McClain, and Davis) are role players on this team and their playing time is going to depend on who they play. It's not such a bad thing playing a softer non-conference schedule because the core players will likely be logging heavy minutes in conference play. And I think we all know that UC probably needs to go something like 10-8 in conference to make Big Dance.

[dp3113]

Getting lost in the SK hype is that Dixon leads the team in scoring. This is an example of Dixon and SK playing each other in practice making both players better.

This team has 6 players you trust (Gates, Thomas, Bishop, Dixon, Kilpatrick and Wright). The other guys (Parker, Jackson, Wilks, McClain, and Davis) are role players on this team and their playing time is going to depend on who they play. It's not such a bad thing playing a softer non-conference schedule because the core players will likely be logging heavy minutes in conference play. And I think we all know that UC probably needs to go something like 10-8 in conference to make Big Dance.

trust is a big word. have Gates, Thomas, Bishop, and Dixon really earned that? we havent played anyone yet. im excited for the year, but based on their history, i dont trust any of those guys yet.

[bearcattg]

But your history suggests that previously they have struggled with the non-conference component. Is this 7-0 team better than the previous ones (40-18)? Probably. Therefore we have a good chance to do better than the 28-50 BE record you quote. That data is skewed by the Ron Allen/Adam Hrycaniuk days of old. Have some faith!

My point is that this may be the worst non conference schedule they've played. So a 7-0 or 13-0 start is getting people overhyped. Last year they played a tougher schedule and did well in Maui. Then what happened in the BE? I'm not sure why UC's performance against this soft schedule is indicative of a better performance in the BE. I remember reading and hearing all this same stuff last December when UC was moving into the rankings. Boy how that turned quickly.

[bearcattg]

Oh yah...thanks for reminding me...I had almost forgot the last 100 times that has been mentioned. We have struggled before which means we will struggle this year. This team is the same as all the others. Nothing new to see here. Wrap it up boys...no reason to play it out...history has spoken.

This team has no better talent than Mick's first few years. Same old gang. As a matter of fact Hyranciuk would be an all star on this team. Am I forgetting last year? Nope. Obviously we are playing the same type of strategy as last year too. Nothing has changed. Same coach...same team...same results.

What are you doing following the season by the way? If you think we will get the same results...you could be doing something a little more productive than watching re-runs no?

Have you watched any of these games? UC hasn't put together a good complete game yet. Mick said he called off the dogs against Toledo with 7 minutes left. Then why did they only score 11 points in the first 9 minutes of the second half? They blew out UD but managed to only score 20 some points in the second half. Playing half a good game is enough against a hapless Toledo, Savannah State, Mt. St. Mary's, etc. We'll see how that works against Villanova, Pitt, WVU, Syracuse, UConn, ND...

[BearcatAlum1]

Bearcattg:

I think there is a reason for optimism. Yes, we're 7-0 against lesser competition (and will be 9-0 going to Oklahoma), but we're 7-0 nonetheless. For those that have been watching the team, there is an energy that has not been seen the last 3-4 years. We are sharing the ball, giving 100% and buying in as a "team." There is no face to the team. We LOOK different, regardless of the competition.

Do you think we have the team that is capable of playing 2-3 top 20 teams in the OOC? Personally, I'm glad we didn't schedule that way. We lost our two best scorers off a 19 win team. We needed to solve some problems, answer some questions, find a rhythm before BE competition starts. We're starting to do just that...

We beat Dayton by 34 points. We were up 20 on Wright State with 7:00 to play before they drilled some threes and cut the final margin to 8. We just pounded a bad Toledo team on their own floor, but we still pounded them! (With comparable margins of victory to Illinois, I might add).

There are more questions to be answered, but our optimism sheds from how the team looks compared to last year.......and the energy, team unity, etc. is something fresh and new.

Is this not a reason to be optimistic at this point?

[ralph1950]

If UC is up by 30 at halftime vs Villanova etc. they will be able to coast through the second half like they did against Dayton.

[catsfan32]

Have you watched any of these games? UC hasn't put together a good complete game yet. Mick said he called off the dogs against Toledo with 7 minutes left. Then why did they only score 11 points in the first 9 minutes of the second half? They blew out UD but managed to only score 20 some points in the second half. Playing half a good game is enough against a hapless Toledo, Savannah State, Mt. St. Mary's, etc. We'll see how that works against Villanova, Pitt, WVU, Syracuse, UConn, ND...

Dam, can you not just be happy with how they are playing right now. I mean is it that upsetting that we are winning all of our games and look pretty good doing it? As they always say, haters are going to hate, no matter what. It amazes me that some people just cant enjoy the ride and have to over analyze everything about every little detail. Fact is we are winning and we look pretty good doing it, and thats all that matters to me. I don't care if we win by 2 or 20, winning is winning!

[waterhead]

My point is that this may be the worst non conference schedule they've played. So a 7-0 or 13-0 start is getting people overhyped. Last year they played a tougher schedule and did well in Maui. Then what happened in the BE? I'm not sure why UC's performance against this soft schedule is indicative of a better performance in the BE. I remember reading and hearing all this same stuff last December when UC was moving into the rankings. Boy how that turned quickly.

Point taken. This early start isn't indcative of anything other than they have won them. Other than that it doesn't predict any future events. They are just something to start to gauge this team by. The only real gauge is conference play. There are both concerns and positive signs so far.

Likewise, the past years aren't indicative of what this team will do. They are only a gauge of what could happen. I am well aware of a significant end of year trend...and it is a major concern. Having said that...this year's performance is every bit the indicator of past year's performance. I don't know why we would predict what this team will do because of what Hyranciuk and company did. Apples and oranges. I know this will sound like an excuse to you but last year's team was a completely different situation with Born Ready. There was little chemistry, continuity, and balance. Our team was being led by a not so born ready frosh and a somewhat disgruntled (IMO) senior while the rest were relegated to side notes. Every team prior to last was desperately short on Beast caliber experience, depth, and quality. Just 2 years ago we had ONE 3 year veteran and no 4 year vets with no true PG.

Using past year's to gauge this team is just as bad IMO as using the first 7 games this year to predict success or failure. If we are going to be objective...then let's be completely objective.

[waterhead]

Have you watched any of these games? UC hasn't put together a good complete game yet. Mick said he called off the dogs against Toledo with 7 minutes left. Then why did they only score 11 points in the first 9 minutes of the second half? They blew out UD but managed to only score 20 some points in the second half. Playing half a good game is enough against a hapless Toledo, Savannah State, Mt. St. Mary's, etc. We'll see how that works against Villanova, Pitt, WVU, Syracuse, UConn, ND...

I have only seen a couple webcasts...I live out of state. I have followed each and every game online gametracker, radio, or both except UD when I was on a plane. While I am a bit concerened with consistency I am also very optimistic that we have held 20+ margins on most of them at one point or another. What would be wose is if they were tight games all the way through.

To suggest that Mick will or may have the same sub policy in tight conference games is a little short sighted. He has been liberal with minutes and will continue to be so while he has that luxury. It doesn't explain a lack of consistency from starters from half to half...but it does explain a few things.

[bearcattg]

Point taken. This early start isn't indcative of anything other than they have won them. Other than that it doesn't predict any future events. They are just something to start to gauge this team by. The only real gauge is conference play. There are both concerns and positive signs so far.

Likewise, the past years aren't indicative of what this team will do. They are only a gauge of what could happen. I am well aware of a significant end of year trend...and it is a major concern. Having said that...this year's performance is every bit the indicator of past year's performance. I don't know why we would predict what this team will do because of what Hyranciuk and company did. Apples and oranges. I know this will sound like an excuse to you but last year's team was a completely different situation with Born Ready. There was little chemistry, continuity, and balance. Our team was being led by a not so born ready frosh and a somewhat disgruntled (IMO) senior while the rest were relegated to side notes. Every team prior to last was desperately short on Beast caliber experience, depth, and quality. Just 2 years ago we had ONE 3 year veteran and no 4 year vets with no true PG.

Using past year's to gauge this team is just as bad IMO as using the first 7 games this year to predict success or failure. If we are going to be objective...then let's be completely objective.

I guess I shouldn't try to burst anyone's bubble. If people want to be excited, they can be. I just have a hard time watching these performances which are seesaw against lousy teams and expecting them to be able to beat the likes of Pitt. Comparing Toledo to anyone outside of DePaul in the BE is apples and oranges. I hope I can eat a whole heaping plate of crow in March. It would be quite good tasting, but until then my pessimism based on what has happened in the past will continue to rule.

[dp3113]

Point taken. This early start isn't indcative of anything other than they have won them. Other than that it doesn't predict any future events. They are just something to start to gauge this team by. The only real gauge is conference play. There are both concerns and positive signs so far.

Likewise, the past years aren't indicative of what this team will do. They are only a gauge of what could happen. I am well aware of a significant end of year trend...and it is a major concern. Having said that...this year's performance is every bit the indicator of past year's performance. I don't know why we would predict what this team will do because of what Hyranciuk and company did. Apples and oranges. I know this will sound like an excuse to you but last year's team was a completely different situation with Born Ready. There was little chemistry, continuity, and balance. Our team was being led by a not so born ready frosh and a somewhat disgruntled (IMO) senior while the rest were relegated to side notes. Every team prior to last was desperately short on Beast caliber experience, depth, and quality. Just 2 years ago we had ONE 3 year veteran and no 4 year vets with no true PG.

Using past year's to gauge this team is just as bad IMO as using the first 7 games this year to predict success or failure. If we are going to be objective...then let's be completely objective.

just curious- as to your point about leadership- who is leading this team? who is going to take the shot when it counts? gates has trouble establishing position on the block to get the ball. the team needs a perimeter player to assert himself in the next two months as that guy.

[waterhead]

just curious- as to your point about leadership- who is leading this team? who is going to take the shot when it counts? gates has trouble establishing position on the block to get the ball. the team needs a perimeter player to assert himself in the next two months as that guy.

I don't know who the leader is right now...so far this seems like a total team effort and I would expect a similar plan for last second shots. Design a play to get an open look rather than hoping one guy can manufacture his own shot.