University of Cincinnati Sports: Looking ahead

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Looking ahead

Here are a few choice tidbits from my interview with Mick Cronin looking ahead to next season and discussing the current state of the program:

“We’ve won enough games now and people now nationally in recruiting circles – kids, parents, coaches – see, hey, they’re back. No matter what anybody says, that’s the prevailing thought out there.”

“I’m excited about the talent level we’ve got coming in. Our experience won’t be quite as good but our talent will be better. We’ll be able to score the ball more, but we’ll have a lot of new guys so it’s important that we get our schedule as good as we can get it next year.”

On Alvin Mitchell's status:
“I’ll be meeting with Alvin. He’ll have an opportunity in the spring to rejoin the program. That’s going to be solely up to him. I’m building the program in a certain fashion. I’m building for the long term where character and academics are important.”

On the length of the rebuilding process:
“It’s frustrating, sure, because your fans want to win and they want it to happen sooner rather than later and your detractors that are always going to be upset over Coach Huggins’ departure are always going to jump on you. I can’t control that.”

60 Comments:

at 4:17 PM

Anonymous said...

On the length of the rebuilding process:
“It’s frustrating, sure, because your fans want to win and they want it to happen sooner rather than later and your detractors that are always going to be upset over Coach Huggins’ departure are always going to jump on you. I can’t control that.”

So does that mean next year? Where is the answer on timing here?

at 4:34 PM

Anonymous said...

Mick has already shown his ability to recruit here landing Deonta Vaughn (simply amazing), Mike Williams, Yancy Gates, and Cashmere Wright. The fact that recruiting will only get easier is good news. There are rumors out there that top 15 recruit Scotty Hopson is down to Tennessee and Cincinnati. Although it sounds like he is a Tennessee lean, that would be a huge pick up for the program.

I realize there are many out there that refuse to acknowledge the progress, but the fact is its there and it will only be better next year.

at 4:57 PM

Cheviot Sports Authority said...

Maybe Coach Cronin will find the cure for foot in mouth disease during the off season. That would be a pleasant improvement for next year.

By the way, I wonder how that no good drunken bum from Morgantown found his way to MSG today and in spite of obviously still being loaded from celebrating yesterday managed to have his first year team beat UConn and improve to 24 wins and counting for the season. Imagine how bad he will be tomorrow. WOW, I am glad he is outta here and we don't have to worry about any more of his winning crap.

at 5:14 PM

Anonymous said...

Mick says: "hey, they’re back. No matter what anybody says, that’s the prevailing thought out there."

UC's back??? Back to what?? Back to a team that made the NCAA tournament year after year, decade after decade?? What is this clown talking about (uh oh, the filter nazi's will eat that up. negative mick talk)??

UC's back?? They've missed the NCAA for the 3rd year in a row. Missed the NIT years running now. Have yet to win a Big East Tournament game. Have yet to post any semblance of a winning record under Mick.

What exactly is "back"?? Except "back" to "back" crappy years, with another one on the horizon next year.

Yeah, I'm excited for midnight madness. NOT!! Call me when spring football practice is announced.

at 5:30 PM

Anonymous said...

“We’ve won enough games now and people now nationally in recruiting circles – kids, parents, coaches – see, hey, they’re back. No matter what anybody says, that’s the prevailing thought out there.”

With all due respect to Mick I doubt that's what they're saying about a 13-18 team that lost it's last 6 games.

The positive is that recruits may get a chance to play sooner than if the team were loaded with 3rd/4th year players.

I like Mick and think he'll eventually be successfull, but he makes some unbelievable comments.

at 5:31 PM

Anonymous said...

the Huggs comments couldn't be more right.

at 6:10 PM

porscheman said...

If XU can win consistently with student athletes, why can't Mick?
Give the man a chance.

at 7:04 PM

Anonymous said...

Recruits can see that they're back from the sewer that Huggins put them in when he told the University President to bug off. You all crab about Nancy all you want but she's the president - Huggie only thought he was.

at 7:38 PM

Anonymous said...

Next season UC will win 17 or more and play qualify at least for the NIT. The new guys will be asked to do a lot; however, if the talent level increases so will the win total. There are too many negative posts on this board that take shots at Mick, Huggins, Nancy, Mike Thomas, or whoever is latest object of hate. The blog should be for well thought out banter, not name calling.

at 7:41 PM

Anonymous said...

One question I would like anwsered, which was hinted at in the enquirer, what is UC BBall schedule going to look like fall in the nonconference season. At Memphis, UAB, XU, Miss State (US Bank Arena), Vegas Tourney (what teams).

at 7:49 PM

Anonymous said...

Congrats to Mick & the team for a successful season.

It's now time for Mick's seniors AKA the "Saviors" to take their place in Bearcat history.

at 7:58 PM

Anonymous said...

They never should've fired Coach Huggins. But Nancy & the boys on the BOT did...and now we're stuck with a mid-major coach who's a typical "nice guy." Of course, that didn't stop the team from quitting on Mick by the end of the season. Nice guys do indeed finish last.

I'll take Huggins even with all his baggage - I want WINS!!!

Just glad the season is finally, mercifully...over.

at 8:00 PM

Anonymous said...

AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGH!!!

I can't take this anymore.
Just shut up, Mick haters!

Just. shut. up.

at 8:11 PM

Anonymous said...

Xavier has never been to the Final Four.

Xavier has only made it past the second round twice in school history.

at 8:45 PM

Monclova Steve said...

Bill,
What a thrill it was -- for me, anyway -- to see Oscar Robertson honored at MSG. A proud Bearcat moment indeed.
Besides being one of the greatest players in history (#2 all-time college b-ball player according to ESPN), the man simply oozes class!
It would be great to read his thoughts about the program and where it's headed.

at 9:15 PM

Anonymous said...

Huggs proved he could get past the second round...oh wait, sorry, that was just the conference tournament.

at 10:44 PM

Anonymous said...

dizzy -

Of course Hopson's likely a Tennessee lean. Pearl can coach and plays an exciting, up-tempo game.

And the progress your refer to meant a 1.5-game different this year. So next year we get to 15 or 16 wins and are POSSIBLY on the NIT bubble? Wow!

Huggins wins against the same UConn team UC loast to by 45 points a few days ago. Depressing. They might end up winning the conference tourney. What a coach.

Sippin' Mick Moniker Maker

at 10:45 PM

Anonymous said...

Another dig at Huggs and his second round loses. Yeah, I agree, especially when you take out his Final 4, 2 Elite 8's, and Sweet 16.

But yeah, THEY'RE BACK!!!

What is with the media and the free pass for Cronin? Shameful. Sad.

Go 'EERS!

at 11:04 PM

Monclova Steve said...

Bob Huggins has my best wishes for success. I thank him for what he did for UC Basketball. I'm rooting for West Virginia.
Andy Kennedy has my best wishes for success. I thank him for what he did for UC basketball. I'm rooting for Ole Miss.
They've both moved on. Their successes or failures just aren't relevant anymore to UC basketball.

I guess people on both sides can -- and probably will -- continue their arguments about them. It just seems pointless, at least to me.

at 11:31 PM

JerBear said...

I thought yesterday's loss to Pitt was actually somewhat promising for mainly one reason.

Deonta Vaughn is a straight baller! You surround him with some more talent and a couple guys who can make shots and UC should be competing for an NCAA bid next year.

I give credit for Sikes and Hyrcianuk coming in and trying to help this program out, but man those guys were tough to watch at times around the basket.

I went to Wright State, and think guys like Hyrcianuk, Sikes, and Williamson would have been really good at a school like Wright State on a mid-major level. Especially Williamson. He could have been like an all conference first teamer in the Horizon League.

So I guess we should have known those guys would have been a little overmatched in the Big East.

I feel sort of bad for the Polish kid. I think he was probably a good player over seas but it always looked like the game was too quick for him on offense when I watched him play this year.

I think Rashaad Bishop could be really good. Remember he is only a freshman. With some more confidence in his offensive game he could be a really good player by his junior and senior year.

I'm kind of in the middle on Cronin, but I think overall he is a good coach, and next year will be a big year as far as what direction the Bearcats are going.

at 1:17 AM

Anonymous said...

Sippin' Mick Moniker Maker-

If Mick is such a bad coach, why would Hopson even consider Cincinnati. Your logic is AWFUL...

And how did Huggins do against UC? Why dont you ever reference that 23 point loss AT WVU????

If you cant see the progress in winning at Louisville and at WVU as well as beating Villanova, Syracuse and Pitt, I dont know what to say. Thats embarrassing for you.

Of course the last two years havent been good at UC. That isnt Micks fault. Its the administrations for the way they handled the Huggins/Kennedy situation.

There has been solid progress with little talent, which is only more impressive. It doesnt matter if you and your ilk admit it or not, it is certainly there...

at 1:40 AM

Anonymous said...

People..please. Huggins is gone. Kennedy is gone. They aren't coming back. And whether you like Cronin or not. don't try and tell us that either one of those coaches would be winning with the team Cronin was left with. How can anyone think that?
He was left with ONE scholarship player in Ced McGowan. And had to pick through the scrap heap of what was left to fill out his team. If you think Huggins or Kennedy would be cruising into the semis of the Big East tourney right now with UC, then you are a fool.

at 6:08 AM

Anonymous said...

Mick beat Huggins WVU team by 23 at WVU, so what does that matter with regards to the UCONN game?
**
Also - man that Andy Kennedy can coach offense - his team scored 95 yesterday in their opening round game in the SEC tourney - but apparently has trouble coaching defense as he gave up 97 to 14-16 Georgia to get upset in the tourney. Even as bad as the UCONN game got, the 'Cats didn't give up 97 points. And we all know Georgia could hang with UCONN, right? Thing is, it doesn't matter if you can coach offense or defense, it matters if you win. Winning 60-55 gets you the same amount of wins as winning 100-95.
**
I really would like to know what these negative people will do in a couple years when (or for them, if) Mick has this team in the NCAA tournament and competing for a spot in the Top 4 of the Big East. If, in a couple of years the team is still not winning enough or has levled off into mediocrity, than I can understand the criticism and I think Mick would as well. But there has been nothing over the past 2 years that has given me any indication that the team will continue to get better in the coming years. Next year I expect 18-20 wins with a NIT lock and a bubble spot for the NCAA. The following year, look for them to make some noise in the NCAA tourney.

at 7:14 AM

Anonymous said...

I have and will back the Basketball program through "thick and thin", but lately it has been mostly thin. I feel like I have been burned by some of Cronin's comments about the potential of players in the past (eg, Adam H, the entire freshmen class this year), so I will have a wait-and-see attitude about Mike Williams, Nick Aldrich, and Cashmere Wright and their potential for contribution to the Cats next year. I have questions about each: Williams - if he is so great, why don't his numbers at Texas show that? Aldrich - if he is good enough to play in the Big East, why was he playing at a low-major like Western Carolina? Wright - what do his big numbers mean at such a small school, which apparently does not even report all its scores to local papers?

These guys do not have to be world-beaters in the non-conference schedule, but by March, I had better see some Big East talent on the court, or I will start to question whether we have the right coach for the job. Isn't that fair for the end of year three for Mick?

at 8:27 AM

Anonymous said...

“We’ve won enough games now and people now nationally in recruiting circles – kids, parents, coaches – see, hey, they’re back."

I'm a big UC fan. For the first time I think that Mick is delusional.

at 8:30 AM

ewad said...

I'm curious, when will coverage start with previewing the spring football season?
Will we see any possition breakdowns in the paper? Or at least here on the blog?
I've been ready for football talk to begin since I walked out of Legion Field in December.

at 8:34 AM

Anonymous said...

If the Bearcats are done, a lot of us will be rooting for WV.

The finals at the 1998 Great Alaskan Shootout were on ESPN Classic on Tuesday nite. UC beat Duke at the buzzer with the homerun play by Fletcher. The talent level of that team was incredible. Starters were Martin, Fletcher, Mickeal, Levett and Mitchell. Jermaine Tate was ineligible until later in the season. Logan and Little were on the bench and as far as I saw they did not play. If Vaughn were on that team, he would have to share minutes with Melvin Levett.

at 8:42 AM

Anonymous said...

I think a big difference between Mick & Huggs is that Mick is more of a positive guy. Huggs would blow out Tulane and complain about how terrible his team played. He did not dish out many compliments to the Media. He would speak highly of players after they graduated.

Mick on the other hand likes to maintain a positive attitude for the most part. He is not afraid to call a spade a spade when the situation calls for it, but given everyone elses negative attitude (um, just look above or open your ears for an example) he needs to have a positive attitude to give some hope for this program. He certainly is not getting it from anyone else. Give the guy a chance. He had one true recruiting class. I like Huggins too, but Huggins would not be doing any better coming into a situation like this. If you consider yourself a fan, act like one.

at 8:44 AM

Anonymous said...

Bill Koch,

How come no coverage on NFL Day?

at 8:45 AM

Anonymous said...

Seventeen (17) wins sounds about right for next year, if Biggie, Wilks, Belton make huge strides in the off-season we could be looking at 19 or more wins.

at 8:57 AM

SportsMania said...

jerbaer-
Yes, this team would have done very well in the Horizon, but the Horizon and the Big East are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Heck, this team would have done just fine in C-USA.

The problem Mick faces is building a team in a deep conference. Just look at the parity. WVU, Pitt and Marquette all had upset wins yesterday, but they were not really that big of upsets. There really aren't very many easy wins over the course of a season.

And I will respectfully disagree with Mick's comments about the program being 'back'. Maybe on track to being back, but in no way are they back. Being back is when 6 losses are a whole seasons worth, not a losing streak. Being back is when a bad losing streak is 3 games, not the 5, 10, 5 & 6 streaks that we have experienced over the past two years.

I'm all for confidence, but Mick needs to keep some of that within the team.

at 9:06 AM

Anonymous said...

I think Mick has done a remarkable job with the talent level the bearcats had. Besides the freshman, the seniors are mid-major players, of course they were going to struggle, the Big east is the best conference overall!!! Vaughon is amazing!!!Losing Williams for the year was devasting, he would have made a huge difference, esp. on the boards. All you doubters will probably be jumping on the bandwagon when they start to win. Gates and Williams down low is going to be a force, and if McClain can improve this off-season that should help Vaughan, Davis, and wright on the perimeter. It will finally be a quality team next year.

at 9:34 AM

Anonymous said...

Bill
I'm very concerned about next season because this years freshman got so few minutes. Players only improve by playing. Practice for the '08-'09 season is only 7 months from now. If Biggie was ready to go, would they be recruting a JUCO big man?

Also, the schedule sounds too agressive again next year for such a young team. Isn't there anything Mick can do to tone it down? I get frustrated with Mick because when it comes to things like the schedule he acts like it's God's will and someone elses fault. We are coming in to year 3 now. It's time to take control.

at 10:10 AM

Anonymous said...

How can you expect wins now with the damage left by Huggs, Kennedy, Zimpher, and the athletic department - Goin/Thomas. Mick is the least responsible for this mess.

Hugg's resume last year at UC: one recruit, Downey, who left; program reputation issues; personal issues - DUI, public intoxication, and that little tryst.

Kennedy - "since I'm not going to get the job, than I will let the program suffer and make zero effort recruiting." Why does AK always get a free pass?

Zimpher - not having the guts to fire Huggins for all the program issues, or immediately after the DUI. She left it up to an edict from a board member who was having problems keeping his wife home.

Goin/Thomas - both understood the desperate need for recruiting in major conference basketball. But both brought on the virtual death sentence by the poor timing of hiring a permanent coach.

I don't know if Mick can coach at this level. No one does. But he does appear to be bringing this program back.

Three years of virtually no recruiting. There is a reason that an Adam H, or Gentry, or Sikes were available - they were simply not major D-1 talent.

I will expect Mick to have UC back in the Top 25 and the NCAA tournament when Vaughn is a senior. That will give him the 3 years that those mentioned above took away.

at 10:36 AM

Anonymous said...

"Huggins wins against the same UConn team UC loast to by 45 points a few days ago. Depressing. They might end up winning the conference tourney. What a coach."

Hey Anon 10:44,

Same Huggins that set all new lows for scoring in a game against UC/Mick. Huggs can win some games. He also losses A TON of big games, games against ranked opponents and brings TONS TONS of baggage. I say he sets new highs for arrests at WVU. Of course that is their culture over there.

Once Mick gets this program back in order then you will be back. I do not want you back, but you will be.

at 10:40 AM

Anonymous said...

8:11 has an XU envy phobia. This is a UC blog and we should discuss football.

at 11:22 AM

Anonymous said...

Spring football practice coverage will begin when spring practice begins in early April. I wasn't at UC's Pro Day because I was in New York covering the basketball team.

at 11:32 AM

Anonymous said...

I realize it is a stretch for anyone in cincinnati to give someone a chance, but drawing comparisons between cronin and huggins is ridiculous. Huggins inherited a very good team from belein, while cronin got zilch. Also, a product of Huggins dwindling recuriting efforts(see whaley,tyreke evans, vince banks,roy bright, ivan johnson etc....)That roster was in bad shape long before Huggins left.

at 12:25 PM

Anonymous said...

I am not sure how games against XU, UAB, @Memphis, Miss State, Florida State (Vegas), (Cal or UNLV) help UC build confidence. The schedule is just a brutal as @XU, @UAB, Memphis, @NC State, @Illinois State, Belmont. Altough there are less true road games, both schedules are very touch. Interesting fact from this season, nobody played more RPI top 25 than UC nor did anybody play more RPI top 50 teams this year. 11 top 25 games, 15 top 50 games, 19 against the top 100, really 21 because Seton Hall and Providence are around 105 right now. Two thirds of UC games were against quality teams. If the cats schedule soft this season and started the year 10-2 and then went 6-12, 7-11, or 8-10 in conference would anybody be that upset. UC would be off to the NIT. The reality of the situation is that UC did a pretty good job given the schedule played. UC had a type of schedule that top teams use to build RPI points to get top seed, not the type of schedule one uses when rebuilding.

at 12:31 PM

Anonymous said...

the level of knowledge you so called fans display on the daily basis, is an acurate representation of the ignorance and intolerance this city thrives on. I hope for your childrens sake no one berates their efforts at success, simply because your idol doesnt work here.If you dont like mick watch xaier, take a nap, jump off a bridge, just spare us your closed mind. if your a fan, then be a fan, im sure if tese were your kids you would want them to have support, try giving a little, all you capable coaches should apply, so we can crush all your efforts as well, haters

at 12:49 PM

Anonymous said...

CSA. Cronin destroyed Huggs at his house....what else do you want?

at 1:03 PM

Anonymous said...

hey 6:08 -

This is the one part of your post I agree with:

"But there has been nothing over the past 2 years that has given me any indication that the team will continue to get better in the coming years."

Sippin' Mick Moniker Maker

at 1:12 PM

Anonymous said...

dizzy -

Because the team needs players after Mick's disaster of a top-15 recruiting class. That's the only reason Hopson's even considering playing for Mick.

And that micro example of UC vs. WVU proves nothing. One game. Not 13-18 like UC's overall record.I only referenced UConn since UC lost so recently to them by SO much and Huggins beat them in a huge game.

And yeah, Kennedy sure can coach offense. That's why his team is at least in consideration for the tourney and will definitely have a strong NIT seed in his second year at the helm of a weak program coming in.

Sippin' Mick Moniker Maker

at 1:14 PM

Anonymous said...

I'm kind of in the middle on Cronin, too. In fact, middle major, AKA mid-major. And, if you just be patient, Mick will remove any doubt of that from your minds within the next year or two or ten. Of course, UC will give him an inordinate amount of time since they destroyed their own basketball program. And the Cincy media will give him a free pass, because he's a hometown boy. The Dreamers can dream on. The Mick Lovers can love on. The Mick Haters can hate on. But the bottom line is that this team will not get back to national stature until Mick or Nancy are gone, or better, both of them!

at 2:13 PM

Anonymous said...

11:32 Great Post!

Huggins had alot of recruiting issues the last fews years. I am not bashing Huggins either, for you Huggins supporters.

All those excuses about conf affiliation and university location are just that excuses. Memphis seems to be doing alright considering they are an urban university in a lower tier conf. Heck, x and the Butlers of the world have done just fine also.

at 3:07 PM

Anonymous said...

Anon 12:25. Thank you. Exactly what I have been saying. The schedule given the rebuilding status of the team is absurd. Even if it means they have to spend some cash and buy their way out of a game or two they should do it. I don't know whose fault it is, coaches or administration, but someone needs to get off their lazy rear end and give these kids a chance to succeed.

at 4:58 PM

Anonymous said...

I love all the babies and whiners that live in Cincinnati.

Seems like the same cry baby Bengals/Reds fans have permeated my beloved Bearcats. Please leave all your cry baby issues to the pro teams in town. We do not need the same poor attitudes in Clifton.

This town has the worst fans I have ever seen in this great country.

at 6:11 PM

Cheviot Sports Authority said...

Maybe they should join the MAC.

at 6:52 PM

Anonymous said...

UC vs WV >> "proves nothing", "big deal", "I don't give a damn".
This stuff is pathetic and you apparently don't even know it.

at 6:57 PM

Anonymous said...

I don't think the preponderance of negative opinions on this blog reflects the overall attitudes of most UC fans, at least the ones I see at the games. Many are frustrated, but realize there won't be big progress overnight. This will take time. Most of the attacks come from a handful of disgruntled losers who only feel superior when tearing someone else down.

at 7:08 PM

Anonymous said...

Look for more wins than expected. MC has said he is scheduling as many cream puffs as he can. next year may be the year that UC can beat cream puffs.
Go BearKittens !

at 8:16 AM

Anonymous said...

I agree with Mick's comment about being "back" and here's why. He meant that everyone knows we're competitive, not that we're winning the conference. I flew in for the BEast tourney for one night to see us play. I had several fans from other schools sitting around me comment very positively about our team and more importantly, our coach. So I get why Mick would say that, because it's probably what he's hearing, too.

at 11:22 AM

Cheviot Sports Authority said...

"To be the best, you have to beat the best".

Beating a bunch of cream puffs proves nothing. Of course the Bearcats this season seemed to have a lot of trouble even beating the cream puffs.

Perhaps they could get into a handicap league. You know something like a bowling league where the crappy teams get a handicap so they have a chance against the good teams. That would be a lot of fun.

ST CSA

at 3:43 PM

Anonymous said...

"Beating a bunch of cream puffs proves nothing. "

AK proved that axiom true this year.

at 4:54 PM

Anonymous said...

Who beat Huggs at his house???? Come on say it... THE BEARCATS! Huggs will be one-and-done in the NCAA's.....But the bigger question is...Who cares? I am sure there is a blog page in West Virgina. Why don't all you Huggins lovers go visit it, better yet move there. This is Mick's team now and I, along with many others fully support him.

Bearcat Nation

at 5:18 PM

Anonymous said...

Like 6:57 Anon >> I believe most negative comments come from 2 or 3 blank-blanks who apparently have all day to come with their "witty" comments. Just ignore them.

at 8:03 PM

Cheviot Sports Authority said...

So for the 1759th time. What does have the fact that UC beat WV have to do with the price of beans? Sometimes better teams lose to inferior teams, that is why they play the games. The Bearcats also beat Louisville and Pitt. Does that mean they are better than those teams also? I don't think so.

If you insist making ridiculous claims of grandeur, at least try something new that possibly could make a lick of sense. The records don't lie boys. This team stunk and shows no real promise for next season.

St CSA

at 8:06 PM

Anonymous said...

....and I believe that all the Mick lovers and delusional Bearcat believers are the same anonymous poster.

at 10:27 AM

Anonymous said...

CSA....."If you insist making ridiculous claims of grandeur, at least try something new that possibly could make a lick of sense".....Wow this coming from your mouth? Hmmmm, maybe you should listen to your own advice....Now there is a thought.

The fact remains, Cronin's team out played Huggin's team. Look at the stats, they don't lie. They were a better team on THAT NIGHT, and that night is a glimpse of what the future holds. Cronin took a crappy team and beat Huggins' (the so called legend, well at least in your mind) NCAA tourny team, and Cronin beat Huggy Beer at his house. I am just sticking to the facts here. You should try it.

Bearcat Nation

at 7:43 PM

Anonymous said...

Like some here - I simply take my position & then recognize or ignore the real world results, as required.
Right CSA?

Previous Posts

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Looking ahead

60 Comments: