JJ's problem is that he doesn't look for his own shot. He has to be wide open to even think about taking a three. He has to be unguarded to think about driving (and then is usually going to pass it out). Maybe he could be a star at a smaller school where he was the top option. But here he plays like he is the last option on O.

I agree on Clark. Clark doesn't have the body to post up consistently. Honestly our best O might be what we did vs Houston when they were here. Clark/Washington on the outside as 3 point shooting threats (both shoot >40% so teams need to respect them - last time I checked Washington was our top 3 point shooter in percentage) and to draw the bigs out. Then Cumberland/Evans/Broome driving and scoring or driving and kicking it out to open shooters. Or Clark/Washington flashing to the post and getting out if it's covered. Even Evans and especially Cumberland have the bodies to go in and post up if a smaller guard is on them.

Clark can beat a smaller player in the post and does so consistently vs worse teams (which is why I think Cronin has fallen in love with it). But put a true big on Clark and he's not getting post touches.

Cronin is devoted to the style of play that requires a big muscular big to go in and carve out space for themselves on O. Unfortunately, we don't have any bigs that fit that description currently (and only one on the team who might eventually in Nsoseme). Cronin demands the near impossible from his bigs: be athletic enough to guard any position and big enough to push the other teams big around.

Edit: Our 3-point shooting % has dropped as a team. Only 1 player over 40%. Broome 41%, Evans 39.2%, Clark 39.1%, Washington 38.9%, Jenifer 36.8%, Cumberland 33.3%, Moore 32.3% and Williams 13.6%. Anything below 35% probably shouldn't be regularly shooting threes.

(02-19-2018 11:28 AM)skyblade Wrote:  JJ's problem is that he doesn't look for his own shot. He has to be wide open to even think about taking a three. He has to be unguarded to think about driving (and then is usually going to pass it out). Maybe he could be a star at a smaller school where he was the top option. But here he plays like he is the last option on O.

I agree on Clark. Clark doesn't have the body to post up consistently. Honestly our best O might be what we did vs Houston when they were here. Clark/Washington on the outside as 3 point shooting threats (both shoot >40% so teams need to respect them - last time I checked Washington was our top 3 point shooter in percentage) and to draw the bigs out. Then Cumberland/Evans/Broome driving and scoring or driving and kicking it out to open shooters. Or Clark/Washington flashing to the post and getting out if it's covered. Even Evans and especially Cumberland have the bodies to go in and post up if a smaller guard is on them.

Clark can beat a smaller player in the post and does so consistently vs worse teams (which is why I think Cronin has fallen in love with it). But put a true big on Clark and he's not getting post touches.

Cronin is devoted to the style of play that requires a big muscular big to go in and carve out space for themselves on O. Unfortunately, we don't have any bigs that fit that description currently (and only one on the team who might eventually in Nsoseme). Cronin demands the near impossible from his bigs: be athletic enough to guard any position and big enough to push the other teams big around.

Edit: Our 3-point shooting % has dropped as a team. Only 1 player over 40%. Broome 41%, Evans 39.2%, Clark 39.1%, Washington 38.9%, Jenifer 36.8%, Cumberland 33.3%, Moore 32.3% and Williams 13.6%. Anything below 35% probably shouldn't be regularly shooting threes.

We recruited JJ for his decision making and passing not for his scoring. Nothing wrong with being last option behind FOUR 1000k scorers. JJ could get into lanes with ease If Mick didnt freighting him to death. Watch him play next game, anytime he even thinks about taking his man off dribble he remembers that BENCH!!!

(02-19-2018 12:03 PM)Bearcat01 Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 11:28 AM)skyblade Wrote:  JJ's problem is that he doesn't look for his own shot. He has to be wide open to even think about taking a three. He has to be unguarded to think about driving (and then is usually going to pass it out). Maybe he could be a star at a smaller school where he was the top option. But here he plays like he is the last option on O.

I agree on Clark. Clark doesn't have the body to post up consistently. Honestly our best O might be what we did vs Houston when they were here. Clark/Washington on the outside as 3 point shooting threats (both shoot >40% so teams need to respect them - last time I checked Washington was our top 3 point shooter in percentage) and to draw the bigs out. Then Cumberland/Evans/Broome driving and scoring or driving and kicking it out to open shooters. Or Clark/Washington flashing to the post and getting out if it's covered. Even Evans and especially Cumberland have the bodies to go in and post up if a smaller guard is on them.

Clark can beat a smaller player in the post and does so consistently vs worse teams (which is why I think Cronin has fallen in love with it). But put a true big on Clark and he's not getting post touches.

Cronin is devoted to the style of play that requires a big muscular big to go in and carve out space for themselves on O. Unfortunately, we don't have any bigs that fit that description currently (and only one on the team who might eventually in Nsoseme). Cronin demands the near impossible from his bigs: be athletic enough to guard any position and big enough to push the other teams big around.

Edit: Our 3-point shooting % has dropped as a team. Only 1 player over 40%. Broome 41%, Evans 39.2%, Clark 39.1%, Washington 38.9%, Jenifer 36.8%, Cumberland 33.3%, Moore 32.3% and Williams 13.6%. Anything below 35% probably shouldn't be regularly shooting threes.

We recruited JJ for his decision making and passing not for his scoring. Nothing wrong with being last option behind FOUR 1000k scorers. JJ could get into lanes with ease If Mick didnt freighting him to death. Watch him play next game, anytime he even thinks about taking his man off dribble he remembers that BENCH!!!

That's the problem though. He doesn't need to be a 1000 point scorer, but he does need to make the defense respect him. It's hard to say what he is capable of given how he plays (and yes you could argue that is mostly/all Cronin's fault). As long as the defense doesn't respect him Broome is far superior on O and the better PG for our team. Broome is willing/able to attack and score. JJ is scared to attack and unwilling to shoot.

JJ could transfer and might be a star, but here with 3 years of training to be a pass first, pass often and pass only PG it's hard to imagine he's going to change into an offensive threat on this team.

(02-19-2018 08:53 AM)CliftonAve Wrote:  A couple of you are hitting on my big observation from yesterday: Wichita State is more skilled than we are across the board. We can talk about coaching, substitution patterns, rebounding, hitting shots, defense, et, but the bottom line is the guy who is is a little better will always win if all else is equal.

WSU's advantage on the perimeter is ball handling and shooting. JC and Evans match up from a size perspective, but not in ball handling. Their guards Reaves, Shamet are 6' 5". The advantage they had was Shaq Morris who is 6'8" 280, he did a lot of damage down low. Gary and Kyle can certainly play with the back to the basket or front with jumpers, but Morris was a load down there.

Broome did all he could. 7/10 on 2s and 2/3 on 3's.

(02-19-2018 01:11 PM)SuperFlyBCat Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 08:53 AM)CliftonAve Wrote:  A couple of you are hitting on my big observation from yesterday: Wichita State is more skilled than we are across the board. We can talk about coaching, substitution patterns, rebounding, hitting shots, defense, et, but the bottom line is the guy who is is a little better will always win if all else is equal.

WSU's advantage on the perimeter is ball handling and shooting. JC and Evans match up from a size perspective, but not in ball handling. Their guards Reaves, Shamet are 6' 5". The advantage they had was Shaq Morris who is 6'8" 280, he did a lot of damage down low. Gary and Kyle can certainly play with the back to the basket or front with jumpers, but Morris was a load down there.

Broome did all he could. 7/10 on 2s and 2/3 on 3's.

Broome looked on Shamet level yesterday

Where does UC find players like Evans?

- The 50 or so fanbases that we have beat over the past few years

(02-19-2018 05:19 PM)stxrunner Wrote:  Where does UC find players like Evans?

- The 50 or so fanbases that we have beat over the past few years

Or Clark, or Cumberland.

Next year Evans might be on the "he hasn't gone pro yet?" list.

(02-19-2018 09:21 AM)Bearcat01 Wrote:  Going back looking at high school stats to see who was worthy of scholarship or was we reaching.

JJ- top 150(kid prodigy)
JC- top 50(diaper dandy)
JE- top 100(over 20ppg in HS)
GC- top 90(had quad dbl in HS)
KW©- top 80(played at brewster)
CB- UR( did avg over 25 in HS)
TS- top 270(played on 300 best team in GA and has football highlights)
NB- top 300(played for top 25 in HS)
TM- UR(shouldn't be on team)
KW(W)- Top 130(played against top notch players)
Nso- top 500(best big from canada)
MD- top 180(RAW)

This would've been so much easier to read with names rather than initials. Started struggling halfway down the list.

(02-19-2018 11:28 AM)skyblade Wrote:  Edit: Our 3-point shooting % has dropped as a team. Only 1 player over 40%. Broome 41%, Evans 39.2%, Clark 39.1%, Washington 38.9%, Jenifer 36.8%, Cumberland 33.3%, Moore 32.3% and Williams 13.6%. Anything below 35% probably shouldn't be regularly shooting threes.

Cumberland is a deadly three point hooter when he is open and takes his time on the shot. He should ALWAYS shoot it in that situation.

When guarded or rushed, he shoots much poorer (should be the case with everyone, but it seems more pronounced with Cumberland).

(02-19-2018 08:26 PM)cincy11 Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 09:21 AM)Bearcat01 Wrote:  Going back looking at high school stats to see who was worthy of scholarship or was we reaching.

JJ- top 150(kid prodigy)
JC- top 50(diaper dandy)
JE- top 100(over 20ppg in HS)
GC- top 90(had quad dbl in HS)
KW©- top 80(played at brewster)
CB- UR( did avg over 25 in HS)
TS- top 270(played on 300 best team in GA and has football highlights)
NB- top 300(played for top 25 in HS)
TM- UR(shouldn't be on team)
KW(W)- Top 130(played against top notch players)
Nso- top 500(best big from canada)
MD- top 180(RAW)

This would've been so much easier to read with names rather than initials. Started struggling halfway down the list.

You don't know every player on team by first and last name? Guys im talking to and want have dialogue with would've known who I was talking about without the names or initials. Go take your troll show somewhere else or better yet go read a box score, NERD!!!

(02-19-2018 08:37 PM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 11:28 AM)skyblade Wrote:  Edit: Our 3-point shooting % has dropped as a team. Only 1 player over 40%. Broome 41%, Evans 39.2%, Clark 39.1%, Washington 38.9%, Jenifer 36.8%, Cumberland 33.3%, Moore 32.3% and Williams 13.6%. Anything below 35% probably shouldn't be regularly shooting threes.

Cumberland is a deadly three point hooter when he is open and takes his time on the shot. He should ALWAYS shoot it in that situation.

When guarded or rushed, he shoots much poorer (should be the case with everyone, but it seems more pronounced with Cumberland).

Cumberland missed a couple wide open set shots in both past games. I'll like for him to go back to step back jumper more on wings.

(02-19-2018 04:38 PM)Bearcat01 Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 01:11 PM)SuperFlyBCat Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 08:53 AM)CliftonAve Wrote:  A couple of you are hitting on my big observation from yesterday: Wichita State is more skilled than we are across the board. We can talk about coaching, substitution patterns, rebounding, hitting shots, defense, et, but the bottom line is the guy who is is a little better will always win if all else is equal.

WSU's advantage on the perimeter is ball handling and shooting. JC and Evans match up from a size perspective, but not in ball handling. Their guards Reaves, Shamet are 6' 5". The advantage they had was Shaq Morris who is 6'8" 280, he did a lot of damage down low. Gary and Kyle can certainly play with the back to the basket or front with jumpers, but Morris was a load down there.

Broome did all he could. 7/10 on 2s and 2/3 on 3's.

Broome looked on Shamet level yesterday

The dude led the nation in scoring two years ago...I have little doubt that he'd be on Shamet's level most nights if Mick didn't leash him with 18 minutes per game and yank him at every mistake. He's honestly the only guy (with the slight expception of an "on" Cumberland) who can create his own shot...and that's something we've been

(02-19-2018 08:44 PM)Bearcat01 Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 08:37 PM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 11:28 AM)skyblade Wrote:  Edit: Our 3-point shooting % has dropped as a team. Only 1 player over 40%. Broome 41%, Evans 39.2%, Clark 39.1%, Washington 38.9%, Jenifer 36.8%, Cumberland 33.3%, Moore 32.3% and Williams 13.6%. Anything below 35% probably shouldn't be regularly shooting threes.

Cumberland is a deadly three point hooter when he is open and takes his time on the shot. He should ALWAYS shoot it in that situation.

When guarded or rushed, he shoots much poorer (should be the case with everyone, but it seems more pronounced with Cumberland).

Cumberland missed a couple wide open set shots in both past games. I'll like for him to go back to step back jumper more on wings.

Yeah, especially this year Cumberland regularly misses wide open 3's. He also takes a bad three or two most games. He's skill set seems to be mid-range and at the bucket. I don't mind him taking a few wide open 3's per game, but he is consistently leading us in 3-point shooting (he was 3-10 vs WSU) and only hitting on 33% of them. If I'm an opposing coach any possession that results in a Cumberland 3-point attempt (except if he has no defender within 15 feet of him) is a win for the D - he will make a few, but he will miss a lot more.

(02-20-2018 09:12 AM)skyblade Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 08:44 PM)Bearcat01 Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 08:37 PM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 11:28 AM)skyblade Wrote:  Edit: Our 3-point shooting % has dropped as a team. Only 1 player over 40%. Broome 41%, Evans 39.2%, Clark 39.1%, Washington 38.9%, Jenifer 36.8%, Cumberland 33.3%, Moore 32.3% and Williams 13.6%. Anything below 35% probably shouldn't be regularly shooting threes.

Cumberland is a deadly three point hooter when he is open and takes his time on the shot. He should ALWAYS shoot it in that situation.

When guarded or rushed, he shoots much poorer (should be the case with everyone, but it seems more pronounced with Cumberland).

Cumberland missed a couple wide open set shots in both past games. I'll like for him to go back to step back jumper more on wings.

Yeah, especially this year Cumberland regularly misses wide open 3's. He also takes a bad three or two most games. He's skill set seems to be mid-range and at the bucket. I don't mind him taking a few wide open 3's per game, but he is consistently leading us in 3-point shooting (he was 3-10 vs WSU) and only hitting on 33% of them. If I'm an opposing coach any possession that results in a Cumberland 3-point attempt (except if he has no defender within 15 feet of him) is a win for the D - he will make a few, but he will miss a lot more.

Last year, I thought Cumberland might become even a higher scoring version of SK. I think Cumberland is a more complete player this year than last, but I really hoped we'd see more consistent 3 point scoring.

Broome flashes more speed driving the lane than any player Mick has had in the program. That attribute alone should begin to open up better looks for the other four on the floor. He must start and play significant minutes if UC is to break the first weekend hex this March.

(02-20-2018 09:43 AM)OKIcat Wrote:  

(02-20-2018 09:12 AM)skyblade Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 08:44 PM)Bearcat01 Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 08:37 PM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 11:28 AM)skyblade Wrote:  Edit: Our 3-point shooting % has dropped as a team. Only 1 player over 40%. Broome 41%, Evans 39.2%, Clark 39.1%, Washington 38.9%, Jenifer 36.8%, Cumberland 33.3%, Moore 32.3% and Williams 13.6%. Anything below 35% probably shouldn't be regularly shooting threes.

Cumberland is a deadly three point hooter when he is open and takes his time on the shot. He should ALWAYS shoot it in that situation.

When guarded or rushed, he shoots much poorer (should be the case with everyone, but it seems more pronounced with Cumberland).

Cumberland missed a couple wide open set shots in both past games. I'll like for him to go back to step back jumper more on wings.

Yeah, especially this year Cumberland regularly misses wide open 3's. He also takes a bad three or two most games. He's skill set seems to be mid-range and at the bucket. I don't mind him taking a few wide open 3's per game, but he is consistently leading us in 3-point shooting (he was 3-10 vs WSU) and only hitting on 33% of them. If I'm an opposing coach any possession that results in a Cumberland 3-point attempt (except if he has no defender within 15 feet of him) is a win for the D - he will make a few, but he will miss a lot more.

Last year, I thought Cumberland might become even a higher scoring version of SK. I think Cumberland is a more complete player this year than last, but I really hoped we'd see more consistent 3 point scoring.

I still have hope that Cumberland will become that, his 3-point% wasn't great last year (35.5%), but better than this year. I'd guess more minutes (and more tired legs) and him being more of a go to guy late in the shot clock (resulting in him taking lower quality three's) are the main contributing factors to his decline. Just from memory it seems like he generally hits threes early in games and stops hitting late, meaning lack of rest is a major issue. Off-season work on his shot and on conditioning should lead to improved percentage next year. But, for this season I would try to discourage him from taking as many threes - play to his strengths which is mid-range and driving, I'd like to see him post up if he gets a smaller guard on him as well, he's got the body for it and Clark/Washington have the three point shooting to keep their man off him.

(02-19-2018 08:26 AM)skyblade Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 08:09 AM)Bearcat01 Wrote:  williams, cumberland, evans, hell even JJ was top talent

Yeah, we've found plenty of talented guys. We've got a fair share of young guys coming up who look good as well (Williams, Moore, Nsoseme, hopefully Diarra). If anything one of Cronin's issues is a tendency to stick to veterans he knows (Jenifer this year, Kevin Johnson last year over guys newer to the team Broome this year, Cumbland last year). We've got a 3/4 star point guard coming next year (Logan Johnson I believe is his name).

The main thing is type I think. Coaches recruit a certain type of player. For Cronin that is long athletic players who are willing to play tough D. He is willing to take players who aren't as developed offensively. Ideally, you can get both, but if a guy can do everything he's probably a 5-star being paid to play at UK or Duke, not coming to UC.

The strength of this approach is that you avoid the intense competition for talented players. Many Cronin recruits have had little interest from other high-major programs. The weakness of this approach is that defensive skills are much easier to "coach up" than offensive ones.

(02-20-2018 12:14 PM)Former Lurker Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 08:26 AM)skyblade Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 08:09 AM)Bearcat01 Wrote:  williams, cumberland, evans, hell even JJ was top talent

Yeah, we've found plenty of talented guys. We've got a fair share of young guys coming up who look good as well (Williams, Moore, Nsoseme, hopefully Diarra). If anything one of Cronin's issues is a tendency to stick to veterans he knows (Jenifer this year, Kevin Johnson last year over guys newer to the team Broome this year, Cumbland last year). We've got a 3/4 star point guard coming next year (Logan Johnson I believe is his name).

The main thing is type I think. Coaches recruit a certain type of player. For Cronin that is long athletic players who are willing to play tough D. He is willing to take players who aren't as developed offensively. Ideally, you can get both, but if a guy can do everything he's probably a 5-star being paid to play at UK or Duke, not coming to UC.

The strength of this approach is that you avoid the intense competition for talented players. Many Cronin recruits have had little interest from other high-major programs. The weakness of this approach is that defensive skills are much easier to "coach up" than offensive ones.

Isn't that what we complained about with Tubberville. That he always recruited to the path of least resistance. Shouldn't Mick be breaking down every door trying to get more talented/skilled players, instead of just throwing out a phony line like "we want players that want to be here". I hate to say it, but there aren't very many 17 year olds from outside this metro area that dream of being here. They will play here when their other offers are A-10 and MAC schools. You have to be more hungry.

(02-21-2018 08:43 AM)jarr Wrote:  

(02-20-2018 12:14 PM)Former Lurker Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 08:26 AM)skyblade Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 08:09 AM)Bearcat01 Wrote:  williams, cumberland, evans, hell even JJ was top talent

Yeah, we've found plenty of talented guys. We've got a fair share of young guys coming up who look good as well (Williams, Moore, Nsoseme, hopefully Diarra). If anything one of Cronin's issues is a tendency to stick to veterans he knows (Jenifer this year, Kevin Johnson last year over guys newer to the team Broome this year, Cumbland last year). We've got a 3/4 star point guard coming next year (Logan Johnson I believe is his name).

The main thing is type I think. Coaches recruit a certain type of player. For Cronin that is long athletic players who are willing to play tough D. He is willing to take players who aren't as developed offensively. Ideally, you can get both, but if a guy can do everything he's probably a 5-star being paid to play at UK or Duke, not coming to UC.

The strength of this approach is that you avoid the intense competition for talented players. Many Cronin recruits have had little interest from other high-major programs. The weakness of this approach is that defensive skills are much easier to "coach up" than offensive ones.

Isn't that what we complained about with Tubberville. That he always recruited to the path of least resistance. Shouldn't Mick be breaking down every door trying to get more talented/skilled players, instead of just throwing out a phony line like "we want players that want to be here". I hate to say it, but there aren't very many 17 year olds from outside this metro area that dream of being here. They will play here when their other offers are A-10 and MAC schools. You have to be more hungry.

Fair question. Unlike football, I believe a basketball program that wants to sustain success--winning the conference and advancing in March Madness most years, must get a special player in each class. I define special as "ready now" to step on the floor and play high major basketball from day one. It doesn't take a whole squad of those guys like we see at Kentucky or Duke, to be competitive. I feel Cronin did that the past three years bringing in Evans, Cumberland and transfer Broome.

I don't know who is left out there unsigned at this point for this year. Some are saying the incoming point guard is a 3/4 star; I believe ESPN lists him as a 2 star. Regardless, will he be a "ready now" player to give quality minutes come November? More worrisome is that there is no replacement signed for Clark or Washington at this late date. I don't see a "ready now" on the bench for either player, particularly with offensive skills for about 20 points per game that will be lost. So here's hoping Cronin can pull a rabbit from his hat for the '18-'19 campaign.

(02-21-2018 09:19 AM)OKIcat Wrote:  

(02-21-2018 08:43 AM)jarr Wrote:  

(02-20-2018 12:14 PM)Former Lurker Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 08:26 AM)skyblade Wrote:  

(02-19-2018 08:09 AM)Bearcat01 Wrote:  williams, cumberland, evans, hell even JJ was top talent

Yeah, we've found plenty of talented guys. We've got a fair share of young guys coming up who look good as well (Williams, Moore, Nsoseme, hopefully Diarra). If anything one of Cronin's issues is a tendency to stick to veterans he knows (Jenifer this year, Kevin Johnson last year over guys newer to the team Broome this year, Cumbland last year). We've got a 3/4 star point guard coming next year (Logan Johnson I believe is his name).

The main thing is type I think. Coaches recruit a certain type of player. For Cronin that is long athletic players who are willing to play tough D. He is willing to take players who aren't as developed offensively. Ideally, you can get both, but if a guy can do everything he's probably a 5-star being paid to play at UK or Duke, not coming to UC.

The strength of this approach is that you avoid the intense competition for talented players. Many Cronin recruits have had little interest from other high-major programs. The weakness of this approach is that defensive skills are much easier to "coach up" than offensive ones.

Isn't that what we complained about with Tubberville. That he always recruited to the path of least resistance. Shouldn't Mick be breaking down every door trying to get more talented/skilled players, instead of just throwing out a phony line like "we want players that want to be here". I hate to say it, but there aren't very many 17 year olds from outside this metro area that dream of being here. They will play here when their other offers are A-10 and MAC schools. You have to be more hungry.

Fair question. Unlike football, I believe a basketball program that wants to sustain success--winning the conference and advancing in March Madness most years, must get a special player in each class. I define special as "ready now" to step on the floor and play high major basketball from day one. It doesn't take a whole squad of those guys like we see at Kentucky or Duke, to be competitive. I feel Cronin did that the past three years bringing in Evans, Cumberland and transfer Broome.

I don't know who is left out there unsigned at this point for this year. Some are saying the incoming point guard is a 3/4 star; I believe ESPN lists him as a 2 star. Regardless, will he be a "ready now" player to give quality minutes come November? More worrisome is that there is no replacement signed for Clark or Washington at this late date. I don't see a "ready now" on the bench for either player, particularly with offensive skills for about 20 points per game that will be lost. So here's hoping Cronin can pull a rabbit from his hat for the '18-'19 campaign.

Agree on next year's big guys. There's nothing wrong with projects, but when all 4 of your big guys are projects, it's a problem. There are definitely more "ready now" big guys Cronin could have recruited or still can, that may have not have as much upside, but have enough skill and talent to still provide us something.

(02-21-2018 08:43 AM)jarr Wrote:  Isn't that what we complained about with Tubberville. That he always recruited to the path of least resistance. Shouldn't Mick be breaking down every door trying to get more talented/skilled players, instead of just throwing out a phony line like "we want players that want to be here". I hate to say it, but there aren't very many 17 year olds from outside this metro area that dream of being here. They will play here when their other offers are A-10 and MAC schools. You have to be more hungry.

Tuberville inherited a program that had been one of the more successful in college football for a decade and ran it into the ground.

Cronin inherited a decimated program and hasn't missed an NCAA tournament since he got them back there.

Currently the Bearcats rank 11 in both major polls. They are in first place in their conference. They are projected as a 3 seed by most and still have a shot at a 2 seed. They are most likely looking at a protected seed, which would open the door for a second weekend trip. Most predictive metrics have them as a top 5-10 team.

The Mick recruiting comparisons with Tuberville seem like a pretty big reach to me.