The Wes Miller Thread

[loshow22]

An article appeared on the Cincinnati Enquirer this morning that posed a question about CWM. If the 'Cats play well for the rest of the year but do not make the NCAA tournament, will UC change coaches? The writer says no, for some reasons we have cited here - buyout too large, a patient AD (Cunningham), other factors. However, he also writes that if UC does not make the tournament next year, then it will be time to part ways with CWM. If you subscribe, you can read the article. But I thought it's a fair point of discussion. Thoughts?

My opinion, which is certainly open to be debated, barring some kind of real miracle, I don't see us making it this year. Obviously we will have our chances with some quality opponents coming up, but I'm leaning on what I've seen over the last few years. I just don't think it happens. I'd be ecstatic to be proven wrong though.

I didn't read the article, but to the point...I'd really like to see WM succeed here and 4 years is enough time to put together a squad that should be in the NCAA tourney without question. And while this team can still theoretically get in, we shouldn't be in this position--coming down to the literal wire with 0 room for error. I go back and forth between retaining him or cutting him loose.

I don't think firing him is the play due to the buyout/recruiting for next year. I am interested to see what the roster looks like in the off season.

Bottom line, this isn't even a discussion if we falter next season.

[London 'Cat]

An article appeared on the Cincinnati Enquirer this morning that posed a question about CWM. If the 'Cats play well for the rest of the year but do not make the NCAA tournament, will UC change coaches? The writer says no, for some reasons we have cited here - buyout too large, a patient AD (Cunningham), other factors. However, he also writes that if UC does not make the tournament next year, then it will be time to part ways with CWM. If you subscribe, you can read the article. But I thought it's a fair point of discussion. Thoughts?

[JohnFrancis]

https://www.cbssports.com/college-ba...mark-byington/

...and the SEC could have four #1 seeds

[bearcatbret]

Wes on the dodge ball game. Did A Game Of Dodgeball Save The Cincinnati Bearcats Season?

[red_n_black_attack]

To me, Wes did everything being asked of him on forums and social media in last night's win over the Knights.

Day Day started - check
Skillings needs to earn it - check
More PT for Reed and Rayvon - check/check
full court press - check
uptempo - check
score in the paint, quit chucking up threes - check, though 5/16 is an improvement over 3/25


Now the question on my mind: is this the game plan moving forward or was that the UCF game plan because of matchups? I really hope this tempo becomes the norm and we get a little better pressing.

P.S. - Kudos to Hall and Johnson, some of their baskets were quite well defended and they made some sick moves.

[leeraymond]

At least we are mentioned in good company....
https://sports.yahoo.com/the-8-most-...161612557.html

How can the UC coaching staff look at themselves in the mirror when this type of press is out there? Hey, there are 11 games left to play. Maybe a miracle is out there with UC's name on it. Maybe.

[hipal88]

At least we are mentioned in good company....
https://sports.yahoo.com/the-8-most-...161612557.html

[D.A.H.]

slight correction - what used to be the normal bearcat qualities (LOL)

[leo from jersey]

Halftime incident with Kmart ? What did I miss ?

I think he was talking about KMART speaking to the team. Hard work, effort, caring - the normal Bearcat qualities.

[SKell82155]

I agree the Hugg's approach worked great back then but wouldn't work for a large percentage of today's generation. I don't think Miler has to be Hugg's but discipline and managing to expectations is important. I don't know but I sense the halftime incident with Kmart was a little wake up call for Miller in a good way. I sense a positive change in his approach. He's still very supportive but he's getting on guys when necessary. I've heard him say in interviews recently he's not just asking anymore he's demanding. That's all I'm looking for. I also feel like we're getting back somewhat to blowing out teams we should rather making them nailbiters. I do believe the quality of recruits is going up and I'm excited about that. I know we've got a long way to go but I'm feeling better about the recent trend.

Halftime incident with Kmart ? What did I miss ?

[Rufus]

The cringe worthy interview with DS at halftime during the WVU game, mentioned in another post, Terry Nelson was actually talking to DS about his becoming a leader this year as opposed to years prior. It being his time! I don't know when this interview was actually recorded but knowing what we've seen since the beginning of conference play I say we withhold his pay for dereliction of duty. I'm sticking with the theory that he became jealous when DM stepped on campus.

I'm not laying the entire blame of the status of the team on DS but He absolutely owes the team, the fans, and CWM and apology for not stepping up when called upon.

[leeraymond]

Heck Justin Jenifer took over for a year and the Cats have not had one since. C. Wright & Troy C. ain't gonna step across that black line anymore. Maybe Jarron but he wasn't the pg field general. You could see this problem for years now. Steve Logan do you have a covid year?

Leo, you have been talking about the lack of floor leadership for a long time. Some of the members may disagree, but I think that you are right. The UC team is lost right now. John Newman was the leader last year and it made a world of difference. Look at this UC team now. No leader, no wins, and no answers. Somebody on this team needs to step up and be a man.

[leo from jersey]

Based on what I just read in the above article, it appears that either the UC players no longer think that Miller's system can work, or they no longer care. What is clear is that the players and the coaches are on two different pages. I hope that the players realize that there are 11 games still left to play. There is still something to play for.

Where is a leader when you need one?

Heck Justin Jenifer took over for a year and the Cats have not had one since. C. Wright & Troy C. ain't gonna step across that black line anymore. Maybe Jarron but he wasn't the pg field general. You could see this problem for years now. Steve Logan do you have a covid year?

[Bearcat1996]

Based on what I just read in the above article, it appears that either the UC players no longer think that Miller's system can work, or they no longer care. What is clear is that the players and the coaches are on two different pages. I hope that the players realize that there are 11 games still left to play. There is still something to play for.

Where is a leader when you need one?

Very good take. Floor leadership is missing. CWM and staff can prepare the guys but it takes leadership on the floor to execute and adjust. It just isn't there, unless I am missing something. I've watched alot of UC basketball over the years, and having 1-2 leaders can make a huge difference.

[leeraymond]

The Enquirer’s take on this year’s UC squad.

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/spo...f/78182471007/

Based on what I just read in the above article, it appears that either the UC players no longer think that Miller's system can work, or they no longer care. What is clear is that the players and the coaches are on two different pages. I hope that the players realize that there are 11 games still left to play. There is still something to play for.

Where is a leader when you need one?