Oklahoma 3/5 8:00 ESPN+

[bearcatrunner]

Box score for those who wish to analyze the stats. 3PT% sticks out. We outrebounded OU last night mostly because of Dan Skillings. Dan is an elite rebounder for someone that doesn't play in the paint all game. Free Throw disparity is pretty crazy but you're on the road.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-ba...meId/401603511

Skilling's really is an elite rebounder! I just wish the rest of his game would catch up because he could be so good. He just has so many mental lapses it is frustrating.

[bearcatrunner]

I've seen such promise of what this team could be in the last two games. I mean some really good defensive and offensive play at the same time. It is amazing how great this team will be playing and then one player just kills all of the momentum by making bad passes or consistently shooting and missing. It is like they mentally check out of the game for a couple of minutes and then the game momentum has switched.

Bring Huggins in as an advisor to teach multiple defenses and find a star player who can make the big shots. We just don't have that right now and that is the difference between winning and losing. We could easily be 23-7 or whatever if we had a shooter who could make big shots. Shots that stop the other teams momentum or a player who creates his own shot like Day Day and Jizzle. Maybe one of those two could be that guy next year if they stay. I think Lakhin might be able to as well. Simas is a role player who has shown IMO he is not that guy. Maybe Skilling's if he could ever get his head in the game for 40 minutes. Sometimes he just kills us but I love his potential.

This team has exceeded my reasonable expectations and I have seen enough to say that next year it is tournament or bust. I'm ok with this year but Wes has next year and then I am off the train. If he is smart and I think he is he brings in a defensive coach who can teach multiple defenses. I do think the team could make a run in the B12 tournament if they got hot and played as a team without those momentum killing moments and someone knocks off Houston before we have to play them.

[leeraymond]

Who are you referring to other than Kelvin Sampson?

This reminds me of how people wanted Cronin fired when he lost to UConn in three straight conference tournaments. Fans latch onto some specific negative criteria and act like that's the minimum threshold we must clear. I (and I'm sure the administration) couldn't care less if we lose every game to some teams over a decade (other than Xavier) as long as we are consistently in the tournament. That's the goal. We're not there yet. This game will have very little impact. It will boost our tourney odds from like 1% to 2%.

In no way am I suggesting that Miller should be fired. Regardless of the outcomes of these first three seasons, Miller deserves a chance. You got to give the man a chance. I do believe in that. However, "you are what your record says you are". I believe in wins and losses. I also believe that UC's administration may give a damn about wins and losses as well. Winning is what it is all about.

[leo from jersey]

I need to listen to the postgame more often specifically because of Terry. I find that because he's a media member and analyst without being a reporter, he asks better questions of Wes than the journalists at the pressers. Terry is not afraid to challenge Wes on in-game topics and honestly it's kind of refreshing.

Nothing against the guys at BCJ or the Enquirer or anyone else in the media pool, but access journalism sometimes limits what you report and has an effect on the questions you can ask the person at the mic. There are unwritten rules to that game and to how information coming out of UC is handled (obvious stenography) . I'd like to see some of the reporters challenge Wes a little more on things but you have to do that without making John Cunningham and Zach Stipe mad. Keith Jenkins found out the hard way what happens when you don't play by their rules.

I like Terry a lot. I do remember his advocating for E. Martin for the HC's job. Regardless, his questions are very insightful and right on topic. I am glad he is on the radio. As a former player, it is his school/team too and once a Bearcat -------- There is often heat on the interviews as Terry sees a lot of what has transpired in the game. Terry asks questions that many are thinking. He also explains the finer aspects of the game. I can think of no better person to have followed the beloved Chuck, who was also a Bearcat forever.

[Lobot]

Box score for those who wish to analyze the stats. 3PT% sticks out. We outrebounded OU last night mostly because of Dan Skillings. Dan is an elite rebounder for someone that doesn't play in the paint all game. Free Throw disparity is pretty crazy but you're on the road.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore/_/gameId/401603511

[dmoney70]

****, no. Have your best guys transfer out, lose your recruits, and start over. No way.

Exactly but I see folks insinuating that he should be fired and someone said last night that the Wes Miller Experiment needs to be over. You can't dump a coach every 3 years. It takes at least that to even get the ship turning in the right direction.

[Lobot]

I need to listen to the postgame more often specifically because of Terry. I find that because he's a media member and analyst without being a reporter, he asks better questions of Wes than the journalists at the pressers. Terry is not afraid to challenge Wes on in-game topics and honestly it's kind of refreshing.

Nothing against the guys at BCJ or the Enquirer or anyone else in the media pool, but access journalism sometimes limits what you report and has an effect on the questions you can ask the person at the mic. There are unwritten rules to that game and to how information coming out of UC is handled (obvious stenography) . I'd like to see some of the reporters challenge Wes a little more on things but you have to do that without making John Cunningham and Zach Stipe mad. Keith Jenkins found out the hard way what happens when you don't play by their rules.

[GoBearcats31]

Tough loss, but trying to stay positive here. We all love the Bearcats, no matter how frustrating it can be and has been -- and that is why we all come on here to post, even if ranting and raving. Hope for brighter days ahead.

Drove behind someone today with an Oklahoma license plate and a UC license frame -- tough morning for them, I'm sure.

[leo from jersey]

First of all, I am not advocating that we move on from Miller at this point. I am totally frustrated with his regime so far but unless we would be bringing in a top tier coach to replace him (which we won't) I can't deal with the complete roster turnover and 2-3 year death sentence that would come with hiring another experimental coach to compete in this league. That being said I will say again that I believe the current roster top to bottom is more than good enough win in this league.Yes there are some upgrades needed but every roster needs that. I would love to see what one of the top coaches in this league (Sampson, Self, Dixon etc.) could achieve with this group.

As has been said by others on this forum this team lacks the killer instinct. The coach doesn't have it even though he squeeks a lot and none of the players on the floor have it. I don't know why that is but it's not there and hasn't been since Miller took over. Miller is a cheer leader and positive motivation guy and that's good with the portal threat and state of society but discipline is needed as well.

I thought it was interesting in the postgame when Nelson asked about switching it up on defense with a zone to stem the constant fouling. Miller, of course, said we did it twice and there were breakdowns so he got out of it. After Miller left it was clear Nelson was frustrated and commented on several defensive options they could have tried to prevent the continued pattern.His main point was you can't keep doing the same thing and expect a different result. I heard more strategy from him in 30 seconds than 3 years of Miller. I would love to see Nelson or a personality like him on this staff. I know it will never happen. Those of us who have been around know the abuse Nelson took under Huggins and the discipline he had on defense to carve out playing time. This team is wildly inconsistent in all facets and needs some change in approach if anything is to change. Just switching out a handful of guys next year surely will help because Miller can recruit but I have very little faith it will result in more wins in this league just playing only parts of games well.

Finally we have senior day coming up Saturday against WV. I would expect us to be a prohibitive favorite based on the line we had against KS St last Saurday. We should win but I doubt it will be decisive even though most every loss WV had incurred in recent weeks has not been close. Most teams are boat racing them. I doubt we will given our inability to close teams out. I wouldn't even be suprised if we lost given our propensity for collapses. I hope I'm wrong and we make it a no doubter. The team needs it and we as fans need it.

Great comments --- Didn't they try the zone for just one possession at a time? Playing a zone takes team work. I just don't see much teamwork stressed (demanded or nurtured). Of course, Terry was frustrated. Look at his coach (es). I don't know Chuck.

I agree that the Cats really can't move on due to the buyout. Give him another year, with Cunningham having some set goals in the actual maturation of players.

[Gmann]

First of all, I am not advocating that we move on from Miller at this point. I am totally frustrated with his regime so far but unless we would be bringing in a top tier coach to replace him (which we won't) I can't deal with the complete roster turnover and 2-3 year death sentence that would come with hiring another experimental coach to compete in this league. That being said I will say again that I believe the current roster top to bottom is more than good enough win in this league.Yes there are some upgrades needed but every roster needs that. I would love to see what one of the top coaches in this league (Sampson, Self, Dixon etc.) could achieve with this group.

As has been said by others on this forum this team lacks the killer instinct. The coach doesn't have it even though he squeeks a lot and none of the players on the floor have it. I don't know why that is but it's not there and hasn't been since Miller took over. Miller is a cheer leader and positive motivation guy and that's good with the portal threat and state of society but discipline is needed as well.

I thought it was interesting in the postgame when Nelson asked about switching it up on defense with a zone to stem the constant fouling. Miller, of course, said we did it twice and there were breakdowns so he got out of it. After Miller left it was clear Nelson was frustrated and commented on several defensive options they could have tried to prevent the continued pattern.His main point was you can't keep doing the same thing and expect a different result. I heard more strategy from him in 30 seconds than 3 years of Miller. I would love to see Nelson or a personality like him on this staff. I know it will never happen. Those of us who have been around know the abuse Nelson took under Huggins and the discipline he had on defense to carve out playing time. This team is wildly inconsistent in all facets and needs some change in approach if anything is to change. Just switching out a handful of guys next year surely will help because Miller can recruit but I have very little faith it will result in more wins in this league just playing only parts of games well.

Finally we have senior day coming up Saturday against WV. I would expect us to be a prohibitive favorite based on the line we had against KS St last Saurday. We should win but I doubt it will be decisive even though most every loss WV had incurred in recent weeks has not been close. Most teams are boat racing them. I doubt we will given our inability to close teams out. I wouldn't even be suprised if we lost given our propensity for collapses. I hope I'm wrong and we make it a no doubter. The team needs it and we as fans need it.

[leo from jersey]

Look one more thing. I am tired of hearing announcers calling players a star (or will be one - what are you doing now). The audience wants flashy plays and so they shill some type of plays to get a better audience for ratings. I want quality team basketball and wins. I am just an old man and the game I love has changed. I got to live with it.

“It’s not about the talent anymore. That was about the last couple of months. Now, we need to acquire the skill and discipline it’s gonna take to reach our goals.”

[leo from jersey]

On the bright side CWM stopped the lob passes to Aziz as only DayDay tried it and only once. It was a basket.

PS from the Enquirer ($) "He's really maturing as a player," Miller said. "You could see it tonight. He was playing to win. Him fouling out really hurt down the stretch."
Give us some insight there Coach. (Speaking of DS) Wasn't his fouling part of his game or only flashy plays count. Did you mention no communication with his teammates on the cuts resulting in turnovers i.e. missed baskets in a tight game. That is not mature play. It is effort, but a person who has never played can give effort. It is vital, but just one aspect of a mature complete player. I believe Rufus is on to something.



Let me ask those in the know. Is there any jealousy on this team due to the way CWM treats different players? I believe there was some last year and also in this season.

[leo from jersey]

And nobody mentions our 6 of 29 for 20% from 3 pointers?

My friend what else could they do. Oklahoma stopped our guards from going inside with the ball and when we did, the constant missing of bunnies. Missing 3s was big, but the total lack of communication by many, the playing defense with the hands and the inability to pass when needed caused the loss. I hope we all remember even the announcers bragged on the ball movement and who usually made the last pass. It was SL. That movement stopped, for in crunch time hero ball took over along co-existing with the fear of shooting. Those two go together. I would have liked less three pointers, but what could be done. Our guys refused to shoot leaving SL. Maybe DS if he hadn't done the grade school fouling and total lack of understanding any concept of team play. He has played 6 years now and he went to a good school in Philly. Guys want individual play and DS isn't the only one on the team that wants it. The lack of a floor leader on offense and totally wretched perimeter defense loss this game in my opinion.

[leo from jersey]

And nobody mentions our 6 of 29 for 20% from 3 pointers?

How about our PGs failure to get it inside and then the constant missing of bunnies. Remember that time we had 4 cracks at it. It stacks the rebounding stats but also the losses.

[leo from jersey]

SL was awful this game. We had to work hard to give OK this game.

He missed on the last 3 shots, but when he was at the point the team had double digit leads and he played defense. There is more than shooting, but obviously CWM and the team only had confidence in SL and he came up short. Everybody, including Oklahoma knew SL would shoot. That should have left others open. Why did they disappear.? It is time to find some old CLF shirts for CWM. The ones that read TEAM. I seldom see one on the floor.