Houston March 1st, 4:30 CBS

[leo from jersey]

A really big off season is coming up. It must not be a repeat of the last off season.


“What you do in the off season determines what you do in the regular season.”

George Allen

[bearcatlifer]

Unfortunately, the athletic departments' current business model seems to be,"Come on down to the arena and have a great time.Winning is irrelevant.Just let us entertain you You'll have a great fan experience"
As an aside I have noticed at the home games when they announce the coaches and they say, "Wes Miller" they now quickly start back up with music to drown out the boos.

[leo from jersey]

I don't believe anyone is saying UC players and fans have no desire to win. The Cats just don't have the horses, relative to other top programs. A good part of the reason is insufficient NIL. Chad Brendel did some research with his contacts around the B12 and learned that the Bearcats' available NIL is good enough to put a decent team on the floor, but not competitive enough for the cream of the crop. The best teams have at least one player who can take over a game, if need be.

For instance, CWM had Jayden Quaintance on campus twice. We couldn't outbid John Calipari. When Cal left for the Razorbacks, ASU jumped in with $1.6M, which UC couldn't afford. There are no million-dollar players here. Most of the B12 teams have been in a power league for years, with a corresponding cash advantage and high-roller boosters. Even UH have big-bucks guys supporting them, allowing Sampson to get players like Cryer and Uzan via the portal. Plus, they're not falling off anytime soon. They've signed three incoming frosh who hold a 5* rating per the 247sports.com composite system (a blend of theirs, Rivals and On3).

UC is trying to rectify this and will have their first $1.5M+ freshman, Shon Abaev, whose HS team just won their FL division state title yesterday. I don't know how much they're paying Keyshaun Tillery, or what proportion of UC's available cash these two players are absorbing. There will be portal additions as well. To get difference makers is going to be expensive. Whether the Bearcats have enough to pry away that kind of talent, I have no idea.

This may not be the way we want college basketball to be, but amateurism is dead. It's the Wild West and there's no salary cap.

I see lack of desire by many of our players. Just not under the board or in passing to the teammates, but a lack of desire to get better. I see little desire after losses. Since they are pros then their desire for money should compel them to desire to be better. I don't see it as it has gotten worse as the season went on. I trace that to the one who called himself the leader in the interview with Terry N. a few games ago. Let him go to the NBA. Why did CWM pump his ego with such talk last year. We see the fruit of that and just a smidgen of what a real NBA player will make. I also see a totally different attitude from teams like Houston. They are playing in this era also, but only losers make excuses.
“Never make excuses. Your friends don’t need them and your foes won’t believe them.” ―John Wooden

[Rufus]

Having watched college bball and specifically Bearcat bball since a kid in the late seventies I can't recall ever seeing a team or a coach so content with having just one trey shot attempt to score and getting back on defense. Bearcat teams of the past would do whatever it took to obtain a victory. There were many many bearcat players from the past who were not prolific scorers but earned their place by being unrelenting on getting the offensive rebound, put back, with two or three attempts to score. I don't understand why Miller does not demand this kind of effort from his players. The question is is it that these players do not have the fortitude or the aptitude to do this.

[longtimefan]

I have not read the legislation - it might be an executive order from the governor - but Ohio limits NIL spending by state funded universities to something like $20-21M across all sports. I don’t know if other states have similar limits. But I believe it was part of the settlement of the case against the NCAA - setting a limit. In addition, UC has a fairly large alumni base. If the alumni demand competitive teams then they need to support the program with donations to NIL. If they don’t want that then they can’t complain about not being competitive in the NIL space. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. They are directly related to each other.

UC has not won a national championship in men’s basketball in 63 years. The game is completely different now than it was then. It has not advanced to the final 4 in 33 years. The game has advanced even further since then. Under Huggins, they advanced to the elite eight only one time - two if you count the final four. Otherwise, UC has been largely irrelevant in the national championship discussion. It’s not an excuse or anything else just facts. Perhaps as fans we need to reassess our expectations or step up the support with dollars to make the team competitive in the new era of college sports.

UC made the Elite 8 in 1993 and 1996, in addition to the Final Four in 1992. But then, they only made the Sweet Sixteen once in Huggs last nine seasons. UC is the only team to lose in OT to the national champion three times, 1963 Loyola, 1966 Texas Western, and 1993 North Carolina.

[London 'Cat]

I don't believe anyone is saying UC players and fans have no desire to win. The Cats just don't have the horses, relative to other top programs. A good part of the reason is insufficient NIL. Chad Brendel did some research with his contacts around the B12 and learned that the Bearcats' available NIL is good enough to put a decent team on the floor, but not competitive enough for the cream of the crop. The best teams have at least one player who can take over a game, if need be.

For instance, CWM had Jayden Quaintance on campus twice. We couldn't outbid John Calipari. When Cal left for the Razorbacks, ASU jumped in with $1.6M, which UC couldn't afford. There are no million-dollar players here. Most of the B12 teams have been in a power league for years, with a corresponding cash advantage and high-roller boosters. Even UH have big-bucks guys supporting them, allowing Sampson to get players like Cryer and Uzan via the portal. Plus, they're not falling off anytime soon. They've signed three incoming frosh who hold a 5* rating per the 247sports.com composite system (a blend of theirs, Rivals and On3).

UC is trying to rectify this and will have their first $1.5M+ freshman, Shon Abaev, whose HS team just won their FL division state title yesterday. I don't know how much they're paying Keyshaun Tillery, or what proportion of UC's available cash these two players are absorbing. There will be portal additions as well. To get difference makers is going to be expensive. Whether the Bearcats have enough to pry away that kind of talent, I have no idea.

This may not be the way we want college basketball to be, but amateurism is dead. It's the Wild West and there's no salary cap.

I have not read the legislation - it might be an executive order from the governor - but Ohio limits NIL spending by state funded universities to something like $20-21M across all sports. I don’t know if other states have similar limits. But I believe it was part of the settlement of the case against the NCAA - setting a limit. In addition, UC has a fairly large alumni base. If the alumni demand competitive teams then they need to support the program with donations to NIL. If they don’t want that then they can’t complain about not being competitive in the NIL space. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. They are directly related to each other.

UC has not won a national championship in men’s basketball in 63 years. The game is completely different now than it was then. It has not advanced to the final 4 in 33 years. The game has advanced even further since then. Under Huggins, they advanced to the elite eight only one time - two if you count the final four. Otherwise, UC has been largely irrelevant in the national championship discussion. It’s not an excuse or anything else just facts. Perhaps as fans we need to reassess our expectations or step up the support with dollars to make the team competitive in the new era of college sports.

[swilsonsp4]

as the cliche goes "to be the best, you have to beat the best". Since when did Bearcat fans lose their desire to be the best. My first game I saw Oscar and the first on Tv were the two time national Champs. I have never lost that desire. I don't ever expect defeat as it is distasteful. Even with these ragamuffins in Bearcat's uniforms, I expect victory.

I don't believe anyone is saying UC players and fans have no desire to win. The Cats just don't have the horses, relative to other top programs. A good part of the reason is insufficient NIL. Chad Brendel did some research with his contacts around the B12 and learned that the Bearcats' available NIL is good enough to put a decent team on the floor, but not competitive enough for the cream of the crop. The best teams have at least one player who can take over a game, if need be.

For instance, CWM had Jayden Quaintance on campus twice. We couldn't outbid John Calipari. When Cal left for the Razorbacks, ASU jumped in with $1.6M, which UC couldn't afford. There are no million-dollar players here. Most of the B12 teams have been in a power league for years, with a corresponding cash advantage and high-roller boosters. Even UH have big-bucks guys supporting them, allowing Sampson to get players like Cryer and Uzan via the portal. Plus, they're not falling off anytime soon. They've signed three incoming frosh who hold a 5* rating per the 247sports.com composite system (a blend of theirs, Rivals and On3).

UC is trying to rectify this and will have their first $1.5M+ freshman, Shon Abaev, whose HS team just won their FL division state title yesterday. I don't know how much they're paying Keyshaun Tillery, or what proportion of UC's available cash these two players are absorbing. There will be portal additions as well. To get difference makers is going to be expensive. Whether the Bearcats have enough to pry away that kind of talent, I have no idea.

This may not be the way we want college basketball to be, but amateurism is dead. It's the Wild West and there's no salary cap.

[leo from jersey]

Coleman Hawkins has a knee issue and will not play today against the Buffs.

As far as yesterday's defense is concerned, it really wasn't bad at all (not perfect, but not bad). The Cats held the #9 team per KenPom in offensive efficiency to just under their season average. They made it difficult on the outside shooters who, as a team, average 39.8% from beyond the arc. Even inside, Roberts, Tugler and Francis, who average over a combined 22 ppg, totaled 20. The baskets that the Cougars largely scored came from the shooters (Cryer, Uzan, & Sharp), who pulled up mid-lane and hit some smooth jumpers and floaters.

All of that came against a team that has lost a grand total of four games, none by more than five points (two of which came against Auburn and Bama). But the Cats played their butts off for 40 minutes.

I'm not suggesting that this is a moral victory. They were simply beaten by one of the best teams in the country on their home floor. Most of us expected it, some with fears of an embarrassment on CBS. That didn't happen.

as the cliche goes "to be the best, you have to beat the best". Since when did Bearcat fans lose their desire to be the best. My first game I saw Oscar and the first on Tv were the two time national Champs. I have never lost that desire. I don't ever expect defeat as it is distasteful. Even with these ragamuffins in Bearcat's uniforms, I expect victory.

[swilsonsp4]

I am in agreement with all of that. UC shot 44.1% overall. That is not bad. However, Houston shot 53.6%. Houston exploited UC's weak internal defense. UC cannot win without capable scoring. But UC also needs to play defense. If UC cannot stop anybody, it cannot win. Yesterday was about weak defense.

Guess what, UC plays another team with two big men on Wednesday (K-State). Teams with two bigs have given UC problems all season. I read somewhere that Coleman Hawkins maybe hurt (do not quote me on that). Nevertheless, if Hawkins cannot play, K-State can bring a 7-footer off the bench (Onyenso).

UC may experience more problems on Wednesday because of a lack of big men.

By the way, we are regular everyday guys on this thread. Why are you using words like Pyrrhic (too costly)? Come on Sedz, we are just everyday people. No need to confuse us .

Coleman Hawkins has a knee issue and will not play today against the Buffs.

As far as yesterday's defense is concerned, it really wasn't bad at all (not perfect, but not bad). The Cats held the #9 team per KenPom in offensive efficiency to just under their season average. They made it difficult on the outside shooters who, as a team, average 39.8% from beyond the arc. Even inside, Roberts, Tugler and Francis, who average over a combined 22 ppg, totaled 20. The baskets that the Cougars largely scored came from the shooters (Cryer, Uzan, & Sharp), who pulled up mid-lane and hit some smooth jumpers and floaters.

All of that came against a team that has lost a grand total of four games, none by more than five points (two of which came against Auburn and Bama). But the Cats played their butts off for 40 minutes.

I'm not suggesting that this is a moral victory. They were simply beaten by one of the best teams in the country on their home floor. Most of us expected it, some with fears of an embarrassment on CBS. That didn't happen.

[leeraymond]

If there are no moral victories there should be no Pyrrhic victories either, but we're all quick to find faults in wins. I'm going to analyze the good and bad, win or lose. We had a good strategy yesterday that should serve us well in upcoming games if we can execute it. I'd be thrilled if we make the opposing team take 28 twos away from the rim or hold them to 6 offensive rebounds.

I am in agreement with all of that. UC shot 44.1% overall. That is not bad. However, Houston shot 53.6%. Houston exploited UC's weak internal defense. UC cannot win without capable scoring. But UC also needs to play defense. If UC cannot stop anybody, it cannot win. Yesterday was about weak defense.

Guess what, UC plays another team with two big men on Wednesday (K-State). Teams with two bigs have given UC problems all season. I read somewhere that Coleman Hawkins may be hurt (do not quote me on that). Nevertheless, if Hawkins cannot play, K-State can bring a 7-footer off the bench (Onyenso).

UC may experience more problems on Wednesday because of a lack of big men.

By the way, we are regular everyday guys on this thread. Why are you using words like Pyrrhic (too costly)? Come on Sedz, we are just everyday people. No need to confuse us .

[leo from jersey]

There are no moral victories. UC took a beating in the paint. Houston outscored UC in the paint 40-24. UC had no paint defense yesterday. Although Roberts did not single handedly beat UC, Roberts, Tuggle, and Francis (Houston's bigs) combined for 20 points in the paint. Houston's guards also got in on the paint party. Combined, Houston's guard accounted for another 20 points in the paint.

The reason why Houston only made 3 threes yesterday because their strategy was to punish UC in the paint. Houston normally takes 20 threes a game. Yesterday, UH only took 14 threes. Clearly, UH's game plan was to take UC's guards off the dribble and back down the wings in the paint.

UC's wings were no match for Houston's bigs. Cincinnati needs some big men for defensive purposes. Those wings are not big enough to handle the tough play in the paint. Sampson had a good strategy. Beat up on UC in the paint. UC had no answers for Houston in the paint.

Going forward, punishing UC in the paint may be the game plan for the remaining teams that play UC on the season.

totally agree - The Cats are weak and often lack desire outside of shooting - While I still love them, they are not the Cats which I started loving.

[leeraymond]

Simas was our worst player with negative 4.7 net points. He hit some big threes but ended up 3 for 10 and had 3 turnovers and negative defensive BPM. Skillings was next worst, also turning it over 3 times while going just 1 of 4 from the field with negative defensive BPM.

Sedz quote above about SL here can be said about three of the six normal starters on this team and epitomizes each one. They are all one dimensional and predictable. SL refuses to try for rebounds and is liability on defense many times. DS can't shoot the three consistently and if he does drive he's out of control. He does try to rebound but if they don't come he goes into hiding and is a liability on defense. Mitchel is not afraid to mix it up underneath but is not an outside shot threat and reluctant to drive inside for shots. He needs to be very active to get open shots. If he's not very active he concentrates on his defensive assignment and goes ghost on offense. And Aziz is good enough defensively but is not an offensive threat, no post game, and can't be relied upon to get the lob from our two guards that produce the majority of our points. It says a lot about this team when two of our most productive points producers are the two staring guards We are used to Huggins demanding all of his players to involved in every facet of the game. He called it playing hard. CWM in allowing his players play their type of game does not demand that they go for rebounds or follow their own shots, excel at free throws shooting etc. It has been said on this forum before that we fan's are used to getting two or three shot attempts on any trip down to our goal. But not now. Sampson once said that He at Houston would never beat Cincinnati until they get as physical as us. The script has flipped. We are used to imposing our will and pace to the opponent all we have now is athletes who can shoot when open but rarely find the man open man to shoot.

During some points in yesterday's game, I specifically watched the rebounding. On some of UC's shots, none of the wings went back to rebound. They just watched the flight of the ball and ran back on defense after the miss. Simas, Reed, and Betsey combined for 68:44 minutes of play and only pulled down 4 (four) rebounds between themselves. These guys do not understand that when you play a superior opponent, you do what you can to get as many possessions as possible. I know that UC had more offensive rebounds than UH, but it could have been more. That is how a team can win games when it is an underdog. However, UC does not seem to understand that.

[sedz]

If there are no moral victories there should be no Pyrrhic victories either, but we're all quick to find faults in wins. I'm going to analyze the good and bad, win or lose. We had a good strategy yesterday that should serve us well in upcoming games if we can execute it. I'd be thrilled if we make the opposing team take 28 twos away from the rim or hold them to 6 offensive rebounds.

[leeraymond]

UC is 7-11, a half game behind Kansas State (Wednesday) and a game up on Oklahoma State (Saturday)

Beat both and hopefully finish 10th or maybe 11th (8/9 likely puts you on track to face Houston again)

Man, it's funny and kind of sad that you bring that up because UC was picked to finish 6th. Now we are talking about UC struggling to finish 10th or maybe 11th. The difference between 11 and 6 is coaching. UC is currently in 12th place in a 16-team league. Not quite doormats, but not far from it.

I do not mean to be rough on the team, I am just tired of the team not being able to compete at the highest levels. Think about it for a second. UC was picked to finish 6th in the BIG XII and now are STRUGGLING to finish in 10th or 11th place. I rest my case.

[leeraymond]

Frustrating game to lose because the gameplan was good. Houston only had 6 offensive rebounds and only made 3 triples. We shut down their normal scoring scheme. But they shot 64% inside the arc and were on fire from midrange. It's hard to stop a team that does that. Roberts only scored 8 points on 4 of 9 shooting with zero offensive rebounds. We didn't lose because he has more muscles than us. And we only had 11 turnovers in 64 possessions - that's 17% which is well below the 22% that Houston forces in conference. We scored a point per possession on the road against the best defense in the country. We didn't lose because of our offense. We lost simply because Houston has good shooters who hit a lot of tough shots. Hard pill to swallow, but I'm proud of our performance today.

Day Day was our best player with 5.3 net points. He was on fire in the second half, and he also led us in defensive BPM. It's too bad he got into early foul trouble. Jizzle was next best with 3.8 net points, leading with 5 assists and 3 steals. Aziz, Mitchell, and Reed were close to neutral.

Simas was our worst player with negative 4.7 net points. He hit some big threes but ended up 3 for 10 and had 3 turnovers and negative defensive BPM. Skillings was next worst, also turning it over 3 times while going just 1 of 4 from the field with negative defensive BPM.

With carnage across the bubble today, I'd say our position improved. This loss will not hurt, especially since we beat the metrics spread by 6 points, so our NET ranking may go up a bit.

There are no moral victories. UC took a beating in the paint. Houston outscored UC in the paint 40-24. UC had no paint defense yesterday. Although Roberts did not single handedly beat UC, Roberts, Tuggle, and Francis (Houston's bigs) combined for 20 points in the paint. Houston's guards also got in on the paint party. Combined, Houston's guard accounted for another 20 points in the paint.

The reason why Houston only made 3 threes yesterday is because their strategy was to punish UC in the paint. Houston normally takes 20 threes a game. Yesterday, UH only took 14 threes. Clearly, UH's game plan was to take UC's guards off the dribble and back down the wings in the paint.

UC's wings were no match for Houston's bigs. Cincinnati needs some big men for defensive purposes. Those wings are not big enough to handle the tough play in the paint. Sampson had a good strategy. Beat up on UC in the paint. UC had no answers for Houston in the paint.

Going forward, punishing UC in the paint may be the game plan for the remaining teams that play UC on the season.