Houston March 1st, 4:30 CBS

[London 'Cat]

Agreed GB31. Thread closed.

[GoBearcats31]

Folks, the UC/Houston game is over -- let's move on to Kansas State in that thread (and keep it on track...)

[leo from jersey]

I'm with Leeraymond I don't know what pyrrhic even means. 😄 As I watched the game Saturday afternoon I couldn't help but wonder what some of the men who came up through this program thinks about these current players. We know what TN feels because he has expressed it. But I'm talking about guys who weren't blue chippers or Mc Donald's all Americans. Guys who had to work their butts off just to see the court but left their marks. Eric Hicks. Bobby Brannen, Keith Gregor, Steve Logan, Jason Maxiell, Justin Jackson, and and who could forget Conner Baldwin. Me? I'm ashamed that this program has gone from being thugs to doormats and exposed as such on national TV so many times these past three years.

I wonder what the deceased Rod Monroe would say. He played 2 sports and the one he got a late start on, he made it to the NFL.

[Rufus]

I'm with Leeraymond I don't know what pyrrhic even means. 😄 As I watched the game Saturday afternoon I couldn't help but wonder what some of the men who came up through this program thinks about these current players. We know what TN feels because he has expressed it. But I'm talking about guys who weren't blue chippers or Mc Donald's all Americans. Guys who had to work their butts off just to see the court but left their marks. Eric Hicks. Bobby Brannen, Keith Gregor, Steve Logan, Jason Maxiell, Justin Jackson, and and who could forget Conner Baldwin. Me? I'm ashamed that this program has gone from being thugs to doormats and exposed as such on national TV so many times these past three years.

[swilsonsp4]

[QUOTE=zykarious;n424084]

If the $1.5 million for Abaev number is accurate, it's a massive risk for an unproven freshman, when you could use it to entice a proven transfer. Until I hear it reported from an official source, publicly, I'll have my doubts. People have been throwing out all sorts of numbers, without any sources. For example, I've heard claims that Skillings is making as much as $2 million, but Chad has said publicly (on his podcast) that the number is in the $300k-$400k range.

Yes, it's a massive risk, but UC has to join in or be left behind. Their competitors are taking essentially the same risk. The staff have three pots for player cash: HS recruits, transfers & retention. I don't know how much is available to each.

[zykarious]

[QUOTE=swilsonsp4;n424076]

From Chad Brendel via his 247sports.com website, bearcatjournal.com ($). He divulges only information that he has confirmed through his sources, as a journalist should. If a UC staff member indicates to him that they would prefer that he not provide the information, he will not release it publicly. In this case, he contacted as many of his sources from around the B12 and elsewhere to gauge the amounts of various schools' NIL capabilities, as well as what certain players are being paid.

Brendel has mentioned, for instance, that BYU has a massive war chest, fueled by a wide array of donors who are willing to pony up. Next year, the #1 2025 HS recruit, AJ Dybantsa, will play for the Cougars before likely becoming the #1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft. For his services, Dybantsa will receive a reported $8M! UC made some initial contact with Dybantsa, then realized what was happening and quickly dropped the idea.

If the $1.5 million for Abaev number is accurate, it's a massive risk for an unproven freshman, when you could use it to entice a proven transfer. Until I hear it reported from an official source, publicly, I'll have my doubts. People have been throwing out all sorts of numbers, without any sources. For example, I've heard claims that Skillings is making as much as $2 million, but Chad has said publicly (on his podcast) that the number is in the $300k-$400k range.

[leo from jersey]

That's already started with two Top 50 recruits, including a McDonald's All-American. Abaev and Tillery are the top combined HS recruits for any year of Miller's tenure, by far. There are positions that need to be upgraded via the portal, including an expensive commodity these days: an experienced big who poses major problems for the opposition. That begs the question, does UC have enough cash to pull that off?

I am talking about hard work from the returning players. What example will they give to the new recruits? What attitude? We saw the total mess last year's off season brought. Notice how several players play went downhill. JJ's did too until his dad got a hold of him. Can Ray be expected to lead after the last 2 years? I will tell you what is really going to hurt. The loss of CJ Anthony. He doesn't play, but his leadership on the bench is clearly seen. Notice how he greets the players at the time outs and how he sits next to struggling players and has a word and not the DS laugh. I am sure he is a quality presence in practice too .When you are cooking, you can add all the quality ingredients you want, but if the broth is bad, you will have a bad soup. This off season is important. Can the monster factory motivate and get into their heads. I have not seen it since someone returned to UC. Can the coaching staff do what is necessary? Will the difference in NIL pay cause problems like dribbling or shooting without looking for a teammate. We see that every game this year. When listening to CWM on the radio, I believe he needs a lesson from a Cincinnati man with a Cincinnati attitude:

Even though they are paid differently, everyone has to feel appreciated.

Roger Staubach

[leo from jersey]

Come on man. UC played some terrible defense Saturday. Remember that Houston was up on UC by 18 points at one time in the second half of the game. Where I am from, if one team is up on another team by 18 points in the second half, we would say the losing team was being blown out. Now UC made the final score respectable, but once Houston took the lead late in the first half (on a 14 or 15 to 0 run) the game was no longer in doubt.

UC did not make it tough on Houston's three-point shooters. Houston's strategy was to attack UC in the paint. Houston outscored UC in the paint 40-24. The guards alone accounted for 20 paint points. Where was the defense?

I must give UC credit for fighting until the end. However, UC was better than Houston for only 10 minutes in a 40-minute game. UC's scoring defense, along with 9 first half turnovers, doomed the team.

Think about this for a second. Miller has now lost to Sampson 9 (nine) straight times. I have been keeping up with UC basketball a long time. I have never known any UC coach to have such a record against one other coach.

Not to ramble, but from what I saw Saturday, UC took somewhat of a beatdown. UC is just not good enough right now. That is the truth.

agreed -- Houston took off the defensive gas as JJ's last 6 points were uncontested drives for a bunny. Sad to say, but the team has some non-competitors now and the coaching staff is perplexed how to get them competitive. Houston, could have been beaten. Houston had the better players because they came prepared and they gave effort. Three quick fouls by our pg didn't show preparation but anxiety. Day Day was not ready to play. Three quick TOs by DS showed lack of interest until CWM publicly lit him up on national TV. SL has disappeared as he blew several open 3s. That is all he can do now and he failed. The new recruits from HS and the portal can't come quick enough. Will our coaching staff be able to bring them up is the main question.

[leeraymond]

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.

One thing that you did not mention here is the impact of good coaching. UC has historically not been able to bring the 4 and 5 stars. Think about this for a second, Huggins took UC to the Final Four with a bunch of junior college players, while Michigan had the Fab Five. Huggins did bring in a few all-american types, but that was not typical of his recruits. Cronin only brought in one all-american in 13 years, Lance Stevenson. I think Cumberland and Evans were 4-star guards, but just everybody else that Cronin recruited, as far as I know, were mostly 3-star. Cronin brought in a lot of project players and made them good over time (think of Trevon Scott). He is doing the same thing at UCLA with the 7'3" center Aday Mara.

A coach can win in NCAA basketball without all of the spoiled kids, that just want money, if he is a good coach.

[leeraymond]

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.

Come on man. UC played some terrible defense Saturday. Remember that Houston was up on UC by 18 points at one time in the second half of the game. Where I am from, if one team is up on another team by 18 points in the second half, we would say the losing team was being blown out. Now UC made the final score respectable, but once Houston took the lead late in the first half (on a 14 or 15 to 0 run) the game was no longer in doubt.

UC did not make it tough on Houston's three-point shooters. Houston's strategy was to attack UC in the paint. Houston outscored UC in the paint 40-24. The guards alone accounted for 20 paint points. Where was the defense?

I must give UC credit for fighting until the end. However, UC was better than Houston for only 10 minutes in a 40-minute game. UC's scoring defense, along with 9 first half turnovers, doomed the team.

Think about this for a second. Miller has now lost to Sampson 9 (nine) straight times. I have been keeping up with UC basketball a long time. I have never known any UC coach to have such a record against one other coach.

Not to ramble, but from what I saw Saturday, UC took somewhat of a beatdown. UC is just not good enough right now. That is the truth.

[swilsonsp4]

[QUOTE=DesertFog;n424074]

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.

Re Quaintance and Abaev, really interesting info. Can you tell us where info like this is available?

From Chad Brendel via his 247sports.com website, bearcatjournal.com ($). He divulges only information that he has confirmed through his sources, as a journalist should. If a UC staff member indicates to him that they would prefer that he not provide the information, he will not release it publicly. In this case, he contacted as many of his sources from around the B12 and elsewhere to gauge the amounts of various schools' NIL capabilities, as well as what certain players are being paid.

Brendel has mentioned, for instance, that BYU has a massive war chest, fueled by a wide array of donors who are willing to pony up. Next year, the #1 2025 HS recruit, AJ Dybantsa, will play for the Cougars before likely becoming the #1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft. For his services, Dybantsa will receive a reported $8M! UC made some initial contact with Dybantsa, then realized what was happening and quickly dropped the idea.

[DesertFog]

[QUOTE=swilsonsp4;n424059]

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.

Re Quaintance and Abaev, really interesting info. Can you tell us where info like this is available?

[London 'Cat]

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.

One sweet sixteen under Cronin too. And no NCAAs since Cronin. UC has much work to do to become relevant again and even more work to become a national title contender.

[swilsonsp4]

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

There's no doubt that Dan Skillings has been disappointment this season. But I wouldn't paint any other players with that brush in terms of effort. Simas is a poor rebounder and not quick, so that he has difficulty guarding on-ball. But beyond that, I don't think it's because of effort.

Reed is light-years better. Day Day busts his butt at both ends. Mitchell has become a more complete player. He just isn't a good shooter. Jizzle had a bad January but has played much better in February. His best shot, unfortunately, is inside the arc, but away from the rim. That's not effort. CWM has said Jizzle is the first one in and the last one out, working on his shooting. I don't know that anyone knew what to expect from Page, and he hasn't shown much. Hickman, Fredrick and McKinley have missed either significant or complete time because of injuries, which reduced depth. Hickman, for one, was all over the court, never slacking. Then, he was done for the year.

A team that isn't putting forth effort doesn't scrap to get back into a game against a national championship contender that was slipping away, as was the case in Houston. There were two games this season in which the team appeared to quit: at Baylor in early January and at BYU in the second half. While there were losses following that, it wasn't because of effort. It was more a case of lineup construction. Inserting Reed and pairing Day Day with Jizzle as starters, in place of Skillings and Simas, improved the team's defensive capabilities dramatically. That, in turn, gave the team more offensive opportunities, as more fast break chances occurred. The offensive efficiency went from a woeful #150+ at the end of January to #85 now (per KenPom). #85 isn't where we want to be, but the #150+ really included being in the 30's for most of the earlier games. The offense really was much worse than that during January. Over the last eight games, the Cats are in the Top 20 in offensive efficiency. That's why they've been winning, as well as competitive in the three losses.

This season's not over. The team put themselves behind the proverbial 8-ball but they're not out of it. They are now playing one-game tournaments. K-State happens to be next up. If the Cats play as they did against the Cougars, they'll live to fight another day.

[swilsonsp4]

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

That's already started with two Top 50 recruits, including a McDonald's All-American. Abaev and Tillery are the top combined HS recruits for any year of Miller's tenure, by far. There are positions that need to be upgraded via the portal, including an expensive commodity these days: an experienced big who poses major problems for the opposition. That begs the question, does UC have enough cash to pull that off?