West Virginia 1/6 7:00 ESPN

[Rufus]

60 points in 64 possessions. That's 0.94 points per possession, under 1 yet again. Only 16 rim attempts and 9 free throws compared to 46 jumpshots. Just an embarrassing offensive scheme. We won the rebounding battle. We rebounded 24% of our misses and allowed West Virginia to rebound just 20% of theirs. But we had less total rebounds because we missed a boatload of jumpshots. This is a case where the offensive scheme problem spills into other areas. Casual fans will think we got outworked on the glass. Nope. We were just chucking up bricks. We won the turnover battle. We had more assists, more blocks, more steals. You simply can't take that many contested jumpshots and expect to score. We're still bringing defenders to the ball in 2026. We don't get to the rim or the stripe. We don't get open catch and shoot threes.

Celestine was our best player with 3.6 net points, making 5 of 9 threes. McKinley was next best with 1.8 net points, going 3 for 3 from the field with an offensive board in just 9 minutes. Day Day, Harris, and Tillery were also on the positive side.

Thiam was our worst player with negative 3.6 net points, going 2 for 6 from the field and zero FT attempts. Abaev was just behind with negative 3.1 net points. 1 for 5 from the field and 1 for 3 at the line with no assists and a turnover. I never would have thought his offense would be worse than his defense, but it's been that way all year. Jizzle had 4 steals but ended with negative BPM thanks to scoring just 8 points on 13 shots with no FTs and 3 turnovers. Baba was neutral, leading in DBPM, rebounds, and assists but only scoring 4 points in 35 minutes with no FTs. No FTs is a theme. Take away Abaev's three point foul, and we only had 6 free throws from attacking the rim. We don't put the defense in compromising positions.

You take a look at the analysis' Sedz brings to us every post game and see the trends, deficiencies and effects remain the same every game has to lead to the conclusion that Miller does not see what the numbers are showing, does not accept criticism from anybody even his coaches and therefore all of them ( coaches ) are negligent in their duties. Abaev has been our lowest rated player in every game except one. Every game. He can't defend , can't rebound, he is actually the epitome of all the players who have no clue how to play the game. I'm no expert by any stretch but how can you have a WV. player take a wide open shot and all five UC players are standing around at the key? It's like all they know how to do is throw the ball at the rim as soon as they get it. They have no concept of what to do if they don't have the ball. It's been that way with Millers teams from day one. We all thought it was Davenport and some others playing hero ball but I've come to the conclusion that that is Miller's scheme he wants these guys to play. We don't need no stinking rebounds, steals, fast breaks, blocked shots, just go out there a shoot. It's no wonder his teams don't develope because he don't know any better.

[bearcatjd]

I’ve said it before CWM should have never gotten the job to begin with. It took him till his 6th year to have a winning record. Horrible!

[leo from jersey]

You take a look at the analysis' Sedz brings to us every post game and see the trends, deficiencies and effects remain the same every game has to lead to the conclusion that Miller does not see what the numbers are showing, does not accept criticism from anybody even his coaches and therefore all of them ( coaches ) are negligent in their duties. Abaev has been our lowest rated player in every game except one. Every game. He can't defend , can't rebound, he is actually the epitome of all the players who have no clue how to play the game. I'm no expert by any stretch but how can you have a WV. player take a wide open shot and all five UC players are standing around at the key? It's like all they know how to do is throw the ball at the rim as soon as they get it. They have no concept of what to do if they don't have the ball. It's been that way with Millers teams from day one. We all thought it was Davenport and some others playing hero ball but I've come to the conclusion that that is Miller's scheme he wants these guys to play. We don't need no stinking rebounds, steals, fast breaks, blocked shots, just go out there a shoot. It's no wonder his teams don't develope because he don't know any better.

Perhaps that is why no floor leader will come. Their HS, AAU coach and trainers see what you said. I still would like to see a calm. competitive, high BB IQ guy running the point., Of course you can't do too much when the opponent's coach takes away your leading scorer for almost the last 19 minutes of the game. Maybe a floor leader could have gotten Thomas or 52 the ball where they could shoot.

I don't know what you can do with 2 guys on 1 player and 3 others standing around leaving open job shots. The shooter may not make them many games, but when he is making them in the game your playing, something has to be done. I am not sure if our players have that BB IQ or notice when they had been told pre game the stats he can't shoot. We all remember when we first started playing -- We may have not mastered moving our feet or anticipating the move, but we started with: GET A HAND IN THEIR FACE. The shooting percentages usually go down when you defend your man. Help defense is important but letting a bunny go is better than letting a 3 pointer go. Some guys do see the floor and will pass in that scenario. Miller complained that on another play a desperation shot went in and basically put the game out of reach. These are the variables that happen during the game. Use your intel to game plan, but things happen on the floor. Some desperation shots can be stopped with total effort and concern that most shots might be made. Never give up or take things for granted.

The play that wrapped it up for me and showed court awareness, but from WV. Their man was driving and beat shootin shon to the correct angle to the basket. One of our guys had to leave their man to give help and the WV flipped the ball to his open buddy for a swish. If anybody has recorded the game, take a look at how our guys inbounded the ball after the swish.

From Bearcat Journal: Then, the usual happened. The Bearcats fell apart on both sides of the ball. Day Day Thomas fouled a 3-point shooter who converted. Jizzle James turned the ball over early in the shot clock with a lead. Cincinnati had multiple bad offensive possessions and went 4:40 without scoring A. garbage-time 3-pointer with two seconds left was their only source of offense in the final 4:46 of the game.

It is a sad day to be a Bearcat fan.

[leo from jersey]

CWM has the stats as he often speaks of them. Why is the team folding against good competition at the end. Notice the word intuitive in the following quote. How does one become intuitive? Maybe you do play as you practice.

We asked this question last year. What is going on in Bearcat practices?

“The true warrior understands and seizes that moment

by giving an effort so intense and so intuitive

that it could only be called one from the heart”

– Pat Riley

[D.A.H.]

You take a look at the analysis' Sedz brings to us every post game and see the trends, deficiencies and effects remain the same every game has to lead to the conclusion that Miller does not see what the numbers are showing, does not accept criticism from anybody even his coaches and therefore all of them ( coaches ) are negligent in their duties. Abaev has been our lowest rated player in every game except one. Every game. He can't defend , can't rebound, he is actually the epitome of all the players who have no clue how to play the game. I'm no expert by any stretch but how can you have a WV. player take a wide open shot and all five UC players are standing around at the key? It's like all they know how to do is throw the ball at the rim as soon as they get it. They have no concept of what to do if they don't have the ball. It's been that way with Millers teams from day one. We all thought it was Davenport and some others playing hero ball but I've come to the conclusion that that is Miller's scheme he wants these guys to play. We don't need no stinking rebounds, steals, fast breaks, blocked shots, just go out there a shoot. It's no wonder his teams don't develope because he don't know any better.

stats are great, etc. but, if you need them to figure out that this team just sucks, you ain't watching. the stats can reinforce what you see, but I always remember my old high school teacher joking, as he taught us a stats class, that anyone can lie about anything, and back it up with stats, if you're not really paying attention.

i'm not saying that anyone on here is lying - far from it. i just question the reliance on stats, when most of us, luckily, have the gift of sight

[Gmann]

You take a look at the analysis' Sedz brings to us every post game and see the trends, deficiencies and effects remain the same every game has to lead to the conclusion that Miller does not see what the numbers are showing, does not accept criticism from anybody even his coaches and therefore all of them ( coaches ) are negligent in their duties. Abaev has been our lowest rated player in every game except one. Every game. He can't defend , can't rebound, he is actually the epitome of all the players who have no clue how to play the game. I'm no expert by any stretch but how can you have a WV. player take a wide open shot and all five UC players are standing around at the key? It's like all they know how to do is throw the ball at the rim as soon as they get it. They have no concept of what to do if they don't have the ball. It's been that way with Millers teams from day one. We all thought it was Davenport and some others playing hero ball but I've come to the conclusion that that is Miller's scheme he wants these guys to play. We don't need no stinking rebounds, steals, fast breaks, blocked shots, just go out there a shoot. It's no wonder his teams don't develope because he don't know any better.

With this being Miller's 5th year we seen probably 50-60 different players under him. The same problems persist (mostly on offense) no matter who you put on the floor and in what combination. As many have stated they have no offensive scheme. Their offense consists of dribble around the perimeter and jack up a 3. Occassionally they will have an alley oop or get a breakaway but you can't count on that. Other coaches know that in the last 4 minutes of the game you can press the ball handler and cut off any lanes and they will panic and either throw up a 3 or turn it over.

I contend that the talent on this roster is at least as good as half the teams in the league. I believe Miller is the worst coach in the league by far and couldn't even win with Houston's or Arizona's roster after he had it a while. He is exhibiting all the behaviors of a guy that is in over his head on the job. And yes, Cunningham is also very much to blame so I don't know how things get any better.

[leo from jersey]

stats are great, etc. but, if you need them to figure out that this team just sucks, you ain't watching. the stats can reinforce what you see, but I always remember my old high school teacher joking, as he taught us a stats class, that anyone can lie about anything, and back it up with stats, if you're not really paying attention.

i'm not saying that anyone on here is lying - far from it. i just question the reliance on stats, when most of us, luckily, have the gift of sight

good points ----even with one eye, I can see excrement on the court. I can see fear in the eyes of UC players and a lack of confidence/confusion in their body language.

I think Rufus was getting out that CWM can't see or accept the obvious when the stats tell the same story game after game.

[London 'Cat]

stats are great, etc. but, if you need them to figure out that this team just sucks, you ain't watching. the stats can reinforce what you see, but I always remember my old high school teacher joking, as he taught us a stats class, that anyone can lie about anything, and back it up with stats, if you're not really paying attention.

i'm not saying that anyone on here is lying - far from it. i just question the reliance on stats, when most of us, luckily, have the gift of sight

It's more than "stats." It is metrics, which uses statistics but also factors in the player's performance while on the court. I don't think CWM and staff use metrics, or at least effectively or like other coaches use them. Yes, effort and hustle matter, but if you are giving maximum effort and hustling but not impacting the game through on-court contributions, the effort and hustle goes to waste. That's why I appreciate sedz post-game analysis because it reveals more than "stats" alone. It reveals how effective a player is within the context of the game. And, from what I have seen, the metrics tend to reflect accurately how impactful a player was.

[leo from jersey]

It's more than "stats." It is metrics, which uses statistics but also factors in the player's performance while on the court. I don't think CWM and staff use metrics, or at least effectively or like other coaches use them. Yes, effort and hustle matter, but if you are giving maximum effort and hustling but not impacting the game through on-court contributions, the effort and hustle goes to waste. That's why I appreciate sedz post-game analysis because it reveals more than "stats" alone. It reveals how effective a player is within the context of the game. And, from what I have seen, the metrics tend to reflect accurately how impactful a player was.

do you see total effort and hustle? I suggested going back and watching the Cats inbound the ball after a play which totally fooled them. I saw confusion, lack of confidence and quit. No stat can get them over that. We are dealing with emotional human beings and the game is played with emotions. Stats can help, but when you walk across that black line so many things can and will change.

“If you quit once it becomes a habit. Never quit!” – Michael Jordan

The Cats quit at the end of the game. The stat for that is the most important stat -- 100% so far in meaningful games especially conference games.

[zykarious]

stats are great, etc. but, if you need them to figure out that this team just sucks, you ain't watching. the stats can reinforce what you see, but I always remember my old high school teacher joking, as he taught us a stats class, that anyone can lie about anything, and back it up with stats, if you're not really paying attention.

i'm not saying that anyone on here is lying - far from it. i just question the reliance on stats, when most of us, luckily, have the gift of sight

I generally agree with you, stats can be fun to look at, but even the advanced metrics aren't great for player evaluation, especially one a single game basis. Some of them like DBPM are just about meaningless.

No coach cares about these metrics, they watch the film and do individual player breakdowns, grading guys based on how well the player did what the coaches know they were supposed to be doing. Synergy is the closest to what coaches use, but that is a paid service.

[sedz]

Top coaches like Nate Oats and Dusty May use Torvik and EvanMiya. Of course they're using everything available - their eyes, staff eyes, video, public metrics, and paid services. As fans, we only have our eyes and public metrics. For some reason, this board thinks their eyes are better than everything else. I think Wes Miller has the same opinion. Our eyes can lie to us just as easy as statistics can. Just ask a psychologist about witness testimony. We shouldn't solely rely on that and dismiss forensic science. Use everything available.

Where the metrics really come in handy is when evaluating players and coaches we aren't watching all the time. The metrics showed this wasn't an NCAA tournament team from day one. The talking heads said this would be a top half B12 team. The metrics told us that Wes Miller doesn't run an offense that gets to the rim regardless of roster construction. Talking heads said he was one of the top up and coming coaches.

I simply post the Torvik numbers each game with some of my own thoughts. People can do whatever they want with that. The popular choice is to be triggered apparently.

[Jeff Burk]

I agree with sedz and appreciate his input. When Wes was hired most people were pleased and I assume because of his previous job as UNCG. I am cueious to know how his team fared in the NCAA tourney and if they made it there as an at large bid by beating some ranked teams or they got an automatic bid by winning their conference tourney,

[leeraymond372@gmail.com]

No matter what the individual debates are, it all boils down to wins and losses. Right now, this UC team is 8-7 overall and 0-2 in the conference. UC basketball has not been this bad since Cronin's first 2 years. Clearly what Miller is doing on offense is not working. My question is: does Miller know any other offense? He has ex-NBA personnel on his staff. Why does he not use their expertise? These are the kinds of issues that are mind-boggling to me. The culture of losing is perhaps a part of this program now under Miller.

Come on guys, be truthful. How many of you watch these UC conference games expecting that UC will somehow find a way to lose even if it has a lead late in the game? That is what happened last night.

Here is another question: when you look at the conference schedule, where will the wins come from? Think about this: since last year, UC has lost 15 of 22 conference games and has lost 5 straight games in the conference. Nevertheless, there have been no changes in the offensive schemes or in approaches to the way that UC plays.

Miller is the embodiment of this losing culture. Why do you think UC lost all of those players from last year? They became tired of losing. They came to the conclusion that they could not win as long as Miller is the coach.

I wish there was a happy ending here. Currently, UC is the DOORMAT of the BIG XII. It is the sole last place team. You know what? It is a very good chance that UC will be in last place all season. Here is what is funny: for two seasons in a row, college basketball analysts projected UC to be in the top half of the BIG XII. Man, were they wrong.

Remember when Miller was considered one of the best young coaches under 40? It's funny. I don't hear anyone referring to Miller as a good coach anymore.

[leo from jersey]

No matter what the individual debates are, it all boils down to wins and losses. Right now, this UC team is 8-7 overall and 0-2 in the conference. UC basketball has not been this bad since Cronin's first 2 years. Clearly what Miller is doing on offense is not working. My question is: is this type of offense all that Miller knows? He has ex-NBA personnel on his staff. Why does he not use their expertise? These are the kinds of issues that are mind-boggling to me. The culture of losing is perhaps a part of this program now under Miller.

Come on guys, be truthful. How many of you watch these UC conference games expecting that UC will somehow find a way to lose even if it has a lead late in the game? That is what happened last night.

Here is another question: when you look at the conference schedule, where will the wins come from? Think about this: since last year, UC has lost 15 of 22 conference games and has lost 5 straight games in the conference. Nevertheless, there have been no changes in the offensive schemes or in approaches to the way that UC plays.

Miller is the embodiment of this losing culture. Why do you think UC lost all of those players from last year? They became tired of losing. They came to the conclusion that they could not win as long as Miller is the coach.

I wish there was a happy ending here. Currently, UC is the DOORMAT of the BIG XII. It is the sole last place team. You know what? It is a very good chance that UC will be in last place all season. Here is what is funny: for two seasons in a row, UC was projected to be in the top half of the BIG XII. After seeing Miller's UC teams for 4 years, we all know that it is going to get a lot worse.

Remember when Miller was considered one of the best young coaches under 40? It's funny. I don't hear anyone referring to Miller as a good coach anymore.

Yes we are in a losing failure culture on the team. Something has to be done. It goes beyond xs and os. The announcers said failure to execute. Terry Nelson keeps on mentioning that and CWM and him are at odds. From what I read, CWM is blaming Terry or his comments. CWM is the HC but Terry is the voice of the Bearcat BB alums. My take is that more agree with Terry. Maybe I need to listen to the postgames again. The small whispers are now a roar. This can't be good for the team. Is the season ruined? Can we even not look forward to playing in the Crown? Those at BC Journal want some demonstration at the games. Some say just don't show up and others say signs etc. Whatever happens does anyone see a solution this year.

We are upset not just to the losses, but how they are losing. UC must never quit and be fearful. Can CWM and JC do what it takes to win. Hope is always eternal and I expect a win every game. I just don't know if anything close to that will happen this year. I sure don't want to be saying that next year. Failure brings pressure. Can anyone really be having fun watching the Cats?

“You have no choices about how you lose, but you do have a choice about how you come back and prepare to win again." - Pat Riley

[dmoney70]

Yes we are in a losing failure culture on the team. Something has to be done. It goes beyond xs and os. The announcers said failure to execute. Terry Nelson keeps on mentioning that and CWM and him are at odds. From what I read, CWM is blaming Terry or his comments. CWM is the HC but Terry is the voice of the Bearcat BB alums. My take is that more agree with Terry. Maybe I need to listen to the postgames again. The small whispers are now a roar. This can't be good for the team. Is the season ruined? Can we even not look forward to playing in the Crown? Those at BC Journal want some demonstration at the games. Some say just don't show up and others say signs etc. Whatever happens does anyone see a solution this year.

We are upset not just to the losses, but how they are losing. UC must never quit and be fearful. Can CWM and JC do what it takes to win. Hope is always eternal and I expect a win every game. I just don't know if anything close to that will happen this year. I sure don't want to be saying that next year. Failure brings pressure. Can anyone really be having fun watching the Cats?

“You have no choices about how you lose, but you do have a choice about how you come back and prepare to win again." - Pat Riley

My demonstration? My son walked in and asked if I was going to watch UC/WVU. My response was "I didn't know they were playing and no thank you". Besides, I'm not bothering to pay for ESPN to watch UC sports until something changes so I couldn't watch if I wanted to, which I don't. The best demonstration is apathy which means empty seats, less merch sales, lower ratings if radio even tracks that sort of thing.