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(03-30-2024 03:02 PM)UCBearcatlawjd2 Wrote:  

(03-30-2024 02:02 PM)ZCat Wrote:  

(03-29-2024 02:43 PM)Cal1362 Wrote:  

(03-28-2024 10:52 PM)ZCat Wrote:  

(03-10-2024 08:30 AM)bearcatmark Wrote:  It's an absolute beast. Kansas beat 3 likely one seeds this year and Kentucky. They have 8 conference losses. Baylor is a top 10-15 team. They have 7 conference losses.

Uc was so close to having a special season. In this league you're a few bad breaks from looking way worse than you are.

In another thread- about next year you agreed with a poster that we should be top 25, and semifinals of Conf tournament etc. The conference is a gauntlet and you are giving one such ex above. I hope you both will be right.

I hope we as a fanbase don't underestimate the Big12 for next year. In the AAC UC could fairly easily make a significant jump from season to season with a key addition. In the Big12, every team almost is a desirable destination for kids in the portal, JUCOs and HS seniors... not just the top 2 or 3 teams. Plus, when you realize the conf is replacing TX (8th) and Okla (9th) who collectively didn't even finish at .500 in the league with AZ (NCAA Top 5-10), Colorado (won 2 games in the NCAAT), UT (semis of the NIT) and ASU next year the road thru the conf and to the NCAAT seems to get more challenging, not less. UC needs stability of roster thru the top 5 or 6 guys and a key add or two to make a move. And keep in mind, IIRC UC had the oldest roster in the conf, if not one of the oldest in the country this year which means growing pains for newer, younger guys. I'm hopeful for a jump but realize the challenge ahead for CWM and the guys.

I do expect, and hope for a move up 2-4 spots in the Big12 standings and would love to see a 4-5 spot move but to be disappointed or p!ssed off if we lose 8 or 9 conf games next yr is not real IMO. I believe the 8th place team in the league, who WILL be a tourney team, will have 8 or 9 conf losses. I half wish that Day Day hadn't gotten hurt so that we could hide Jizzle a little longer :-) because now teams will be game planning for him - but that's a great "problem" to have.

Yes. This is what I am getting at. Finishing 5th in this conference will not be easy. We could still be a top 6 NCAA seed with a 6th or 7th place finish. Just spitballing but with 20 teams I would figure Top 6-8 finish is more likely where we finish (roster is not set yet for us and opponents though).

16 teams, 20 conference games. Go 12-8 or better with one loss in the non-conference and your getting a 7 seed at worst.

I’m with you and I appreciate your passion.

(03-27-2024 08:42 AM)skyblade Wrote:  

(03-27-2024 08:38 AM)UCBearcatlawjd2 Wrote:  

(03-27-2024 08:35 AM)nachoman91 Wrote:  

(03-26-2024 10:45 PM)DownOnRohs Wrote:  You can’t allow Lakhin to be on the roster next year if you run a serious program. He couldn’t be counted on to help the team the second half of the season and it’s not like he was an under classman. The standard needs to be raised.

Why couldn't he be counted on? I don't agree with Wes demoting him the second half of the season. Last night was a perfect example of when he was needed. UC had no inside presence despite being a significantly bigger team. Other than Lukosius shooting threes, the entire offense stemmed around Jizzle over-dribbling while everyone else stood around. I really just don't get it. Lahkin is a decently skilled big man with a soft touch around the rim. He rebounds acceptably. So why has he gone from leading scorer to DNP over the course of 3 months.

Because he checked out and didn’t put the effort in. All the talent in the world doesn’t matter if the player isn’t invested in the team.

Then why did Reynolds continue to get minutes? I haven't seen many players who look more checked out than Reynolds when he's playing.

With his body Reynolds should be able to do some things like DJ Burns of NC State ….just missing the footwork, basketball ID, desire etc etc

(03-31-2024 06:25 PM)cincybb51 Wrote:  

(03-27-2024 08:42 AM)skyblade Wrote:  

(03-27-2024 08:38 AM)UCBearcatlawjd2 Wrote:  

(03-27-2024 08:35 AM)nachoman91 Wrote:  

(03-26-2024 10:45 PM)DownOnRohs Wrote:  You can’t allow Lakhin to be on the roster next year if you run a serious program. He couldn’t be counted on to help the team the second half of the season and it’s not like he was an under classman. The standard needs to be raised.

Why couldn't he be counted on? I don't agree with Wes demoting him the second half of the season. Last night was a perfect example of when he was needed. UC had no inside presence despite being a significantly bigger team. Other than Lukosius shooting threes, the entire offense stemmed around Jizzle over-dribbling while everyone else stood around. I really just don't get it. Lahkin is a decently skilled big man with a soft touch around the rim. He rebounds acceptably. So why has he gone from leading scorer to DNP over the course of 3 months.

Because he checked out and didn’t put the effort in. All the talent in the world doesn’t matter if the player isn’t invested in the team.

Then why did Reynolds continue to get minutes? I haven't seen many players who look more checked out than Reynolds when he's playing.

With his body Reynolds should be able to do some things like DJ Burns of NC State ….just missing the footwork, basketball ID, desire etc etc

It may well be a cautionary tale regarding two-time transfers. Plenty of college kids not participating in athletics transfer after realizing their dream school wasn't a good fit. Far fewer transfer twice and I suspect that often doesn't end well.

In retrospect, the reasons for two transfers by Aziz seemed to make more sense. If Reynolds was unhappy at both previous schools and if he's unhappy with his role at UC now, it might suggest he's dealing with other life issues more important than just basketball. I wish him well, regardless.

(04-02-2024 07:32 AM)OKIcat Wrote:  It may well be a cautionary tale regarding two-time transfers. Plenty of college kids not participating in athletics transfer after realizing their dream school wasn't a good fit. Far fewer transfer twice and I suspect that often doesn't end well.

In retrospect, the reasons for two transfers by Aziz seemed to make more sense. If Reynolds was unhappy at both previous schools and if he's unhappy with his role at UC now, it might suggest he's dealing with other life issues more important than just basketball. I wish him well, regardless.

On average your not wrong but I would differentiate Reynolds situation. The coach he went to Temple to play for was let go. The coach player relationship is critical in basketball; probably moreso than in any other sport. I'd look at it different if a player was leaving the coach he chose to play for multiple times.

i give this year's incarnation a b-. consistency has plagued miller time. he's getting players and we're playing winning basketball for the most part. if we can stop giving games away and stealing more next year's grade will be higher i can guarantee that!

(04-02-2024 07:32 AM)OKIcat Wrote:  

(03-31-2024 06:25 PM)cincybb51 Wrote:  

(03-27-2024 08:42 AM)skyblade Wrote:  

(03-27-2024 08:38 AM)UCBearcatlawjd2 Wrote:  

(03-27-2024 08:35 AM)nachoman91 Wrote:  Why couldn't he be counted on? I don't agree with Wes demoting him the second half of the season. Last night was a perfect example of when he was needed. UC had no inside presence despite being a significantly bigger team. Other than Lukosius shooting threes, the entire offense stemmed around Jizzle over-dribbling while everyone else stood around. I really just don't get it. Lahkin is a decently skilled big man with a soft touch around the rim. He rebounds acceptably. So why has he gone from leading scorer to DNP over the course of 3 months.

Because he checked out and didn’t put the effort in. All the talent in the world doesn’t matter if the player isn’t invested in the team.

Then why did Reynolds continue to get minutes? I haven't seen many players who look more checked out than Reynolds when he's playing.

With his body Reynolds should be able to do some things like DJ Burns of NC State ….just missing the footwork, basketball ID, desire etc etc

It may well be a cautionary tale regarding two-time transfers. Plenty of college kids not participating in athletics transfer after realizing their dream school wasn't a good fit. Far fewer transfer twice and I suspect that often doesn't end well.

In retrospect, the reasons for two transfers by Aziz seemed to make more sense. If Reynolds was unhappy at both previous schools and if he's unhappy with his role at UC now, it might suggest he's dealing with other life issues more important than just basketball. I wish him well, regardless.

Hiring managers wisely steer clear of people whose resumes show they jump jobs every year, too.

Unless the situation is unique or we are desperate, I wouldn't mess with guys in the portal who have had multiple stops already. There is usually a reason.

(04-02-2024 07:32 AM)OKIcat Wrote:  

(03-31-2024 06:25 PM)cincybb51 Wrote:  

(03-27-2024 08:42 AM)skyblade Wrote:  

(03-27-2024 08:38 AM)UCBearcatlawjd2 Wrote:  

(03-27-2024 08:35 AM)nachoman91 Wrote:  Why couldn't he be counted on? I don't agree with Wes demoting him the second half of the season. Last night was a perfect example of when he was needed. UC had no inside presence despite being a significantly bigger team. Other than Lukosius shooting threes, the entire offense stemmed around Jizzle over-dribbling while everyone else stood around. I really just don't get it. Lahkin is a decently skilled big man with a soft touch around the rim. He rebounds acceptably. So why has he gone from leading scorer to DNP over the course of 3 months.

Because he checked out and didn’t put the effort in. All the talent in the world doesn’t matter if the player isn’t invested in the team.

Then why did Reynolds continue to get minutes? I haven't seen many players who look more checked out than Reynolds when he's playing.

With his body Reynolds should be able to do some things like DJ Burns of NC State ….just missing the footwork, basketball ID, desire etc etc

It may well be a cautionary tale regarding two-time transfers. Plenty of college kids not participating in athletics transfer after realizing their dream school wasn't a good fit. Far fewer transfer twice and I suspect that often doesn't end well.

In retrospect, the reasons for two transfers by Aziz seemed to make more sense. If Reynolds was unhappy at both previous schools and if he's unhappy with his role at UC now, it might suggest he's dealing with other life issues more important than just basketball. I wish him well, regardless.

If Reynolds had won the starting job, Aziz would no doubt be transferring. Reading into the tea leafs for reasons they transferred only works in hindsight.

The lesson is that upper classmen are generally looking to maximize their playing minutes and make money. If you can't offer more than other teams in at least one of those aspects, guys (especially transfers) aren't going to stick around.

We can't tell the tale until the portal season is over but at this point it's worrisome that Aziz has no apparent backup in the post. Maybe Tolentino suddenly blossoms into a serviceable sub around the basket, but our sample size of seeing him play is so small right now it's hard to suggest he's ready to step in there come November.

(04-05-2024 09:40 AM)OKIcat Wrote:  We can't tell the tale until the portal season is over but at this point it's worrisome that Aziz has no apparent backup in the post. Maybe Tolentino suddenly blossoms into a serviceable sub around the basket, but our sample size of seeing him play is so small right now it's hard to suggest he's ready to step in there come November.

Not even close to being worried. This staff is almost certain to bring in a big and guard and they have time to get who they want. Rushing into the portal gets you Reynolds. Desperate to fill out a roster gets you the UNCG transfers. Wes doesn’t have to rush and isn’t desperate for the first time ever here.

One thing Wes does well is the building of relationships. While I may disagree with some of his in game management, long term being a “players coach” will pay off in the portal era. So we may give away a game or two each year but they wouldn’t be in position to compete if Wes took another tactic. Essentially this staff is going win by collecting talent and not by micromanaging games.

(04-05-2024 10:15 AM)UCBearcatlawjd2 Wrote:  

(04-05-2024 09:40 AM)OKIcat Wrote:  We can't tell the tale until the portal season is over but at this point it's worrisome that Aziz has no apparent backup in the post. Maybe Tolentino suddenly blossoms into a serviceable sub around the basket, but our sample size of seeing him play is so small right now it's hard to suggest he's ready to step in there come November.

Not even close to being worried. This staff is almost certain to bring in a big and guard and they have time to get who they want. Rushing into the portal gets you Reynolds. Desperate to fill out a roster gets you the UNCG transfers. Wes doesn’t have to rush and isn’t desperate for the first time ever here.

One thing Wes does well is the building of relationships. While I may disagree with some of his in game management, long term being a “players coach” will pay off in the portal era. So we may give away a game or two each year but they wouldn’t be in position to compete if Wes took another tactic. Essentially this staff is going win by collecting talent and not by micromanaging games.

I think to get to where we want, you kinda have to do both.

I don’t necessarily think his overall in game management was bad. In particular half-time adjustments seemed pretty solid. We just kept having relapses of really stupid turnovers or decisions leading to meltdowns late in game. Plus we need better FT shooting. Whether that’s on the players or coaches- ultimately coach takes the blame. Trajectory seems to be up, though.

So Indiana soothes their nerves over the loss of Hickman to Cincinnati yesterday by signing the University of Arizona center for a reported $1.2 million in NIL money. I don't think the Hoosiers can "buy" a national championship with one player or that their coach will be on board much longer either. Still, the dollars here are disturbing. I guess he can go ahead and order his new Bentley now if he can get a student parking permit.

Didn't Hickman say something to the effect of the best G5 players are looking to move to the P5 to showcase their talents? That's understandable but we now have two conferences (SEC,B10) which are disproportionately funded with their media deals relative to all others. I realize that's not NIL money, but until this is somehow regulated it's not going to end well for all but about 40 programs in college sports.

(04-17-2024 08:07 AM)OKIcat Wrote:  So Indiana soothes their nerves over the loss of Hickman to Cincinnati yesterday by signing the University of Arizona center for a reported $1.2 million in NIL money. I don't think the Hoosiers can "buy" a national championship with one player or that their coach will be on board much longer either. Still, the dollars here are disturbing. I guess he can go ahead and order his new Bentley now if he can get a student parking permit.

Didn't Hickman say something to the effect of the best G5 players are looking to move to the P5 to showcase their talents? That's understandable but we now have two conferences (SEC,B10) which are disproportionately funded with their media deals relative to all others. I realize that's not NIL money, but until this is somehow regulated it's not going to end well for all but about 40 programs in college sports.

Indiana was 351st in 3pa per FGa last season (also shot 32.4% from 3). They were actually 60th in 2 point percentage offense (very good), while getting 60% of their points from 2 (which was the 4th most in the country). That translated to being 105th in adjusted offensive efficiency (worse than us).

Their strategy for next year... let's take even more 2s.

I'll trade them Hickman for Ballo.

Hold a bake sale for the NIL $$.

(04-17-2024 04:37 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  I'll trade them Hickman for Ballo.

Hold a bake sale for the NIL $$.

How about $1M for Cunningham donning a reverse mohawk?

(04-17-2024 04:37 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  I'll trade them Hickman for Ballo.

Hold a bake sale for the NIL $$.

For that kind of money, what kind of baking are we talking about here? You been doing any extracurriculars in the northern MI compound that shall remain nameless?

The Bearcat BlackBerry Kush Brownies will be a huge hit with the red sweater crowd.