Feb 11, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Mick Cronin during the game against the Marquette Golden Eagles at the Bradley Center. Marquette defeated Cincinnati 95-78. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

A few weeks ago, I started to look at potential starting lineup combinations for the Bearcats during the 2013-14 season. Let’s return to that to take a look at the possibilities, this time for the position of power forward.

Here’s where we’re at so far, with my picks (hopes) for starters in bold.

PG: Gelawn Guyn, Jeremiah Davis III, Troy Caupain, Kevin Johnson

G: Sean Kilpatrick, JDIII, Caupain, Johnson, Deshaun Morman

F: Shaquille Thomas, Titus Rubles, Jermaine Sanders, Jermaine Lawrence, Kilpatrick, Morman

F: Titus Rubles, Lawrence, Justin Jackson,Thomas, Sanders

C: Jackson, David Nyarsuk, Jamaree Strickland

Jermaine Lawrence. 

Lawrence is my pick, and a shoe-in to start at power forward for the Bearcats next season, and I’m looking forward to what he can help the Bearcats accomplish during his first season.

According to Jon Rothstein of CBS New York, Lawrence showed himself to be the most skilled player on the court a couple weeks ago at the Mary Kline Classic—a charity event showcasing the talent of high school basketball all-stars. And Rothstein states in his column that Lawrence could be the “best player Mick Cronin has ever coached.”

Ranked 35th in ESPN’s Top-100, Lawrence is dangerous on offense and defense, alike. During his 2011-12 season (he sat out most of last season with an injured wrist), Lawrence averaged 18.8 points, 13 rebounds and 6.4 blocks per game.  He’s back to 100 percent now, however, and he should be able to help the Cats, who’ve experienced their fair share of offensive woes in the past, tremendously this coming season.

May 27, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; A general view in the fourth quarter of game four of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs between the Memphis Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs at FedEx Forum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

It’s never too early to plan.

Today, American Athletics Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco officially announced that the Memphis Tigers will host the 2014 AAC men’s basketball tournament this March at FedExForum, home to both the Tigers and the Grizzlies.

FedExForum can play host to up to 18,400 people, and it’s located just off historic Beale Street.

“We received significant interest from many outstanding venues,” Aresco said in a release. “FedExForum is an outstanding facility and the Forum, the city of Memphis, the University of Memphis and the local community will combine to create a wonderful inaugural event that our teams, coaches, administrators and fans will embrace and enjoy.”

Cincinnati will join 2013 national champions, the Louisville Cardinals, Memphis and Temple—both of whom advanced to the third round of this year’s NCAA Tourney—and the University of Central Florida, UConn, University of Houston, Rutgers,University of South Florida and Southern Methodist University in the newly developed conference’s first season.

The 2014 AAC Tournament will take place March 12-15.

Mar 22, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats guard Sean Kilpatrick (23) gets past Creighton Bluejays guard Jahenns Manigat (12) during the first half during the second round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at the Wells Fargo Center. Duke defeated Albany 73-61. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

So Sean Kilpatrick hasn’t made Team USA just yet, though his Instagram post from a couple weeks ago had initially led me and his nearly 45,000 other Twitter followers to believe so when he stated that “playing in the World Games for my country has been something that has not only humbled me but showed me exactly what hard work will do.”

C’est la vie.

He’s not on the team yet, but his accomplishment of even being selected to participate in the World Games Training Camp is not to be overlooked.

Kilpatrick is one of 29 collegiate basketball players throughout the country to have the opportunity to try out for the team, and in this video, he acknowledges that it’s opportunities like this that helped him make the decision to stay at UC to play out his senior season, rather than trying to take his career to the next level a year early.

Kilpatrick says he’s been training just as he would during the season, and he hopes his jump start on conditioning will carry over when he tries out for Team USA later this month.

Yancy Gates was the last Bearcat to try out for Team USA, and though he did not end up making Team USA, he was still able to offer advice to SK on what tryouts are like and how he should best prepare.

Training camp takes place June 24-30, and the 12 official roster spots will be announced June 27 or 28, with the players departing for Russia July 1.

Feb 2, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Seton Hall Pirates guard/forward Fuquan Edwin (23) drives to the basket as Cincinnati Bearcats center Kelvin Gaines (24) defends during the second half at the Prudential Center. Cincinnati won 65-59. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

It is indeed official that Kelvin Gaines will transfer to the University of North Texas, and head coach Tony Benford says he is “tremendously excited,” according to the team’s official press release.

“He brings a great deal of character, athleticism and toughness to our program,” Benford said in the release. “Kelvin comes from a great program in Cincinnati, which has put him through three years of Big East competition. He’s been to the NCAA Tournament, he understands how to work, and he can protect the rim for us. We have great shooters and great balance in our program right now, and Kelvin will really help us shore up the paint.”

What many people didn’t know about Gaines but have learned after this past week’s recent news is that, yes, he has two years of eligibility left to play basketball, but he was also able to take and pass all the classes he needed in just three years at UC, as he’ll graduate this summer with a degree in criminal justice.

Gaines is clearly motivated, and now that he’ll be guaranteed more playing time, hopefully his strengths will begin to present themselves more fluidly on the court as well.

“In my 20-plus years of coaching, I’ve never seen a kid that got his degree in three years and still has two years to play,” Benford says. “That shows me that Kelvin has a great head on his shoulders and will be a tremendous mentor for our younger players.”

Jan 30, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats center Kelvin Gaines (24) attempts to score in the paint against Rutgers Scarlet Knights forward Derrick Randall (15) during the first half of the game at the Fifth Third Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports

Six-foot-ten-inch center Kelvin Gaines will transfer to the University of North Texas, according to Brett Vito’s post in the Denton Record-Chronicle from earlier this afternoon.

Bearcats’ head coach Mick Cronin is yet to confirm this, but Vito reported that UNT head coach Tony Benford did confirm earlier today that Gaines signed a grant-in-aid agreement.

Gaines, who redshirted his first year at UC, averaged 8.5 minutes and 0.8 points per game during his freshman season and 6 minutes and 0.5 points per game during his sophomore season.

During December of his freshman season with the Cats, Gaines had his best game when he played 21 minutes, scoring seven points, snagging six rebounds and recording three blocks against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Gaines went 3-for-5 from the field to shoot 60 percent during that game, though he did commit three turnovers.

Gaines would bring Division-I experience and size to UNT, and he could prove to be a valuable addition to the team if he receives the coaching attention he needs to inspire aggressiveness and refine his skill set.

Stay tuned for confirmation from Cincinnati’s end of things, but it looks like Gaines will head to the University of North Texas.

Feb 21, 2013; Hartford, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Shabazz Napier (13) drives the ball against Cincinnati Bearcats center Kelvin Gaines (24) during the first half at the XL Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

As of right now, Kelvin Gaines is still a Bearcat, but last night, he reportedly visited the University of North Texas and; according to Brett Vito, who’s been keeping tabs on the situation from Denton, TX, Gaines will likely be working out with the team (if he hasn’t already).

In this article, Vito claimed that there are still some “loose ends to tie up.”

At 6-foot-10-inches and with two years left to play basketball, Gaines could add size and depth to UNT’s current roster.

According to Vito’s latest update, he “fully expects” Gaines to “commit/sign with UNT later today or tomorrow.”

The decision only makes sense for Gaines if he wants the opportunity to get playing time, and on top of that, to get playing time and have a scholarship.

Stay tuned, as I’ll be keeping tabs on the Denton Record Chronicle, who hopes to catch up with Gaines later tonight to figure out his plan.

If things went well with the workout and Gaines liked what he saw, there’s no question in my mind that he’ll make the decision to transfer.

Feb 21, 2013; Hartford, CT, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats center Kelvin Gaines (24) warms up before the start of the game against the Connecticut Huskies at the XL Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

As expected, UC junior Kelvin Gaines is looking at some other options for next year.

Though the possibilities for a starting center are far from pretty as it is, Kelvin Gaines is probably the least likely of the players to ever get the start.

Last season, he averaged six minutes per game with 0.5 points and 1.4 rebounds.

He’ll most likely be visiting the University of North Texas this weekend, according to a report in the Denton Record-Chronicle. 

With five incoming freshmen, the Bearcats are -1 with scholarships, and Gaines is unfortunately at the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to value and ability.

UNT still has one scholarship to give, and they’re looking for help in the front court, so Gaines could potentially help them out after some much needed coaching time and attention.

No one from Cincinnati has commented on the matter, but with Gaines visiting UNT, he’s probably got an inkling that his scholarship may not be available to him next year.

At 6-foot-10-inches, Gaines is a solid presence. He’s quick and can jump, but there are better guys on UC’s team, leading to fewer opportunities, so he would be better served at another institution.

Mar 23, 2013; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Memphis Tigers guard Joe Jackson (1) goes to the basket on Michigan State Spartans guard Travis Trice (20) and forward Branden Dawson (22) during the third round of the NCAA basketball tournament at The Palace. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Top-100 center Dominic Woodson has committed to Memphis, though the past hour certainly was full of back and forth rumors and potential truths regarding the matter.

One hour ago, ESPN scout and analyst Reggie Rankin, among others, tweeted that Woodson had committed to Memphis.

ESPN’s Recruiting Nation Basketball also confirmed that on their site.

Twenty-five minutes later, however, Grant Traylor, a sports reporter for Huntington’s Herald-Dispatch tweeted that despite what Kevin Robinson, Woodson’s mentor, had indicated to others, Woodson text him to say that he had not in fact committed.

Confusion ensued.

Evan Daniels, Hoops Recruiting Analyst for FOXSports, responded to Traylor that Woodson just text him saying the opposite.

Then, about ten minutes ago, Traylor received official word that Woodson is going to become a Tiger.

“I was going to wait to commit, but Kevin [Robinson] told people already,” Woodson said, per Traylor in his most recent tweet.

It would now appear that UC will miss out on a solid big man for next season, so here’s to hoping David Nyarsuk, Kelvin Gaines, Jamaree Strickland or Justin Jackson can step up.

Mar 22, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats guard Sean Kilpatrick (23) during the second half against the Creighton Bluejays during the second round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at the Wells Fargo Center. Creighton defeated Cincinnati 67-63. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, Allen Iverson—those are just a few of the basketball greats who represented their respective schools in the World University Games during their collegiate careers.

Now UC’s senior guard Sean Kilpatrick will follow in their footsteps as he joins Team USA to represent his country, his city and his school.

Kilpatrick is one of 12 players who will be named to the official roster, once USA Basketball announces the list, though SK made the announcement once he found out via Twitter.

“Blessed beyond measures!” Kilpatrick said on Instagram. “The fact that I will be attending this Adidas Nations camp for the 2nd time and playing in the World Games for my country has been something that has not only humbled me but showed me exactly what hard work will do for you!”

Kilpatrick went on to express his appreciation for everyone who has supported him throughout his basketball journey, showing his dedication and positivity when approaching the sport.

Bob McKillop of Davidson will coach Team USA in the tournament, which will take place July 7-16 in Kazan, Russia.

Mar 22, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats guard Sean Kilpatrick (23) tries to split the defense of Creighton Bluejays guard Grant Gibbs (10) and guard Austin Chatman (1) during the first half during the second round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at the Wells Fargo Center. Duke defeated Albany 73-61. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

A couple weeks ago, I started to look at potential starting lineup combinations for the Bearcats during the 2013-14 season.

Here’s where we’re at so far, with my picks (hopes) for starters in bold.

PG: Gelawn Guyn, Jeremiah Davis III, Troy Caupain, Kevin Johnson

G: Sean Kilpatrick, JDIII, Caupain, Johnson, Deshaun Morman

F: Shaquille Thomas, Titus Rubles, Jermaine Sanders, Jermaine Lawrence, Kilpatrick, Morman

F: Titus Rubles, Lawrence, Justin Jackson,Thomas, Sanders

C: Jackson, David Nyarsuk, Kelvin Gaines, Jamaree Strickland

So far I’ve only gotten through point guard and center positions. There are no developments with Dominic Woodson to report as of now, but it goes without saying  that he would be my pick for the 5 spot, should Cincinnati get lucky.

Now let’s take a look at the shooting guard position.

Sean Kilpatrick, without question, will start for the Cats next season and hopefully close out his collegiate career with his best season yet.

He’s steadily improved throughout the years, going from 9.7 points per game during his freshman season to 14.3 ppg during his sophomore season and then 17 ppg during his junior season, however, his percentage dropped by about five percentage points for both field goals and threes during his junior outing.

Granted, his team looked to him more often with the absence of big man Yancy Gates, so he went from attempting 432 field goals during his sophomore season to 488 this past season.

That’s still no excuse, but he’ll have the opportunity to better his shooting this season and step up as a real team leader, and there’s no doubt in my mind he will do just that.

Without senior leaders Cashmere Wright and JaQuon Parker, it will be up to SK to lead by example and hopefully propel the Bearcats to their fourth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance in 2014, while increasing his odds for good positioning in next year’s NBA Draft.