Bearcats Basketball Season Is Almost Here!
As Bearcats fans, its easy to remain giddy over Hayden Moore and UC’s performance against Miami (FL) on Thursday night. And why not? It was an incredible game. But something equally awesome looms less than one month from today: Bearcats Basketball begins exhibition play. What better time to take a look at the basketball team’s upcoming season than a bye week?
As high as preseason excitement and expectations were for the football team heading into the 2015 season it would not be out of line to say expectations for the basketball team are even higher. With all five starters plus 88.6% of the scoring, 88.2% of the rebounding, and 85.4% of minutes played returning from a young team that went 23-11 last year it’s easy to see why. Here are the keys to Cincinnati’s success in 2015-16.
1) STAY HEALTHY… A simple concept yes but absolutely true. When your
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head coach was only present for 9 games last season you can’t really takeanybody’s health for granted.
2) ABOUT THE COACH… I don’t suspect it will be an issue, but the players will need to get used to taking orders from Mick Cronin and his style/game management as opposed to Larry Davis.
3) OCTAVIUS ELLIS… Octavius could be one of the most dominant Bearcats of recent memory if he could stay out of his own way. He was ejected three times last year for unnecessary and flat out boneheaded flagrant fouls. He committed a team high 76 turnovers and 90 personal fouls last season. The Bearcat with the 2nd most fouls was Kevin Johnson, who only committed 68. Also, raise your hand if you can remember a game where he DID NOT commit an obvious goaltending. If both he and his game can mature Ellis will contend for AAC Player of the Year honors.
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4. PLAY MAN TO MAN DEFENSE… Cincinnati’s confusing matchup zone defense was applauded by just about every color commentator that called their games last year. I understand that a lack of depth and experience was a factor in using the zone primarily but I would argue it worked to their detriment more than their benefit. Sitting back in the zone took away UC’s defensive aggression and did not allow them to score in transition.
When you have a team that lacks efficiency in half court offense (394 assists to 432 turnovers) you cannot play a slow-down limited possession style. Last year was the first time since 2009 Cincinnati committed more turnovers than they forced due almost exclusively to playing in the zone. If they can commit to a more aggressive brand of man to man defense they should be able to create more easy baskets, cut back on their own turnovers and win more games this season.
5. SHAQ THOMAS… He needs to average at least 12 points per game. There’s no reason whatsoever he can’t do this. The kid has unbelievable athletic ability and sky high potential. He’s a senior now and he needs to lead this team. Think about how good this team can be if it consistently gets double figure scoring efforts from Shaq. He started to break through late last season particularly getting baskets in transition. Bottom line, he needs to make his senior season count.
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6. THE NEW GUYS… Jacob Evans III, Justin Jenifer, and Tre Scott make up the 2015-16 rookie class. I am most interested in seeing what Justin Jenifer brings to the table as I am of the opinion he is the only true Point Guard on the roster. I’m curious to see how much his size (5’9″) factors into his ability to play defense at the Division 1 level. Most importantly I am hoping he can make life easier for his teammates on the offensive end because final scores like this one are simply not acceptable.