Cincinnati Basketball: Wes Miller, John Newman III participate in AAC media day

With the season opener just over three weeks away, the Bearcats participated in AAC media day as Wes Miller and John Newman III previewed the upcoming campaign. Miller discussed the development since last season ended via the American Conference.

"“The continuity this year compared to last year is different. A bunch of us in the building now that have worked together for a year. I think it has helped the guys that are new to the program because there were people here to help with the assimilation. We’re so much further along this year than we were at this time last year because of the familiarity. In year one, you’re trying to put it all together.”"

In addition to returning a lot of production from a year ago, Miller has been able to bring in several significant transfers. Most of the rotation will have multiple years of experience and that will help as Cincinnati hopes to contend for a conference title.

The Bearcats were picked to finish in third place in the recently released AAC Preseason Coaches Poll. Houston and Memphis were the only teams that earned first place votes with the Cougars projected to repeat as regular season conference champions.

Cincinnati Basketball: Wes Miller, John Newman III participate in AAC media day

It’s going to be difficult to dethrone Houston but the Bearcats will have enough experience and talent to compete for a bye in the conference tournament and a bid to the NCAA Tournament. Those possibilities depend on how the team performs next month.

After starting the regular season in early November with four matchups in 10 days, Cincinnati will head to the historic Maui Invitational. The Bearcats are set to take on reigning Pac-12 champion Arizona on November 21 with a chance to pick up a huge win.

Despite struggling in conference play last year, the Bearcats should be more prepared with a reloaded roster and challenging non-conference schedule. Senior forward John Newman III talked about the new-look roster per the American Conference.

"“The transfers are fitting in great. Pretty much all older guys with a lot of experience. It’s been fun and good to get those guys acclimated. Just taking them under our wings in a sense. It’s been a good transition. I think every guy has brought something to the table that I’m impressed with. I’m ready to get it rolling. We’re adding a little more full court press and 3/4 court press. Throwing different looks at people is the main thing. We still want to play aggressive and take some of what coach did at other schools and try to implement that.”"