Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Wes Miller needs to make sure his team gets off to a quality start in the season opener against the Illinois-Chicago Flames.
During a press conference at the Big 12 media day, Miller previewed the regular season and reflected on multiple roster changes via Cincinnati Athletics.
Illinois-Chicago finished with a 12-20 overall record last year and the Flames currently sit at 243rd in the KenPom rankings heading into the season opener.
The Flames are led by senior guard Toby Okani, who averaged 11.0 points and 7.1 rebounds per game in his junior year, and is a focal point of the program.
Wes Miller’s team is hoping to take down Illinois-Chicago and start the season on a positive note! #Bearcatshttps://t.co/fYD1hCIe0S pic.twitter.com/xXL2LhBfiU
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) November 6, 2023
Cincinnati Basketball: Wes Miller’s team must avoid a slow start in regular season opener
- Date: Monday, November 6 at 9:00 PM
- Location: Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati
- Series History: Third ever meeting
- TV Broadcast: ESPN+ and fuboTV
Cincinnati should be able to pick up a double digit win over Illinois-Chicago and start the season on a high note before the competition increases soon.
The Bearcats are led by returners Viktor Lakhin, Ody Oguama, John Newman III and Dan Skillings Jr, plus newcomers Rayvon Griffith and DaVeon Thomas.
With a chance to secure an NCAA Tournament berth for the first time since 2019, Cincinnati is looking to improve on a 23-13 overall record from last year.
Players to watch against Illinois-Chicago include Viktor Lakhin, Simas Lukosius and Daniel Skillings Jr! #Bearcatshttps://t.co/eZQZOudyzj pic.twitter.com/eVtOs5Umq1
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) November 6, 2023
Cincinnati Basketball: Players to watch in the Bearcats inaugural Big 12 campaign
Griffith was the 8th highest rated recruit to commit to Cincinnati according to 247 Sports and is aiming to carve out consistent playing time this season.
Lakhin is looking to continue to improve after posting a career-best 11.6 points and 7.1 rebounds on 61.7 percent shooting from the field in his junior year.
Skillings showed off elite potential as a freshman with a season-high 20 points in a win over Temple, and will have a significant role as a sophomore.
Thomas was the 4th ranked junior college prospect in the country and is expected to have two years of eligibility remaining with the Bearcats going forward.