BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: CINCINNATI

April 19, 2007



COMMITMENT ALERT: Anthony McClain, a 6-foot-11, 220-pound center from National Christian Academy in Ft. Washington, Md.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Mick Cronin and UC Completes the '07 Recruiting Class in a big way with the signing of Atnhony McClain.

Projected 2007-2008 Roster:

Seniors: John Williamson (F), Marvin Gentry (G), Jamaul Warren (G), Tim Crowell (PG), Marcus Sikes (BF), Adam Hrycaniuk (PF/C)
Juniors: Mike Williams (PF)
Sophomores: Deonta Vaughn (PG)
Freshmen: Larry Davis (SG), Rashad Bishop (G/F), Kenny Belton (F/C), Jason Henry (F), Alvin Mitchell (G/F), Anthony McClain (C)
Early 2008 Commitment: Darnell Wilks (F), Yancy Gates (BF)
Early 2009 Commitment: Danny McElroy (F)



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About a month ago, Cincinnati used their last available scholarship to secure a commitment from Alvin Mitchell. Despite the presence of an open scholarship, that did not stop Mick Cronin from securing a BIG commitment from 6'11 C Anthony McClain yesterday. While on a visit to Cincinnati, the 2007 prospect out of National Christian Academy in Ft. Washington, Md. signed a letter of intent that ended a long, drawn out recruitment that at times had him pegged for Georgetown or Connecticut. He was expected to visit Connecticut this month as well, but he decided to pledge to the Bearcats and end the process.

McClain averaged 13 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots last season. His best assets at this point is his length and athleticism that will definitely make him an impact player on the defensive end of the court. His offense is evolving, but he does put in the work to improve. I would put him in a similar category as Rutgers sophomore-to-be Hamady N'Diaye, but McClain does have more experience as he travelled at times with the powerful DC Assault AAU program.


A class of Mitchell, Jason Henry, Larry Davis, Rashad Bishop, Kenny Belton and now McClain is a very good group that will matriculate into the Bearcat program next season and join eligible transfers Mike Williams and Adam Hrycaniuk to give the UC program a much needed lift in depth and talent. Mick Cronin has a big job ahead of him in the ultra-competitve Big East, but he is certain to be out there working hard to get things done. This season Cincinnati debuted under Cronin with six new players and he has added another 8 new players (including eligible transfers) to the mix for next season. In 12 months time, Cronin has COMPLETELY turned over the Cincinnati roster. That is some HARD work on the recruiting trail!

Again, it will take some time for this group to assimilate with each other, but there is a solid core of athletes to begin building the program back up. Now, we will wait to see how the Bearcats get themselves to the 13 player scholarship limit. No sense speculating at this point, but there could be the possibility of an incoming recruit failing to qualify and re-classifying to 2008 or a current player opting out, but with six seniors, that could be unlikely.


A great resource on UC recruiting can be found at Bearcat News. They have the possibility of another large class for 2008 and already have two commitments, including Withrow HS standout Yancy Gates, who got the ball rolling earlier this week and getting UC fans very happy.