CINCINNATI 2008-2009 SNAPSHOT

June 6, 2008


Head Coach: Mick Cronin
2006-2007 Record: 13-19 (8-10 in Big East)

Returning Players:
Deonta Vaughn, Junior (Guard)
Rahsad Bishop, Sophomore (Guard/Forward)
Larry Davis, Sophomore (Guard)
Alvin Mitchell, Sophomore (Forward)
Kenny Belton, Sophomore (Power Forward)
Darnell Wilks, Sophomore (Forward)

Eligible Transfers:
Mike Williams, Junior (Forward)
Steven Toyloy, Junior (Forward/Center)

Incoming Freshmen Recruits:
Cashmere Wright (Point Guard)
Dion Dixon (Shooting Guard)
Yancy Gates (Power Forward)

Graduated Players:
John Williamson
Adam Hrycaniuk
Marvin Gentry
Jamual Warren
Marcus Sikes

Transferred Out:
None


Open Issues:
Cincinnati currently has one scholarship opening heading into the 2008-2009 season. They have been involved with JUCO PG Roburt Sallie as well as Sean Kilpatrick, a potential late-qualifier from White Plains (NY). With no scholarship seniors on the projected roster for 2008-2009, it is probably a wise move to hold the scholarship unless something too good to pass up presents itself. Alvin Mitchell finished the 2007-2008 season on an indefinite suspension from the team, to this point, he should rejoin the team for next season.

Summary:
Mick Cronin continues his attempt to rebuild the Cincinnati program in short order and, prior to their seven-game losing streak to finish the 2007-2008 season, things seemed to be well ahead of schedule. The Bearcats proved to the rest of the conference they would be a tough out at home with wins over Villanova, Syracuse and Pittsburgh early in conference play. With five seniors in their 9-man rotation, the veterans used their experience from their first season under Cronin and bought into a tough, defensive-first mentality. Now, Cronin and his staff will have to mold a roster without a scholarship senior into a similarly minded squad.

One player that Cincinnati is guaranteed to rely on is junior Deonta Vaughn. The high-scoring guard kept Cincinnati in games virtually all by himself on many occasions. However, for UC to take another step forward this season, consistent point guard player and offense from the post is MUCH needed.

The point guard play is likely to be handled by freshman Cashmere Wright. Wright has more of a reputation as a scorer, but will need to think pass first as a freshman. This can be a tough adjustment at times for a freshman. It is important for UC to have Vaughn in a scoring role, so finding a consistent ball handler to think distribution is a must.

The interior offense will hopefully get a big lift from three newcomers: Mike Williams, Yancy Gates and Steven Toyloy. Williams is a transfer from Texas who has missed the last two seasons, the 2006-2007 season because of NCAA transfer rules and last season because of an Achilles tendon injury. Williams was a McDonald's All-American that had two rather pedestrian seasons with a loaded Texas squad prior to leaving for Cincinnati. Williams has the strength to play early on, recovering the skills and realizing the potential that made him such a coveted high school recruit will go a long way to helping UC be successful in the Big East.

Two new big men to the program include prized local recruit Yancy Gates and JUCO recruit Steven Toyloy. Gates, from Cincinnati's Withrow High School, has a nice high school pedigree and a body built to contribute early in the Big East. Toyloy is another big body that should compliment long and lean Anthony McClain in the post and give the Bearcats several options in the front court that they have not had the last two seasons under Cronin.

I really like the most recent class Mick Cronin has brought in. It might take them a little time to get settled in and they should mesh with the large sophomore class and work themselves out. The junior trio Vaughn, Williams and Toyloy will be looked upon for leadership, and if the group can stay together through some growing pains this year, they should be a very formidable squad later in the season and a team that could gel for a big season in 2009-2010. This team is probably one year away from being in the NCAA Tournament mix, the NIT is a very good goal and would be solid progress this year.


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