BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: CINCINNATI

August 28, 2009

Commitment Alert: Justin Jackson, 6-foot-8, 210-lb power forward out of Montverde (FL) Academy

Earlier this week Cincinnati and Mick Cronin picked up their first commitment for the class of 2010 with the news that Justin Jackson, a Power Forward, Chooses the Bearcats (Cincinnati Enquirer)over Missouri.

Projected 2010-2011 Roster:

Seniors: Larry Davis (SG), Rashad Bishop (G/F), Anthony McClain (C), Darnell Wilks (F)
Juniors: Yancy Gates (BF), Dion Dixon (G), Ibrahima Thomas **(C)
Sophomores: Sean Kilpatrick (G), Cashmere Wright*** (PG), Jaquon Parker (G), Lance Stephenson (G)
Freshmen: Justin Jackson (PF)

**- a transfer from Oklahoma State, Ibrahima Thomas will sit out the spring (09) and fall (09) semesters and be eligible in December of 2009. He will have 2 1/2 tears of eligibility.

***- Wright tore an ACL in the fall of 2008 and is sitting out the 2008-2009 season as a medical redshirt. He will have four years of eligibility beginning in 2009-2010



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With the 2009-2010 Cincinnati Basketball Roster showing seniors Deonta Vaughn and Stephen Toyloy, Mick Cronin and his staff have at least two scholarships at their disposal for the 2010 recruiting class. One of those two scholarships has been taken with the recent commitment from Montverde Academy PF Justin Jackson this week.

Jackson is an athletic power forward that likes to attack the rim off the bounce and will also do work on the glass. He is a very solid pick-up for UC and showed consistent effort on the AAU trail this summer with Team Stat/Reach 1 Teach 1 out of Florida.

With one scholarship open, the big target is Wheeler (GA) G/F Jelan Kendrick. While Kendrick's recruitment has been tight-lipped, UC has long been considered to be solidly in the mix for the versatile star that had a tremendous summer on the AAU and camp scene.

The commitment of Jackson might take UC out of the mix for additional frontcourt help, but the Bearcat staff has also been involved with Patterson School 7-foot center David Nyarsuk and 6-foot-10 Maine Central Institute center Waverly Austin who told NBE he expects to make an official visit to Cincinnati in the near future. Griffin McKenzie, a 6-foot-9 power forward out of Cincinnati (OH) - Moeller was another big man that mentioned interest in UC this summer.


In the class of 2011, UC got a visit recently from Jeremiah Davis a very highly-touted guard. UC remains very involved with Chane Behanan, who was previously a UC verbal commitment. The 6-foot-7 Behanan has re-opened his recruitment since moving from Cincinnati to Kentucky.

The scholarship situation for Mick Cronin and his Cincinnati Bearcats for the 2009-2010 season was a little unclear with a potential waiver for Mike Williams to apply for to receive a 6th year from the NCAA. The Bearcats looked to be at the 13-player limit with the incoming additions of Sean Kilpatrick and Jaquon Parker, who committed to UC earlier in the spring. However, the waiver request was withdrawn and with that opening Cincinnati makes a big splash in the college basketball world by adding a commitment from the mega-talented Lance Stephenson.

Stephenson, nicknamed 'Born Ready' on the NYC playgrounds, has been a basketball prodigy groomed to be a high NBA draft pick since his early teens. However, the NCAA/NBA rule forcing kids to attend at least one year of college basketball after high school has delayed the Stephenson gravy train. Previously, schools such as Kansas, Arizona, Maryland, St. John's, Memphis, Florida International and others seemed poised to add Stephenson to their programs, but one-by-one each moved in other directions as questions on Stephenson's amateur status and the pending legal case where he and a Lincoln HS teammate allegedly groped a female classmate this past year.

Stephenson's talent is unquestioned and adding the physically gifted and chiseled 6-foot-5 guard to the mix will make the Bearcats a very interesting club in 2009-2010. With senior Deonta Vaughn and sophomore Yancy Gates, suddenly UC has a very potent offensive trio. They also have a deeper pool of complimentary players to fill in around the trio and they could be a team to watch climb the Big East standings this season if the chemistry fits.

Stephenson is very used to having the ball in his hands often. The ability for him and Vaughn to gel together is a big key in their potential success. In the past, Stephenson has been easily frustrated when things are not going smoothly and his expresses his displeasure to teammates, coaches and officials. He will be seeing top defenders each and every game in college, so his personality will be tested and with that will come the test of the team's chemistry.

Now, with a commitment out of the way, fans will watch the NCAA's move as they will undoubtedly look deep into his eligibility, both from an academic side (which most likely should be in order) and from an amateur side. As a basketball prodigy, many have tried to get close to Stephenson and his family, so we will see how diligent the NCAA is in the wake of recent questions around OJ Mayo, Derrick Rose and others...

Parker, who committed earlier in June, had originally committed to Old Dominion earlier this spring. The 6-foot-4, multi-talented guard help lead the King's Fork Bulldogs to the to the Group AAA state championship and was named the Associated Press State Player of the Year. Parker averaged over 18 points and about 10 rebounds and three assists as a senior for his 31-1 squad.

It was believed that Parker would be headed to prep school for the 2009-2010 season. He had decided to re-open his recruitment after several high majors began to inquirer, including Marquette, UConn and Georgetown, this spring. However, after performing well enough on his SAT exam, Parker realized he could qualify for college by taking just two summer courses. Once those are completed, he will join the Bearcats for next season.

Parker is a physically powerful 6-foot-4 guard that will also mix it up in the lane. He has the ability to play all three backcourt positions, but most likely will play the 2/3 in college.

The Bearcats received a quality commitment last fall when Notre Dame Prep guard Sean Kilpatrick made a commitment following a visit to the school back in October.

Kilpatrick was a hot commodity last spring among Big East schools as he attempted to become eligible after his senior season at White Plains (NY) High School where he was an offensive machine, lighting up the scoreboard on many occasions and often in front of college coaches. Kilpatrick made a brief verbal commitment to St. John's at one point in the recruiting process and also has had Providence high on his list of interested schools, but after a visit to UC this past weekend, he felt it was time to end the recruiting process. Next up is a commitment to his academics to make certain there are no more hold-ups in getting his college career going. Kilpatrick was an AAU teammate of SU freshman Mookie Jones and WVU frosh Kevin Jones with the Westchester Hawks.

'Born Ready', Kilpatrick and Parker will not be the only new faces in the UC program on the court next season as mid-year Oklahoma State transfer Ibrahima Thomas throws a little more size into the line-up.

Thomas had played in seven games for Okie State this past season, averaging 8.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in a little over 20 minutes a contest. As a freshman Thomas averaged 6 points and 4 rebounds a game playing in 33 contests. He had a career high of 19 last year against Texas and scored 18 in a game earlier this season against Tulsa. Even though Thomas stands at 6-foot-11, he is not afraid to step outside and shoot from the three-point arc (made 11 last season). He is not a physical player, but there is definitely a lot to work with as he has room to grow his game more.

The native of Dakar, Senegal had prepped at Stoneridge Prep in California before signing with the Cowboys and coach Sean Sutton. After playing in seven games under new coach Travis Ford this year, Thomas decided to look for a new school and settled on Cincinnati quickly, despite interest from Rutgers and others.

Mick Cronin is adding talent and depth to the UC program with very good recruiting, putting the UC program back into position to challenge for an NCAA Tournament bid in 2009-2010 and beyond, something the program became very used to under one of Cronin's mentors, Bob Huggins.

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: CINCINNATI

June 30, 2009

Commitment Alert: Lance Stephenson, 6-foot-5 G from Lincoln (NYC) High School

According to Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv, the Lance Stephenson recruiting saga is finally over as, according to a Source: Stephenson Picks Cincinnati and will play for Mick Cronin and the Bearcats next season. After seeing nearly every other college option back away from Stephenson, UC swooped in quickly in the last week and secured a commitment.

Projected 2009-2010 Roster:

Seniors: Deonta Vaughn (PG), Steven Toyloy (C/BF)
Juniors: Larry Davis (SG), Rashad Bishop (G/F), Anthony McClain (C), Darnell Wilks (F)
Sophomores: Yancy Gates (BF), Dion Dixon (G), Ibrahima Thomas **(C)
Freshmen: Sean Kilpatrick (G), Cashmere Wright*** (PG), Jaquon Parker (G), Lance Stephenson (G)

**- a transfer from Oklahoma State, Ibrahima Thomas will sit out the spring (09) and fall (09) semesters and be eligible in December of 2009. He will have 2 1/2 tears of eligibility.

***- Cashmere tore an ACL in the fall of 2008 and is sitting out the 2008-2009 season as a medical redshirt. He will have four years of eligibility beginning in 2009-2010




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The scholarship situation for Mick Cronin and his Cincinnati Bearcats was a little unclear with a potential waiver for Mike Williams to apply for to receive a 6th year from the NCAA. Williams can apply for a 6th season after the 2008-2009 year, if granted, the Bearcats look to be at the 13-player limit with the incoming additions of Sean Kilpatrick and Jaquon Parker, who committed to UC recently. However, it looks as if the waiver did not go through and with that opening, Cincinnati makes a big splash in the college basketball world by adding a commitment from the mega-talented Lance Stephenson.

Stephenson, nicknamed 'Born Ready' on the NYC playgrounds, has been a basketball prodigy groomed to be a high NBA draft pick since his early teens. However, the NCAA/NBA rule forcing kids to attend at least one year of college basketball after high school has delayed the Stephenson gravy train. Previously, schools such as Kansas, Arizona, Maryland, St. John's, Memphis, Florida International and others seemed poised to add Stephenson to their programs, but one-by-one each moved in other directions as questions on Stephenson's amateur status and the pending legal case where he and a Lincoln HS teammate allegedly groped a female classmate this past year.

Stephenson's talent is unquestioned and adding the physically gifted and chiseled 6-foot-5 guard to the mix will make the Bearcats a very interesting club in 2009-2010. With senior Deonta Vaughn and sophomore Yancy Gates, suddenly UC has a very potent offensive trio. They also have a deeper pool of complimentary players to fill in around the trio and they could be a team to watch climb the Big East standings this season if the chemistry fits.

Stephenson is very used to having the ball in his hands often. The ability for him and Vaughn to gel together is a big key in their potential success. In the past, Stephenson has been easily frustrated when things are not going smoothly and his expresses his displeasure to teammates, coaches and officials. He will be seeing top defenders each and every game in college, so his personality will be tested and with that will come the test of the team's chemistry.

Now, with a commitment out of the way, fans will watch the NCAA's move as they will undoubtedly look deep into his eligibility, both from an academic side (which most likely should be in order) and from an amateur side. As a basketball prodigy, many have tried to get close to Stephenson and his family, so we will see how diligent the NCAA is in the wake of recent questions around OJ Mayo, Derrick Rose and others...

Parker, who committed earlier in June, had originally committed to Old Dominion earlier this spring. The 6-foot-4, multi-talented guard help lead the King's Fork Bulldogs to the to the Group AAA state championship and was named the Associated Press State Player of the Year. Parker averaged over 18 points and about 10 rebounds and three assists as a senior for his 31-1 squad.

It was believed that Parker would be headed to prep school for the 2009-2010 season. He had decided to re-open his recruitment after several high majors began to inquirer, including Marquette, UConn and Georgetown, this spring. However, after performing well enough on his SAT exam, Parker realized he could qualify for college by taking just two summer courses. Once those are completed, he will join the Bearcats for next season.

Parker is a physically powerful 6-foot-4 guard that will also mix it up in the lane. He has the ability to play all three backcourt positions, but most likely will play the 2/3 in college.

The Bearcats received a quality commitment last fall when Notre Dame Prep guard Sean Kilpatrick made a commitment following a visit to the school back in October.

Kilpatrick was a hot commodity last spring among Big East schools as he attempted to become eligible after his senior season at White Plains (NY) High School where he was an offensive machine, lighting up the scoreboard on many occasions and often in front of college coaches. Kilpatrick made a brief verbal commitment to St. John's at one point in the recruiting process and also has had Providence high on his list of interested schools, but after a visit to UC this past weekend, he felt it was time to end the recruiting process. Next up is a commitment to his academics to make certain there are no more hold-ups in getting his college career going. Kilpatrick was an AAU teammate of SU freshman Mookie Jones and WVU frosh Kevin Jones with the Westchester Hawks.

'Born Ready', Kilpatrick and Parker will not be the only new faces in the UC program on the court next season as mid-year Oklahoma State transfer Ibrahima Thomas throws a little more size into the line-up.

Thomas had played in seven games for Okie State this past season, averaging 8.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in a little over 20 minutes a contest. As a freshman Thomas averaged 6 points and 4 rebounds a game playing in 33 contests. He had a career high of 19 last year against Texas and scored 18 in a game earlier this season against Tulsa. Even though Thomas stands at 6-foot-11, he is not afraid to step outside and shoot from the three-point arc (made 11 last season). He is not a physical player, but there is definitely a lot to work with as he has room to grow his game more.

The native of Dakar, Senegal had prepped at Stoneridge Prep in California before signing with the Cowboys and coach Sean Sutton. After playing in seven games under new coach Travis Ford this year, Thomas decided to look for a new school and settled on Cincinnati quickly, despite interest from Rutgers and others.

Mick Cronin is adding talent and depth to the UC program with very good recruiting. The Bearcats already have a commitment from the class of 2011 with local standout Chane Behanan hoping to follow in the footsteps of Yancy Gates. We will track the UC recruiting targets as they emerge this summer as well in the class of 2010.

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: CINCINNATI

June 3, 2009

Commitment Alert: Jaquon Parker, 6-foot-4 G from Kings Fork (VA) High School

Once it was determined that John Riek was NOT coming to Cincinnati, Kenny Belton was determined to be medically unable to play again and Alvin Mitchell decided to transfer out of the program, the Bearcats had room to add to their roster. Mick Cronin and staff recently did just that as a King's Fork Basketball Player Signs With Cincinnati (Virginian Pilot) and Jaquon Parker will be a member of the 2009-2010 UC squad.

Projected 2009-2010 Roster:

Seniors: Mike Williams* (PF), Deonta Vaughn (PG), Steven Toyloy (C/BF)
Juniors: Larry Davis (SG), Rashad Bishop (G/F), Anthony McClain (C), Darnell Wilks (F)
Sophomores: Yancy Gates (BF), Dion Dixon (G), Ibrahima Thomas **(C)
Freshmen: Sean Kilpatrick (G), Cashmere Wright*** (PG), Jaquon Parker (G)

*- There is a possibility Mike Williams can petition the NCAA for a sixth season of eligibility because he missed the 2006-2007 season as a transfer student from Texas and the 2007-2008 season due to injury.

**- a transfer from Oklahoma State, Ibrahima Thomas will sit out the spring (09) and fall (09) semesters and be eligible in December of 2009. He will have 2 1/2 tears of eligibility.

***- Cashmere tore an ACL in the fall of 2008 and is sitting out the 2008-2009 season as a medical redshirt. He will have four years of eligibility beginning in 2009-2010




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The scholarship situation for Mick Cronin and his Cincinnati Bearcats is a little unclear with a potential waiver for Mike Williams to apply for to receive a 6th year from the NCAA. Williams can apply for a 6th season after the 2008-2009 year, if granted, the Bearcats look to be at the 13-player limit with the incoming additions of Sean Kilpatrick and Jaquon Parker, who committed to UC recently.

Parker had originally committed to Old Dominion earlier this spring. The 6-foot-4, multi-talented guard help lead the King's Fork Bulldogs to the to the Group AAA state championship and was named the Associated Press State Player of the Year. Parker averaged over 18 points and about 10 rebounds and three assists as a senior for his 31-1 squad.

It was believed that parker would be headed to prep school for the 2009-2010 season. He had decided to re-open his recruitment after several high majors began to inquirer, including Marquette, UConn and Georgetown, this spring. However, after performing well enough on his SAT exam, Parker realized he could qualify for college by taking just two summer courses. Once those are completed, he will join the Bearcats for next season.

Parker is a physically powerful 6-foot-4 guard that will also mix it up in the lane. He has the ability to play all three backcourt positions, but most likely will play the 2/3 in college.

The Bearcats received a quality commitment last fall when Notre Dame Prep guard Sean Kilpatrick made a commitment following a visit to the school back in October.

Kilpatrick was a hot commodity last spring among Big East schools as he attempted to become eligible after his senior season at White Plains (NY) High School where he was an offensive machine, lighting up the scoreboard on many occasions and often in front of college coaches. Kilpatrick made a brief verbal commitment to St. John's at one point in the recruiting process and also has had Providence high on his list of interested schools, but after a visit to UC this past weekend, he felt it was time to end the recruiting process. Next up is a commitment to his academics to make certain there are no more hold-ups in getting his college career going. Kilpatrick was an AAU teammate of SU freshman Mookie Jones and WVU frosh Kevin Jones with the Westchester Hawks.

Kilpatrick and Parker will not be the only new faces in the UC program on the court next season as mid-year Oklahoma State transfer Ibrahima Thomas throws a little more size into the line-up.

Thomas had played in seven games for Okie State this past season, averaging 8.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in a little over 20 minutes a contest. As a freshman Thomas averaged 6 points and 4 rebounds a game playing in 33 contests. He had a career high of 19 last year against Texas and scored 18 in a game earlier this season against Tulsa. Even though Thomas stands at 6-foot-11, he is not afraid to step outside and shoot from the three-point arc (made 11 last season). He is not a physical player, but there is definitely a lot to work with as he has room to grow his game more.

The native of Dakar, Senegal had prepped at Stoneridge Prep in California before signing with the Cowboys and coach Sean Sutton. After playing in seven games under new coach Travis Ford this year, Thomas decided to look for a new school and settled on Cincinnati quickly, despite interest from Rutgers and others.

Mick Cronin is adding talent and depth to the UC program with very good recruiting. The Bearcats already have a commitment from the class of 2011 with local standout Chane Behanan hoping to follow in the footsteps of Yancy Gates. We will track the UC recruiting targets as they emerge this summer as well in the class of 2010.

Kilpatrick Prepped And Pepped After Post-Grad Year

May 1, 2009


By Zach Smart

A devout, lifelong St. John's fan, Jimmy Lorenzo is still amazed at how the Johnnies struggle to keep local talent.

While he understands that Norm Roberts and his staff have done a commendable job hounding the city's elite players, he wants the team he remembers rocking Madison Square Garden back.

Lorenzo, the president of an entertainment company in Manhattan, will surely never forget the good 'ole days.

"(Hamptons legend) Jimmy Soul and I would drive from the Hamptons to see St.John's," recalls Lorenzo.

"I'll tell you, it was better than going to see a Knick game. And back then, the Knicks were actually good, bro! There were so many great players on those St.John's teams, watching what Louie C did there was like poetry-in-motion. They had the joint jumping, the city buzzing."

Lorenzo and Soul, the legendary D.J. who did his thing at the Boardy Barn (1976-1996), were just two of many high-end playboys to become fixtures in the crowd.

So, Lorenzo's frustration probably compounded when Cincinnati-bound Sean Kilpatrick, an aggressive scorer and post-graduate player at the prestigious Notre Dame Prep (Mass.), opted out of his commitment to the Red Storm last spring.


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Kilpatrick, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound combo guard who loves to play off the ball, was sold on Mick Cronin's program after narrowing his choices down to Cincinnati and Providence.

He'll take his fundamentally sound game to a team littered with players who are beginning to flower this fall and hopefully improve the college basketball odds of winning for the UC program.

Kilpatrick averaged a robust 26 points during his senior year at White Plains.

At Notre Dame Prep, Kilpatrick has averaged 18.1 points while refining other aspects of his game and improving in the classroom. In high school, Kilpatrick was part of a vaunted backcourt that also featured David Boykin (Fairfield), Jamel Cromartie, and the high-flying Rashad James.

Under Spencer Mayfield's we-before-me, no-nonsense style, Kilpatrick helped put the Tigers on the map his senior year.

He cemented his reputation as a player who could score in clusters with a 44-point outburst, though he struggled in the Jordan Brand Classic Regional game (1-for-10, two points).

From recruiting guru Tom Konchalski to the aforementioned Roberts, Kilpatrick lifted eyebrows.

The only hurdle was his academic issues.

So Kilpatrick made the trek to Fitchburg,Mass. (The trip that top-shelf ballers like Michael Beasley and Paul Harris have all made) and made a seamless transition.

At the disciplined environment at Notre Dame Prep, Kilpatrick's academic issues were no more.

"At first, I wasn't really crazy about doing an extra year," said Kilpatrick, sporting a Yankees fitted hat before an entourage of family, friends, and an adviser.

"You know thinking about it now, doing a prep year, it's not a bad idea."

Since he's acclimatized himself to the prep scene, basketball has been the easy part for the kid from the basketball-crazed city in Westchester County (albeit they take a backseat to vaunted Mount Vernon).

"I'm a lot more focused on the books situation than I am the basketball situation," said Kilpatrick, who maintains a solid relationship with Mick Cronin and speaks to the Bearcat coach regularly.

"About once a week," said Kilpatrick.

"SK" added that he'll embrace his role as a scorer at Cincinnati.

A pure scorer he is, Kilpatrick became a presence in the passing lanes this year at Prep.

His increased ability to create plays should pay dividends for Bearcat Yancy Gates, whose shooting hovered around 50 percent his freshman year.

"Sean's made a concentrated effort to get everybody involved," explained Notre Dame Prep coach Ryan Hurd.

"That's why, I think more so than ever at this level, we have a group of kids who take pleasure in the other kids being successful. That starts obviously with Sean and the ability to get to the rim and draw people in. But with Sean, he's willing to give it up. You know, you'll see at this level a lot of kids are going to keep that (possession) and the result is they make a boneheaded play."

Hurd continued, "That's where I think we kind of step ahead of some teams. These guys really want to play together."

Fitting, because Kilpatrick really wants to play for Cronin.

"I know next year, coming into Cincinnati my role is going to be as a scorer. Coach (Cronin) tells me to focus on what I'm doing now and just keep it up. Classes are going well."

With 2009 graduation claiming high-scoring guard Deonta Vaughn, the Bearcats could likely use Kilpatrick's scoring immediately.

2009 UC COMMIT KILPATRICK SHINES

by Zach Smart

Throughout his high school career, Sean Kilpatrick has been recognized for being a prolific scorer. The Cincinnati-commit staked his claim as one of the top scorers in New York State during his four year stay at White Plains High School. His major upside has always been his ability to score in clusters, knife through defenses, hit from the outside, and barrel to the bucket.

He also has a penchant for dizzying opponents off the dribble with an arsenal of one-on-one moves.

For 26 minutes Saturday at the Big Apple Basketball Invitational, Kilpatrick's scoring wasn't the main aspect of his game that stood out. It was his harassing defense and pin-point passing that helped Notre Dame Prep cruise to a 100-69 mauling of Apex at the ARC arena of Baruch College.

Kilpatrick scored a game-high 21 points, doled out seven assists, and collected four steals in a game that saw Prep's suffocating defense lead to countless fast break opportunities. Apex never recovered from a shaky first half, and their porous defense allowed four prep players to finish in double-figures.

Kilpatrick was named game MVP, during the second contest of the sixth annual Big Apple Basketball Invitational.

He found the open man early and often, drawing double teams and kicking it out to teammates. He found teammates on his way to the basket. He rifled in passes from beyond the arc. All in all, he kept the defense off balance and shouldered the role of playmaker in one of the finest performances of his post-graduate career.

"That's not just today you see that from Sean," said Notre Dame coach Ryan Hurd.

"Sean’s made a concentrated effort this year on getting everybody involved. That’s why, I think more so than ever at this level, we have a group of guys that take a little bit of pleasure in the other kids being successful. That starts with Sean, with the ability to get to the rim and draw people and willing to give the ball up.”

“Coach told us to come in and play defense,” said Kilpatrick following the game. “We play defense and they can’t stay in the game with us, because we have too much talent. That was the whole key of the game. If we play defense then it will turn into buckets.”

Has his augmented passing role helped prepare him for the next level?

“I have to go into Cincinnati and do my job as a scorer. I guess everything else will take care of itself. Coach (Mick) Cronin just told me to basically focus on this year, with Prep. I think it’s really preparing me for Cincinnati, but right now I’m just focusing on what I can do to help this team win.”

For more on Zach Smart's coverage of the Big Apple Basketball Invitational, please visit the NBE Basketball Report.

BIG EAST ROSTER UPDATE: CINCINNATI

INCOMING TRANSFER ALERT: Ibrahima Thomas, 6-foot-11 C from Oklahoma State

Not long after receiving his release from Oklahoma State, 6'11 big man Ibrahima Thomas has found a new home after a recent visit to Cincinnati. The Ex-Oklahoma State Big Man Chooses the Big East School (FoxSports.com), according to a source close to Thomas.

Projected 2009-2010 Roster:

Seniors: Mike Williams* (PF), Deonta Vaughn (PG), Steven Toyloy (C/BF)
Juniors: Larry Davis (SG), Rashad Bishop (G/F), Kenny Belton (F/C), Alvin Mitchell (G/F), Anthony McClain (C), Darnell Wilks (F)
Sophomores: Yancy Gates (BF), Dion Dixon (G), John Riek** (C), Ibrahima Thomas ***(C)
Freshmen: Sean Kilpatrick (G), Cashmere Wright**** (PG)

*- There is a possibility Mike Williams can petition the NCAA for a sixth season of eligibility because he missed the 2006-2007 season as a transfer student from Texas and the 2007-2008 season due to injury.

**- John Riek remains a verbal commitment to UC, but as of 12/29/2008 he is still awaiting clearance from the NCAA to be eligible for a scholarship to enroll at Cincinnati

***- a transfer from Oklahoma State, Ibrahima Thomas will sit out the spring (09) and fall (09) semesters and be eligible in December of 2009. He will have 2 1/2 tears of eligibility.

****- Cashmere tore an ACL in the fall of 2008 and is sitting out the 2008-2009 season as a medical redshirt. He will have four years of eligibility beginning in 2009-2010




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The scholarship situation for Mick Cronin and his Cincinnati Bearcats is a little unclear with a potential waiver for Mike Williams to apply for to receive a 6th year from the NCAA. Williams can apply for a 6th season after the 2008-2009 year, if granted, the Bearcats can potentially return all 13 players for 2009-2010. Of course, that number of 13 is assuming John Riek (see below) ends up enrolling at UC.

However, the latest addition in mid-year Oklahoma State transfer Ibrahima Thomas throws a little more uncertainty into the picture. First of all, UC had 12 scholarship players on their current roster with the 13th and final spot seemingly being held for Riek, who is still waiting for NCAA clearance of his academic record to be eligible to receive a college scholarship. Now, Riek seems to be out of the Bearcat mix for 2008-2009 as Thomas would receive the 13th and final scholarship.

Thomas had played in seven games for Okie State this season, averaging 8.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in a little over 20 minutes a contest. As a freshman Thomas averaged 6 points and 4 rebounds a game playing in 33 contests. He had a career high of 19 last year against Texas and scored 18 in a game earlier this season against Tulsa. Even though Thomas stands at 6-foot-11, he is not afraid to step outside and shoot from the three-point arc (made 11 last season). He is not a physical player, but there is definitely a lot to work with as he has room to grow his game more.

The native of Dakar, Senegal had prepped at Stoneridge Prep in California before signing with the Cowboys and coach Sean Sutton. After playing in seven games under new coach Travis Ford this year, Thomas decided to look for a new school and settled on Cincinnati quickly, despite interest from Rutgers and others.

Even with the uncertainty of scholarships, the Bearcats received a quality commitment this fall when Notre Dame Prep guard Sean Kilpatrick made a commitment following a visit to the school back in October.

Kilpatrick was a hot commodity last spring among Big East schools as he attempted to become eligible after his senior season at White Plains (NY) High School where he was an offensive machine, lighting up the scoreboard on many occasions and often in front of college coaches. Kilpatrick made a brief verbal commitment to St. John's at one point in the recruiting process and also has had Providence high on his list of interested schools, but after a visit to UC this past weekend, he felt it was time to end the recruiting process. Next up is a commitment to his academics to make certain there are no more hold-ups in getting his college career going. Kilpatrick was an AAU teammate of SU freshman Mookie Jones and WVU frosh Kevin Jones with the Westchester Hawks.

John Riek took the college basketball recruiting scene by storm in July of 2007 with a breakout performance at the Lebron James Skills Academy. Immediately following that performance the NBA Draft talk began to surface and a literal tug-of-war for his services began between those at Our Savior New American in Long Island and people trying to get him to the Winchendon School in New England. Eventually, Riek ended up at the Winchendon School where he played sparingly late in the season due to injuries. The injuries also hampered him greatly at the Orlando Pre-Draft camp as Riek still pursued his goal of being drafted this past June in the NBA Draft, but he ended up pulling out prior to the draft.

Several things still cloud Riek's future with the Bearcats and when (or if) it will begin. First was the matter of the SAT (or ACT) test to become eligible for the Bearcats, which Riek reportedly received a qualifying score. Those close to Riek believed the NCAA Clearinghouse will allow his transcripts, but that has yet to happen for Riek to enter UC on a scholarship. Coach Byrnes at Winchendon acknowledged that Riek's English had a ways to go for him to foresee Riek being able to tackle the SAT's successfully. As of October 10th, Riek Will Miss the First Semester (ZagsBlog.net) at UC because a qualifying standardized test score had not been posted in time to allow him to enroll for the first semester. Riek still hoped to enroll in December, but the addition of Thomas seems to indicate that it was not going to happen. Now, a scholarship would have to open between now and the 2009-2010 season for Riek to join UC if Williams gets his medical waiver.

Secondly, and an area likely to see the NCAA look very closely at, is the state of his amateur status. Riek burst onto the scene in Akron last summer (a performance he has yet to duplicate since) and he seems to have been pulled in every direction since, with it always being the intention of finding the shortest route to the NBA. A Hoops on Hoops blog piece by Dick 'Hoops' Weiss in early July took a look at the Riek situation, calling it a 'cautionary' tale about a young 7-footer who "went to IMG in Florida to work out, signed with an agent and became a major disappointment at the Orlando pre-draft camp." So, you can see where the question in that story comes, as Weiss indicates Riek 'signed' with an agent. It is possible 'Hoops' was just assuming that the move to IMG and the declaration for the draft was a process lined up by an agent, but in any event, expect the NCAA to look closely into this.

Mick Cronin is adding talent and depth to the UC program with very good recruiting. These factors are certain to increase the college basketball odds of seeing the Bearcats challenge for a spot in March Madness in the near future under coach Cronin.

SEAN KILPATRICK: 'PREP' ARING FOR NEXT LEVEL

by Zach Smart

White Plains is where throwback jerseys are in and Abercrombie and Fitch is out. It’s where the hard-scrabble Ferris Ave. courts play host to one of the toughest summer street leagues (outside of NYC) summer after summer after summer.


Bible-truth, White Plains has established one of the top rivalries in New York with cross-town perennial power Mount Vernon. The school breeds Division-I talent like Angelina Jolie breeds kids.


At the forefront the past two years has been Sean Kilpatrick, Spencer Mayfield’s primary scoring engine who helped the team garner some national visibility during the 2006-2007 campaign. They played a schedule that was about as serious as death and divorce that season, nearly upsetting California powerhouse Mater Dei at Pace University in Pleasantville, N.Y.


Read More...Click 'Read Rest of Article' Below!!!


The following year, Kilpatrick teamed up with Rashad James—the self-proclaimed “best dunker in New York State.”


The duo helped a team which had its talented 2007 roster thoroughly cleansed, rip off a 15-7 record the following year, when Kilpatrick emerged as one of the state’s most lethal scorers.

Kilpatrick, whose ability to score in clusters lifted him out of the abyss and no longer made him a second-class citizen to some of the big guns of NYC, got plenty of Big East looks.

Amongst the suitors sold on the kid with an efficient arsenal of 20-footers, mano y mano moves, and good life from the perimeter were St. John’s, Seton Hall, Pittsburgh, Providence, and Cincinnati.

He would end up choosing Cincinnati, where he committed to on October 12 and recently penned his letter of intent.

Kilpatrick, streaky at times, spent much of this season righting the academic ship (academic issues kept him from making the jump from WPHS to a Division-I hardwood home) and getting acclimated to a new environment in the woodworks of Fitchburg, Mass.

“I’m proud to say I’m part of the Notre Dame family,” said Kilpatrick, whose team split a pair of contests Friday and Saturday at the National Prep Schowcase at Bryant College last week.

“Honestly, they treat me like family over here. Going to prep school, getting prepared for college and whatever else is out there, it’s not a bad idea.”

Kilpatrick hung 26 points and corralled seven rebounds in a nailbiting, 93-92 overtime loss to Brewster Academy at the NHTI Prep Showcase.

He was off his game during Day One of the National Prep Showcase Invitational, scoring just 10 points on 5-for-18 shooting (0-9 from three-point territory), as Notre Dame was thoroughly walloped, 81-56, by a De’Andre Kane (Pitt, Uconn) and Hunter McClintock (Air Force, Kentucky, BC, Indiana, Oklahoma)-fueled Patterson backcourt tandem.

Kilpatrick and Notre Dame re-wrote the script the following day, blitzing Massanutten Military Academy to the tune of 77-52. Killpatrick worked opponents off the dribble with ease, barreling to the basket for 15 points.

After a night when it seemed they couldn’t shoot a ball into the Mississippi River if they were standing on a rowboat, the trio of Kilpatrick, Mohammed Lee (St. John’s, Pittsburgh, and Louisville have all expressed interest in the New York-bred baller) and Kenny Stewart (Rider, Elon) shot the rock at a scintillating 19-for-26 clip.

Kilpatrick has been a scorer his whole life. Playing alongside a talent-bleeding supporting cast at Prep, however, has allowed him to improve other facets of his game—rebounding, dishing, and defense.

“I’m basically going into there (Cincinnati) with the mentality that I have to score,” said Kilpatrick, who exploded for a career-high 44 points in a signature 82-79 victory over Brooklyn’s Canarsie HS last season.

Deonta Vaughn, who came into his own late last season, is one of the most prolific scorers in Bearcat history. He’ll be a senior at the same time that Kilpatrick, perhaps the highest-profile scorer the school has recruited since Vaughn, is entering.

Pressure?

“Not at all,” said Kilpatrick. “I’m going to do whatever it is my coach (Mick Cronin) asks of me. I know my scoring is really the main threat, but I would like to help out in any way that I can, in any way they need me to contribute.”

Sacrificing me for we and putting individual accolades aside for the betterment of the team, an attitude that will help any player better the college basketball odds of their team.

Now that’s something coach Mayfield has preached at White Plains for quite some time now.

WHITE PLAINS' KILPATRICK HEADED TO BEARCAT COUNTRY

by Zach Smart



Sean Kilpatrick’s efficient arsenal of 20-footers, mano y mano moves, and good life from the perimeter is what helped him mount a considerable Division-I stock.


Notre Dame Prep’s Kilpatrick, a second team All-State selection who helped lead White Plains to a 15-7 season (culminating with a 93-65 playoff loss to Poughkeepsie), had been comfortably nestled on the recruiting radar the past few days.


Kilpatrick, the combination guard who averaged a sublime 25.6 points per game last season, had been hotly pursued by a number of Big East schools, Providence, St. John’s, and Cincinnati, to name a few.


He arrived at a decision yesterday, giving Cincinnati a verbal commitment.

Read More...Click 'Read Rest of Article' Below!!!


Kilpatrick, who played alongside the state’s most electrifying dunker in Rashad James (18.7 ppg) in the White Plains backcourt, has sold Big East hoop tycoons on his scoring prowess.

The 6-foot-4, 185-lb. Kilpatrick can score in clusters. The second-highest ranked player from Section I last season (second only to West Virginia’s Kevin Jones, outclassing Archbishop Stepinac’s Tony Taylor Mount Vernon’s Sherrod Wright and a buffet-line of highly-touted players), Kilpatrick’s aggressive scoring aptitude smashed the surface during multiple pivotal games last season.

When the Tigers eked out an 82-79 thriller over Canarsie (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Kilpatrick simply went off. The then-senior erupted for 44 points, connecting on 17 field goals and 10 free throws.

In a big-stage game against cross-town rival New Rochelle, Kilpatrick hung 38 points, including seven treys. Kilpatrick poured in 30 points in two games against perennial power Mount Vernon, another one of White Plains’ fiercest rivals.

The oceans opened for Kilpatrick during a five-game stretch in middle-late January, as he averaged 28.2 points against a handful of reputable Section I opponents, including Mookie Jones (Syracuse) and Peekskill.

According to the Daily News, Kilpatrick still needs to right the academic ship. His boards were never a problem on the court, he attacked the glass with a reckless abandon can sky very well for a guard.

Off the court, however, his boards kept him from big-time schools. Kilpatrick will up his grades at the prestigious prep program situated in the woodworks of Massachusetts.

Cincinatti can certainly use the guard’s explosive scoring as a future replacment of go-to-guy Deonta Vaughn. The offensive ratchet led the Bearcats with 17 points per game. The three-point assailant cooked Syracuse and UConn to the recipe of 29 and 34 points, respectively. Having an offensive scoring talent such as Kilpatrick to apprentice under Vaughn for a season and then waiting in the wings to make his mark will help Mick Cronin's squad increase their college basketball odds of winning.

Kilpatrick nearly gave St. John’s an oral commitment last year. He was impressed with the school’s proximity and the lured by the opportunity to make an immediate impact. It looks like another one of the city-area prospects will be heading south for the winter.

One pothole in Kilpatrick’s game is his habit of playing erratically. His performance in the Jordan Brand All-American Classic at MSG (two points on 1-for-10 shooting) is indicative of this.

Kilpatrick is a combination guard and worked on operating offense this summer. He spent long, grueling hours in the gym with Gerard Jones (the older brother of the aforementioned Kevin Jones), refining elements of his game and adapting to the role of a point guard. Gerard Jones describes Kilpatrick as a “true” off guard, according to a recent story on Zagsblog.

http://njmg.typepad.com/zagsblog/2008/01/kilpatrick-offe.html


Kilpatrick played for the Westchester Hawks on the AAU circuit.

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: CINCINNATI

October 12, 2008

COMMITMENT ALERT: Sean Kilpatrick, 6-foot-5 G from Notre Dame Prep

There was no doubt that Sean Kilpatrick wanted to play in the Big East and the Notre Dame Prep guard will get his wish and Mick Cronin and Cincinnati will be the beneficiaries as UC Gets Commitment from the 6'5 Wing Player (Cincinnati Enquirer) shortly after his official visit of this weekend.

Projected 2008-2009 Roster:

Seniors: Mike Williams (PF)
Juniors: Deonta Vaughn (PG), Steven Toyloy (C/BF)
Sophomores: Larry Davis (SG), Rashad Bishop (G/F), Kenny Belton (F/C), Alvin Mitchell (G/F), Anthony McClain (C), Darnell Wilks (F)
Freshmen: Yancy Gates (BF), Cashmere Wright (PG), Dion Dixon (G), John Riek (C)
2009 Commitment: Sean Kilpatrick (G)




Read More...Click 'Read Rest of Article' Below!!!


The scholarship situation for Mick Cronin and his Cincinnati Bearcats is a little unclear with a potential waiver for Mike Williams to apply for to receive a 6th year from the NCAA. Williams can apply for a 6th season after the 2008-2009 year, if granted, the Bearcats can potentially return all 13 players for 2009-2010. Of course, that number of 13 is assuming John Riek (see below) ends up enrolling at UC.

Even with the uncertainty of scholarships, the Bearcats received a quality verbal commitment this weekend when Notre Dame Prep guard Sean Kilpatrick made a commitment following a visit over the weekend.

Kilpatrick was a hot commodity last spring among Big East schools as he attempted to become eligible after his senior season at White Plains (NY) High School where he was an offensive machine, lighting up the scoreboard on many occasions and often in front of college coaches. Kilpatrick made a brief verbal commitment to St. John's at one point in the recruiting process and also has had Providence high on his list of interested schools, but after a visit to UC this past weekend, he felt it was time to end the recruiting process. Next up is a commitment to his academics to make certain there are no more hold-ups in getting his college career going. Kilpatrick was an AAU teammate of SU freshman Mookie Jones and WVU frosh Kevin Jones with the Westchester Hawks.

John Riek took the college basketball recruiting scene by storm in July of 2007 with a breakout performance at the Lebron James Skills Academy. Immediately following that performance the NBA Draft talk began to surface and a literal tug-of-war for his services began between those at Our Savior New American in Long Island and people trying to get him to the Winchendon School in New England. Eventually, Riek ended up at the Winchendon School where he played sparingly late in the season due to injuries. The injuries also hampered him greatly at the Orlando Pre-Draft camp as Riek still pursued his goal of being drafted this past June in the NBA Draft, but he ended up pulling out prior to the draft.

Several things still cloud Riek's future with the Bearcats and when (or if) it will begin. First is the matter of the SAT (or ACT) test to become eligible for the Bearcats. At this point, Riek is expected to take the test September 13th. Those close to Riek believe the NCAA Clearinghouse will allow his transcripts, but he will still need a qualifying test score (remember, the Big East does not allow members to accept partial qualifiers) to enter UC on a scholarship. Coach Byrnes at Winchendon acknowledged that Riek's English had a ways to go for him to foresee Riek being able to tackle the SAT's successfully. As of October 10th, Riek Will Miss the First Semester (ZagsBlog.net) at UC because a qualifying standardized test score had not been posted in time to allow him to enroll for the first semester. Riek still hopes to enroll in December.

Secondly, and an area likely to see the NCAA look very closely at, is the state of his amateur status. Riek burst onto the scene in Akron last summer (a performance he has yet to duplicate since) and he seems to have been pulled in every direction since, with it always being the intention of finding the shortest route to the NBA. A Hoops on Hoops blog piece by Dick 'Hoops' Weiss in early July took a look at the Riek situation, calling it a 'cautionary' tale about a young 7-footer who "went to IMG in Florida to work out, signed with an agent and became a major disappointment at the Orlando pre-draft camp." So, you can see where the question in that story comes, as Weiss indicates Riek 'signed' with an agent. It is possible 'Hoops' was just assuming that the move to IMG and the declaration for the draft was a process lined up by an agent, but in any event, expect the NCAA to look closely into this.

Even if Riek does not materialize, the rest of the 2008 class is promising for the Bearcats. Steven Toyloy was a player of definite need for the Bearcats and Mick Cronin to land in the spring period. With 10 freshman and sophomores expected on the roster next season, UC definitely could have used a veteran big man to add some muscle to the line-up next year. Toyloy averaged about 12 points and 12 rebounds a game as a JUCO sophomore for Miami-Dade CC. As a freshman, the 6'8, 265 lb Toyloy led the nation in rebounding with over 13/game. Toyloy is a big, physical presence that should be comfortable in the physical Big East, allowing Anthony McClain some help in the pivot.

On the strength of a big senior season, Crane Tech guard Dion Dixon has emerged as the top unsigned prospect in Illinois. With a scoring average of 25 points per game for Crane, Dixon can obviously score the basketball. Cincinnati definitely has a need for players who can put the ball in the basket and while on an official visit in early March the match was made and Dixon decided the Bearcats would be his future home.

Toyloy, Riek and Dixon join Cashmere Wright, originally a Clemson Tiger commit, and local standout Yancy Gates of Withrow HS in the 2008 UC class. Wright will join a roster where Deonta Vaughn would be a junior and the only other point guard in the program, meaning Wright could have a chance to see some early playing time his first two years and have the chance to run the show in his final two seasons. With Jamaul Warren and Alvin Gentry being seniors this season, Wright and Dixon should have plenty of chances to see a lot of playing time as freshman with Vaughn and sophomore (to-be) Larry Davis. Gates is a 6'8 powerful post player expected to contribute rigth away on the frontline. Even before the situation with Riek is cleared up, that is a full 13-player roster for the 2008-2009 season. To add Riek in September (or even December), the Bearcats would have to open up a roster spot. Riek becoming a 2009 recruit is also a possibility, would he opt for another shot at the professional ranks at that time??

Mick Cronin is adding talent and depth to the UC program with very good recruiting. These factors are certain to increase the college basketball odds of seeing the Bearcats challenge for a spot in March Madness in the near future under coach Cronin.

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: CINCINNATI

August 3, 2008

COMMITMENT ALERT: John Riek, 7-foot-2 C from IMG Academy

Mick Cronin and the Cincinnati Bearcats have added a third commitment for the spring signing period when Steven Toyloy committed to the Bearcats following a weekend visit to the Cincinnati campus. Today, when the spring signing period is set to begin, the Bearcats are expecting 2 Guards, Center to Sign With UC (Cincinnati Enquirer).

Projected 2008-2009 Roster:

Seniors: Mike Williams (PF)
Juniors: Deonta Vaughn (PG), Steven Toyloy (C/BF)
Sophomores: Larry Davis (SG), Rashad Bishop (G/F), Kenny Belton (F/C), Alvin Mitchell (G/F), Anthony McClain (C), Darnell Wilks (F)
Freshmen: Yancy Gates (BF), Cashmere Wright (PG), Dion Dixon (G), Varez Ward (G), John Riek (C)

Mick Cronin adds another big man to his Bearcat program as John Riek to Cincinnati was reported over the weekend by ZagsBlog.net. Riek, a 7-foot-2 center orginally from the Sudan, played this past season at the Winchendon School in the New England Prep School Athletic Conference after leaving Our Savior New American. Riek averaged about 9 points and 8 rebounds a game for Mike Byrnes squad. Riek has been at the IMG Academy since March where he was training for the NBA Draft, but injuries have slowed down his career path significantly. The hope is he can become eligible and join the UC program either this fall or in mid-semester over the winter.


Read More...Click 'Read Rest of Article' Below!!!


Since the end of the 2007-2008 season, Mick Cronin and the Bearcat staff have been very busy by gaining commitments for the 2008 class from Riek, Steven Toyloy, Varez Ward and Dion Dixon (committed in February, signed in April). Riek took the college basketball recruiting scene by storm about a year ago with a breakout performance at the Lebron James Skills Academy. Immediately following that performance the NBA Draft talk began to surface and a literal tug-of-war for his services began between those at Our Savior New American in Long Island and people trying to get him to the Winchendon School in New England. Eventually, Riek ended up at the Winchendon School where he played little late in the season due to injuries. The injuries also hampered him greatly at the Orlando Pre-Draft camp as Riek still pursued his goal of being drafted this past June in the NBA Draft, but he ended up pulling out prior to the draft.

Several things still cloud Riek's future with the Bearcats and when (or if) it will begin. First is the matter of the SAT test to become eligible for the Bearcats. At this point, Riek is expected to take the test September 13th. Those close to Riek believe the NCAA Clearinghouse will allow his transcripts, but he will still need a qualifying test score (remember, the Big East does not allow members to accept partial qualifiers) to enter UC on a scholarship. Coach Byrnes at Winchendon acknowledged that Riek's English had a ways to go for him to foresee Riek being able to tackle the SAT's successfully.

Secondly, and an area likely to see the NCAA look very closely at, is the state of his amateur status. Riek burst onto the scene in Akron last summer (a performance he has yet to duplicate since) and he seems to have been pulled in every direction since, with it always being the intention of finding the shortest route to the NBA. A Hoops on Hoops blog piece by Dick 'Hoops' Weiss in early July took a look at the Riek situation, calling it a 'cautionary' tale about a young 7-footer who "went to IMG in Florida to work out, signed with an agent and became a major disappointment at the Orlando pre-draft camp." So, you can see where the question in that story comes, as Weiss indicates Riek 'signed' with an agent. It is possible 'Hoops' was just assuming that the move to IMG and the declaration for the draft was a process lined up by an agent, but in any event, expect the NCAA to look closely into this.

Steven Toyloy was a player of definite need for the Bearcats and Mick Cronin to land in the spring period. With 10 freshman and sophomores expected on the roster next season, UC definitely could have used a veteran big man to add some muscle to the line-up next year. Toyloy averaged about 12 points and 12 rebounds a game as a JUCO sophomore for Miami-Dade CC. As a freshman, the 6'8, 265 lb Toyloy led the nation in rebounding with over 13/game. Toyloy is a big, physical presence that should be comfortable in the physical Big East, allowing Anthony McClain some help in the pivot.

On the strength of a big senior season, Crane Tech guard Dion Dixon has emerged as the top unsigned prospect in Illinois. With a scoring average of 25 points per game for Crane, Dixon can obviously score the basketball. Cincinnati definitely has a need for players who can put the ball in the basket and while on an official visit in early March the match was made and Dixon decided the Bearcats would be his future home.

Varez Ward is a strong defensive guard that could see time at either backcourt position in his career with the Bearcats. The Montogmery (AL) native played this past year at the Patterson (NC) school. The 6'2, 185 lbs guard is known as an athletic player willing to get after it on defense and atatck the basket offensively.

Toyloy, Ward and Dixon join Cashmere Wright, originally a Clemson Tiger commit, and local standout Yancy Gates of Withrow HS in the 2008 UC class. Wright will join a roster where Deonta Vaughn would be a junior and the only other point guard in the program, meaning Wright could have a chance to see some early playing time his first two years and have the chance to run the show in his final two seasons. With Jamaul Warren and Alvin Gentry being seniors this season, Wright and Dixon should have plenty of chances to see a lot of playing time as freshman with Vaughn and sophomore (to-be) Larry Davis. Gates is a 6'8 powerful post player expected to contribute rigth away on the frontline. Even before the situation with Riek is cleared up, that is a full 13-player roster for the 2008-2009 season. To add Riek in September (or even December), the Bearcats would have to open up a roster spot. Riek becoming a 2009 recruit is also a possibility, would he opt for another shot at the professional ranks at that time??

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Cincinnati a 200:1 shot for the Odds to Win the 2009 NCAA National Championship.
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With Riek and a pretty full roster of young players, the Bearcat recruiting for the Class of 2009 is pretty thin. Mike Williams is expected to petition the NCAA for a 6th season after missing last year with a torn Achilles, which would mean no seniors on the 2008-2009 squad. For now, we will keep a close eye on the John Riek situation to see when he looks to become part of the UC program. It will be an interesting case to follow on a few different issues with the NCAA, especially since the OJ Mayo case is so fresh in their minds.

CINCINNATI HOOPS TARGET: DAVID BROWN

July 9, 2008

Anthony Jaskulski of the NBE Basketball Report profiled David Brown recently at the Lebron James Skills Academy in Akron. Here is the scoop on Brown, a target of the Bearcats staff on the 2009 recruiting trail.

David Brown

High School: Hononegah High School, Rockton, Illinois

Wing/forward, 6’3, Class of 2009

Top Interest: DePaul, Baylor, Cincinnati, UCONN, Wake Forest, Georgia

Strong Point: Great ball-handling skills and better shooter; can take over a game

Area of Improvement: Tends to speed things up, causing turnovers, missed shots

The skinny:

Brown has jumped onto mostly everybody’s radar late last year, after he took over and had a dominating year for his high school team. David can turn on the jets, and make strong drives to the rim, as well as spot up with a consistent jumper. He is a tough defender that can force turnovers, and can rebound with the bigs in the paint. Brown is not afraid to get aggressive and proved he can handle himself with almost any defender on him. Finding a better balance offensively and slowing down to create a play can turn him into a nearly unstoppable force.

He said it:

“I like the intensity of the Big East, and how they get up and down floor, and from top-to-bottom it’s always a challenge every game. I could definitely see myself playing in that conference in the future.”


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Cincinnati a 200:1 shot for the Odds to Win the 2009 NCAA National Championship.
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BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: CINCINNATI

April 16, 2008

COMMITMENT ALERT: Steven Toyloy, C/BF from Miami-Dade Community College

Mick Cronin and the Cincinnati Bearcats have added a third commitment for the spring signing period when Steven Toyloy committed to the Bearcats following a weekend visit to the Cincinnati campus. Today, when the spring signing period is set to begin, the Bearcats are expecting 2 Guards, Center to Sign With UC (Cincinnati Enquirer).

Projected 2008-2009 Roster:

Seniors: Mike Williams (PF)
Juniors: Deonta Vaughn (PG), Steven Toyloy (C/BF)
Sophomores: Larry Davis (SG), Rashad Bishop (G/F), Kenny Belton (F/C), Alvin Mitchell (G/F), Anthony McClain (C), Darnell Wilks (F)
Freshmen: Yancy Gates (BF), Cashmere Wright (PG), Dion Dixon (G), Varez Ward (G)
Early 2009 Commitment: Danny McElroy (F)



Read More...Click 'Read Rest of Article' Below!!!



Steven Toyloy wass a player of definite need for the Bearcats and Mick Cronin to land in the spring period. With 10 freshman and sophomores expected on the roster next season, UC definitely could have used a veteran big man to add some muscle to the line-up next year. Toyloy averaged about 12 points and 12 rebounds a game as a JUCO sophomore for Miami-Dade CC. As a freshman, the 6'8, 265 lb Toyloy led the nation in rebounding with over 13/game. Toyloy is a big, physical presence that should be comfortable in the physical Big East, allowing Anthony McClain some help in the pivot.

On the strength of a big senior season, Crane Tech guard Dion Dixon has emerged as the top unsigned prospect in Illinois. With a scoring average of 25 points per game for Crane, Dixon can obviously score the basketball. Cincinnati definitely has a need for players who can put the ball in the basket and while on an official visit in early March the match was made and Dixon decided the Bearcats would be his future home.

Varez Ward is a strong defensive guard that could see time at either backcourt position in his career with the Bearcats. The Montogmery (AL) native played this past year at the Patterson (NC) school. The 6'2, 185 lbs guard is known as an athletic player willing to get after it on defense and atatck the basket offensively.

Toyloy, Ward and Dixon join Cashmere Wright, originally a Clemson Tiger commit, and local standout Yancy Gates of Withrow HS in the 2008 UC class. Wright will join a roster where Deonta Vaughn would be a junior and the only other point guard in the program, meaning Wright could have a chance to see some early playing time his first two years and have the chance to run the show in his final two seasons. With Jamaul Warren and Alvin Gentry being seniors this season, Wright and Dixon should have plenty of chances to see a lot of playing time as freshman with Vaughn and sophomore (to-be) Larry Davis. Gates is a 6'8 powerful post player expected to contribute rigth away on the frontline.

Cincinnati already has one 2009 commitment (Danny McElroy) and one senior on the projected 2008-2009 roster in Mike Williams. However, Williams is likely to petition the NCAA for a 6th year of eligibility after missing all of last season with an injury. The UC roster is currently full at 13 for the 2008-2009 season and they might not have any seniors if Williams is allowed a 6th year from the NCAA. The class of 2009, at this point, does not have any scholarships open, but with a glut of players (10) as freshman and sophomores, things willlikely work themselves out as players assess their futures. Alvin Mitchell is currently on probation with the basketball program, so his future, although better now than a month or so ago, could still be in doubt. At this point, we expect him to return next season.



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 a commitment from Withrow HS standout Yancy Gates, who got the ball rolling earlier in the spring.

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: CINCINNATI

March 2, 2008



VERBAL COMMITMENT ALERT: Dion Dixon, 6'3 (G) Crane Tech HS

The disappointment of an overtime loss to Providence on Sunday might be softened a little bit for Cincinati Bearcat fans by the news that Mick Cronin landed a verbal commitment as Dion Dixon Commits to Big East School (Illinois Prep Bulls-eye).



Projected 2008-2009 Roster:

Seniors: Mike Williams (PF)
Juniors: Deonta Vaughn (PG)
Sophomores: Larry Davis (SG), Rashad Bishop (G/F), Kenny Belton (F/C), Alvin Mitchell (G/F), Anthony McClain (C), Darnell Wilks (F)
Freshmen: Yancy Gates (BF), Cashmere Wright (PG), Dion Dixon (G)
Early 2009 Commitment: Danny McElroy (F)



Read More...Click 'Read Rest of Article' Below!!!


On the strength of a big senior season, Crane Tech guard Dion Dixon has emerged as the top unsigned prospect in Illinois. With a scoring average of 25 points per game for Crane, which is 14-8 on the season, Dixon can obviously score the basketball. Cincinnati definitely has a need for players who can put the ball in the basket and while on an official visit this weekend the match was made and Dixon decided the Bearcats would be his future home.

Dixon joins Cashmere Wright, originally a Clemson Tiger commit, and local standout Yancy Gates of Withrow HS in the 2008 UC class. Wright will join a roster where Deonta Vaughn would be a junior and the only other point guard in the program, meaning Wright could have a chance to see some early playing time his first two years and have the chance to run the show in his final two seasons. With Jamaul Warren and Alvin Gentry being seniors this season, Wright and Dixon should have plenty of chances to see a lot of playing time as freshman with Vaughn and sophomore (to-be) Larry Davis. Gates is a 6'8 powerful post player expected to contribute rigth away on the frontline.

Cincinnati already has one 2009 commitment (Danny McElroy) and one senior on the projected 2008-2009 roster (Mike Williams), a scholarship or two could be set aside for the 2009 class as well as they still have two scholarships open for 2008. Other players that we have come across that Cincinnati has been involved with this year inckude shooting guard Bud Mackey of Harmony Prep, Scotty Hopson of University Heights (KY), Georgia small forward Wesley Witherspoon, Chipola CC PF Gary Flowers, Vincennes University shooting guard Devon Dumas and Miami-Dade CC big man Steven Toyloy, among others. We will continue to follow UC recruiting to see if they add more to their 2008 class.



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 a commitment from Withrow HS standout Yancy Gates, who got the ball rolling earlier in the spring.

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: CINCINNATI

August 16, 2007



VERBAL COMMITMENT ALERT: Cashmere Wright, 6'0 PG from Savannah (GA) Urban Christian

Josh Katzowitz of the Cincinnati Post updates his blog with good news for Bearcat fans as Cashmere Wright Commits to the Bearcats. Along with Yancy Gates, Wright is the second UC commitment for 2008.



Projected 2008-2009 Roster:

Seniors: Mike Williams (PF)
Juniors: Deonta Vaughn (PG)
Sophomores: Larry Davis (SG), Rashad Bishop (G/F), Kenny Belton (F/C), Alvin Mitchell (G/F), Anthony McClain (C), Darnell Wilks (F)
Freshmen: Yancy Gates (BF), Cashmere Wright (PG)
Early 2009 Commitment: Danny McElroy (F)



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last February, Cashmere Wright pulled the trigger and made a verbal commitment to the Clemson Tigers. After playing the summer circuit, Wright re-thought that commitment and decided he had pulled the trigger too early and decomitted from the Tigers. With Cincinnati, Tennessee and Clemson involved until the end, Wright ultimately decided the best fit for him was at Cincinnati, where he would join a roster where Deonta Vaughn would be a junior and the only other point guard in the program, meaning Wright could have a chance to see some early playing time his first two years and have the chance to run the show in his final two seasons.

Wright, a 6'0, 170 lb PG, joins a 2008 Bearcats class with Withrow High School standout Yancy Gates. Former 2008 Bearcat commit Darnell Wilks has already enrolled in school and is now part of the 2007 class, an opening caused by Jason Henry failing to quailify. Bearcat coach Mick Cronin still has three scholarships available in the class of 2008 if he chooses to use them, but he still has a large incoming class of Alvin Mitchell, Larry Davis, Rashad Bishop, Kenny Belton, Anthony McClain and now Wilks that will likely have to sort out their strengths and weaknesses within the program. Already possessing one 2009 commitment (Danny McElroy) and one senior on the projected 2008-2009 roster (Mike Williams), a scholarship or two could be set aside for the 2009 class as well.

Wright, like Deonta Vaughn, is a talented scorer in the lead guard position. he is quick to the rim with an impressive first step to help him finish with athleticism and has the confidence to knock down the open jumper when the opportunity presents itself. At his size, he will have to continue to develop the playmaking skills to transition to a full-time distributor, but with the presence of Vaughn, he will have time to make the transition. He loves to have the ball in his hands and has no fear heading into the lane and will make frequent trips to the foul line. The increased talent of the opposition in the future will force him to be better at picking his spots, but the offensive talent is there right now.

Some other names to keep track of on the recruiting trail as we move from the summer to the visit season for the Bearcats are 5th-yr prep player 6'7 Eric Frederick, originally from Texas, who will spend this season at Lenoir (Patterson School) NC. 6'4 Willie Warren from Mouth of Wilson (Oak Hill) VA also lists the Bearcats, but he looks to be a lean for Oklahoma, but his lists seems to grow longer each time out. Speaking of long lists, 6'8 Renaldo Woolridge from North Hollywood (Harvard-Westlake) CA has Cincinnati on his, along with half of the schools from BCS conferences. Philip McDonald, the 6-foot-3 shooting guard of the T-Mac All-Stars and Tyshawn Taylor, 6'4 guard from St. Anthony's also list the Bearcats. Unsure if Wright's commitment will lessen the interest from the Bearcats in another guard. As for big men, J’Mison Morgan, a 6-foot-10, 275-pounder from Dallas South Oak Cliff High, has listed cincinnati this summer. Canton (Ga.) Cherokee forward Chris Singleton and New London (CT) forward Allan Chaney have also been contacted by UC this summer.


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 a commitment from Withrow HS standout Yancy Gates, who got the ball rolling earlier in the spring.

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: CINCINNATI

July 12, 2007



COMMITMENT ALERT: Darnel Wilks, a 6-foot-8 forward from Pioneer Christian Academy in Nashville (TN)

The Cincinnati Post reports that a 2008 UC Recruit Will Play for Bearcats this Year as Wilks, who orally committed to UC last November, originally was scheduled to graduate in 2008 after moving to Pioneer Christian Academy in Nashville for his fourth year of high school. However, the plan has changed and Wilks got his academics in order and has enrolled at UC earlier this week.


Projected 2007-2008 Roster:

Seniors: John Williamson (F), Marvin Gentry (G), Jamaul Warren (G), 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), Darnell Wilks (F)
Early 2008 Commitment: Yancy Gates (BF)
Early 2009 Commitment: Danny McElroy (F)



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The Cincinnati roster continues to change often. The latest news is that former 2008 Bearcat commitment Darnell Wilks has enrolled at UC and will be part of the 2007-2008 squad. Last season, Wilks averaged 17.6 points, 11.2 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game at Pioneer Christian Academy. Wilks is a 6'8 small forward who is a plus-athlete at the high major level. He needs to add strength (weighs in about 195 lbs) and fine-tune his skill set, but the raw talent and athleticism to be an outstanding talent is there. In short, there is a lot to work with here.


A class of Alvin Mitchell, Jason Henry, Larry Davis, Rashad Bishop, Kenny Belton, Anthony McClain and now Wilks 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. About five weeks ago Mick Cronin said that if incoming freshman Jason Henry didn't qualify academically, the Bearcats had a plan B on which they could fall back. The 6-foot-7 Henry, long rumored to be in trouble academically, was a major recruiting coup for the Bearcats, but the chances of seeing him on the floor next season seem to be getting slim, although Mick Cronin insisted that adding Wilks to the 2007 class had nothing to do with Henry's qualifying status and they are still working to get him eligible. If he does, they will deal with the 14 players for 13 scholarships at that time.


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 a commitment from Withrow HS standout Yancy Gates, who got the ball rolling earlier in the spring.