Experts Say: Cats Are In

It looks like the Bearcats have gone from being "in the conversation" to being in the field of 64.  That is according to some of the "experts" out there.   None of these experts will have a say on selection Sunday, but it certainly doesn't hurt to have the team mentioned as part of the field.  Here are some links to a few of the different brackets we found.  

ESPN Bracketology:  Click Here

Hoops Report:  Click Here

The Bracket Project:  Click here.

R P I Report:  Click here.

CBS Jerry Palm:  Click here.

There is some consistency with putting UC as an 11 or 12 seed.  A close loss Sunday at Syracuse is thought to have no damage to UC's resume and a win on the road would help greatly.

Continue the Locker Room Lock Out

With the win Thursday night the team earned their way back into the players locker room.   Following the Louisville loss Coach Mick Cronin locked the door on the players locker room and moved the team to a different locker room on the second floor of the Lindner Center. Deonta Vaughn like the lessons they learned, and wants to stay there.

Willliams Sore Knee Still Questionable

Thursday night the Bearcats went into battle with out one of their team leaders.  Mike Williams was side lined with a sprained knee.  How's he doing and will he play Sunday at Syracuse? 

In his absence freshman Yancy Gates stepped up his game and poured in 22 points wile grabbing 11 rebounds.  

The Day After, Still a Big Win

UC assistant athletic director Mike Harris summed it up best Friday when he said, "it's a great day to be a Bearcat fan".  It's the day after a big win against West Virginia and the players are not caught up in the celebration, instead they are looking back at it with appreciation.

It was a sign this team is maturing.  The youngsters are growing up.  Thursday night they went into a must win game without one of their senior leaders, Mike Williams was on the bench with a sore knee.

Deonta Vaughn said the teams recent confidence helped them, but so did following the game plan and playing defense.

Press Conference Today: Main Topic, Basketball ?

Friday afternoon before practice Coach Cronin and a few select players will address the media.  Bearcat Sports Page will be there and should have comments up and available later this afternoon.   Since Mick Cronin has no obvious "relationship" with Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim the focus of the discussions should be on basketball.  After the past 10 days that will certainly be welcomed by both the coach and his players.   After last nights game odds are the team earned their way back in their own locker room.  We'll let you know later this afternoon.

Big Time Basketball Returns

Thursday is the way it used to be on campus in February.  A big game that night, ESPN trucks outside of 'The Shoe", and students talking about going to the game.  Ironically the man who brought this atmosphere to campus many years ago was partly responsible for it's return Thursday.  Bob Huggins brought  people back to UC basketball last night and the current team certainly did enough to make them want to stay.  Saturday March 7  12 Noon  Seton Hall @ Fifth Third Arena.  Plenty of tickets available, at least for now.

What about the Game, It's a BIG one

Last year when UC beat West Virginia the Bearcats were able to hold Bob Huggins to o points, but Mick Cronin was also scoreless in his teams win.

Enough with the coaches, neither of them will hit the winning shot Thursday night.    The Mountaineers come into the game in a much better position for the NCAA Tournament than UC is, that's why this is a must win game for the home team.

Coach Cronin knows that West Virginia is a very good basketball team, here is his view of the Mountaineers.

On Tuesday when we spoke with the team they were just about to look at film of their up coming opponent, but they already know what WVU is all about.

That's a look at the opponent in this very important game.    As for the degree of "importance", it must be big.  ESPN is sending the team of Brent Musburger and Bob Knight. Which leaves one very big question.  UC has only played Ohio State once in the past 50 years, how will Brent work the Buckeyes into the conversation?

Game Time:  7:30   TV:  ESPN   Radio:  WLW

Students Have Already Moved On

The talk of the town is the return of Bob Huggins to Clifton Thursday night.  Talk show hosts and callers go back and fourth on the issue, most agree to disagree.  The event to honor the former coach could bring "closure" but as Liz Idzakovich reports the student body may have already moved on.

Meeker: Mick introduced Me to Huggins

With the return of Bob Huggins Thursday night the newspapers and the air waves have been loaded with stories of the "good ole' days" in Clifton.  We recently caught up with one of Huggins former players, John Meeker.  We asked John what kind of relationship he has with his former Bearcat coach, as well as the current Bearcat coach.

Loyalty to a program, a coach and a team have been an issue for many over the past four years.  We asked John his thoughts on fans loyalties, and where he stands on the issue.

Of course we had to ask him if he had a favorite story about his old coach. 

That journal would certainly be interesting.   After graduation John remained in Cincinnati and now works for Cincinnati Bell Technology Solutions.   He remains active at UC both as a fan of all sports, as well as a member of "rejuvenated " C -Club.  Next week we will post some of Johns observations of this years team.  You'll never guess what former team mate he would put on this years team.

Again we want to thank John for taking time out of his busy schedule to speak with us.  

Vote For Bearcat Sports Page

1530 Homer afternoon sports talk show host Lance McAlister has a poll on his blog questioning where people get their UC news from.  If you get a chance stop over an vote for us.  To get to the blog:  Click here.   Scroll down, it's on the right side below his picture.  For those that have never visited Lance's blog, it is the single best source of sports information for all Cincinnati sports.  He does a tremendous job of covering all Cincinati sports, past and present.

Coach Cronin Talks About Coach Huggins

Before the Louisville game last week Mick Cronin said he is looking forward to the day that UC can play the Cardinals and West Virginia with the focus being on the game and not the coaches. Maybe next year, because that certainly won't be the case Thursday night.  When he met with the media Tuesday afternoon Coach Cronin addressed a number of topics about Bob Huggins return to Cincinnati.  One of which is the difficulty of following a man a popular as Huggins.

Coach Cronin left Cincinnati to take a job with Rick Pitino at Louisville.  Since then a question that always comes up is,  what kind of relationship does he have with his former head coach. 

Like most Bearcat fans Mick Cronin thought that Bob Huggins would always be the head coach at UC.  As a mater of fact he made a bet with Huggins on that subject and now it's time to pay up.

Notice how Coach Cronin said he made that bet with Huggins while he was the head coach at Murray State.  That was years after he left Cincinnati for Louisville.  That should help end the "relationship" question, that tells me that they do talk and keep up with each other.  Later today we will bring you more from our interview with former Bearcat John Meeker.   As a former player he sheds a pretty good light on the return of Coach Huggins as well as looking at this years team.

John Meeker, Loosing the Locker Room Works

This isn't the first time a UC tam has been locked out of their locker room and lost their "gear". Bob Huggins was known for using a similar motivational tactic with his teams when he was the head coach.  We caught up with former Bearcat, and fan favorite, John Meeker.  John remembers going through the same thing and said that it's not just a coaches trick, it works.

We will have more with this former Bearcat through out the week, including his thoughts on his old coach coming back to town.  John is currently working for Cincinnati Bell Technology Solutions as a Senior Account  Manager here in town.

Locker Room Lock Out

In Saturdays loss to Louisville Coach Mick Cronin didn't like what he saw out of his team. Following the game he sat them down to watch film and Monday when they went to practice they were locked out of the players locker room.

What was the players reaction to loosing their "creature comforts"?

Not only did they loose their locker room privileges, they lost their Bearcat gear too.

The purpose of such a measure is to make a point with the team.  Apparently they got the message.  For one Larry Davis said this is the maddest he's seen his coach.

Coach Mick Cronin spoke after the Louisville game about how it's much more difficult to go from sixth in the conference to the top, as opposed from going to the basement to sixth.  In his eyes now that UC is sixth, it's time to take it to the next level, and in that next level there are no moral victories.

Coach Cronin speaks of taking the program to the next level.  One problem is not having anyone in the locker room that has been there.  Part of the "banishment" is a message to the teams leaders, and that includes a guy that has been very instrumental in taking UC from the basement to the middle of the pack.

There was a fair share of discussion about the return of Bob Huggins on Thursday night.  The evening news may have a few short clips, but Bearcat Sports Page.com will bring you the "entire comment".  Unfortunately, the evening news is limited by the amount they can use, we are not.   Several of Coach Cronin's thoughts were well over a minute.   We will have them all over the next couple of days.

NFL Combine: An Agent's View

In our many trip to Indianapolis to cover the NFL Scouting combine we talked to the UC players themselves and got a feel for how they were doing by talking to other members of the media.

This  posting gives you a completely different look at the combine, from the perspective of a sports agent.  We sat down with Connor Barwin's agent, Scott Smith, and talked to him about how his client was doing during this process.  He said that Conner was doing great, but did UC properly prepare him for this experience?

The workouts at the combine get most of the press but it's what the media doesn't see that can make or break the trip to Indy.  Workouts can happen a number of places, but the interviews at the combine are a one shot deal for both the players and the teams.  Scott knew Connor would do well with interviews, but not this good.

The combine is often call a "job interview", and that's how Connor is approaching it.  Scott and his team at XAM Sports and Entertainment put together a book that contains information on each NFL team.  Connor studies this before each interview, something that separates him form the rest of the "job candidates".

We want to thank Scott and the rest of his team from XAM Sports and Entertainment for their cooperation in Indianapolis.  For more information on the XAM group and what they offer their clients, click here.

NFL Combine: How Did They Do?

As we conclude our coverage of the NFL scouting combine this past week in Indianapolis we are going to hear from a man that heard hundreds of player interviews over the 4 day period. Joe Reedy was the writer from the Cincinnati Enquirer that covered the combine.  From where he sat, the UC players represented themselves and the University well with the press.

So did the players from UC create any kind of a "buzz" in the room among the many writers from all over the country?

 

The combine turned out to be a win/win.   After meeting with the media the players have left a favorable impression of UC with all of the writers there covering the event.  The players also stand to benefit from the way UC prepared them, both on and off of the field.

Artrell Hawkins and DeAngelo Smith

Former UC defensive back Artrell Hawkins his helping DeAngelo Smith get ready for the draft. There is a great article on this the Bengals web site.  Geoff Hobson has the story:  Click here.

Baseball fall to 0-3 on the season

The baseball team was unable to come home with a win from the Big East/Big Ten challenge as they lost a back-and-forth battle to Ohio State, 5-6 earlier today.

The Bearcats jumped out to a 2-0 lead, scoring a run apiece in the first 2 innings. Ohio State came back to take their first lead in the bottom of the second after Brian DeLucia hit a three-run homer. After trading leads, Cameron Satterwhite tied the game at 5 with his first home run of the season. Errors hurt the Bearcats in the fifth inning, as a field error allowed Buckeye Michael Stephens to reach 1st, before advancing to second on a balk. He was later driven in by a sacrifice fly. 

For complete coverage: Click Here

UC will travel to Davidson, NC, Feb 27-March 1, where they will face Davidson, Georgetown, and Penn

NFL Combine: Mike Mickens

Mike Mickens was at the top of every ones list back in September, including the Playboy All American team.  Following an injury at the end of the end of the season his "stock", according to some experts, is dropping.  He left the senior bowl last month because of his knee and according to Mickens he will not participate in drills at the combine this week.  At his press conference he discussed his knee, the competition with his team mates and who was on his high school team.

We talked to Mike about his decision to sit out the workouts and got his thoughts on the overwhelming concern that his stock is dropping.  He is confident he can make it rise when the time comes.

Mickens will have the benefit of meeting with NFL teams this week and plans to go through everything that he can.  His chance to reverse the tide of pessimism will take place at pro day on UC's campus March 19.

NFL Combine: DeAngelo Smith

De Angelo Smith is an interesting prospect for NFL scouts.  He can bring so much to the table.  He is being looked at as both a defensive back and a safety.  Then throw in his ability to return punts and his options grow.  At his press conference he discussed his versatility, what a team gets when they draft him and the competition he had with his team mates last year.

After DeAngelo left the podium we pulled his aside for one more round of questions.

The defensive backs will have their work out on the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium on Monday.  In his press conference he attracted several members of the media including Bengals.com writer Geoff Hobson and Cincinati Enquirer writer Joe Reedy.    Bengals site:  Click here.  Enquirer site: Click here

NFL Combine: Brandon Underwood

At the beginning of the 2008 season Brian Kelly had a great problem, he had too many talented

defensive backs.  Along with Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith a transfer from Ohio State was in the mix.  Now six months and an Orange Bowl appearance later Brandon Underwood is joining Mickens and Smith at the NFL Scouting Combine.  Here is a sample of the questions Brandon fielded on his media day.  The topics he hits are, his dislocated shoulder in high school and at Ohio State, how Haruki Nakamura got him to UC, how other Bearcats are worthy of being in Indy, and how team mate Mke Mickens is doing.  Notice the polite answers he gives.

After he was done at the press table we grabbed him for a quick word before being whisked off by NFL personnel for interviews.

Like all Bearcats so far Brandon was very impressive with the media.  His "yes sir" answers were noticed as one member of the press left the table saying "you don't hear many 'yes sirs' these days".    Brandon is working out in Nashville as he gets ready for Pro Day March 19.

NFL Combine: Mickens Will Not Work Out

All three UC players have made their trip through the media room.  Brandon Underwood was first, followed closely by DeAngelo Smith and Mike Mickens.   The big story out of the three is that Mickens will not workout for the scouts on the turf at Lucas Oil Field.   The plan is to set his sties on pro day at UC in the middle of March.  We talked with him about his "stock going down" and he said he's not worried about it.  He feels that he can prove himself worthy when he works out at UC for the scouts.  

Bearcat Sports Page.com will have video interviews with all three as well as footage form their press conferences.

NFL Combine: Barwin Now a Linebacker

Saturday afternoon Connor Barwin was the only Bearcat to meet with the the media and on Sunday morning his name is still being discussed by several writers along press row.  His resume continues to grow and his stock continues to rise.  While at the podium Saturday the once tight end turned defensive end is now looking like an outside linebacker.  Bengals.com Geoff Hobson has a good article discussing Connor and his new position. Click Here.

Lacrosse Team Stays Undefeated

In  just their second year, the Bearcat Lacrosse team is off to a 2-0 start.  Friday afternoon UC defeated Duquesne 11-8.  The Cats were led by freshman Laura Simanski, who had a hat trick on the day.  At half time the Bearcats were up 6-3 and would never loose the lead.  Up next, the team stays in the Pittsburgh area to take on Robert Morris Sunday at 1:00.  We will have the results of this match after it's completion.  Bearcat Sports Page.com stopped by a practice last week and will bring you a look at this years team in the next few days.

Bearcats fall to Michigan 1-6

Michigan topped the Bearcats in their second day of the Big East/Big Ten Challenge, 1-6. The Wolverines, the defending Big Ten champions, got on the board early when they scored three runs in the first inning. Michigan extended its lead when Mike Dufek blasted a three-run homer in the top of the seventh. UC's only score came in the bottom of the fifth inning when junior Lance Durham was hit by a pitch, allowing Jamel Scott to score. 

UC finished Big East/Big Ten play tomorrow when they face in-state rival Ohio State at 10:00am. Last year the Buckeyes finished 5th in the Big Ten

For complete coverage click here

Another Game, Another Top 10 Team

 After a week off the Bearcats find themselves in the middle of a log in the Big East standings.  With a 7-6 record the Cats are even with Syracuse and West Virginia.  Saturday they kickoff a two game home stand with Louisville.  So is this a "must win" game?

Last year the Bearcats stunned a packed house in Freedom Hall on New Years day as they stole a rare road victory from the Cardinals.  Deonta Vaughn remembers that game.

Years ago a top ten team coming into Fifth Third Arena would have been a big deal.  Anymore that's just another day in the Big East.

With Louisville coming to town the focus quickly goes to the coaches.  The players don't care who coached with who, they worry about the players on the court, not the guys in the ties.

Coach Cronin could not agree more.  He knows with Louisville and then West Virginia the coaches will be put n the spotlight, a place he would prefer the players be.

Saturdays game tips off at Fifth Third Arena at 2:oo and will be televised locally on Fox Sports Ohio Ch #43 on most Time Warner Cable Systems.

Combine Day 3: Bearcats Are Ready

The NFL Combine entered day its third day Friday and there were no Bearcats in the group that was available for the media.  This group included the offensive skill position players, quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers.  With no UC guys to talk to we settled for a Syracuse guy.  Bengals.com head writer Geoff Hobson has been around football for many years.  Before working for the Bengals he was a beat writer that covered the team for many years.  He was in Mobile for the Senior Bowl,  saw the Bearats up close and personal and expects them to hold their own again this week.

Geoff has been in the game long enough to have a feel for what the "buzz" is about Bearcats in the national media.  So far it's been a bit low key but he thinks that could change with Connor Barwin on Saturday.

Geoff remembers years ago when he was writing stories sitting on the edge of a potted plant in the RCA Dome when it was a "low key" event.  So he has seen his fair share of combines and from what he's seen the boys from UC are ready for what they are getting into. He thinks they are especially strong in the interview area when they sit down with teams.

We will continue our coverage of the combine Sunday when the three defensive backs go through the media room.    The big question then is weather or not Mike Mickens will be able to work out.  He left the Senior Bowl with a sore knee and has been working on it ever since.  

Connor Barwin will be in front of the media Saturday, check Geoff Hobsons article on Bengals.com for coverage of Connor.  Click Here.  Also check out the NFL Network on TV or the Web site.  Click here.

Workouts for the offensive linemen and kickers can be seen Saturday on the NFL Network. Watch Kevin Huber and Trevor Canfield.  Time- 11:00 , 4:00 and 8:00   Click here for a schedule.

Bearcats drop season-opener to Purdue, 10-11

The Bearcats faced the Purdue Boilermakers in their first game of the Big East/Big Ten challenge in Florida earlier today. UC jumped out to an early 2-1 lead in the first inning, but Purdue came back with three runs in the bottom of the second to take a 2-4 lead. After several lead changes, the Bearcats had the lead going into the ninth with two outs before a walk-off single by Dan Black gave the boilermakers the win. 

Bearcat senior Mike Spina and sophomore Justin Riddell had two home runs apiece in the loss.

The Big East/Big Ten challenge continues tomorrow when the Bearcats face the Michigan Wolverines at 4:00

For complete coverage click here

NFL Combine: Bearcats are Prepared

The NFL Network is covering this weeks scouting combine from start to finish. We found out that one of their analyst has been keeping an eye on Brian Kelly and the Bearcats this year, and to him it's no surprise at all that UC had 6 players invited to the combine

As an analyst with both the NFL Network and his work with CBS on Sundays Wilcots has seen plenty of football. Also, as a former NFL star he knows what it takes to make it to the next level. The scouting combine is very important, and he thinks the guys from UC will be just fine.

The road to the NFL is what every high school football player is looking for and Wilcots thinks that a program that puts kids in the combine sends the message that "this program can get you to the next level".

For complete coverage of the NFL Combine tune into the NFL Network or check them out on the internet: Click here.

It's Baseball Season Today...in Florida

It may be snowing and 35 degrees outside, but baseball season has started. The Reds have started spring training, but they aren't the only Cincinnati team playing baseball in Florida this weekend. The Bearcats open up their season with the Big East/Big Ten Challenge in Tampa with games against Purdue, Ohio State and Michigan. This team had a great season last year and as Sarah Knigga reports, they plan on the same this year.

Friday 1:00 Purdue Saturday 4:00 Michigan Sunday 10:00AM Ohio State
For complete coverage and the entire schedule: Click Here.

Schneider Wins Big East

Junior Josh Schneider had high expectations for his team going into the Big East meet this week in Indianapolis.  He thought they could finish third, and he felt good about his own chances.  He was right on both.  The team is sitting in fourth place with two days of competition left and Schneider himself won the men's 50 meter free style event Thursday night.  In the preliminaries earlier in the day he set a school record, then backed it up that evening by just edging out the second place swimmer from Louisville by four tenths of a second.  The junior from Taylor High School won the same event last year.  This qualifies him for the NCAA meet, and his time of 19.38 is the third fastest in college swimming this year.   The men are currently 4th and the women sit in 8th.  Both have a great opportunity to improve on those places.  Bearcat Sports Page.com has a crew at the meet and will have video early next week.

Bubble, What Bubble?

With a week off this past week the Bearcats had a chance to catch their breath and take a look at where they are.  Going into this weekend they find themselves tied for 7th in the Big East with Syracuse and West Virginia, and just a game behind Providence.  Right now all sights are set on Louisville, despite all of the talk of UC being a bubble team.  Here is Deonta Vaughn and then Yancy Gates to talk about being a bubble team.

With the "bubble situation" at UC extra emphasis is being put on each game, including this Saturdays home game against Louisville.  Coach Cronin certainly understands the importance but tries to keep the team from getting to high after wins and too low after losses.  The old cliche keeps coming up, take 'em one at a time.

We will have more on the Louisville game Saturday morning here at the home of your best "complete" Bearcats coverage.  

NFL Combine: Trevor Canfield

"American Idol" NFL style kicked off this week at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis. The first group of players arrived Wednesday afternoon to begin the process of being thoroughly examined by NFL teams. Six members of the UC Bearcats were invited to the scouting combine including offensive lineman Trevor Canfield, who met with the media Thursday. Here is a condensed version of what Trevor said to the media that gathered when his name was announced. Pay attention to the last answer. A fire alarm is sounded and everyone is asked to evacuate the building. Notice how Trevor keeps his composure and completes his answer. Too bad the team scouts weren't on hand for this test of "concentration".

We apologize for the length, but we feel it tells the story of what he went through as well as the questions thrown at him. We cut out several short answers. As those around us were evaluating the "fire alarm situation" we grabbed Trevor for a quick one on one interview.

You may have noticed that Trevor used the phrase "yes sir" during his press gathering at the podium. This was not an act for the NFL or the media today. In the many interviews we have done with him he is always been the ultimate gentleman, and once again today he made us proud to be wearing the "C-Paw" on our jackets. Kevin Huber is part of the same group but was unavailable to the media. No kickers, punters, or specialist were brought to the media room. Friday we will have more on our trip to the combine including an interview with NFL Network analyst Solomon Wilcotts and Bengals senior web writer Geoff Hobson. For other stories from the combine check out Mr. Hobsons reports at the Bengals web site. Click here.

Bearcat Golfers Go Indoors On Campus

Previewing the Big East Meet

Peaking at the right time is important in most collegiate sports. For example, in basketball you want to be playing your best in early March. However, you can't just concentrate on the games in March. You have to win before that or else those games won't matter. In swimming, the meets in December and January really don't matter. The swimmers prepare all year for the Big East Meet, and that begins Wednesday just up the road in Indianapolis. Jordan Staugler stopped by practice last week and gives us a preview of the teams final meet of the year.

Competition begins Wednesday and will conclude with the finals on Saturday night. Josh Schneider, who swam in the Olympic Trials last summer hopes to bring home a first place finish in a couple of events. Bearcat Sports Page.com has a crew in Indianapolis covering the Big East meet. To follow up to the minute results check the Big East web site: click here.

The Green Bay Bearcats

The NFL draft is just two months away.  Starting Wednesday, the NFL Combine kicks off in Indianapolis.  About 300 of the best college football players in the country will be on display for professional football scouts and executives.  Included in that group are 6 Bearcats, Connor Barwin, Trevor Canfield, Kevin Huber, Mike Mickens, DeAngelo Smith, and Brandon Underwood.  In the days leading up to the combine experts will be making predictions.  One such expert has 3 Bearcats being chosen by the Green Bay Packers.  Click here to see the entire 4 round mock draft.   Connor Barwin for one, does not put much weight in what the media is saying.  

Bearcat Sports Page.com will be in Indianapolis covering the combine and will bring you coverage of the six Bearcats as they compete in what some call NFL's version of "American Idol".

Pitt was Pitt, Now it's Back to Work

Each weekend the "experts" weigh in on who they think will make the NCAA tournament. Based on last weeks body of work, the Bearcats shouldn't have lost or gained any ground.   They beat a team they were supposed to beat, then lost to a team they were supposed to loose to. The team they lost to might be the best team in the country, and now they know it's time to put the Pitt loss behind them and move on.

We asked Coach Cronin what he took away from the game against the Pitt Panthers

A good team learns from it's losses.   Especially when they come at the hands of such a talented opponent.

This week the Bearcats are given the luxury of some time away from Big East competition.  Notice how we didn't say "time off".  For the past several weeks the team has been playing at least two games a week.  This six day break won't be used for rest and relaxation, instead it's a chance to get back to basics.

Bearcat Sports Page.com will have continued coverage of the Bearcats this week as they prepare for their next game, Saturday Jan 21 against the Louisville Cardinals at Fifth Third Arena.  Among some of the topics we will bring you is the teams view of "being on the bubble".

Bad Loss?

Why is it a bad loss?  Not the loss UC had Saturday at Pitt.  The "experts" after the game in their analysis of the Big East continued to categorize the Georgetown losses to the Bearcats as "bad losses".  Had they lost at UC then dominated them at home, maybe.  UC beat them twice.  The best way to get away from discussion like this, beat Louisville at home next Saturday.  The Cats enjoy a week off for the first time since the break they had in between the game at St. John's and the game at home against Georgetown.  Both big wins.  Bearcat Sports page.com will have comments from the team at practice early next week.

It's Gotta' Be The Suit

The Olympic Games in Beijing introduced the world to the Speedo LZR Racer swimsuit. The full body suit that helps swimmer cut through the water with more speed. Next week the Big East Championship meet will see most competitor jumping into competition with the LXR Racer. That is, if the mailman gets them to the team hotels in time. The UC swim team is one of many that is finally getting their order filled this week, just in time for the biggest meet of the year. The question is, what difference will it make?

The suits are expected to be arriving at the hotel in time for the meet. According the the UC coaches they won't be the only ones waiting for the mail in Indy.

Big East Meet Next Week

Putting all of your eggs in one basket is never a good idea.   Especially when an investment is involved.  Next week the UC swim team will see how there investment pays off, because they have put most of their eggs in one basket.  Swimming, unlike other sports, gears it's season toward the "big meet".  For the Bearcats that "big meet" is the Big East Championship meet next week in Indianapolis.    The team is going into it with certain goals that can only be obtained if they swim well early on.

The meet starts Wednesday and goes through Saturday night.  More information on the meet can be found here:  Big East Swimming.

Today's Task: Beat the #4 Ranked Team on the Road

It's Valentines Day and for the first time three years the the Bearcat players are playing in meaningful games down the stretch.  Deonta Vaughn is a junior this year and he remembers what his coach told him after his freshman season.

With the opponent Saturday being the #4 team in the country there's little chance they will be "looking past" the Pitt Panthers.  However,  with everyone around them speculating on who they have to beat to get in the tournament they are focusing on one game at a time.

Pitt plays a big game against UCONN Monday, so the question arises, will the Panthers be looking past UC.

Beating the panthers will be a difficult task.  Coach Mick Cronin admires their toughness and their point guard.  Coach Cronin says that Pitt's point guard is as good as they come.

Last year the Bearcats surprised Pitt when they came to Fifth Third Arena and handed the Panthers a loss.  One of the keys to that successful evening was the play down low of Adam H, John Williamson and Marcus Sikes.  They played a physical game and got Dejuan Blair in foul trouble early.  

The odds makers don't have much confidence in the Bearcats, they are listed as a 16 point underdog.  They have size, strength and a tremendous home court advantage.  So what will it take to beat them?

Saturday afternoon @ Pittsburgh  4:00 Tip Time  ESPN

Everybody Wants to Know

A month ago Mick Cronin was talking about how hard it is on family and friends when the negativity starts to surround the program.  It's difficult when everyone is asking " what's wrong with you guys?"   As of Thursday afternoon the "opposite problem" has popped up.  Now everyone wants to talk about how many games they need to win to get into the tournament.

Given the choice Coach Cronin and his team would much rather be talking about what it takes to make the tournament as opposed to what their plans are for spring break.

Gates off of the Bench

A recent key to the Bearcats Success has been the "chemistry' with the starting line up. Steve Toyloy has been starting and Yancy Gates has been coming in off of the bench. Both the team and Gates have responded well to this situation. Thursday afternoon Cincinnati Enquirer reporter Bill Koch and head coach Mick Cronin got into a line of questions about Gates coming in and Toyloy starting.

"Joe Lunardi should get the full court package".

Beating St John's helped the Bearcats cause as they continue to build their resume. Wins over top 10 teams in the next ten days would certainly help. We asked both Deonta Vaughn and Mick Cronin about the teams post season chances. Coach Cronin questions why ESPN's Joe Lunardi only has 7 Big East teams in his bracket.

Bearcat Sports Page.com will have more comments from today's press conference later tonight and leading up to the game at Pittsburgh Saturday afternoon.

No Let Down Against St John's.

Taking care of business in the Big East means winning the games you are supposed to win, especially at home. Wednesday night there was some concern in Fifth Third Arena that the team may have a "hangover" from their big win at Georgetown over the weekend. A sign this team is maturing is that it didn't happen because the team leaders stepped in.

Win Games You Are Supposed To

Wednesday night the Bearcats did what they were supposed to do, beat a Big East team at home in a game they were favored. UC 71 St. John's 61
Bearcat Sports Page.com will be at practice today and will post comments from Coach Cronin and a few players by late in the afternoon, around 5:00.

Playing from Behind, Being in 7th, and St. John's

Wednesday night the Bearcats enter the game against St John's tied for 7th place in the Big East Conference with a 6-5 record. A place few thought they would be after starting off 0-3. Coach Cronin is this where you want to be?

The last time the Bearcats saw St John's they had to fight back from a double digit deficit. That wasn't the only time this team has dug themselves a whole and climbed out of it.

Just because UC beat St. John's earlier a few weeks ago, does not mean that they are going to look past The Red Storm. In this league there are no days off , and no easy opponents.

It can't be said enough, this is a tough league and team are going to beat each other. Look at the two teams below UC that went from being in the top 25 to 11th in their own league.

A few weeks ago Coach Cronin was telling his team to ignore the "negativity" outside the program when things weren't going so good. Now the pendulum has swung the other direction. How do they handle the "pats on the back"?

Few thought UC would beat Georgetown twice. On the otrher hand, many think they can beat St. John's twice. The game in New York was different. Each team lost a player and The Red Storm had a different player at point guard.

With a trip to Pittsburgh up next this is a game that must be won. How will this team respond to their recent success? Can they continue to get better like they have been?

Wednesday February 1, St John's at Fifth Third Arena Tip Time: 7:30 TV:ESPN360

Alvin Mitchell a Year Later

This time last year the Bearcats were just finishing out the season with little hope of post season play, and Alvin Mitchell was home. His relationship with the team was put on hold and Alvin was doing some soul searching. Fast forward to February 7, 2009 and Alvin Mitchell is hitting shots down the stretch as UC defeats Georgetown on the road to pump new life into their post season hopes.


Alvin Mitchell is one of many young Bearcats that have found themselves and their game, just in time to make a run at the post season. Bearcat Sports Page.com will have a closer look at the St Johns game Wednesday.

Dr Z is off to New York

It's official, Dr. Nancy Zimpher has been offered the job in New York and is leaving the University of Cincinnati. Abbey Cummins was in the Lindner Center today and got some reactions to the departure.

Abbey also get comments from Coach Cronin and some of the players on the big game against St John's Wednesday night. Bearcat Sports page.com will have that later tonight. A reminder to all fans. Tickets for the St John's game are on sale for $10. You wanted a contender, you got one. So now it's your turn to show up and support them.

Baseball Starts in 11 Days

The snow has finally melted away and baseball season is just 11 days away.  Not "pitchers and catchers reporting", the first game of the season.  The Bearcats take to the diamond for keeps for the first time in the Big East/Big Ten Challenge on February 20th in South Florida against Purdue.  Head Coach Brian Cleary know it won't be easy to match last years success.   The team won a school record 39 games and advanced to the conference championship game just missing the NCAA Tournament.

Following the games against Purdue, Michigan and Ohio State the team remains on the road until they open up at home on March 6th.  For the rest of the schedule: click here.

Yates Recognized Again

For the second time this season freshman Yancy Gates has been named the Big East Conference Rookie of the week.  The Cincinnati native received the award for his contributions in the teams victories over Notre Dame and Georgetown.  In the week he averaged 13 points and 7.5 rebounds.

Sittin' Pretty Pretty

Here is how the Big East looks right now, Sunday night.   The top five have 1,2 or 3 losses.  After that:

6.  Syracuse             6-5

     UC                       6-5

     Providence        6-5

7.  West Virginia   5-5

8. Seton Hall         4-6

Here are the games this week and what should happen:

Mon  WVA @ Pitt   Pit wins

Tues  Prov @ USF  Prov wins 

           SH @ Depaul  SH wins

Wed  Syr @ UCONN  UCONN wins

          St J @ UC  UC wins

Fri  Nova @ WVU  Nova wins

Sat  Gtown @ Syr  Syr wins

       UC @ Pitt   Pitt wins 

       Rutg @ Prov    Prov Wins  

      UCONN @ SH  OCONN wins

So by the end of the week:

UC 1-1

WVA 0-2

Providence 2-0

Seton Hall 1-1

Syracuse 1-1

That would put Providence alone in 6th place with UC and Syracuse tied for 7th.

as for the rest of the year it's hard to tell but the win over Georgetown Saturday certainly put UC in a great position coming down the stretch.  How many times do you think the team wishes they could take the home loss to Providence and play it over.

What's the Excuse Now?

Beat Rutgers at home: "they aren't that good".
Beat DePaul and St John's on the road: "they were bad teams". Lost to Providence: " UC isn't that good".

Beat Georgetown at home: "a good player for them got hurt".

Lost at Villanova: " See, UC can't beat a good team".

Beat Notre Dame: " the Irish are struggling".

Why is it that over the past month when UC has won a Big East game the other team gets the benefit of an excuse?

Saturday the Bearcats went on the road and won a "Big Time" conference game in against a "Big time" opponent in a "Big Time" atmosphere. No excuses needed. They won the game and deserved to win. After blowing an 11-2 lead by giving up a 15-2 run to the Hoyas this team battled back and fought hard enough to get the win. With 3:40 left in the game they gave up only 2 points, and that bucket came with about 2:30 to go. This team played hard, and with heart and defense down the stretch. Keep in mind, the "experts" in Vegas had Georgetown as an 11 point favorite.

Mick Cronin and his team deserve the credit they are due on this one.

Beat Georgetown on the road: " they deserved to win, they played a good game".

Here is the wrap up on ESPN for those that didn't get to see the game her is the final :13 UC up by 2 in OT the Hoyas have the ball. Watch the defense.

Here is the recap by the ESPN team that called the game when they concluded the broadcast. It kind of gives you an overview of the game.

Big win. Above 500 in the Big East and on the road. As much heat as they got early on, they deserve the credit they are due right now. Beating Notre Dame at home and Georgetown on the road would have been huge accomplishments months ago.

Bracketology Thinkology

Most "experts" don't have the Bercats in the NCAA Tournament, but at least they are entering the conversation.  ESPN's Joe Lunardi has UC in the category of "the next four left out".  He has 8 Big East Teams in the mix including Georgetown and West Virginia, two teams UC could replace of they take care of business in February. The Bracket Project has UC as a 4 seed in the NIT along with Providence and Notre Dame.  There are several sites on line picking the field of 64, all are consistent with 8 Big East teams making the field, so according to that UC must set their sites on replacing either Georgetown or West Virginia. The best way to do that is to beat them.

G'Town Game on CinCW

The men's game at Georgetown Saturday at noon will be televised locally in Cincinnati on The CW.  For those on Time Warner this is channel #20.  We had earlier reported that it was going to be on WKRC-TV.  

Great Player, Even Better Student

Jill Stephens has once again been recognized for her accomplishments away from the basketball court.  Jill was named to an Academic All District team that is voted on by College Sports Information Directors.  Last spring Jill completed her undergraduate degree in communications sciences and disorders with a 3.98 grade point average.  She got her degree a year early.  Now she is pursuing a PhD in audiology.  In her first quarter of grad school she posted a 3.8 GPA.  By the way she's a pretty good basketball player too.   She's the teams second leading scorer.  Jill is now eligible for Academic All American Status. Congratulations to this great representative of the University of Cincinnati

Bearcats @ G'Town Saturday WKRC-TV

Saturday afternoon the Bercats will go into Washington D.C. and attempt to sweep the season series with the Georgetown Hoyas.  About 10 days ago UC knocked of the Hoyas 65-57.  At the time Georgetown was ranked in the top 25, that was toward the end of a 5 game loosing streak that ended earlier this week against Rutgers.  With a win the Bercats would continue their March toward making the NCAA Tournament.  Right now the team has an even 5-5 conference record with hopes of finishing out 4-4 or better yet 5-3.  Due to a mandatory NCAA day of Thursday and an early morning flight, the team was unavailable for interviews.  

Saturday:  At Georgetown  12 Noon  WKRC-TV and ESPN 360

How Do You Recruit When Snow Cancels School?

Recruiting on the collegiate level is a difficult enough process without outside influences getting in the mix. For the past few weeks ice and snow storms have closed schools throughout the Ohio Valley, and when that's where you do most of your recruiting it can be a problem. Wednesday at the "signing day" press conference we asked the assistant coaches how the snow days effected their daily job out on the road?

Quite a few high schools were closed in the Cincinnati area on Wednesday but it had no effect on the staff at UC. What it did do was delay some of the "pageantry' that goes on at the schools when the students sign the letter in front of school officials, parents and the media.

Follow Connor to the NFL

The NFL combine is rapidly approaching and six Bearcats have been invited to participate.  One of those players, Conor Barwin, will be sharing his experience through a diary on one of the more popular sports blogs in the Cincinnati area.    Lance McAlister, the afternoon talk show host on 1530 Homer, has joined forced with Connor to make regular diary entries on his blog, as well as appearing on his show.  Here is a link to Lance's blog," The Lot D".

Earlier today we caught up with Connor in the weight room and talked to him about a number of different topics including the Senior Bowl and the upcoming combine.  However, started the conversation talking about what it was like 5 years ago when Connor was signing his letter with UC and was going through the recruiting process.

Obviously he's happy with the decision to come south from Michigan to Cincinnati.

We read in his first diary entry that he felt weird referring to his agent as "my agent".  What else has been "weird" about this last month and a half?

We will have more of this interview with Connor as the combine draws near.  Until then you  continue to follow the Bearcats journey to the NFL on Lance McAlisters blog.

Signing Day: Part 2

This is part two of our press conference coverage from signing day at UC.  After going over each of the 27 young men they signed one by one Coach Kelly gave this quick synopsis.

One of the over riding themes was that the staff had seen the kids at their summer camp and that gave them the in depth evaluation you can't get just from watching game film.  The success the program has helped attract good high school talent to campus.

Success has also helped land the Bearcats on television.  This allows kids from all over the country to see UC football, and they like what they see.  

Being on television certainly helps with the junior college kids.  Years ago they would not have been exposed to UC football they way they were this past season.  One of those Juco's is a Cincinnati native, Jamar Howard.  Here is Coach Kelly talking about his new wide receiver as well as another Juco that can help next year on the defensive side of the ball.

So along with these two guys, who else out of the 27 could have an impact as early as next season?

With the 2009 class now in place the staff gets a few days, then it's back to work defending their Big East title.

Bearcat Sports Page.com would like to congratulate Coach Kelly and his staff on the class of 2009.  It was mentioned during the press conference, but the amount of time put in by the entire staff is amazing.  During his presentation at US Bank Arena Coach Kelly said that one day while he was out recruiting he found himself on Broadway and 57th in the morning then later that evening he was once again on Broadway and 57th.  Morning was New York, evening was Los Angeles.  Also of note, this was all done on commercial airlines, no private jet like some use.

We would like to thank Coach Kelly, his staff, Ryan Koslen, and the rest of the UC administration for all of their help, support and cooperation during the season and beyond.

Signing Day: Locals, Wide Outs and Defense

Wednesday afternoon head coach Brian Kelly stepped to the podium and announced his 2009 recruiting class. 27 young men that will help form the future of UC football. According to experts this class has one 4 star recruit and a hand full of three star recruits, but how many 1,2 and three star guys helped with the Big East? Interestingly enough the Big East championship and the Orange Bowl had very little influence on this class. They were already on board.


A complete list of recruits can be found at gobearcats.com. When you see it you will notice a great "local" flavor.






When Coach Kelly took an over view of the class he compared it to an NFL teams draft. Each class contains top draft picks that will play sooner, and some will have to be developed.

Looking at the team needs. Wide receiver has been addressed.

It's well known that the "Orange Bowl Bearcats" were full of seniors on defense. How will this class help fill that void?



Bearcat Sports page.Com will have more comments from Coach Kelly tomorrow. Other topics discussed were the influence being on TV had on some of the recruits and how the summer camp at UC helps strengthen the recruiting process.