Mick Cronin to Big East: Do I Have Your Attention Yet?

Another ranked Big East team visits Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati, and another ranked Big East team leaves with an L. 

For the second time in a week, the rapidly improving Cincinnati Bearcats pulled an upset—this time a hard-fought 62-59 battle of attrition victory over No. 16 Pittsburgh on Saturday—moving Mick Cronin’s troops into a tie for second place in the Big East standings with a 4-2 mark. 

UC (9-9, 4-2) has now doubled last year’s conference win total, and there are still 12 games on the slate. 

I don’t think I need to toot my own horn and tell you that “I told you so,” but I will say this: While I’m not completely shocked that Cronin’s squad has gotten this much better this fast, I am definitely in awe of what has occurred so far in 2008. 

The Bearcats have by far and away the most impressive wins in conference play of any of the 16 teams.  Louisville, Syracuse, Villanova, and now Pittsburgh?!  It’s an incredible story, and for Bearcat fans, there are no words to describe how sweet each of these wins has been.

Everyone knows the story by now, but it’s unbelievable that in only one year’s time, UC is now beating teams that it couldn’t come within 20 points of last season.  Making this even more impressive is the fact that none of the six freshmen on the team were rated in the Top 50 by any recruiting service. 

Oh by the way, these Bearcats are basically the least experienced team in the entire nation.  The roster does not include any players in their 3rd scholarship year.  According to Cronin, no other team in America can say that, it’s “unheard of.” 

All signs point to this team continuing to improve.  The kids all have great attitudes and are willing to do anything to win ballgames.  They listen to the coaches, and are eager to correct their mistakes.  Cronin and his staff have the Bearcats playing extremely hard, and it has shown in the defensive and rebounding statistics lately. 

Most importantly though, this team has learned how to win—both on the road (at Louisville) and at home where they are 3-0 in league play.  Confidence is growing stronger by the day.

Sophomore Deonta Vaughn (16.7 ppg, 4.3 apg) has embraced the leadership role bestowed upon him by Cronin.  Senior John Williamson (9.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg) has also answered the bell.  Freshman forward Rashad Bishop has been gigantic in the two upset wins over Villanova and Pittsburgh.

So far, Cronin has Rick Pitino, Jim Boeheim, Jay Wright, and Jamie Dixon’s attention.  The rest of the Big East coaches might want to take notice—or else Mick'll getcha.