Cincinnati Bearcats: Not Quite Big Enough Yet

Unfortunately, Monday night showed that the Cincinnati Bearcats (12-7, 2-4 Big East) aren’t tough enough just yet.  That’s not to say that this team won’t BE tough enough.  It just means that at this point in time, UC has some growing to do in the balls region. 

We don’t need to single out any one player or blame head coach Mick Cronin for this.  This team is extremely young.  Only one player in the rotation is listed as a senior.  Only two players in the rotation are listed as juniors.  The other seven Bearcats who get minutes are freshmen and sophomores. 

It’s not that this team is afraid of being physical.  The Bearcats out-rebound almost every team they face.  In fact, Cincinnati has grabbed the fifth most rebounds in all of America this season. 

Last night was an example of not knowing how to battle through fatigue to be strong with the ball and own the defensive backboard.  The Bearcats turned the ball over 17 times and let Providence (12-6, 4-2) grab 14 offensive rebounds in a 72-63 loss at the Dunkin Donuts Center. 

So far, it is evident that the Bearcats as a whole do not understand what it is to be mentally tough on a nightly basis.  Of course, after playing a road game just two days before and then flying to Rhode Island, the legs aren’t going to be there. 

But that’s where mental toughness comes in.  You have GOT to be strong with the ball.  You have GOT to block out and go get those missed shots.  If you can’t do that, on the road against a good team, you’re leaving with a big fat L. 

The first reflex as a fan in this situation is to say that this team is a bunch of p****** or that Mick Cronin isn’t a good enough coach.  I choose to look at these setbacks as good learning experiences for a young team that is trying to get better and will get better. 

Take a look at Connecticut.  What are they, No. 3 in the country right now?  Well where were they two years ago when the team was a bunch of freshman and sophomores?  Oh yeah, not even in the NIT.  6-10 in the Big East.  But they grew up, made the tournament last year, and now they are a legit title threat.  It takes patience sometimes. 

One quick thought about Yancy Gates though.  Gates missed a bunch of close-range shots last night.  If I were Cronin, I would tell Yancy that if he ever SHOOTS a shot from four feet or closer, he’s coming out of the game.  I want a dunk attempt!  Take a power dribble and ram that sh*t!  This is the Big East.  I don’t care if you foul out on five charges if all the charges come on dunk attempts.  You dunk a few and guys will get out of your way.  Stop with the four-footers and fade-away jumphooks.  DUNK IT big fella!

Next Up: Thursday, 6:00 PST @ St. John's (ESPNU)