Cincinnati Basketball: New-Look Bearcats Open Preseason With 86-58 Victory

Darnell Wilks and the no-longer-undermanned Cincinnati Bearcats shook off an early second half rut to pull away from Division II Saginaw Valley State, 86-58, in the first exhibition game of the 2009-10 season in front of over 6,000 excited fans at 5th Third Arena.

The game was mostly sloppy, which is not uncommon at the beginning of a season for a team with new faces.  Sophomore Yancy Gates, a 6'9" 260 pound beast, led UC with 16 points, including 6-6 from the foul line and a giant two-handed slam off of a full-court feed from freshman point guard Jaquon Parker. 

The real story was of course the much-anticipated debut of Lance "Born Ready" Stephenson, the all-time leading scorer in the rich history of New York high school hoops.  The media had speculated since Stephenson committed to Cincinnati that he may be subject to a suspension, due to assumed extra benefits received during his recruiting process. 

But, at about 2:20 this afternoon, Bearcat fans across the country were elated at the news that the 6'6" tank-guard would not miss any games.  I will just offer that it took all of my self control not to get up on top of my desk at work and jump up and down and pump my fist and yell.  It's about &$#@in' time, NCAA!

As for Lance's night on the floor, it wasn't the thirty point lightfest many fans expected.  Stephenson finished with nine points on 4-14 shooting, including 1-for-3 from downtown.  But, speaking as the voice of Bearcat fans everywhere, it was just great to see him in a UC uniform, playing basketball with Deonta Vaughn and Steve Toyloy and the rest of the crew.

Also, many of the shots Stephenson missed were right on line but just a touch strong, which means he was possibly a little too jacked up for the game.  Can't fault the kid for that.  All signs point to a big season from the 225-pound guard/forward.

And so, the season is underway.  For the first time in head coach Mick Cronin's four seasons at UC, he has a full thirteen scholarship players.  Included among the stable is redshirt freshman Cashmere Wright, who sat out last season with a torn ACL.  The year off may have cost Cash experience, but the rehab went well, resulting in a twenty pound weight gain and a four-inch increase in his vertical leap (from 33" to 37"!).  It was simply nice to see a true point guard in a Bearcat uniform tonight.  Wright finished with three points, seven assists, and just one turnover.

This looks like it should be an exciting season in Clifton.  And, for patient Bearcat fans everywhere, all of the frustration starting with the NCAA snub in 2006 and running through the past three undermanned, undersized, talent-lacking seasons should make the 2009-10 Cincinnati Bearcat quest that much more enjoyable. 

Let's all enjoy the journey.  May the destination be as follows:  Sit back in your chair, close your eyes, and imagine filling out your 2010 NCAA Tournament bracket.  "How far should I pick the Bearcats to go," you ask yourself.