Memo to Cincinnatti Bearcat fans: Remember the Blue Demons

It's pretty hard to believe that in December, the UC basketball season is over while UC football is still going.

Welcome to the current state of Bearcat hoops.

The University of Cincinnati President wanted the larger-than-life Bob Huggins out of her way so she could be the face of the Institution—now she can no longer show her face.

Enter Mick Cronin. The diminutive, babyfaced coach makes Mike Fratello look like Tito Ortiz. 

Coach Cronin has the huge task of rebuilding a program that has been condemned from the foundation up. Before you start shedding tears for coach Cronin, remember—he took this job fully aware of its status.

He was not dealt a bad hand, or a hand at all. He did not "inherit" this program. He asked for it. It was once a proud program in his home town and he wanted to go home.

Maybe he should have spoken with Ken Griffey Jr. before making his decision.

Some fans try and tranquilize themselves by playing the "Woe is Mick " card, making his plight look worse then it really is—which is sad, because we all can see he has a tough job. 

They claim now the only recruits he could get were those no one wanted. Not true.

A convenient white lie to try and sell your point of view? Sure, but the truth is John Williamson was recruited by the Big East, Big Ten, and the Big 12, among others. Jamaul Warren looked to be headed to Memphis after high school, and Deonta Vaughn was a University of Indiana recruit.

It appears to me that some fans are just looking for excuses and unfairly blaming the recruits. Under the circumstances, I think Mick has done a masterful job of recruiting. It's his coaching and the all-important ability to motivate that seem to be his major shortcomings.

When UC was searching for a new head coach. I thought Mick Cronin was a great candidate, and not a bad hire either. His work ethic is the stuff of legends. However, it's the little things that concern me, and make me wonder if he is ready to lead a big time program in a big time conference, with all the pressure that comes with it.

I have seen no proof of his players getting better. Most seem to have taken a step backwards. The barbs he shoots at his own players in the media shows a lack of saavy and maturity.

Losses to low-major teams at home cannot be allowed to become the norm. Mick has yet to connect with the fans and bring them back. At times it seemed his own team has thrown in the towel.

Feel sorry for the fans, not Mick—because he chose this. I don't believe in giving him a "pass"; passes kill programs. Ask Depaul, who gave Joey Meyers pass after pass because his father was a legend there.

UC should be actively looking for the next big thing. The Huggs era is a memory now and I'm sure there are quality guys who wouldn't mind following behind Mick Cronin. I was secretly hoping Kevin O'Neil would stay under the radar and perhaps become UC's head coach next season.

While Kevin is no John Wooden, he seems to have what this team needs right now—a kick in the pants.

The time is right to nab a good coach. Why wait till Cincinnati is known for being a lousy program before you start looking to hire?  Believe it or not, there are high school kids who don't remember a good UC team.

We can always say wait till next year, but next year never comes. St. Johns lost Lou Carnaseca and they are still waiting for next year. Georgetown lost John Thompson II , and how many years did they have to wait for next year? And don't forget UNLV.

Don't think that I want Mick's head on a platter. But I think it would be wise to start looking and keep our options open. Before you know it, we could be deemed mediocre just like the Blue Demons.

And it could be avoided.