Sacred Heart transfer Cane Broome will be joining the University of Cincinnati Bearcats basketball program next year. Not only does he have a wicked name, but the little man can shoot the rock. He was the 8th leading scorer in the entire country last season and the NEC Player of the Year. After sitting out next year under the NCAA transfer regulations, Broome will be able to play his final two years in Clifton.
During his sophomore season, Cane averaged 23 points per game, shot 45% from the field, and shot free throws at 77%. He also added 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals per game. However, on the other hand, he only shot 31% from beyond the arch and had an assist to turnover ratio of 0.8. For Cane to become a force, he will need to shoot the long distance shots better and protect the rock. No matter how good of a shooter he is, Mick Cronin will not allow him on the court if he is prone to turnovers.
But, as we all know, statistics don’t always tell the whole story. Cane was “the guy” at Sacred Heart. He was circled on the scouting report and watched like a hawk. At UC he will not garner the same level of defensive attention, and should have more opportunities for open looks and to protect the ball. The Bearcats have a lot more weapons at their disposal than did Sacred Heart.
Standing 6-foot tall and 160 pounds, Cane’s size and weight may present problems when he faces the level of competition in the AAC presented by teams like UConn. I am sure the strength and conditioning staff can pack some pounds on Cane as they have done so well over the years. However, it will remain to be seen whether Cane’s game can transition to playing the tall and lengthy teams in and out of conference play. Differing reports state he is “silky smooth” and extremely athletic. If these proclamations hold true, his skillset can offset his size.
Cane grew up in East Hartford, Connecticut, so we are sure he is excited to play the Huskies twice a year for the rest of his college career. He was also a McDonalds All-American Nominee coming out of high school. We hope he can emulate his favorite athlete, Russell Westbrook, once he takes the floor at Fifth Third. We just hope he can dress better than Westbrook!
Cane chose the Bearcats over schools like Creighton due to the Cronin-led toughness of the UC program. And a tough Cane – after a year of sitting out while training, eating, and practicing – will be hard to beat.
By Andy Smith