Category: UC Basketball

Pitino Fired Over Corruption Allegations; What Does It All Mean?

September 27, 2017

The University of Louisville has placed Rick Pitino and athletic director Tom Jurich on administrative leave. While the circumstances surrounding Pitino’s likely ouster continue to pour forward, here is what we do know…

The FBI conducted an investigation into corruption in the college basketball recruiting world. Just this week the FBI indicted a number of coaches. In addition, the United States government referenced an unnamed university as “University-6“ in its indictment. University of Louisville officials confirmed they are the unnamed university in the indictment.

According to other reports triangulating information from the FBI’s allegations, U of L freshman Brian Bowen – a five-star recruit who was playing on an Adidas-sponsored AAU team – accepted $100,000 (in four installment payments) to attend the University of Louisville. Reacting swiftly, the University apparently determined Coach Pitino and the Cardinal basketball program had sustained one too many scandals and held a press conference today.

For now, Pitino and Tom Jurich are on leave. Sources close to the program indicate Pitino expects to be terminated and that he has stated as much to his assistant coaches. There is a 10 day notice provision in Pitino’s coaching contract requiring the University to provide 10 days of advanced notice prior to terminating his employment.

What’s at stake? For starters, the U of L basketball program is already on NCAA probation for a scandal involving strippers and prostitutes performing for recruits in the basketball dorm. If these allegations against the program are proven true, the Cardinals basketball program could receive the death penalty from the NCAA.

Then, there is the above-the-table money the University of Louisville and Rick Pitino haul in each season…

Pitino is was the highest paid coach in college basketball, receiving nearly $8 million each season. If he’s fired – for cause – then Pitino will forfeit his contractual entitlement to be paid more than $55 million through 2026.

And let’s not forget about the University, either. Make no mistake, firing Rick Pitino is not a great financial windfall for U of L. Under Pitino’s less-than-watchful eye, Forbes recently ranked the Cards as the most valuable college basketball program, generating approximately $29.1 million of p-p-p-p-p-profit each season for the University.

As an aside, it’s worth mentioning that Brian Bowen’s name will likely be villainized by the media and college athletics establishment. His draft prospects may even be adversely impacted by “character issues.” Yet (assuming he stayed two years), his $100k amounts to (i) 0.17% of the profit his team will generate for the University, and (ii) only 1.2% of Pitino’s annual salary those years. I know, I know, the free education and meal plan…

How does this news potentially impact Bearcats fans? In a word – Cronin.

The University of Louisville is going to be looking for a new head basketball coach and history suggests price is not a problem. Our head coach happens to run a stable, squeaky-clean program. By the way, and despite the $0 player payroll, the program is thriving, especially heading into this season.

Is he a target? Is UC actually Mick Cronin’s dream job? Would he or any of the other name brand coaches want to pick up the pieces in Louisville?

This much is clear, he coached under Pitino once upon a time, his salary is about $5 million less than Pitino’s salary, and Vegas has him as the odds-on-favorite to become the next U of L coach. Those facts alone don’t suggest he’s a slam dunk choice to replace Pitino, but he will certainly be on Louisville’s short list of coaches to target.

Time will tell. For now, I am just grateful that our basketball program is cleanly led, and hope Mick sticks around to chop down nets this April.

By Brian Fox

Senior Night Blowout to Close Out Fifth Third Arena Until 2018

March 3, 2017

Thursday night was the last home game of the 2016-2017 season and also the last game to be played inside Fifth Third Arena before she gets a makeover and renovations begin this offseason. Make it TWENTY-SIX wins in a row at home! UC won 65-47. If you haven’t seen the drawings for the new arena, be sure to go check them out.

​Senior walk-on Zack Tobler started the game and made the very first bucket of the game for UC. The Cougars kept it close early, but the Cats quickly pulled away. UC opened-up a 37-20 halftime lead. Houston certainly didn’t do themselves any favor shooting the ball, going 26% from 3 and only 37% from the field. The Bearcats did not let their foot off the gas in the second half, leading by as many as 25 in the second half.

Gary Clark led the Bearcats with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Six players scored 7 or more points. Senior point guard Troy Caupain finished the night with 11 points, 4 boards, 5 assists, and 2 steals. Senior walk on Zack Tobler ended going 2-2 on the night for 3 points. Senior guard Kevin Johnson had 7 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.

Hats off to our seniors – Troy Caupain, Kevin Johnson, and Zack Tobler!

By Andy Smith

Bearcats Blow The Doors Off Memphis, 87-74

February 24, 2017

Thursday evening could have easily been a trap game for UC, but Mick Cronin wasn’t having it. The #15 ranked UC Bearcats took an early lead and never looked back, carrying a 51-32 edge into halftime. Memphis outscored the Bearcats in the second half, 42-36, but could not overcome UC’s red-hot opening half lead.

Memphis shot the ball over 50% from the field, but only earned 12 free-throws. Meanwhile, UC drove the ball, earned fouls, and made 23-28 free-throws. Clearly, Mick Cronin is putting more emphasis on shooting free-throws. Kyle Washington was even practicing them during warmups right before tipoff.

The Bearcats ended with 4 in double-figures. Kyle Washington led the way with 16 points and 6 boards. He went a perfect 6-6 from the line. Gary Clark added 13 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and a monster, ESPN Top 10, one-handed jam (he also made the free-throw for the and 1). If you haven’t seen it, stop and go watch right now. The bench also showed up, contributing 24 points, including 9 from Jarron Cumberland.

UC only had 6 turnovers for the game, and everyone seemed to play well and share the ball. The Cats made a number of athletic dunks, steals, and blocks, and really stretched the floor well. If the Bearcats can replicate this performance moving forward, they will go deep into March, and be really fun to watch. National pundits are already beginning to acknowledge this may very well be Cronin’s best team in his 11 years in Clifton.

With just three games remaining, the Bearcats travel to play UCF on Sunday at 3 pm. Only one more home game remains before Fifth Third arena is gutted and renovations begin.

By Andy Smith

Bearcats Send The Golden Hurricane Packing, 80-60

February 19, 2017

​This one was never close folks. Maybe it was the Bearcats dressed as Pikachu. Maybe it was residual frustration from the road loss at SMU. Maybe it was Mick Cronin ensuring a solid week of practice. Whatever the reason, UC dominated from start to finish.

​Kyle Washington had one of his quintessential game – 18 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. Five – count them – 5 Bearcats had double figures. Kevin Johnson continues his shooting streak, going 5-8 from the field with 15 points and 2 steals. The bench added just 5 points without Jarron Cumberland today. UC shot 47% from 3-point range and a whopping 56% from the field!

​Going forward, especially into the AAC tournament and March Madness, I cannot stress enough the need to drastically improve free throw shooting. UC went 16 of 26 today, but they have to get their shooting percentage up. UC can play tenacious defense and can stretch the floor with a deep bench. This team is poised to make a March run, but if they face an equally deep bench who can hack and foul our big men, the Bearcats have got to be able to make opponents pay from the charity stripe.

​Next up UC plays Memphis (18-9, 8-6) on Thursday night at 7 pm at home.  

Congrats to Mick Cronin, who owns the record for the most career wins of any coach under the age of 45 with his 300th win today!

By Andy Smith

Bearcats Turn Tacko Into Taco Salad, 60-50

February 10, 2017

UCF’s Tacko (pronounced “Taco”) Fall was a sight to see inside Fifth Third Arena late Wednesday night. The 7’ 6” center can’t jump or move, and has never really played basketball his entire life, but he towers over his opponents. You could see Kyle Washington’s smile a mile away going against him during the opening tip.

Other than that, the Bearcats handled the Knights with ease, completing the home-and-home sweep. Mixing in a full court press defense, UC looked crisp on defense, holding UCF to 39% from the floor and 20% from 3. The Knights took just 48 shot attempts to UC’s 65.

The Cats did not shoot the ball particularly well in this low scoring affair. Kyle Washington had 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals. Jacob Evans added 11. The entire UC bench contributed 13 points.

Make it 15 wins in a row! The Cats continue to do enough to string W’s together, and they are staying healthy doing so.

Next up UC faces a talented #25 SMU team (20-4, 10-1) on the road on Sunday. It took everything the Cats had to beat the Mustangs in Cincinnati. This one is certainly the toughest game remaining on UC’s schedule.

By Andy Smith

The Fighting Mick Cronins Win But Coach Isn’t Satisfied – “Winning Makes Teams Soft”

February 5, 2017

Two blemishes. Two losses. Twenty-three games and only two losses.

The Bearcats dropped their first game against the University of Rhode Island on the road in the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament. The second loss came against Butler University 14 games ago, again on the road — that time in historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. The Fighting Mick Cronins competed in both games, but came up just short.

Yesterday, UC got all over UCONN in front of more than 13,000 fans at Fifth Third Arena and now have the third longest winning streak in the country. The margin of victory was only 14 by the sound of the final buzzer (82-68); however, the game never felt competitive. Was UCONN hobbled by injuries? Sure, but it would not have mattered yesterday, not this season.

I will go a step further…the Bearcats would have won yesterday even if Jim Calhoun was assisting Kevin Ollie and Shabazz Napier was running point for the Huskies. UC is good this year. Scary good. They put up 82 points after their leading scorer, Jacob Evans, only took three shots. This UC team, unlike years past, figures out a way to gut out tough wins and score points.

Is Evans not getting into the flow of the game? Not a problem, Kyle Washington will hit for 27 points. Troy Caupain sputtering for only 7 points? No worries, Young Gary Clark will drop 20 points on 14 shots, and Superfrosh Jarron Cumberland will heat up for a cool 15 points. They figure out a way to score, somehow, some way.

With the excitement and anticipation building for this team, how does all of this make Head Coach Mick Cronin feel? You guessed it – pissed. Wait…what?

In his post game interview, Cronin had the following observations…

  • On the overall team effort yesterday, “Jacob Evans had one deflection. Kyle Washington had zero. Tonight, they combined for one more deflection than my mother, who passed away in 2005, had.”
  • On why Jacob Evans struggled, “You soak up adulation and that is what happens.”
  • On this team’s potential, “I want to make a run in March…you’ve got to play defense all the time…Tulsa was our best win this year because we had so many deflections in the final minutes of that game.”
  • On the win against UCONN, “We only had 18 deflections the entire game.”
  • On this team, “Winning makes teams soft.”

Why is Coach Cronin annoyed? I think there’s a couple reasons. First, he’s from Cincinnati. Cincinnati sports fans, and even sometimes coaches, understand “we can’t have nice things.” Also it’s February in the Midwest and pessimism comes easily.

Second, he’s a good coach. Good coaches don’t let up on talented players and teams. Ever. Sure, this UC team is special. They’re better than any Bearcats team I can recall in the last decade. That said, March isn’t about potential or talent.

March is about guts, grit, and greatness.

March is about killer instinct.

March is for closers.

Do we have any of those? Coach Cronin wants to know. And so do I.

By Brian Fox

For more, follow along on Twitter/Snapchat – @bearcatsradio; Instagram – @bearcatssportsradio.

Bearcats Throw Huskies Back to the 90’s, 82-68

February 4, 2017

Throwback Saturday inside Fifth Third was a fun time. The UA throwback jerseys were a hit. The final 4 team was honored. Chris Moore and his fiancée were in the house. At no point in this game were the Cats in trouble.  

Jacob Evans scored 0 points. Troy Caupain had just 7. UC still cruised to an easy W. Kyle Washington led the way with 27 points, 8 boards, and 2 assists. Gary Clark wasn’t far behind at 20 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. And of course, Jarron Cumberland continues to add a spark, going 5-9 for 15 points and 4 steals.

UC shot 50% for the game, including 46% from 3 – and wait for it – 83% from the free-throw line (10-12)! The Cats dished the ball around, racking up 22 assists and only having 8 turnovers.

Now 21-2 on the season, UC has won 14 in a row and are poised to move into the top-10 with another win or so. Next up UCF at home Wednesday night at 9 pm.

The throwback jerseys will soon hit all the local bookstores so make sure to get yourself one while they last. Under Armour once again outdid themselves with these hot mamajamas.  

By Andy Smith

UC Beats The Kids Across The Street, 86-78

January 27, 2017

Thursday night Fifth Third Arena was a mad house during the 2017 edition of the Crosstown Shootout. As early as an hour before the game the arena was filling up, including a full student section. Over 13,400 were in attendance. The Ruckus, local celebrities, former players, Oscar, a bunch of free black UC shirts, Skyline – what more could you ask for?

First things first. Trevon Bluiett was absolutely on fire for Xavier. At the half, he was 8-8 with 26 points, including a ridiculous 3 at the buzzer. At that point, X was shooting 66.7% from beyond the arch, yet the score was still just 44-36, Xavier. UC was able to limit all other Musketeers, including Edmond Sumner. And make no mistake about it, both of those guys will be in the NBA soon enough.

UC did not make any adjustments at halftime other than simply to play harder defense and turn up the intensity. The Bearcats did just that. In the second half, X shot the ball just 26.7%. For the game, UC outscored Xavier in the paint, 34-12. Cincinnati had 30 second-chance points to Xavier’s 4. Overall, both team limited turnovers and fast break points. This was a half-court game, which greatly benefited UC.

In the post-game press conference, Chris Mack opened-up by stating X “got their asses kicked on the glass.” He was a true professional, complementing Mick Cronin. Coach Cronin said the second half D won the game. Both are true.

Another huge component that cannot be understated– Jarron Cumberland is an absolute beast. Mick saved him for the second half. Midway through, he went on a streak, scoring 15 much-needed points. Although coach Mack said he accounted for Cumberland on the scouting report, Cumberland simply showed out for this game. Being a local guy, this game was special for Jarron. Troy Caupain noticed this on the court, mentioning this was the first time he’s ever seen Cumberland talk trash. He was the X factor and stretched the 1-3-1 Xavier zone to its breaking point.

UC ended the game with 5 players in double figures – talk about freaking balance. Gary Clark secured 11 boards. Kyle Washington added 4 blocks. The Bearcats did not need to cross their fingers and pray for a great night from downtown. UC played great defense, rebounded the ball, selected good shots, and scored in the paint. This game could not have gone better.

This game showed Cincinnati’s depth. Xavier is a great team. This was a huge game. In a back-and-forth battle, UC came out on top. Moving forward, we hope UC earns the respect they deserve and catapult into at least the top 15, after winning 11 games in a row. The Cats haven’t lost since the Butler road game on December 10th last year. The AAC gets a bad rap, but the Crosstown Shootout showed that UC can not only compete, but beat great teams. It’s time to put some respect on it, right Birdman?

Next up UC faces South Florida at home on Sunday at 4 pm.

By Andy Smith

Because We Want to Do It Big in 2017, Bearcats Sports Radio Adds to Existing Arsenal with Video and Podcasting Coverage

January 21, 2017

Let me begin by saying something simple — thanks…

Thank you for continuing to read Bearcats Sports Radio articles and sharing them with your social networks. Thank you for the many kind things you’ve shared in person and online. I even thank some of you for occasional Twitter squabbles as a little conflict makes life more interesting.

When I launched the blog a couple summers ago, I was pretty clueless. I didn’t know anyone that worked in athletics, let alone UC athletics. I had no experience writing regular content about sports. Far from technically savvy (attorney by trade), Bearcats Sports Radio was the first website I’d ever built. Knowing my personal limitations, I launched anyway because I wanted to make a difference. 

I attended and graduated from UC’s College of Law while Brian Kelly was leading the Bearcats football program to national prominence. I love the University, its athletic programs and traditions, its architecture, its urban settting and proximity to downtown, and the student community. I launched anyway because I wanted to give back some of what I’d received from UC by doing things I love – writing, encouraging people, trying to make people laugh, and connecting people to each other and their community.

Despite the unflinchingly positive position I’ve maintained at times, the blog’s readership and impact continues to grow. Does negativity sell, especially on social media? Sure…but that’s not fun to me, doesn’t build the UC brand, and that won’t be BSR. I feel like most of you get it – sports, even Cincinnati’s version of hard-luck sports, are supposed to be a pasttime, a stress reliever, an avocation.

In addition to other growth metrics, the number of people that make Bearcats Sports Radio impactful to the UC community has increased. Andy Smith was the first person to help me after I labored by my lonesome for the first several months of BSR’s existence, and he’s been incredibly helpful ever since.  Andy is also an attorney with a hectic professional calendar, yet he manages to be an incredibly reliable writer, collaborator, and friend. 

From the UC student community, Taylor D’Ambrosia (Twitter: @taydamn21), Drew Woodworth (Twitter: @drew_bsr), and Meg Rutz (Twitter: @meg_bsr) have started to contribute in different ways, which makes the next big opportunity for the blog all the more possible.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. But what about a podcast…or a video? I’ve long entertained the idea of podcasting/recording video content for the Bearcats faithful that frequent our humble website and social media accounts. Now that’s happening, as the video that follows demonstrates.

​​

Ryan McCarty and Dan Meyer will be my arm candy for some, if not most, podcasts/episodes. It’s worth noting that two years ago Mr. McCarty authored a scintillating and un-prophetic Big12 article entitled “Get Your Hair Did Bearcat Nation – Prom May Be Right Around the Corner.” In his defense, no one was prophetic when it came to Big12 expansion.

Again, thank you for following along, interacting with me on social media (and at games and when you recognize me out and about). I’m grateful that you and the other members of the UC community and fan base are a big part of my life. Have a great start to your year and don’t hesitate to reach out online or in person. Go Bearcats!

By Brian Fox

For more, please like us on Facebook, and follow along:

  • Twitter – @bearcatsradio
  • Snapchat – @bearcatsradio
  • Main Instagram – @bearcatssportsradio
  • My Instagram – @foxforohio

Bearcats B-Ball Squad Knocks Owls Flat on Their Backs, 81-74

January 19, 2017

After trailing the Temple Owls 28-26 at the half, Wednesday evening inside Fifth Third Arena, UC whipped up an excellent second half. Temple still shot the ball over 50% for the game, but the Bearcats clawed their way to another conference victory. Going 20-24 from the free throw line certainly helped.

Troy Caupain led the way with 18 points, 9 boards, and 7 assists, just like the preseason AAC Player of the Year that he is. Kyle Washington and Kevin Johnson each had 16 points. Jacob Evans was back to his old self, driving and shooting 3’s, with 15 on the night. The bench added 9 points, including 5 by Jarron Cumberland. UC is certainly scoring more this season, with 11 games over 70. 

Next up, UC travels to New Orleans Saturday to face Tulane at 4 pm. Then the biggest game of the year – Xavier comes to town next week, if you didn’t already know.

By Andy Smith