Cincinnati News, Summer Reports, Zach Smart

CINCINNATI SUMMER REPORT

‘Born Ready’ adds to Bearcats’ hype, but solid nucleus is also in place for UC in 09-10

By Zach Smart

With the late signing of New York City phenom Lance “Born Ready” Stephenson, the Cincinnati Bearcats may have weathered the storm while righting the backcourt ship.

Stephenson’s recruiting process was heavily-scrutinized and as topsy turvy as they come, with the talking heads questioning his eligibility and amateur status. With the NCAA in private investigator mode–cracking down on high-majors like UConn, Memphis, and suddenly baller-barren USC–the circus may be heading to the Ohio River before we know it.

On the other side of the coin, the 6-foot-6 guard from Brooklyn could ressurrect an ailing program. He forms a dynamic 1-2 punch with 6-foot-1 senior Deonta Vaughn (15.3 PPG, 4.7 APG), who’s long carried the tag of go-to-guy. The Bearcats also plug a blossoming young forward in sophomore Yancy Gates (10.6 PPG, 48% FG), a dependable beneficiary of Stephenson’s flashy dishes inside.

If the controversial Stephenson can circumvent the ever-growing NCAA investigation process and shed oft-noticed attitude issues, a Bearcat resurgence may be in the cards.

It all adds some buzz to a Big East that’s overflowing with the nation’s top-tier players.

KEY LOSSES:

Mike Williams, 6-7 F: Jumbo forward opted not to pursue a 6th season of eligibility and his UC career was over after just one season on the court. His 17.6 PPG during a vital five-game conference stretch was indicative of his potential, which largely went untapped in a college career that was sidetracked by a transfer from Texas and a torn achilles that caused him to miss the 2007-2008 season with UC.

Alvin Mitchell, 6-5 F: Undersized forward went to sleep when the Big East slate emerged…He awoke and registered his presence with a 15-point performance against Villanova, then later with a 14-point performance against Louisville. That was the summary of Mitchell’s ill-fated two-year career with the Bearcats. He spent most of the second half of his freshman season suspended and was dismissed from the program by coach Cronin following the 2008-2009 season.

Also…seldom used Kenny Belton took a medical hardship, he will not lose his scholarship, but injuries have ended his Bearcat career.

KEY RETURNERS:

Deonta Vaughn, 6-1 G: Indiana-bred sniper has shouldered the onus of explosive scorer for three straight years at Cinci. Now, with a solid nuclues all returning, Vaughn has the chance to steer the big Bearcat boat into uncharted waters. The kid who hit up Notre Dame for a 34-spot deletes some of the stress of do-it-all guard with the presence of Stephenson and Cashmere Wright’s presence to play point guard. Still, in his final season as a Bearcat, Vaughn needs to bring the ratchet every game. In the last leg of his storied career, Vaughn can’t fade away into the abyss like he did during losses to Pitt and Louisville.

Yancy Gates, 6-9, F: A 22-point, 11-board showing in a win over West Virginia showed just how effective Gates could be when he roams the paint and executes an arsenal of post moves. If the Bearcats’ homegrown product can show more consistency, they’ll have the services of a veritable walking double-double next season.

Dion Dixon, 6-3 G: Chicago native provides solid minutes off the bench, though he must rectify his stroke. The trigger-happy Dixon also needs to alter a suspect shot selection…Can get to the rim and draw fouls, also active on the glass for a guard.

Larry Davis, 6-3 G: A feast-or-famine piece to the flooded Cinci backcourt puzzle…Davis (6.8 PPG) tends to weather his storms with El Aziza-hot shooting. He proved he can heat it up during flashes last season, dropping 21 points on 8-for-14 FG in the Notre Dame win.

Rashad Bishop, 6-6 F: Gives Mick Cronin quality minutes and can turn in double-digit scoring affairs against Big East bullies. Once again, Bishop is another player that’s too erratic to become an essential ingredient. Look for Bishop’s numbers to spike in 2009-10.

Anthony McClain, 7-0 C: ‘Biggie’ came to Cincinnati with big promise, but that promise has been limited to quick flashes. Still has a need to develop strength and offensive skills inside, with a deeper pool around him, his chances could be fleeting.

Steven Toyloy, 6’8 BF/C: Toyloy was a JUCO transfer who added some beef to the UC line-up and is a strong rebounder. He has a role and he plays to it.

KEY NEWCOMERS:

Lance Stephenson, 6-6 G: Left a lasting legacy as the all-time leading scorer in New York State. Stephenson, he of the electrifying dunks, smooth stroke, and streetball-like flair, is now a blue chip in the jersey of a team stuffed in the Big East’s lower-percentile. Perceived character issues aside, Stephenson could take the world by storm and quickly surface as a one-and-done.

Sean Kilpatrick, 6-5 G/F: Another New York area player with a penchant for permeating the teeth of the defense and scoring the ball. “SK” is at-times streaky, but carries an efficient arsenal of 20-footers, good life from beyond the arc, and the ability to score in clusters. At traditional hoop hotbed Notre Dame Prep, Kilpatrick also became a presence in the passing lanes. Still, scoring the rock is his calling card.

Cashmere Wright, 6’0 PG: Was expected to take the point guard reigns as a freshman, but a preseason knee injury left the high-scoring Georgia native on the sidelines for the season. Will team with Vaughn at the lead guard position and, along with Stephenson, rises the backcourt talent and depth significantly this season.

Ibrahim Thomas, 6’10 C: Transfer from Oklahoma State will be eligible mid year and provides another big body in the frontcourt, giving the Bearcats a very talented roster that is deep inside and outside. Thomas can block some shots, but also likes to step outside and shoot from the three-point arc. Will need to acquire a more physical mentality for the Big East, but tools to success are there.

NBE Blogger Says…
If the return of experienced front-end performers Deonta Vaughn and Yancy Gates with the arrival of Lance Stephenson does not excite the sagging Cincinnati Bearcat fan base, nothing will. Since the controversial parting of ways with Bob Huggins, this is the most talent laded UC squad yet. While the last two seasons they have slumped down the stretch, seeing dreams of NCAA Tournament bids pop like the bubble they were on. This season, in Mick Cronin’s fourth year at the helm, the pieces are there to challenge for an upper-quadrant finish in the Big East and a return to the NCAA Tournament.

Previous Summer Reports:
Connecticut Summer Report
Syracuse Summer Report
South Florida Summer Report