From: msherrick@kean.ucs.mun.ca
Subject: Re: Bearcat's next year
Organization: Memorial University. St.John's Nfld, Canada
Date: Mon, 6 Apr 1992 21:02:42 GMT

In article <1992Apr6.123753.1043@ucbeh.san.uc.edu>, raines@ucbeh.san.uc.edu writes:
>   There is no joy in Mudville, the mighty Bearcats have struck out.
> Congratulations to Michigan on their victory in the national semifinal
> game. But, being a long time Cub fan, the halls resound with a heatry
> "wait until next year".
>   Seriously, the fans here at UC are ecstatic over the performance of UC this
> year.  For a team that spent 13 years in obscurity, with a coach who couldn't
> recruit (Ed Badger) and then a coach who couldn't coach (Tony Yates), 29-5 is
> flat out outrageous.  Coach Huggins has done a tremendous job bringing the 
> program back from obscurity: 1989-90 with 20 wins and an NIT bid, 1990-91 18
> wins and an NIT bid,  and this year 29 wins and a final four.  Huggins gets
> the most out of his talent.  This is the first year he has had more than five
> legitimate division 1 players on the squad.  For his style of play, depth is
> critical.  Things can only get better here.
>    The Bearcats loose some important players to graduation:  Herb Jones,
> Anthony Buford, and Jeff Scott.  Little used reserves Mike Reicheneker and
> B.J. Ward (already graduated) also leave.  Returning players with significant
> minutes include:  Nick Van Excel 6-1 G, Corie Blount 6-10 C, Terry Nelson
> 6-5 F, Erik Martin 6-5 F, A.D. Jackson 6-1 G, and Tarrance Gibson 6-3 G.
> Players that were redshirted this year and who should contribute are:
> Curtis Bostic 6-5 F a sophmore, and John Jacobs 6-7 F a freshman.  Also, the
> Bearcats have LaZelle Durden 6-3 G, a prop48 freshman out of Toledo if he
> makes the academic requirements this year.  He is expected to qualify.
> Although we've not broken into the upper echelon in recruiting, Huggins is
> finally able to bring in some freshmen players next year.  Incoming frosh
> are: Keith Gregor 6-5 G-F from Cincinnati Lakota H.S., David Evans 6-2 G from
> Joliet West H.S. Illinois, and  Darrick Ford 6-8 F from Suitland H.S. in
> Lanham, Maryland.   One junior college player has also committed: Scott
> Young 6-8 G from Brevard CC, Florida.   At least two others players are leaning 
> to UC for next year: Joe Hooks 6-8 F from Trinty Valley Community College in
> Texas, and Bryant Bowden 6-8 F from Canton McKinley H.S., Ohio.  Disclaimer:
> all heights should be taken with a grain of salt.  They are from the local
> newspaper.


I agree completely. The Bearcats had a great year. They certainly 
exceeded all expectations.

Although it is certainly realistic to expect the Bearcats to be a top 
twenty team next year, let's not get carried away, however. The 
Bearcats still have one major shortcoming:  a lack of a quality, bona 
fide center. There are not even any true centers listed among the 
recruits or potential recruits. Although UC can be an excellent team 
without such a player, as they demonstrated this year, I doubt that 
they can be a true national power without an excellent big man.

In summary, I in no way wish to criticize the Bearcats or coach 
Huggins, because I think they deserve nothing but praise. In addition, 
like the original writer, I expect them to be a regular participant in 
the NCAA for years to come. Realism, however, forces me to argue that 
they will not be a true national power until they get a quality big 
man.

Mike Sherrick