High expectations for '09 Cats

Returning with a talented group of veterans and a star-studded class of freshmen, the University of Cincinnati’s Men’s Basketball team is gearing up for another exciting season.

UC head coach Mick Cronin has spent the last three seasons rebuilding the team from the ground up and returns this year with a multitude of depth and talent.

“We have some good guys back and some new talent,” Cronin said. “We have a chance to have a really good team.”

Leading this year’s freshmen class is the 12th-ranked recruit in the nation Lance Stephenson, according to Rivals.

The 6-foot-5, 220-pound shooting guard was a 2009 McDonald’s High School All-American and graduated with 2,946 points, making him New York’s all-time leading high school scorer.

“His talent offensively transcends his youth [and] he’s going to make a big impact,” Cronin said. “Guys like him don’t come along everyday.”

Freshman Jaquon Parker and red-shirt freshman Cashmere Wright are also expected to see a lot playing time, splitting minutes with each other at point guard. Cronin expects both players to have a big impact on the team.

“We don’t have to play a tired point guard,” Cronin said. “We’re going to be able to keep a fresh point guard in the game and its going to make it easier on both of them and help them have a better year.”

One of the biggest additions to the team this year is Oklahoma State transfer Ibrahima Thomas. The junior forward stands 6 feet 11 inches and 230 pounds.

“He’s a seven-foot guy who can shoot threes, score in the post [and] he’s a shot blocker,” Cronin said. “Thomas is going to totally change our team.”

Freshman guard Sean Kilpatrick, a McDonald’s High School All-American candidate, will add even more depth to the roster.

Returning guards include third-team all-Big East player and senior leader Deonta Vaughn as well as junior Larry Davis, sophomore Dion Dixon and junior Eddie Tyree.

Since Vaughn’s freshman year, he has been UC’s leading scorer and he will be moving back to shooting guard this year to help give the Bearcats a better offensive attack by making room for Parker and Wright at point guard.

Juniors Rashad Bishop and Darnell Wilks also return this year, with each of them splitting time at forward and guard.

The returning big men for the Bearcats are sophomore Yancy Gates, senior Steve Toyloy and junior Anthony McClain.

Gates was a 2008-09 Big East all-rookie player and is expected to play a lot of power forward in the 2009-10 campaign.

The Bearcats are looking to end their four-year NCAA tournament drought, although Cronin cautions people to not get too excited just yet.

“We play in the Big East,  everyone has good players in our league,” Cronin said. “The thing that is going to decide whether we win or lose will be our execution, togetherness and our toughness.”

The Bearcats start the season at home against Prairie View A&M. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 16.