Great Expectations: Preview to 2003-2004 Cincinnati Bearcat Season

I walked into the Shoemaker Center on a nice October day.  I could smell the LaRosa’s pizza. I could see the people in their Red and Black.  I could feel the energy in the fans as they high five me.  I could hear the excitement in the people's voices (Go Cats Go!) . . . . all this in hopes that we can experience the taste of victory.

It's the first day of practice…aka: Midnight Madness!  I couldn't wait to get there. I wanted to see what everyone else wanted to see.  The James White Show! I hear he can dunk with no hands, he can jump from the free-throw line and take it between his legs and most of all, and he is more exciting than Mel Levett. 

It seemed like before every dunk the crowd got on their feet and just started screaming.  I played with Mel Levett and he didn't have the people going crazy like White does.  Although White didn't connect on some of the dunk attempts, it was still fun to watch !

It is great to be a Bearcat fan this year.  They are going to have a fun team to watch. Bob Huggins is back full strength and UC can look forward to being a member of The Big East!

My thoughts on the team.  I like the talent on paper this year.  The key will be taking that off the paper and making it a beast on the court. I trust that it will happen.  You have to believe that Huggs will take this team far.

Front Court
I like the front court.  Robert Whaley is a great addition with his size and skill.  He often reminds me of Danny Fortson and one time showed me a Karl Malone-like fade way jumper. Give him time and he will be special player for Huggs.

Jason Maxiell and Kareem Johnson bring some experience to UC front line.  Max is going to have his best year yet, because he is now playing more of his true position.  Johnson has reshaped his body and attitude.  He will be the blue collar worker for this team.

I am still not sure where Hicks fits in the picture.  I like his strength and ability but I’m still waiting to see him deliver the goods.  If he explodes on the scene with a few good games, watch out!

Wing Position
The wing position is scary with Armein Kirkland, White and Mike Pilgrim. After watching practice two weeks ago, I was most impressed with White.  Dunking is not the only thing he can do.  He showed me he had a mid-range game, which to me is a lost art.  He also stepped back and popped a few three's.  Pilgrim has been hurt so I haven't really seen much of him. If Kirkland plays his game and doesn't force shots, it will really make this team that much better.  (Pilgrim practiced for the first time since his injury on Nov 8th)

Shooting Guard
Field Williams and Tony Bobbitt will be important keys this year.  Field will have to show that he can put the ball on the floor and create and Tony just needs to show up and play hard every night.  Sometimes Tony thinks that scoring points is playing good.  You don't have to score to be an effective player. 

Point Guard
I don't know what to think of the point guard position yet.  Nick Williams is a helluva player, but still is learning some things.  Jamal Lucas is a good backup.  I am not sure how Chadd Moore's back will hold up.  If he gets healthy, I believe he should have that job.  Let's keep our fingers crossed that he can play the whole season.

The Walk On
Last but not least, my favorite player John Meeker.  Meek gave some good minutes in the exhibition season.  His role will continue to be one I’m familiar with - "The last minute man."
I love to see him get in, because I know how it feels.  I often talk to him at practice and give him tips on being a walk on.  He and I talked last practice about this upcoming season.  He felt like he forced things to much last year.  I told him, "Just take shots within the offense, your teammates will get you open looks.  They want you to score."  He agreed.

The season comes down to two things. 
 - How well will this team sit down and guard?  If they listen to Huggs and buy into the defensive scheme, I think they will be a great team.
 - Figuring out who will be the offensive weapons.  Almost 6 guys on this team have a chance to score 20 or more points a game.  You have to have your Jordan and Pippen, then role players from there. Guys need to know their role, accept it, and do their job.

As much talent as this team possesses, it is still very young.  They will need time to gel and adjust to the system Huggs is putting in.  I suspect that midway through the season we will see major strides. 

It is too early to predict how far they will go in the tourney.  But, I guarantee (like Cincinnati Bengal Chad Johnson), this team will bring excitement back to the Shoe!

Huggs is back full strength and has his swagger back.  I like what he said at Midnight Madness: "We are going to get back to having fun!"  I knew then that Huggs was back!  This season is going to be exciting!

So many great things are going on at UC.  They have a new president, Varsity Village and playing in The Big East. UC fans have a lot to cheer about.

Go Bearcats!

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me by email.

Alex "Meach" Meacham
alex@shiningstarsports.com
Vice President, Shining Star Sports
"Teaching the game of life, through basketball"
A non-profit organization
www.shiningstarsports.com