My Cincinnati/C-USA Preview

[Keith Wedinger]

On the eve of UC's first exhibition game, I offer up my preview of the
upcoming season.

I think we all agree that this year's team has quite a bit of raw
talent, the operative word being raw.  Let's face it folks.  When you
lose the C-USA Player of the Year, arguably the best one-on-one
defender, and a post player who more or less functioned as an on-court
coach, there will be a drop off.  At times, this team will amaze us with
what it can do.  And at other times, we will probably be left screaming,
"what in the *&#$(*& are they doing?"  I think this team will win some
games that some expected them to lose and to be frank, I think this team
will lose a couple of games that it was expected to win.  Inexperience
at 4 of the 5 starting positions takes time to overcome.

A lot of folks seem to think that either Marquette or Louisville and
perhaps both will finish ahead of UC in the American Division standings.
To be honest, I like Louisville's chances more than Marquette's.  I
think Marquette is really going to miss Cordell Henry, their departed
senior point guard.  Wade is certainly the most talented player on that
team but Henry was the captain of that ship.  Marquette will be factor
in the C-USA race but I would not be surprised if their win total does
not equal last years.  Louisville is deeper this season which should
allow Pitino to go back to his pressing style a bit more.  I think the
Cardinals will be UC's biggest roadblock to earning their 8th straight
title.  If UC can split with the Cardinals, split with Marquette, do
their normal National Division sweep, I think UC will be in great shape.

Regarding postseason possibilities, I think UC, Louisville and Marquette
are your preseason locks.  Memphis might sneak in but I think the Tigers
may be NIT bound again because they lost a wealth of talent from last
season.  I think Charlotte will be their normal pain in the behind once
again.  And I think the National Division will continue to bring down
C-USA's overall power rating.  Does anyone think that any team from the
National Division outside of maybe Memphis will contend for the C-USA
title?

J. Keith Wedinger
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