Re: Non-conference report card

[Bob Fancher]

I find myself in agreement with you about Kennedy. I also believe he has maximized the results with the talent and schedule thus far. It's also fun to see a team that can score and shoot free throws. However, I'm not optimistic entering BEast play. The lack of depth, especially under the boards, is depressing.

Our opponents to this point have a combined RPI of 124, compared to our remaining schedule of opponents whose RPI averages 77. Although early RPI is not a great indicator of final results,  the disparity remains significant, especially when one considers Pitt, Nova, and DePaul are the only BEast teams in the top 30 besides UC. The 77 number should be even higher when UConn, Marquette, Louisville, Georgetown, and W.Virginia begin playing league competition and their respective strength of schedule ratings are tougher.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Keith Wedinger 
  To: Basketball Forum 
  Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2006 10:29 AM
  Subject: [UC Basketball] Non-conference report card


  Coaching:  A+
  Andy Kennedy has done a fantastic job in very adverse conditions.  He has done a great job of maximizing this teams' strengths (perimeter play and good shooting) while minimizing the weaknesses (post play).  He has done this with one less assistant than most teams and only nine scholarship players.  Please refrain from "but if Huggins was coaching, we would be undefeated" replies.  I seriously doubt that Huggins could have done much better than 11 - 2 with the current staff and players. 

  Guard Play:  A
  Devon Downey is even better than advertised.  He is one of the early front runners for Big East frosh of the year.  James White has elevated his game to a new level and is now the goto guy.  Outside shooting has been generally good.  Free throw shooting has been especially good (it is nice to have guards who can draw fouls and then, make their FTs).  This year's team is very much a guard oriented team (how often have we said this in recent years).  The guards must continue to play well if UC is to be successful in the Big East.  This team is going to live and die by its guard play. 

  Post Play:  C+
  This grade is largely due to the lack of depth in this position.  Eric Hicks has played very well.  Cedric McGowan is provided valuable minutes.  After that, UC has little to offer.  Here's hoping that Ronald Allen can provide some more time as the season progresses.  Fortunately, UC's guard play will generally hide this deficiency. 

  Fan Support:  D+
  No surprise here and there is no need to go into why this is (Lord know this has been beaten to death and back on this forum).  I think this will continue to improve as UC continues to win.  Over 9,000 came out for NC A&T. 

  -- 
  Keith Wedinger
  Bearcatnews.com
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