Chatterbox Bearcats | Cincinnati Bearcats Podcast

Game 21: UC On Another 4-Game Losing Streak After 63-50 Loss To West Virginia

As a die-hard Cincinnati Bearcats fan, it pains me to say this, but our basketball program is in shambles. The recent 63-50 loss to West Virginia at home was the final nail in the coffin for what has been a disastrous season.
Let's face it: Wes Miller's tenure as head coach has been an abject failure. In his fourth year at the helm, we're sitting at 2-8 in Big 12 play, with only Colorado performing worse. The team's performance against West Virginia was abysmal, with more turnovers than made field goals in the first half. The once-raucous Shoemaker Center was eerily quiet, save for the boos raining down from frustrated fans.
The most infuriating part? Miller's massive buyout. If UC were to fire him now, it would cost a staggering $13 million. Even waiting until after the season would still require a $9.9 million payout. It's an absurd amount of money for a coach who has objectively failed to deliver results.
What's most concerning is the lack of improvement from players under Miller's tutelage. Nearly every player on the roster has regressed or stagnated. The offense looks lost, with no easy baskets or cohesive game plan. Defensively, a supposed strength of Miller's teams, we've fallen apart.
The roster construction is puzzling at best. Players like Viktor Lakhin, who showed promise in previous years, have struggled to find their footing. The team lacks complementary pieces that allow guys like Aziz Bandaogo and Simas Lukosius to play to their strengths.
Looking ahead, it's hard to see a path forward with Miller at the helm. The fan base has completely turned on him, and rightfully so. The program that Bob Huggins once chose over his alma mater, West Virginia, has become a laughingstock in college basketball.
The administration needs to take a hard look at the direction of this program. Yes, the buyout is steep, but at what point does the long-term health of Cincinnati basketball take precedence? We can't afford to become irrelevant in the ultra-competitive Big 12.
It's time for a change. Whether it's pursuing a proven winner like Will Wade or taking a chance on a up-and-coming mid-major coach, something needs to be done. The passionate Cincinnati fan base deserves better than what we're seeing on the court right now.
As Wes Miller himself said after the West Virginia loss, "If I was someone who supported this program, I'd be frustrated and pissed off." Well, coach, we are. And it's time for the university to do something about it.

Game 20: Cincinnati Bearcats Alone In 15th Place In Big 12 After Loss To Utah Utes

UC loses again. Destroyed on the glass. Missed free throws. It's bad, really bad. Eric Lilly and Nick Niehaus vent about the loss to Utah and take callers.
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Wes Miller's Life Raft: Bearcats Commit Shon Abaev Named McDonald's All-American

Bearcats commit Shon Abaev has been named to the McDonald's All-American game, the first Bearcat since Lance Stephenson. Chuck and Houdini react to the news and all things Bearcats.
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The Cincinnati Bearcats' basketball program finds itself in a perplexing situation. Just three weeks ago, the team was ranked and riding high. Now, their NCAA tournament chances have plummeted to a mere 3%. It's a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in college basketball.
Despite the on-court struggles, there's a silver lining for Bearcats fans. Shon Abaev, the program's first McDonald's All-American signee since Lance Stephenson, was officially named to the prestigious team. This marks a significant recruiting win for Cincinnati, as Abaev is considered one of the top prospects in the country.
The current state of the team, however, is far from ideal. The Bearcats have looked increasingly worse with each game, regardless of venue or opponent's defensive strategy. The lack of answers on the court is concerning, especially considering the talent on the roster.
One glaring issue is the isolation-heavy play of Jizzle James. While talented, James rarely scores off assisted baskets, limiting the team's offensive flow. This style of play stands in stark contrast to the successful offenses of past Cincinnati teams under Wes Miller, which featured players like Landers Nolley who could actually shoot.
Miller's coaching has come under scrutiny. With a 6-32 record in Quad 1 games and an 0-10 record in Quad 1 home games, the results speak for themselves. The team's regression from last season is particularly alarming, with multiple 20+ point losses already this year.
The upcoming game against Utah offers a potential reprieve, but it's clear that a single win won't solve the underlying issues. The Bearcats need a significant turnaround to salvage their season and restore faith in Miller's leadership.
Looking ahead, Abaev's arrival next season provides hope. His offensive prowess and length could be the spark Cincinnati desperately needs. However, placing such high expectations on an 18-year-old freshman is a risky proposition.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bearcats' struggles and future prospects, tune into the Chatterbox Bearcats podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today's Chatterbox Bearcats Podcast:
• The impact of John Newman's departure on team chemistry
• Comparison of current roster to successful past Cincinnati teams
• Discussion on Wes Miller's contract situation and future with the program

Game 19: BYU Blasts Cincinnati Bearcats 80-52, Toughness And Leadership Questioned After Bearcats Quit

The Cincinnati Bearcats suffered a crushing defeat against BYU, losing 80-52 in what can only be described as a disappointing performance. As a long-time Bearcats fan, it's hard to watch this team struggle so mightily, especially given the high expectations we had coming into the season.
Wes Miller's coaching has come under scrutiny, and rightfully so. The team's inability to break down BYU's zone defense was particularly frustrating. It seemed like the players were lost on the court, unable to execute any semblance of an offensive game plan. This isn't just a one-off performance; it's been a recurring theme throughout the season.
The shooting woes continue to plague the Bearcats. Outside of Simas, who hit four three-pointers, the team shot an abysmal 1-for-16 from beyond the arc. Jizzle James, in particular, has struggled with his shot, often forcing up ill-advised attempts that have little chance of going in.
What's most concerning is the lack of progress we've seen from this team. With a roster full of experienced players and highly-touted recruits like Dillon Mitchell, we expected to see significant improvement. Instead, we're witnessing a team that looks worse than last year's squad.
The defensive effort, which has been a hallmark of Cincinnati basketball for years, was non-existent against BYU. Allowing a team to shoot 62% from three-point range is unacceptable for any program, let alone one with Cincinnati's defensive pedigree.
As we look ahead to the rest of the season, it's hard to find many positives. The upcoming game against Utah feels like a must-win, but given our recent performances, it's difficult to be optimistic. The Madsen twins, former John Brannen recruits, will be looking to exact some revenge against their old program.
While it's easy to get caught up in the negativity, we must remember that this is still a young season. There's time for the team to turn things around, but it will require significant adjustments from both the coaching staff and players.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bearcats' struggles, tune into the Chatterbox Bearcats podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today's Chatterbox Bearcats Podcast:
• Analysis of individual player performances
• Discussion on potential roster changes and recruiting needs
• Comparison to past Cincinnati teams and their struggles
• Fan reactions and calls from listeners

Why The Cincinnati Bearcats' Rebounding Is A Growing Concern This Season

The Cincinnati Bearcats basketball team suffered a tough loss against Texas Tech, leaving fans and analysts questioning the team's performance and future prospects. As we dissect the game, it's clear that rebounding and three-point shooting were major factors in the defeat.
The rebounding issue has become a persistent problem for the Bearcats, especially on the offensive end. Texas Tech dominated the glass, securing 10 offensive rebounds compared to Cincinnati's mere three. This disparity not only gave the Red Raiders extra possessions but also demoralized our team at crucial moments.
Three-point shooting continues to be a glaring weakness for Cincinnati. While we outshot Texas Tech in overall field goal percentage (52% to 45%), our inability to connect from beyond the arc proved costly. The Red Raiders seemed to hit every crucial three-pointer, particularly towards the end of the first half when they couldn't miss.
One bright spot in the game was the performance of Jizzle James, who kept us competitive and prevented the game from becoming a blowout. However, the lack of consistent scoring from other key players like Dan Skillings Jr. and Simas Lukosius is concerning.
The loss has reignited discussions about the team's identity and the need for an "alpha" player – someone who can take over games and strike fear into opponents. We haven't had a player of that caliber since Jarron Cumberland, and it's showing in our results against top-tier competition.
Looking ahead, we face a crucial road test against BYU on Saturday. The Cougars present a unique challenge with their size, three-point shooting, and rebounding prowess. BYU ranks second in the country in defensive rebounding, which could spell trouble for our already struggling offensive rebounding.
To have a chance against BYU, we'll need to improve our perimeter defense and find ways to create open looks from three-point range. The elevation in Utah will be a factor, and our depth will be tested against a BYU team that regularly rotates 9-11 players.
Despite the recent setbacks, it's important to remember that we're not a bad team – we're just not elite. We're beating the teams we should beat and losing to the ones we're expected to lose to. However, as a program with a rich history of success, fans are understandably growing restless with our current level of performance.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bearcats' performance and upcoming challenges, tune into the Chatterbox Bearcats podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today's Chatterbox Bearcats Podcast:
• The impact of NIL money on player motivation and competitiveness
• Comparing Cincinnati's trajectory in the Big 12 vs. staying in the AAC
• Potential former Bearcats who could still have eligibility under new rules

Game 18: Another Cold, Depressing Early Exit From The Shoe. Texas Tech Beats UC 81-71

The Cincinnati Bearcats suffered a tough loss at home, falling to the Texas Tech Red Raiders 81-71. This defeat puts Cincinnati on the outside looking in when it comes to NCAA Tournament bubble discussions as we enter the late portions of January.
Despite shooting 51% from the floor, the Bearcats were outmatched on the glass, with Texas Tech dominating the offensive rebounds 10-3. This disparity in second-chance opportunities proved to be a crucial factor in the game's outcome.
The loss is particularly frustrating given that Cincinnati was touted as a strong rebounding team coming into the season. However, they were thoroughly outplayed in that aspect of the game in their own gymnasium.
Offensive Struggles and Defensive Lapses
While the Bearcats' offense showed flashes of brilliance, their defensive identity seemed to vanish. Texas Tech shot an impressive 12-31 from beyond the arc, exposing Cincinnati's perimeter defense. This is especially concerning given that the Bearcats entered the game ranked second in the nation in three-point defense.
The first half saw Texas Tech put up 42 points, with Cincinnati struggling to contain their hot shooting. Despite this, the Bearcats managed to keep the game close, trailing by only four at halftime.
However, the second half saw Texas Tech continue their sharp shooting, pulling away as Cincinnati's offense cooled off. The inability to string together stops and capitalize on offensive opportunities ultimately doomed the Bearcats.
Looking Ahead
This loss puts Cincinnati in a precarious position, with their NCAA Tournament hopes hanging in the balance. The team now faces a crucial stretch of games, including road contests against BYU and Utah, which have suddenly become must-win situations.
The Bearcats will need to regroup quickly and address their defensive issues if they hope to turn their season around. With limited opportunities for quality wins remaining on the schedule, every game becomes increasingly important.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bearcats' performance against Texas Tech, tune into the Chatterbox Bearcats podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today's Chatterbox Bearcats Podcast:
• Analysis of individual player performances
• Discussion on Wes Miller's coaching and future with the program
• Comparison of Cincinnati's current struggles to past successful seasons
 
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Texas Tech Coming To Town Gives Bearcats A Chance For First Quad 1 Win

Nick Niehaus and Eric Lilly bring you the midweek show.
Now, here's an AI written Summary of what can be expected in this show. Sue us.
After starting 0-4 in Big 12 play, our Cincinnati Bearcats have bounced back with two straight wins. While victories over Colorado and Arizona State were much-needed, the real test comes Tuesday night when we host Texas Tech.
These past two games have shown flashes of what this team can be. Against Arizona State, we built a 16-point lead and held on for a 7-point win. It wasn't always pretty, but we're seeing improvement in key areas.
C.J. Fredrick's return from injury provided a spark off the bench. Though his stat line was modest (6 points in 16 minutes), his presence opened things up offensively. When he's on the floor, defenses have to account for his shooting ability.
We're still struggling from three-point range as a team (22% vs ASU), but our transition offense looked much improved. We outscored the Sun Devils 25-2 in fast break points, a huge factor in the win.
Defensively, we remain elite - currently ranked 7th nationally by KenPom. If we can continue to create turnovers and get out in transition, it takes pressure off our half-court offense.
Now comes our biggest test yet - a home date with Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are 13-4 overall and 4-2 in Big 12 play. They're coming off an impressive win over Arizona and sit 12th in KenPom's rankings.
Tech is a balanced team, ranking 10th offensively and 35th defensively. They're led by J.T. Topping, who's nearly averaging a double-double (16 points, 9 rebounds). Their roster is filled with transfers from mid-major programs who have gelled quickly.
This game feels like a potential turning point for our season. A win would be our first signature victory and silence some of the doubters. A loss would undo much of the goodwill from the past two games.
We have some advantages to exploit. Texas Tech is undersized compared to us, so dominating the glass will be crucial. They're also on short rest after playing Saturday, while we've had an extra day to prepare.
Ultimately, this is a chance to prove we belong among the Big 12's best. We're overdue for a statement win at home. If we can play with the same energy and execution we've shown the past two games, we have a real shot at the upset.
The Bearcats need to play desperate, win 50/50 balls, and take advantage of our size edge inside. Do that, and we might just send a message to the rest of the conference on Tuesday night.
 

Game 17: Cincinnati Bearcats Make History with First Big 12 Streak! Cats Beat ASU Sun Devils 67-60

The Cincinnati Bearcats have notched their first two-game Big 12 winning streak in the regular season, defeating Arizona State 67-60 in a gritty performance. While the game wasn't always pretty, it showcased the team's resilience and ability to grind out a victory when it matters most.
Several players stepped up to contribute to the win. Dillon Mitchell led the charge with 14 points, while Simas Lukosius added 10. Jizzle James broke out of his recent slump, putting up 11 points, and Dan Skillings chipped in with 12. This balanced scoring attack is exactly what the Bearcats need to compete in the tough Big 12 conference.
One of the key factors in the victory was Cincinnati's dominance in transition. The Bearcats outscored Arizona State 25-2 in fast break points, highlighting their ability to capitalize on turnovers and push the pace. This aggressive style of play could be a game-changer for Cincinnati as they look to make a push in the conference standings.
Defensively, the Bearcats continue to impress. Currently ranked as the 8th best defense in the country, Cincinnati's hard-nosed approach is becoming their identity. This defensive prowess will be crucial as they face tougher opponents in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead, the Bearcats face a significant test against Texas Tech. A win against the Red Raiders could potentially vault Cincinnati back into the NCAA Tournament conversation. With their current record of 12-5 (2-4 in conference play), the Bearcats are on the bubble, listed as one of the "First Four Out" according to recent bracketology predictions.
The team's recent success has breathed new life into their season. If they can maintain this momentum and continue to improve offensively while relying on their stout defense, the Bearcats could make a serious run in the latter half of the season.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Cincinnati Bearcats' recent performances and future outlook, tune into the Chatterbox Bearcats podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today's Chatterbox Bearcats Podcast:
• Analysis of individual player performances against Arizona State
• Discussion on the team's offensive struggles and potential solutions
• Breakdown of upcoming Big 12 matchups and their implications for Cincinnati's tournament hopes
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Game 16: Bearcats Take A Must Win At Colorado 68-62, But It Wasn't Pretty... At All

The Cincinnati Bearcats held on down the stretch for a 68-62 win over Colorado. Chuck Walter and Hudson Klauke react to the Bearcats first conference win of the season, and whether the win impressed them in the slightest.
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Cincinnati Bearcats at Colorado Buffalos College Basketball Preview

Nick Niehaus and Eric Lilly offer an in-depth preview of the Cincinnati Bearcats' upcoming away game against the Colorado Buffaloes. They delve into the pivotal players and critical matchups, analyzing how these elements could influence the game's outcome. Additionally, they assess the current condition of the Bearcats' program, spotlighting the hurdles head coach Wes Miller must overcome following a tough stretch of four consecutive defeats.
 
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