For many years the Cincinnati Bearcats have produced an enticing product to watch on the hardwood. Dating back to the 60s when they captured two titles (’61 and ’62) and nearly captured a 3rd in 1963. If you are an Ohio sports fan and are looking at whom to root for in this tournament, Cincinnati is your lone champion in a vast arena filled with juggernauts. Luckily enough, the Bearcats actually have the makings of a final four team.
Star Power
Cincinnati boasts one of the most impressive and yet underrated guards in Junior Jarron Cumberland who is averaging 18 points per game and has demonstrated he has the ability to take over a game when needed. His play has caused his draft stock to soar and even though scouts aren’t sure where to put him, his play gets bigger as the stage does. Look for Cumberland to take over games this tournament.
Coaching
Mick Cronin is a veteran coach who has led Cincinnati to back to back AAC championship. A native of Cincinnati that returned to Cincinnati as the Bearcats head coach in 2006. Cronin has kept the program moving in the right direction since his start. Cronin has shown the ability to develop players and optimize talent on his roster. Having to compete with Louisville and Kentucky nearby as well as local rival Xavier, Cronin has shown an ability to recruit the right players for his system to thrive. This experience and ability to adapt to a roster is one of the factors that will help this Cincinnati team advance against tough opponents.
Schedule
While Cincinnati is in the same region as Virginia and many see them as one of the only teams that can give Duke trouble (Gonzaga’s size also could cause issues if they meet), the South region is full of teams that have struggled with consistency. Teams like Oregon, Tennessee ( albeit they went on a run to win the SEC ) and Oklahoma have shown flashes of potential but haven’t strung together the kind of stretches needed to last in this tournament. Some view this region as top heavy with Tennessee and Virginia being the only main threats but only when teams face head to head will there be any clarity as to who is inconsistent and who is ready to play.
Maybe we’re optimistic and maybe we’re just hoping for one of the two Ohio teams to advance far this year, but sometimes teams crystallize for three weeks and are able to shock the world like fellow 7 seed UCONN did in 2014 under head coach Kevin Ollie. Here’s to hoping!