2009-2010 Cincinnati Predictions
2008-09 Record: (18-14,8-10 Big East)
Coach: Mick Cronin (4th year, 42-52 at Cincinnati)
Assistants: Larry Davis, George Jackson. Tonny Stubblefield
Ret. Starters/Lost: 4/1

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Overview: The Bearcats have been afterthought as of late in the Big East. Last year, was just another example of a pretty good team that was overwhelmed by their conference. This season should be different with four starters returning and the addition of one of the most talented freshman in the nation in shooting guard Lance Stephenson (6-5, 210). The big guard from New York may be a one-and-done, but he first must learn to play with teammates, which wasn’t exactly his rep in high school. Stephenson won’t have to carry the load because senior Deonta Vaughn (6-1, 190) returns after averaging 15.3ppg and was a third-team selection on last year’s All-Big East squad. Freshman guard Cashemere Wright (6-0, 175) also returns after missing last season with a knee injury. Wright is a natural point guard, who can allow Vaughn to play some shooting guard and Stephenson to play small forward, if they go with a smaller lineup. Sophomore
Yancy Gates (6-9, 260) was the team’s second-leading scorer (10.6ppg, 6.1rpg) and top rebounder as a freshman. Cronin can also use junior Ibrahima Thomas (6-11, 230), a tasnfer from Oklahoma State, if he really wants to go big. He is eligible in the second semester and but will have a big impact as he averaged 8.3ppg and 5.3rpg as as freshman for the Cowobys. Junior Rashad Bishop (6-6, 225) adds versatility as the big forward. he averaged 5.4ppg and 4rpg, but is the team’s best defender. Sophomore guard Dion Dixon (7.3ppg) and junior guard
Larry Davis (6.8ppg) are outstanding reserves.

Outlook: This team is very deep and could really push the upper echelon of the Big East if Stephenson and Wright are the real deal. Cronin has brought this team along slowly, and it would be a huge disappointment if they don’t make some huge strides towards the NCAA Tournament and beyond.

This Big East conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college basketball betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com