Is TSN Mike D on Mick's Payroll?

[xavierj]

I mean each week he writes a weekly excuse column for UC basketball. Between him and Lance you would think they are employed by Mick.

http://www.sportingnews.com/college-basketball/article/2010-02-23/3-pointers-cincinnatis-stephenson-says-he-will-return-for-soph

[GoMuskies]

Just checked the member list, and it looks like tsnmike never made the transition from MM to XH. Too bad, because I'd like to see him defend that position (although he was probably not going to come to a Xavier board and discuss his stance on a UC basketball coach anyway).

[Snipe]

I asked him once to grace us with his basketball knowledge but it appears he didn't take me up on the offer.

It was fun to have Mike to kick around. Good guy too. I just decided that he owes me a beer. I think you all owe me a beer.

[Snipe]

I sent him another request and he just registered today, our newest member. Welcome TSN Mike.

[Masterofreality]

I asked him once to grace us with his basketball knowledge but it appears he didn't take me up on the offer.

It was fun to have Mike to kick around. Good guy too. I just decided that he owes me a beer. I think you all owe me a beer.

Wrong.

Your turn to buy, my man!!

[Lamont Sanford]

I sent him another request and he just registered today, our newest member. Welcome TSN Mike.

Welcome tsnmike!

[DoubleD86]

This won't be a popular opinion, but I agree with Mike. I don't think it is protecting Mick, as much as I think he is just right. I think it is too early to be able to claim Mick needs to go.

Without a doubt, he has underachieved this year (that team has the talent to be in the NCAA). I will also admit I do not believe Mick is that good of a coach and probably is not the answer. However, I think you need to give him another year before you can be too angry at him. This is the first year the program will not see improvement from the year before under Mick if I am not mistaken. Also, this is the first truly disappointing season (I know last year's late season fall was disappointing, but let's be honest they were overachieving up to that point). In my opinion it is just too early to cut ties with Mick, and the $ probably won't allow it either so the fans should try to rally around the team not hope for failure.

Also, I think it is important to say that the few times I have heard/read Mike, he has been more than willing to criticize Mick and his decisions (example being in that article he mentions the failure of Mick to move Lance to point). I do not think he is necessarily a Mick apologist, just has an opinion against the grain.

HOWEVER, I will say one thing sticks out that makes me think if you are going to get rid of Mick you must do it this year. Even with Lance, I think next year is another disappointing season. Unless one or two players step up immensely they will lose offensive threat in Vaughn and not really have much in terms of scorers (Lance and maybe Yancy). The problem lies there, if one more disappointing season means Mick is gone, it would be incredibly tough for a new coach to take over next year. If I am not mistaken, UC will have 6 or 7 scholarships open after next year. To fire a coach in a year that you need 6ish recruits coming in would be incredibly risky, and most likely stupid. That could/would set them back another couple of years.

I am very thankful I am not Mike Thomas right now.

[xavierj]

Not saying he needs to go but can people stop making excuses for him? He makes enough excuses for everyone's sake. It is not like UC went on probation they just changed coaches and had a lame duck coach prior.

But basketball is not football, it should not take that long to turn it around if you are ever going to. You can turn it around in a couple of years if you can recruit and coach. You only need a couple very good players and some team role players. It ain't like UC has standards like IU, Mick can take anyone he wants.

[MADXSTER]

Not saying he needs to go but can people stop making excuses for him? He makes enough excuses for everyone's sake. It is not like UC went on probation they just changed coaches and had a lame duck coach prior.

But basketball is not football, it should not take that long to turn it around if you are ever going to. You can turn it around in a couple of years if you can recruit and coach. You only need a couple very good players and some team role players. It ain't like UC has standards like IU, Mick can take anyone he wants.

CASE IN POINT - ST LOUIS

All freshman and sophomores and making themselves very well noticed. Going about business and winning games(with all freshman and sophomores). St Louis is in much better shape for the next couple of years than UC.

[bmblue]

I hope UC keeps Mick around for the next 30 years. UC sucks right now, we are the basketball powerhouse in this city. The longer that remains the case, the more permanent it will be. Better for recruiting, better for national prestige, better for the University.

However, if I were in the same situation here at Xavier, I would be demanding his head on a chopping block. I'm sorry, his program was chopped at the knees when he came in. It doesn't take this long for a program at the level they were at to turn get back to the tournament. Especially with a couple blue chip recruits. On top of that, his excuses would drive me nuts. No accountability. And on top of that, hes like 5"3. If you were a 6"8 dude from the streets, would you want to play for that little whiny smurf? Hopping around and pacing on the sideline.

Not even worth arguing. We should instead be spending our time devising plans to spread pro-mick cronin propoganda around the city. I love what he's done with the program. Long live Mick Cronin Bearcat Basketball!!! A great compliment to the best basketball in this town, them XAV boys.

[DoubleD86]

I just want to make sure everyone knows this. I do not like Mick Cronin, I am not even a fan of UC but get tired of his constant excuses and whining and his unprovoked shots at the A-10 (and thus at XU). I also do not think he is that good of a coach and would be fine with him stinking it up over for years to come.

However, I still think it is too early to be calling for his head.

Although I will concede the point that it is easier to turn it around in basketball than football, I will make a counter to the SLU point. It is easier to turn it around in the A-10 than the Big East, as Mick will tell you over and over and over again. However annoying that point, it still does hold true.

[MuskieFN]

I have no opinion on whether Mick should be allowed to stay or forced out.

I do have an opinion about Mike D.: He's an idiot.