The University of Cincinnati (UC) is on the brink of a new era as they prepare for their inaugural Big 12 campaign, building off their recent NIT Quarterfinals run, marking their first postseason appearance since 2019. This exciting journey has been fueled by a blend of new talent, returning players, and a resolute coach, Wes Miller. As they prepare to step onto the big stage of the Big 12, let's take a closer look at what's in store for the Bearcats this season.
The Bearcats made a strong statement in their NIT journey, winning three crucial games that provided them with valuable experience and an abundance of repetitions. They started by defeating Virginia Tech in a thrilling contest that featured 13 ties and 11 lead changes. The raucous home environment set the tone for what was to come. Following this, they secured a dominant victory against CAA champ Hofstra, a team that had suffered just one home loss throughout the year. These games showcased UC's potential and the resilience they bring into the Big 12.
Cincinnati has shown its prowess at home, boasting a perfect 4-0 record in games that began after 9 PM over the past two years, with an impressive average margin of victory of 19.3 points per game. Home games will undoubtedly be a crucial factor in UC's quest for success in the Big 12.
UC is undergoing a significant transition, with several newcomers joining the squad. Notably, Simas Lukosius and CJ Fredrick, former standouts from Butler and Kentucky, respectively, lead the way. The addition of talented bigs Aziz Bandaogo and Jamille Reynolds, pending NCAA waiver decisions, will also bolster the team's frontcourt. John Newman III, a top backcourt defender, adds to the Bearcats' depth, while high school signees Rayvon Griffith and Jizzle James bring youthful energy to the team.
Day Day Thomas, with his lightning-speed and playmaking abilities, offers a fresh perspective at the point guard position. Meanwhile, Viktor Lakhin, a 6-foot-11 redshirt-junior, continues to impress with his versatile skills, including three-point shooting, and will play a pivotal role in the team's performance.
Dan Skillings Jr., named one of Jon Rothstein's 20 Under-the-Radar breakout players for the 2023-24 season, is poised for a significant impact. The Bearcats boast a strong record when Skillings scores in double figures, and his career-high 20 points against Temple in the AAC Tournament showcased his potential to lead the team to victory.
Under the leadership of Coach Wes Miller, the Bearcats have thrived, boasting a 28-9 record at home. Notably, they went 13-8 after switching to a three-guard lineup on January 5 last year. This shift in strategy has proved to be a game-changer for the team.
Cincinnati has demonstrated remarkable improvement in recent years, climbing the ranks nationally in both turnovers and points per game. Under Miller's guidance, they have transformed into a formidable force, on the verge of making a significant impact in the competitive Big 12 conference.
As the Bearcats gear up for their Big 12 debut, the future looks promising. With a blend of experienced returnees and a slew of talented newcomers, Cincinnati appears ready to make waves in the conference. The anticipation is palpable, and fans are eager to witness the Bearcats' journey in their inaugural Big 12 campaign.
