How Mick Cronin And Band Of Unsung Players Saved Cincinnati Basketball

When Mick Cronin took over as the head coach of the University of Cincinnati basketball team in 2006, he had big shoes to fill. The program had a long and storied history, but recent struggles had left fans disillusioned and doubting the future. Little did anyone know that Cronin, along with a band of unsung players, would completely turn things around and restore Cincinnati basketball to its former glory.

One of the first challenges Cronin faced was building a team that could compete in the tough Big East Conference. He recruited players who were often overlooked by other schools but possessed a burning desire to prove themselves on the court. These were the unsung heroes that would become the heart and soul of the Bearcats' resurgence.

While Cincinnati basketball had a rich history, success had been elusive in recent years. Fans were desperate for a comeback, and Cronin, with his relentless work ethic and attention to detail, was the coach to lead them to it. He instilled a winning mentality in his players, demanding nothing less than their best in every practice and game.

The Forgotten Bearcats: How Mick Cronin and a band of unsung players saved Cincinnati basketball

by Bill Koch(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	605 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	133 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The journey to success was not without its share of setbacks. Injuries, close losses, and tough competition often tested the resolve of Cronin's team. But they never gave up. They kept working hard, believing in themselves, and had faith in their coach's vision.

One of the key turning points came in the 2011-2012 season. The Bearcats reached the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2005, a significant achievement considering the uphill battle they had faced. Despite being eliminated in the second round, the team had proven that they were capable of competing on the national stage.

Building on this success, Cronin continued to recruit unheralded players who were willing to buy into the system. He emphasized defense, toughness, and unselfish play, often sacrificing individual glory for the greater good of the team. These principles became the foundation upon which Cincinnati's basketball resurrection was built.

As the wins piled up, fans started to believe again. The Bearcats became a force to be reckoned with in the Big East and later the American Athletic Conference. Cronin's teams consistently ranked among the best defensive units in the country, earning them national recognition and respect.

In the 2017-2018 season, Cincinnati basketball reached new heights. The Bearcats claimed the AAC regular-season championship for the first time in school history, finishing the season with a 31-5 record. They were a force on both ends of the court, displaying the trademark tough and gritty style that had become synonymous with Mick Cronin's coaching.

But it wasn't just about the wins and accolades. Cronin and his band of unsung players had breathed new life into Cincinnati basketball. They had restored the pride and passion to a fan base that had endured years of disappointment. The Bearcats had become a source of inspiration and a symbol of resilience.

Through hard work, dedication, and a never-say-die attitude, Mick Cronin and his band of unsung players saved Cincinnati basketball. They showed that success could be achieved even in the face of adversity, and that sometimes, it's the underdogs who have the most heart.

So, the next time you watch a Cincinnati basketball game, remember the journey that brought them to where they are today. Remember the unsung heroes who defied the odds and revived a once-dormant program. Remember Mick Cronin and the band of players who saved Cincinnati basketball.

The Forgotten Bearcats: How Mick Cronin and a band of unsung players saved Cincinnati basketball

by Bill Koch(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	605 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	133 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

“The Forgotten Bearcats: How Mick Cronin and a band of unsung players saved Cincinnati basketball’ is the story of Cronin‘s determination to put the program back on solid ground after it had reached one of the lowest points in its history in 2006, a year after Bob Huggins was fired. It’s also the story of his players, mostly junior college transfers, who agreed to play on Cronin’s first Cincinnati team under trying circumstances, absorbed the unavoidable losses, and helped to create the culture of hard work, defense and rebounding that has defined the Bearcats under Cronin. When Cronin took over, he inherited an angry fan base, a depleted roster, and a program that had been penalized by the NCAA for the poor academic performance of its players. It fell to Cronin and his staff to quickly assemble a roster, improve the academic situation and somehow try to be competitive in the Big East Conference, one of the the most competitive leagues in the country. Twelve years later, thanks in large part to the foundation those players laid, the Bearcats have played in eight straight NCAA Tournaments and produced back-to-back 30-win seasons, re-establishing Cincinnati basketball as one of the top programs in the country.