College
Notes: Cronin disappointed in fans
By Paul Dehner Jr., CNATI.com Posted December 2, 2009 1:14 AM ET
University of Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin told his team he wanted their return to Fifth Third Arena to send a message to its fan base that they are for real.
On Tuesday, the Bearcats delivered the message, but for Cronin, too few fans were there to see it.
In all, 6,825 showed up to see No. 22 Cincinnati wallop Texas Southern, 94-57.
Slightly north of half capacity left the fourth-year coach frustrated after the game.
When asked if he was disappointed in the turnout, he snapped off an instant retort.
"Yes," he said. "Absolutely. That would include the students."
After a pause, he willingly jumped head first into the root of his issues.
"I said this from Day 1, I totally understand the rebuilding process," Cronin said. "I understand the frustration of losing a legendary coach. But that is four years ago. As we sit here today we are ranked 22nd in the AP with a team that plays three freshman and two sophomores."
UC made its biggest improvement last season under Cronin and average attendance for the season at home was 8,535. That number was 10th in the Big East.
For his team to return from a successful trip to the Maui Invitational where the Bearcats beat ranked teams Vanderbilt and Maryland then earned the first Top 25 ranking in four years, he hoped to see less empty seats.
"Taking this job I have had a lot of challenges," Cronin said. "Most importantly, no players on the team to start. Fundraising, budget cuts, rebuildng the fan base, recruiting when you have to lose your first year because you don't have talent, losing players to injuries for the year.
"I was disappointed."
What can he do about it? Well, the same thing he has been trying to do about it since he took over the job.
"I am just worried about winning games," he said. "You win games everything takes care of itself."
At least, he hopes it does.
LITTLE NICKY -- A familiar face showed up at Fifth Third Arena much to the surprise of the Bearcats faithful. During introductions, Texas Southern introduced assistant coach Nick Van Exel.
Yes, that Nick Van Exel.
Van Exel averaged 18.3 points a game his senior season and led UC to the Final 4 in 1992. At the time he held the school record for 3-point field goals made, attempted and percentage in a single season. He went on to play 13 years in the NBA.
He is in his first season with Texas Southern, where he is also finishing up his degree.
Upon his return to Cincinnati on Tuesday, the Bearcat faithful responded with a rousing ovation.
Then after the contest, Van Exel had a message for the current UC players.
"He told us personally when we were shaking hands, 'Beat Xavier,'" Deonta Vaughn said.
DON'T SPOOK BIGGIE -- Mick Cronin was able to get significant playing minutes for Biggie McClain on Tuesday for one of the first times this season.
While pleased with his performance on the defensive end, he is realistic about McClain's role on the offense. It's limited. But every time McClain touches the ball the crowd buzzes looking for the 7-footer to make a move.
"The only thing I would ask of our fans: Do not yell at Biggie when he gets the ball," Cronin said. "Biggie is a shot blocker and defender. He is not a featured low-post scorer. His job is to dunk and make layups and pass it out when he's got people on him. He is not Lou Alcindor."
Categories: College, Featured Stories, Men's Basketball, News, University of Cincinnati Bearcats
Tags: Biggie McClain, Mick Cronin, Nick Van Exel, University of Cincinnati
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