Phenom Hoops is just like everyone else… they are ready to see talent back on the court this season. We have discussed a ton around the high school level, but we are as equally as excited about the upcoming college basketball season. Which is why we are looking and previewing teams for this upcoming season. Let's dive into what we are looking at for each team.
Cincinnati Bearcats (Record Last Year: 20-10)
Stats (2019-2020)
Scoring: 72.7ppg
Scoring defense: 67.1ppg
Rebounding margin: +3.6
Turnover margin: -0.3
Assists: 14.6apg
Shooting percentage: 44.5%
3-point percentage: 31.9%
Free-Throw percentage: 67.7%
Key Losses, who steps up:
Cincinnati lost some tough players to replace, including Jarron Cumberland, who was the leader and one of the top players in the program's history, as well as Tre Scott, who averaged a double-double last season. Now, who will be the go-to players for the Bearcats' Senior Keith Williams is the top returning scorer at 12.6 points per game, while also looking at 7'1 senior Chris Vogt, who averaged 11 points last year. Williams started 29 of the 30 games last year and shot 43.5 percent from the field. He also scored in double figures in 22 games, leading the Bearcats in scoring in six of those contests.
Transfer's impact:
Cincinnati got some key help with two transfers. Let's first look at 6'10 Rapolas Ivanauskas, who is a grad transfer that is immediately eligible and who was the 2018-2019 Patriot League Player of the Year. Last year, he averaged 13.1ppg and 7.6rpg and should provide experience, size, and scoring threat down low. A Michigan transfer, David DeJulius was granted eligibility immediately and gives the Bearcats a key guard that played 20+ minutes for Michigan last season.
Taking the next step in their game
A few names make this list, so it will be interesting who takes the next step in their game to provide help on both ends of the court. A few sophomore guards could be the answer to that question, as Jeremiah Davenport, Mike Adams-Woods, and Zach Harvey are ones to watch. Adams-Woods started 19 of 29 games last season and averaged 5.0ppg game. He helps on the defensive end and shot 42 percent from the floor and 37 percent from three. Harvey is one to also watch out for, coming from Prolific Prep out of high school and ranked as a four-star prospect, he could be one that starts to make a name for himself after averaging 1.8ppg last year. Lastly, 6'7 Davenport is hoping that he can come back from season-ending knee surgery and take his game to another level. Then you have to look at junior 6'9 Mamoudou Diarra, who has played in several games over the last few years but mostly as a reserve. He played in 28 games last year and averaged 3.0ppg and 2.8rpg in just 10 minutes of action.
Freshmen Impact:
Five freshmen come into the program this season and look to make an impact on the court early. Forward Tari Eason is one to watch early, as he was named Washington's 3A State Player of the Year by outlets and was considered one of the top prospects in the region. He averaged 23 points last year as a senior at Garfield and brings length and athleticism to the floor with him. Mike Saunders Jr. comes from a winning program at Wasatch Academy, one of the top programs last year. He was ranked as a four-star prospect by ESPN. Then you have the Madsen twins in Mason and Gabe, who could provide depth and shooting from outside. Lastly, you have 6'11 Viktor Lakhin, who comes from Russia.
The Bearcats will have new names on the court and some may think this program could take a step back but they also have key pieces that return and could step up to continue their success and make another NCAA Tournament appearance.