We all knew our defense would drop off after Mick Cronin left for UCLA. However, we believed the offensive progression under Coach Brannen would far outweigh the defensive regression. Brannen’s emphasis on pace-and-space would bring the Bearcats into the modern age of basketball and the 58-55 rock fights of yesteryear would disappear. But the defensive “effort” displayed in this year’s Crosstown Shootout was worrying to say the least.
The Lack of a Rim Protector
At 7’1”, Chris Vogt’s length should be enough to provide decent rim protection to keep the Bearcats afloat, but the UC big man is too heavy-footed to keep up with quick guards even when given a four or five step head start.