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Cincinnati Basketball: Top 10 Players to Play for Head Coach Mick Cronin

By Tristan Freeman

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Mick Cronin of the Cincinnati Bearcats gestures from the sideline during a game against the Memphis Tigers at BB
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Mick Cronin of the Cincinnati Bearcats gestures from the sideline during a game against the Memphis Tigers at BB /
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NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 18: Cashmere Wright #1 of the Cincinnati Bearcats is congratulated by the Bearcats mascot after defeating the Florida State Seminoles during the third round of the 2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 18, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 18: Cashmere Wright #1 of the Cincinnati Bearcats is congratulated by the Bearcats mascot after defeating the Florida State Seminoles during the third round of the 2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 18, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

10. Shawn Witherspoon – Murray State Racers (2004-2007)

Career stats: 9.7 ppg 3.2 rpg 3.1 apg

In the last season at Murray State, Cronin had Witherspoon leading the team in both scoring and rebounding to a dominant year in the Ohio Valley Conference. He also was a great passer as well, facilitating the offense from the post position. His play made the Racers great that year and helped propel Cronin to Cincinnati.

9. Octavius Ellis – Cincinnati Bearcats (2012-2016)

Career stats: 9.5 ppg 7.1 rpg 1.2 apg

The first stint between Ellis and Cincinnati didn’t end well, with him getting dismissed from the team due to an off the court incident. After two good years at the Junior College ranks, he actually returned to the Bearcats (very rare occurrence) to become a team leader.

Ellis started in the frontcourt, averaging just under double figures while grabbing boards and blocking a couple of shots a game. He was one of the best overall defenders in the AAC while displaying the physicality and toughness that Bearcat big men need to have under Cronin.

8. Cashmere Wright – Cincinnati Bearcats (2010-2013)

Career stats: 9.5 ppg 2.7 rpg 3.5 apg

He was with the team in their final years in the Big East, playing the role of the team’s primary ball handler. Wright’s offensive production increased throughout his four seasons, averaging 12.7 ppg his senior year. He wasn’t the most spectacular player, but was consistent and did get the job done when needed.

7. Cuthbert Victor – Murray State Racers (2001-2004)

Career stats: 12.1 ppg 7.6 rpg 1.7 apg

When Cronin started out his coaching career, he was lucky to inherit a senior like Victor, who had a monster year with Murray State. He averaged 14.6 ppg and 10.2 rpg in route to winning the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year. Victor became the first of many quality bigs who played well under Cronin.

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