Cincinnati Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Bearcats

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 11: A detailed view of the AAC Championship banner displayed on the backboard after du the final game of the 2018 AAC Basketball Championship between Cincinnati Bearcats and the Houston Cougarsa at Amway Center on March 11, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

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CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 16: Keith Williams #2 of the Cincinnati Bearcats goes to the basket against Adam Traore #0 of the Coppin State Eagles in the second half of a game at BB&T Arena on November 16, 2017 in Highland Heights, Kentucky. Cincinnati won 97-54. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Key Reserves

G- SR Cane Broome

After averaging over 23 ppg and winning Northeast Conference Player of the Year a couple of years ago, Broome’s production dipped as he shared the point guard duties with Jenifer. He still showed his scoring prowess, averaging over 15 ppg per 40 minutes. It may have been disappointing to not see him become Cincinnati’s main ball handler but Broome isn’t as good a defender as Jenifer, which matters a lot in this system. Regardless, look to see his minutes rise again as the Bearcats will need his offense after losing so much production.

G – Keith Williams

Even with so many veterans on last year’s team, the 6’5 freshman still managed to carve out 10 mpg. More of a defender than a shooter, Williams will have more opportunities to showcase his skills as there aren’t clear offensive threats on the team outside of Cumberland and Broome.

G- SO Trevor Moore

Like many freshmen, consistency was the issue for Moore when it came to production. He had several double-digit scoring games but went scoreless in six straight games towards the very end of the season. Moore is a capable shooter and at 6’5 and 210 pounds is a solid wing option. With more chances, he could be a breakout candidate for Cincinnati on the perimeter.

F – FR (RS) Mamoudou Diarra

He played only seven games last season but considering how deep the frontcourt was, we wouldn’t have seen much of Diarra anyways. The 6’9 forward has raw potential, especially as a defender. Unless he shows and offensive touch, it’s hard to imagine him jumping over Brooks or Scott. Still, expect Diarra to at least crack the daily rotation for the Bearcats.

G – FR Logan Johnson

The top high school recruit of the class, Johnson is a three-star point guard who at the moment is poised to take over the reigns starting in 2019-20. And even though he’s third on the depth chart, don’t be surprised if he sees the court this year, as Broome could play the two spot at times during the season. Otherwise, he could be a good redshirt option as he watches two seniors show him the ropes.

FR – LaQuill Hardnett and Prince Gillum

Both are forwards that will be buried deep in the frontcourt depth chart, similar to what happened to the others previously mentioned. Hardnett and Gillum are strong redshirt options also but will factor in the program for future seasons.

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