Cincinnati Basketball: Projecting new-look Bearcats for 2019-20 season
Keith Williams
The 6’5 junior guard is arguably the best defender on the team. He tied Cumberland for the team league in steals per game last season and was second in blocks per game behind Nysier Brooks.
Williams became a much better offensive player in 2018-19, increasing both his scoring average and all shooting percentages considerably. He’s at his best near the basket, taking 42.0% of his shots at the rim and making 62.0% of them, but as the improved percentages suggest, Williams is growing as a shooter as well.
Tre Scott
The 6-8 senior forward was the team’s best rebounder last season and provided efficient scoring near the basket (66.0% at rim). With the transfer of Nysier Brooks, there will be a lot of pressure on Scott to be an interior defensive presence next season. This could be an area of concern for the Bearcats, as Scott hasn’t excelled at this thus far (averaged 0.5 blocks). This could be partially due to a lack of opportunity, however.
Although Scott will be relied on in the interior, his mobility and athleticism make him a versatile defender. This versatility has translated a bit to the offensive end as well, as he’s showcased some ball-handling and a mid-range jumper.
Jaevin Cumberland
The cousin of Jarron, Jaevin Cumberland is a fifth-year graduate transfer from Oakland. The 6-3 guard took the Horizon League by storm last season after what was a previously a less than noteworthy college career, ballooning his scoring average from 1.1 to 17.2.
Cumberland played heavy minutes, ranking 15th nationally in percent of minutes played (Boston College’s Ky Bowman first). He excelled as a shooter, making 39.9% from long-range and a 46th-best 85.4% from the foul line. Like his cousin, the guard’s 3-point prowess was generated via catch-and-shoot attempts (87.2% of 3’s assisted).
Perhaps Jarron and Jaevin can take turns creating shots for others? It’s not clear Jaevin will provide playmaking the Bearcats need, but he showed some positive signs last season. Overall, the question surrounding Jaevin is how his game will translate to a higher-level conference.
Chris McNeal
The 6-1 guard is a graduate transfer from New Mexico that sat out last season (one-year of eligibility remaining). It’s hard to know quite what to expect from McNeal, but he provides another option at the point guard position for a team that as discussed, is losing some backcourt players and needs playmakers.
"“Chris brings a level of maturity and experience to the point guard position that will be very important for this year’s team,” Brannen said."
The Rest
Zach Harvey: Harvey is a 4-star freshman that received offers from the likes of Kansas and Ohio State. The 6-3 guard should provide additional help in the backcourt.
Mika Adams-Woods: The 6-3 freshman guard could make an impact in 2019-20. When he’s ready, Adams-Woods is expected to provide both shooting and a defensive presence.
Trevor Moore: The 6-5 junior guard has struggled his first two seasons in limited playing time. He should be able to provide some solid defensive play but needs to improve his 3-point jump shot (26.5%) to see significant playing time.
Mamoudou Diarra: The 6-9 sophomore only averaged 6.9 minutes last season, but he could be called upon much more this year. With the transfer of Nysier Brooks, Tre Scott will need some support when it comes to interior defense.
Jaume Sorolla: Sorolla is a 7-0 transfer from Valparaiso. Along with Diarra, he could part of the answer to Cincinnati’s interior defense concerns. Sorolla averaged 1.3 blocks per game in limited minutes (17.5 per game) last season.
Next. Predicting AAC awards for 2019-20. dark
With John Brannen coming in as the new head coach, there’s a fair amount of uncertainty surrounding Cincinnati’s 2019-20 season. But with a returning trio of Jarron Cumberland, Keith Williams and Tre Scott, and a potentially difference-making transfer in Jaevin Cumberland, there’s plenty of reason for optimism. If Brannen pushes a few of the right buttons, he might provide the “new blood” the program needs to get out of its “NCAA Tournament rut.”