20. Cincinnati (2-0)
Basketball hasn’t been quite the same at Cincinnati in recent years, but Wes Miller has been building something to change that. The turnaround hasn’t quite produced at the national level, though this looks to be the season we consider the Bearcats as actual contenders again. Last year was a decent debut in the Big 12 and this roster is now more talented and more comfortable with expectations looming in the coming months.
The first game went according to plan, as Cincinnati delivered a 109-54 blowout over Arkansas Pine Bluff. Simas Lukosius scored 20 points, leading six Bearcats who were in double figures. Friday’s game was a bit more of a challenge but ended with a similar result, with the Bearcats winning 83-56 against Morehead State. Dillon Mitchell had 14 points and 9 rebounds while Jizzle James also scored 14, the first big step in what could be a standout season for him.
The level of competition wasn’t exactly thrilling, but this was the good start that Cincinnati needed this season. Quite honestly, their nonconference schedule is lacking and we won’t learn too much about these Bearcats in the coming weeks, but it’ll give Miller and his staff significant time to figure out who deserves the major minutes. Next week’s only game is against Nicholls State and it should be an easy road to a 3-0 start.