Bearcats Q&A: A Ball-Handling Discussion With Mika Adams-Woods

The Bearcats guard leads UC in assists this season.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Feb 5, 2022 5:53 PM EST

CINCINNATI — With a backcourt as deep as Cincinnati's, it can be hard to stand out at times, but Mika Adams-Woods is shining as one of the important guards for UC in the 2021-22 season.

The junior is averaging a team-high 3.4 assists and just one turnover—the latter is the best mark of any Bearcat logging at least 20 minutes per game. Those figures now have Adams-Woods sitting fourth nationally in A/TO ratio (3.6) and have been a big reason why Cincinnati is taking care of the ball so well as a team this season (13.1% turnover rate, 16th nationally).

Here's a conversation with "Shooey" diving deeper into his on-court mindset and what makes his handles so tight.

Q: What do you think is the biggest reason behind your ball-handling efficiency this season?

I'd just say staying in the gym, working on it. And just you know, making the right play. Never trying to do too much, always trying to make the right play for my teammates and for myself.

Q: Is your handle the part of your game you work on the most?

I'd say my ball-handling skills are probably one of the best aspects of my game. I've always worked on it, ever since I was younger. I'd just say it's been a big pop to my game. So I'd say definitely ball handling for sure.

Q: Has anything changed in the past year with your decision-making on the floor?

I didn't notice until a staff member told me and everything. I don't know I just think throughout the years of experience—from each year playing—so I'd say each year I'm obviously getting more experience, mature, and more comfortable.

Q: What's your top priority as a ball-handler in the halfcourt?

Just taking what the defense gives me. Whether it's scoring or getting your teammates involved, so just never doing too much. And honestly, I've been thinking more, just taking whatever the defense gives me. You know? Don't do too much.

Q: What's the most difficult part of taking care of the basketball?

I'd say when good defenders are on you, like small guards. You know just being smart and like I said don't do too much. You know when you getting in the lane; just be simple. Keep it simple and basic; that's all.

Q: Do you ever find it difficult getting into the flow of the game with such a deep group of ball handlers?

Some nights it's not going to be your night scoring offensively, but you can still help in other ways. Even defensively, like making smart plays for your team, getting assists, and stuff. So keep staying in the flow of the game. Sometimes it might not be your night offensively, but I just try to bring other things to the game as well besides scoring, or you know other things like that.

Q: Do you ever get frustrated at all on the court when your opportunities are sparse?

Yeah, definitely, just keep telling yourself to stay in the game and even if the first half is not your half. Or you know, it might not be your half; it could happen the second half. So just keep staying in the game, obviously. Keep staying in it.

Q: What's your best ball-handling tip for younger players?

Uhh, that's a tough one. I'd just say work on it as much as you can, and I don't know...Keep it low! Keep it low! Keep your eyes up; keep it low.

(Parts of this conversation were edited for clarity)

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