The Athletic Picks UC as 2022-23 'Surprise' Candidate

The Bearcats went 18-15 under Wes Miller last season.

CINCINNATI — The UC men's basketball season tips off a week from today, and one expert has the Bearcats as a surprise team in 2022-23. 

The Athletic's Hugh Kellenberger likes UC's chances of making noise; Cincinnati was one of 15 schools to make the list.

"The Bearcats stumbled down the stretch last season but brought back several standouts (David DeJulius, Mika Adams-Woods, and Jeremiah Davenport) and then added some interesting transfers (Landers Nolley, Rob Phinisee). Plus, the American may be just OK after Houston, giving Wes Miller a chance to go on a run," Kellenberger said.

Miller's squad went 18-15 last year, marking the first time UC's been under 20 wins during a full season since 2009-10. That was also the final season before UC made nine-straight NCAA Tournaments under Mick Cronin.

The Bearcats are in another Tourney drought (2019 last appearance), its longest since not making the dance from 2006-10.

After a year of transition and time to implement the culture, this current staff has heightened expectations for 2022-23. Anything less than 20-wins would be a disappointment in Year 2.

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