#2 Yancy Gates (Power Forward 2008-2011)
Ask any knowledgeable college hoops fan what is the defining characteristic of both the Cincinnati Bearcats basketball program historically and the original Big East Conference, they will probably respond with “physical or physicality.” Which is another reason Cronin could not afford to miss out, on signing the local homegrown product Yancy Gates from Cincinnati’s Withrow High School prior to the 2008-09 season. Gates a 6’8′, 250 pound bruising power forward was ranked as a five star prospect and the No. 22 overall high school prospect in the country for the class of 2008. After narrowing his choices down to UC, Georgetown University, and Indiana University, he ultimately chose to stay home where the love would be assured selecting UC.
Gates immediately became a starter from day one, giving the Cats’ their first solidified post threat since the days of Jason Maxiell and Eric Hicks. His 10.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game average as a freshman was good enough to earn him 2008-09 All Big East Freshman honors. Gates helped the Cats post an 18-14 record, followed by winning 19 games the next year as a sophomore. As a junior during the 2010-11 season, Gates’ 11.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game average helped the Cats’ improve to a 26-9 record. The team also returned to the NCAA tournament for the first time since the 2004-05 season, and even defeated Missouri 78-63 in their first round matchup. Unfortunately the Cats’ would be eliminated in the second round by fellow Big East Conference foe University of Connecticut Huskies.
As a senior Gates helped lead the Cats’ to a 26-11 record during the 2011-12 season. Highlights included the Cats’ defeating both the No. 13 ranked Georgetown Hoyas and No. 2 ranked Syracuse Orangemen, during the Big East Conference Tournament advancing to the final where they would fall short against the Louisville Cardinals 50-44. Gates and company weren’t finished as they followed their strong conference tournament run with two NCAA Tournament victories over Texas and Florida State advancing to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2000-01. Unfortunately, that is where Gates’ journey as a Bearcat ended, as the Cats’ were eliminated by eventual Final Four participant The Ohio State Buckeyes. There is no doubt Yancy Gates as much as anyone if not more, helped will the Cats’ back to national prominence with his skills and intense bruising style of play in the post.
