After missing an entire year with a torn ACL, Cashmere Wright's first season at UC was a mixed bag.  His performances ranged from a 24-point, 5-assist, 0-turnover masterpiece against Providence . . . to a 0-for-5 with 5 turnovers dud against West Virginia.

"About a C," Cashmere said when I asked him to grade his freshman season.  "I think I could have done much better but I came in with the wrong attitude.  I thought it was going to be easier than it was.  And once I realized how hard it was and how hard you have to work, it was too late.  I think I'm going to do a lot better this year."

But Wright's sophomore season did not get off to a good start.  In UC's opener against Mt. St. Mary's, the point guard from Savannah, Georgia went 1-for-4 from the floor, 1-for-6 from the line, and had more turnovers (5) than assists (4).

That's not going to cut it for the Bearcats this season.

"Cash is a big key for us," head coach Mick Cronin said.  "He is a quick guy that can get other people shots, and the more he gets comfortable running our offense - when to shoot, when to pass, where to get the ball - the more effective we're going to be.  He can really create shots for other people as well as himself."

After a rocky opener, Wright averaged 13 points, 6 assists, and 1 turnover in wins over IPFW and Florida A & M.  On Monday against the Rattlers, he had a career-high 8 assists and 0 turnovers.

"Cashmere was tremendous," Coach Cronin said.  "He gave us two things - he made shots and he gave us good leadership - and it's the kind of game that we have to have from him.  He's capable of that.  He's still a sophomore eligibility-wise and he's still coming into this own as a player.  A lot of it with him is maintaining his intensity.  Losing the 'nice guy' personality when you step between the lines and trying to play to your potential every night."

"I watched a lot of film and saw what I did wrong," Wright said.  "I missed a lot of passes.  My head was down and I missed a lot of passes that I could have made.  I just worked on improving my overall game from the standpoint of a point guard."

Tonight he'll look to lead the 'Cats to their fourth straight win as they host Savannah State at 7:00.  The Tigers are 1-5, but had a 3-point lead at Dayton with 8:42 left before losing 61-59 on Monday.

"I told our team that these kids are on scholarship and it's a big game for Savannah State," Cronin said.  "They're going to come in excited and well-coached and we have to be ready to play.  Every time you play at this level it's an opportunity that a lot of people would have given anything to have."

Tonight's game is part of the Global Sports Main Event - an NCAA exempted tournament that concludes on Saturday when the Bearcats face Dayton at US Bank Arena. 

As a reminder to Bearcat fans, the Dayton game is not included in the season ticket package since the tournament is organized and run outside the University.

Tickets are on sale through the U.S. Bank Arena box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, including select Kroger stores, by calling 1-800-745-3000, or going online at ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices for the game range from $20 to $75. The cost of parking at the Central Parking Garages is $15 per vehicle for the event.

"Dayton has a very good club," Coach Cronin said.  "They're undefeated and I'm making a plea to our fans to get to the game.  We need you there at US Bank Arena.  It's a huge game early in the year."

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Enjoy this week's photo of the handsome lad.

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