As with the beginning of every sports season, hope permeates the air. That is especially true for the Cincinnati Bearcats, who once again enter a season coming off an NCAA Tournament appearance with a squad stuffed with returning talent and exciting newcomers.
They were picked to win the American Athletic Conference by the league coaches and are at least on the fringe of most national rankings, if not entirely included. Preseason platitudes mean little once the rubber hits the proverbial road, but they do help construct expectations, sometimes ones that may be more lofty than possible.